Cultural Tour

Classic Mongolia Tour

Experience the highlights of Mongolia including the vast Gobi Desert, ancient monasteries, and nomadic lifestyle in this comprehensive 10-day journey.

Tour Overview

This classic 10-day journey takes you through Mongolia's most iconic landscapes and cultural sites, offering a perfect introduction to this fascinating country.

From the bustling capital of Ulaanbaatar to the vast emptiness of the Gobi Desert, from ancient Buddhist monasteries to the traditional lifestyle of nomadic herders, this tour encompasses the essential experiences that make Mongolia such a unique destination.

You'll stay in a mix of comfortable hotels and authentic ger camps, travel in well-equipped vehicles with experienced guides, and enjoy a carefully planned itinerary that balances cultural immersion, natural wonders, and authentic encounters with local people.

Tour Highlights

Gobi Desert Exploration

Discover the dramatic landscapes of the Gobi, including the Flaming Cliffs, Yolyn Am canyon, and singing sand dunes.

Ancient Monasteries

Visit the historic Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia's oldest Buddhist monastery, and explore its sacred temples and artifacts.

Nomadic Family Visit

Experience authentic nomadic hospitality with a local family, learn about their lifestyle, and try traditional dairy products.

Horseback Riding

Enjoy an optional horseback riding experience in the beautiful Mongolian countryside with guidance from local herders.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Upon arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, you'll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center. After check-in and some time to refresh, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Mongolian cuisine and a cultural performance with throat singing and traditional music.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Ulaanbaatar City Tour

Spend the day exploring Mongolia's capital city. Visit Gandan Monastery, one of the few Buddhist monasteries to survive the communist purges. Continue to the National Museum of Mongolia to learn about the country's rich history from prehistoric times to the present day. After lunch, explore Sukhbaatar Square and the Zaisan Memorial for panoramic views of the city. In the evening, enjoy free time to shop for cashmere and traditional crafts.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Ulaanbaatar to Baga Gazriin Chuluu

Begin your journey into the Mongolian countryside, driving south toward the Gobi Desert. Stop at Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a picturesque granite rock formation in the middle of the steppe. Explore the area on foot, visiting the ruins of a small monastery and enjoying the unique landscape. In the evening, settle into your first ger camp experience.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Driving: Approximately 280 km (5-6 hours)

Day 4: Baga Gazriin Chuluu to Tsagaan Suvarga

Continue your journey south to Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa), an impressive cliff formation resembling a ruined city with its weathered rock formations. The different colored layers of rock represent different geological periods. Enjoy a picnic lunch with views of the dramatic landscape before arriving at your ger camp for the night.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Driving: Approximately 180 km (4 hours)

Day 5: Tsagaan Suvarga to Yolyn Am

Drive to Yolyn Am (Vulture's Mouth), a dramatic gorge in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains. Take a moderate hike through the canyon, which can have ice even in summer months. Look for wildlife including ibex, argali sheep, and bearded vultures. Visit the small natural history museum at the park entrance before heading to your ger camp.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Driving: Approximately 220 km (4-5 hours)

Hiking: 2-3 hours (moderate)

Day 6: Yolyn Am to Khongoryn Els

Travel to Khongoryn Els, the spectacular singing sand dunes that stretch for over 100 km. These dunes can reach heights of up to 300 meters and are known for the unique sound they make when the sand shifts. Climb to the top of a dune for stunning sunset views over the desert landscape. In the evening, visit a camel herding family and enjoy an optional camel ride.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Driving: Approximately 180 km (4 hours)

Day 7: Khongoryn Els to Bayanzag

Drive to Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs due to their vibrant orange color. This area is famous for the first discovery of dinosaur eggs and fossils by American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews in the 1920s. Explore the area on foot and visit the saxaul forest nearby. Enjoy sunset at the cliffs when the colors are most dramatic.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Driving: Approximately 160 km (3-4 hours)

Day 8: Bayanzag to Ongi Monastery

Travel north to the ruins of Ongi Monastery, once one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia before it was destroyed during the communist purges of the 1930s. Explore the ruins and the small museum, and visit the recently rebuilt temple. Meet with a local monk to learn about Buddhism in Mongolia and its revival after the democratic revolution of 1990.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Driving: Approximately 150 km (3 hours)

