DURATION:
13 Days
GROUP SIZE:
Any
Ready to explore the real Mongolia? Join us for an unforgettable 13-day journey that blends the vibrant culture of the city with the raw beauty of the steppe.
Your adventure begins in Ulaanbaatar, where a guided city tour and cultural show will immerse you in the modern capital and its history. We then travel outside the city to visit the colossal Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue before stepping back in time at the 13th Century Village.
The true expedition begins as we drive west, stopping to ride Bactrian Camels in the Mini Gobi sand dunes and explore the ancient capital of Kharhorin. The centerpiece of the tour is three nights in the breathtaking Orkhon Valley, where you’ll hike to the dramatic waterfall and experience two spectacular cultural events: the Felt Craft Festival and the Bat Ulzii Yak Festival.
After the festive valley immersion, we travel to the Tsenkher Hot Springs for a rejuvenating soak. The final leg of your journey brings you to Fairfield, where you are free to enjoy independent days of hiking, cycling, and relaxing before your final return to Ulaanbaatar. This trip delivers an incredible mix of guided discovery and personal freedom.
Cost
Group of 4: USD $2250 per person
Group of 6: USD $1900 per person
Day 1
July 17th – Ulaanbaatar
Welcome to Ulaanbaatar! When you arrive at the airport (UBN), your private driver will be there to greet you and take you straight into the city center. You'll check into your comfortable mid-range hotel located right in the heart of the city. Since there’s no formal schedule or guide today, the rest of the day is completely yours. Feel free to unpack, relax, or head out immediately to start exploring the city at your own pace! Get settled in, because tomorrow the guided adventure begins.
Day 2
July 18th – Ulaanbaatar City Tour
After you enjoy breakfast, you'll meet your friendly English-speaking guide, and the official tour begins! We'll start with a deep dive into Ulaanbaatar's city center, hitting major highlights like the Gandan Monastery and the massive Chinggis Khan Museum, or perhaps visiting the bustling Narantuul 'Black Market'. The late afternoon brings a spectacular performance: we'll attend the Tumen Ekh Cultural and Musical show to enjoy traditional Mongolian throat singing, music, and dancing. We'll wrap up the day by sharing a relaxing welcome dinner together—the perfect chance to chat with your guide and get ready for the adventures ahead!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Evening Meal.
Day 3
July 19th - Chinggis Khan Statue and 13th Century Village
Day three is dedicated to the legends of the Mongol Empire! We head east out of the city about 60 kilometers to the colossal Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue complex—the largest equestrian statue in the world. It’s an incredible photo opportunity and offers amazing views! From there, we continue to the 13th Century Village, where you’ll literally step back in time. Here, you'll get a unique, immersive experience of what life was like during the time of the great Khans. We'll return to Ulaanbaatar in the evening, sharing one more dinner together before preparing to head into the countryside tomorrow.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Evening Meal.
Day 4
July 20th - Kharhorin
Day four marks our departure from Ulaanbaatar! We'll make a fairly early start, heading west in our private vehicle for a scenic 5–6 hour drive that takes us deep into the vast Mongolian countryside—say goodbye to the city hustle and bustle! Our first major stop en route is the area sometimes called 'The Mini Gobi'. Here, you'll have a chance to ride camels for a short, fun experience among the sand dunes. We continue on to Kharhorin, the site of the ancient Mongol capital, where we'll explore the impressive Erdenezuu Monastery, which has been standing since 1586. Tonight, you'll experience your first true taste of nomadic lodging as we stay in a comfortable tourist ger camp right by the Orkhon River. Get ready for the wide-open spaces!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Evening Meal.
Day 5
July 21st - Orkhon Valley
Day five is all about deep exploration and epic scenery! We'll start by finishing up our sightseeing around Kharhorin, checking out the Kharhorin Museum, the unique Phallic Rock, Turtle Rock, and the Monument to Mongol States. Then comes a truly special experience: we'll drive to the base of Tuvkhun Monastery, which sits high up on a rocky crag. Getting there involves a beautiful, approximately one-hour hike through the Larch forest—the views are completely worth the effort! Finally, we'll drive right into the stunning Orkhon Valley, known for its ancient volcanic rock and dotted with nomadic family gers and herds of animals. We'll settle in for the night at a comfortable tourist ger camp nestled within this magnificent valley.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Evening Meal.
