Journeys: Discover Mongolia

Duration

14 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Mongolia’s sublime beauty reveals itself in endless expanses of steppe and sky and an age-old nomadic culture that joins the people with the land.

Highlights

Visit with a nomadic camel-herding family in the Gobi to learn how to build a local ger (yurt) and take a lesson in archery: Mongolia’s national sport
Experience the uniqueness of Mongolia’s incredible culture up close with a visit to a yak herding family to milk watch them milk the yaks and try their fresh yak milk products
Discuss the history of Buddhism in Mongolia with the head monk of Erdeni Dzu Monastery-one of the oldest Buddhist complexes in the region
Hear from rangers at Hustai National Park and track wild horses across the grassy steppe.

Trip Details

Duration

14 days

Transportation

Private vehicles, 4x4, walking, hiking.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Finishes

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

National Geographic Journey

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Ulaanbaatar

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. After the welcome meeting, join your group for an orientation walk around Ulaanbaatar on the way to an optional welcome dinner.

Day 2: Ulaanbaatar

Mongolia's rich history is on full display at the National Museum of Mongolia. Explore the museum with your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) learning about the traditional ethnic groups of Mongolia and view some of the archaeological artifacts on display. Next, walk to No Limits Cafe, a G for Good project supporting youth with Down Syndrome who work alongside their mothers to serve delicious teas, coffee and snacks. This afternoon, visit Nalaikh Ger Village for a local lunch of Mongolian Buuz dumplings with some of the families who call this place home. After learning about life in a ger village, continue to the imposing statue of Chinggis Khan. The monument of Mongolia's most emblematic figure is observed as you take an elevator to the head of the horse to get the best view of both the statue itself, and the vast expanse of the surrounding Mongolian mountainside. The evening is free for dinner at your leisure.

Day 3: Ulaanbaatar/ Baga Gazriin Chuluu

Travel by 4x4 to Gandan Monastery, one of the most important temple complexes in all of Mongolia to learn about the history of Buddhism and listen to the monks chant. We then make our way to the Gobi, one of the world's largest deserts, which covers much of the southern part of Mongolia. On the way, we'll stop for a picturesque pond-side picnic at Zorgol Khairkhan, a sacred mountain considered to be the most beautiful in central Mongolia. Arrive in the afternoon to our first ger camp–we will stay in these traditional Mongolian lodgings through day 12 of the trip. Tonight at the camp, it's time to get competitive and try your hand at some traditional Mongolian Games, like The Knuckle Bone game and Khorol, a Mongolian style dominoes.
This trip covers a lot of ground and we will do so in 4x4 vehicles but there is a lot of driving on some very rough and unmaintained roads. A large part of Mongolia's appeal is its wild, untouched nature and, as such, accommodation and infrastructure can be very basic in nature. As such, hot water and electricity can be uncertain. Mongolia is a country which is very different to anything you will have experienced before and while this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special.

Day 4: Baga Gazriin Chuluu/ Bulgan

Continue onwards to the Dundgobi Aimag region—Middle Gobi—and witness the astonishing granitic formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu. Set off on a hike around the small but historic national park, and visit the ruins of an old temple dating from the 17th century hidden in the massif granite. Continue driving to the South Gobi and the next ger camp-your base for exploring the next 3-days.

Day 5: Bulgan

Start today with some hands-on skills-imperative to life in remote Mongolia. Learn the basics of constructing a Mongolian ger (yurt,) then, try your hand at archery-one of the most beloved sports in the country. Later, enjoy an excursion through the magnificent gorges of the Altay Mountains to Gurvan Saikhan National Park, a vast protected area comprised of canyons, sand dunes, and a steppe. Stop for a hike in rugged Yolyn Am, known as the “valley of the eagles,” keeping an eye out for ibex, gazelles, argali sheep, and countless species of birds.

Day 6: Bulgan

After breakfast, drive to Moltsog Els sand dune and witness the seemingly never ending waves of sand. Spend time exploring the ever-changing dunes and learn about this unique and beautiful landscape. Return to the camp for lunch and some down time or choose to join some optional activities, such as traditional massage by a local shaman or take a cooking class. Later, travel by 4x4 to the Flaming Cliff, a rust-coloured sandstone landscape where a vast amount of dinosaur fossils and eggs have been found. Learn about the discoveries made here and spend time exploring the dramatic crags and canyons and enjoy a fiery red sunset before heading back to camp for the evening.

Day 7: Bulgan/ Ongiin Khiid

Visit the ruins of Ongiin Khiid, a complex of Buddhist monasteries and universities which were tragically destroyed during the communist purges. Tour the site and learn about the monks who have returned here in recent years, bringing new life to the complex. Continue on to the next ger camp and settle in for the evening.

Day 8: Ongiin Khiid/ Orkhon Valley

Drive to the breathtaking Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses rolling hills and pastureland, traditional pastoral societies, and archaeological remains. We'll stop for lunch along the way. Then, settle in to camp after arriving in the evening. Enjoy free time to relax before an early start tomorrow, or if you have the energy, opt to do some easier hikes around camp.

Day 9: Orkhon Valley

Rise early to visit the local Yak herding family to assist them in milking the animals. After, head off for a visit to Orkhon Waterfall and walk to the observation point for an incredible view of the carved out cliffside. Return to the camp after working up an appetite–lunch will consist of buuz, Mongolian dumplings that we'll learn to make with the camp chef. In the afternoon, continue your visit with the Yak herder family and learn to make yak tea, cheese and even alcoholic yak yogurt utilizing the milk you helped retrieve earlier in the day. You can also try your hand at spinning yarn from yak's wool. After today's immersive experience, you'll understand the vital role yaks play in Mongolian day-to-day life as a source of food, clothing material, transport and even a cultural symbol. This evening, return to the camp to relax and enjoy a traditional Mongolian barbecue, prepared over hot stones.

Day 10: Orkhon Valley/ Elsen Tasarkhai

Drive to the city of Kharkhorin and onward to nearby Karakorum, Mongolia's ancient capital. Here, Genghis Khan established his headquarters in the early 13th century. Explore the remains of the Erdene Zuu Monastery, considered Mongolia's earliest centre of Buddhism, and meet with the head monk to learn about the communist purges that decimated much of the country's Buddhist heritage. Finish up the day with a visit the Karakorum Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the 13th and 14th centuries as well as a scale model of the ancient capital.

Day 11: Elsen Tasarkhai

This morning, drive to Khungu Khan Mountain to hike up to the ruins of the 16th century Uvgun Monastery, perfectly on display atop the boulder covered mountain. From the monastery, admire the spectacular views of the valley below, and sand dunes expanding into the distance. Hike back down and return to the ger camp for some free time.

Day 12: Elsen Tasarkhai/ Khustai National Park

After breakfast, drive to Khustai National Park, where some of the earth's last wild horses roam. The takhi or Przewalski's horse native to these grasslands had nearly vanished from the wild, until the species was reintroduced here as a result of a successful captive breeding program. Meet with park staff to learn about the takhi reintroduction project, and keep an eye out for these stocky, coffee-coloured horses that have never been domesticated. Continue on to our last camp and settle into your ger for the night.

Day 13: Khustai National Park/ Ulaanbaatar

Settle in for a long drive through the Mongolian countryside to Ulaanbaatar, arriving in the early evening. Enjoy a farewell dinner accompanied by a memorable performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance.

Day 14: Ulaanbaatar

Depart at any time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $7,399

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 14 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Mongolia’s sublime beauty reveals itself in endless expanses of steppe and sky and an age-old nomadic culture that joins the people with the land.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 24 May 2026

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Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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