Day 9: Ongi Monastery to Kharkhorin

Drive to Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire established by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, surrounded by 108 stupas. Explore the monastery complex and its temples with their impressive artifacts, statues, and thangka paintings. Visit the Kharkhorin Museum to learn about the history of the Mongol Empire and the ancient city of Karakorum.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Driving: Approximately 200 km (4-5 hours)

Day 10: Kharkhorin to Ulaanbaatar

Return to Ulaanbaatar, stopping en route at a nomadic family to experience traditional Mongolian hospitality. Learn about the nomadic way of life, help with daily chores, and try your hand at milking a cow or goat. Continue to Ulaanbaatar and enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Driving: Approximately 380 km (6-7 hours)

Day 11: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time in the morning for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Meals: Breakfast

What's Included

Included in the Package:

  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • 3 nights in 4-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar
  • 7 nights in tourist ger camps
  • All meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Transportation in 4x4 vehicles or minivan
  • English-speaking guide throughout
  • Local driver
  • All entrance fees to parks and museums
  • Cultural performance in Ulaanbaatar
  • Bottled water during tours
  • Welcome and farewell dinners

Not Included:

  • International flights
  • Mongolia visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Optional activities (camel riding, horseback riding)
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Any services not specifically mentioned as included

Accommodation

This tour features a mix of comfortable hotel stays in Ulaanbaatar and authentic ger camp experiences in the countryside:

Ulaanbaatar Hotel (3 nights)

In Ulaanbaatar, you'll stay at a comfortable 4-star hotel located in the city center, within walking distance of major attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas. Rooms feature modern amenities including private bathrooms, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and satellite TV.

Tourist Ger Camps (7 nights)

Throughout the countryside, you'll stay in tourist ger camps, which offer the experience of staying in traditional Mongolian felt tents while providing essential comforts. Each ger typically accommodates 2-4 people with proper beds and bedding, wooden furniture, and a wood-burning stove for heat if needed. The camps have restaurant gers serving meals, and shared bathroom facilities with hot showers and western toilets.

Transportation

Transportation throughout the tour is in comfortable, well-maintained vehicles suitable for Mongolia's varied terrain:

For groups of 1-3 people, we use Japanese 4x4 vehicles (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar). For larger groups, we use modern minivans or small buses. All vehicles are equipped with air conditioning, seat belts, and ample space for luggage and comfort during long drives.

Please note that road conditions in Mongolia can be challenging, with many unpaved roads and rough terrain, especially in remote areas. Our experienced drivers are well-versed in navigating these conditions safely.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5
Excellent (5★)
73
Very Good (4★)
10
Average (3★)
3
Poor (2★)
0
Terrible (1★)
0
Sarah Johnson
June 2025 United States
An unforgettable journey through Mongolia

This tour exceeded all my expectations! Our guide Batbayar was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about his country. The itinerary was perfectly balanced between cultural experiences and natural wonders. The Gobi Desert was absolutely breathtaking, especially the sunset at the Khongoryn Els sand dunes. Staying in ger camps was a highlight - comfortable yet authentic. The nomadic family visit gave us real insight into traditional Mongolian life. Highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to experience the best of Mongolia!

David Chen
May 2025 Canada
Perfect introduction to Mongolia

This tour is the perfect way to experience Mongolia for the first time. The diversity of landscapes we saw was incredible - from the vast steppes to the Gobi Desert and everything in between. Our guide and driver were excellent, always making sure we were comfortable and well-informed. The food was much better than I expected, with plenty of options even for vegetarians. The ger camps were comfortable and gave us an authentic experience. Be prepared for some long drives on bumpy roads, but the stunning scenery makes it all worthwhile. Would definitely recommend!

Emma Wilson
July 2024 Australia
Amazing experience with minor hiccups

Overall, this was an incredible tour that I would highly recommend. The landscapes of Mongolia are truly spectacular, and this itinerary covers all the highlights. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, and the driver was skilled at navigating the challenging terrain. The ger camps were more comfortable than I expected, though facilities are basic as you'd expect in remote areas. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is that there were a couple of long driving days that felt a bit rushed, and one of the camps had issues with hot water. That said, these are minor complaints in what was otherwise an amazing adventure!

Tour Details

  • Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
  • Group Size: 2-12 people
  • Tour Type: Cultural, Nature
  • Physical Level: Moderate
  • Accommodation: Hotel & Ger Camps
  • Transport: 4x4 Vehicle / Minivan
  • Meals: 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • Best Season: May to September
  • Start/End: Ulaanbaatar

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