Day 6
July 22nd - Felt Festival
Day six is packed with cultural highlights and stunning nature! We kick off the day with a visit to the Mongolian Felt Craft Festival right in the Orkhon Valley. This is a wonderful chance to see, touch, and learn about one of Mongolia's most ancient and essential craft forms. After the festival, we continue our drive to the Orkhon Waterfall. You'll have time to stroll to the rim of the gorge for amazing views, or, if you're feeling energetic, you can hike all the way down to the base of the falls! We then check into a comfortable tourist ger camp right by the Orkhon River, which will be our home for the next two nights, perfectly positioning us for the Yak Festival tomorrow.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Evening Meal.
Day 7
July 23rd – Yak Festival!
Day seven is the highlight of our time in the Orkhon Valley: the Bat Ulzii Yak Festival! After a good breakfast at our ger camp, we'll drive to the festival grounds for a full day of authentic nomadic fun. Instead of just "races and fashion shows," you'll experience thrilling yak racing, watch herders masterfully handle the animals in rodeo-style competitions, and see fascinating cultural craft demonstrations. You'll also be there for the lively opening ceremony and the traditional midday communal feast featuring local yak dairy products. It's a truly unforgettable day dedicated to celebrating the yak, a vital animal in this region. Afterwards, we'll return to our comfortable ger camp for one last night in the valley.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Evening Meal.
July 24th – Tsenkher Hot Springs
Day eight gives us a slightly more leisurely start after the excitement of the festival! We'll enjoy a final relaxing morning in the beautiful Orkhon Valley. If you didn't get a chance to hike down to the base of the waterfall previously, this is a great time to do it. Then, we'll pack up and drive cross-country, heading to the Tsenkher Hot Springs. This evening is pure relaxation: once we check into our ger camp, you can immediately head to the hot pools. It's the perfect way to soak out any lingering aches and pains from your festival fun and long drives, leaving you completely refreshed!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Evening Meal.
Day 8
Day 9
July 25th – Fairfield Guesthouse, Tsetserleg
On this day nine, you can take a relaxing morning soak in the hot springs once more, if you wish. Then, it's a scenic 90-minute drive to the town of Tsetserleg, where we check into Fairfield–your home away from home! This is a big moment: you'll say a fond farewell to your guide over a final dinner together! Now, the pace slows down. You can spend the rest of the evening exploring Tsetserleg's local markets or the surrounding hills. Best of all, you get to enjoy the modern comforts of Fairfield—think barista coffee, great Wi-Fi, and a Western menu—for the next couple of nights as you transition to independent, relaxing exploration.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Evening Meal.
Day 10
July 26th - Tsetserleg
Day ten is completely yours to enjoy at your own pace! Since you're staying right at Fairfield, you have the freedom to explore the beautiful local area independently. Feel like getting active? The hiking into the surrounding foothills is stunning and offers amazing views. Or, for a change of pace, you can hire a mountain bike and enjoy a scenic ride through the Tamir River Valley. If your idea of a perfect rest day is purely relaxation, you can simply settle in and enjoy the comfortable, familiar ambience of the Fairfield café. It's an entire day dedicated to rest, self-directed exploration, or both!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Evening Meal.
Day 11
July 27th - Return to Ulaanbaatar
Day eleven is our travel day back to Ulaanbaatar! You'll meet your driver for the journey back east. We believe in giving you choices, so you can discuss your preferred route with us:
The Scenic Route: Choose the slightly slower path which allows you one last stop to visit Ugii Nuur (a beautiful lake) and the ruins of Khar Bukh Balgas (an ancient Uighur city near Dashinchillen).
The Familiar Route: Opt for the faster, familiar road you traveled out on.
Either way, you'll arrive back in the city where you'll check into a comfortable, central hotel, settling in for your final two nights in Mongolia.
Day 12
July 28th - Ulaanbaatar
The day is yours to enjoy exactly as you wish. Whether you’re looking to soak up the local culture or find the perfect memento to take home, we’re here to help you navigate the city. We can point you toward our favorite local shops or suggest landmarks that shouldn't be missed. Feel free to explore independently at your own pace, knowing we’re always on hand to offer suggestions or help you find your way.
Day 13
July 29th - Departure Flights
We will provide a shuttle to the airport to get you there in plenty of time for your flight. This marks the end of a once-in-a-lifetime tour, and we know you’ll head home with memories that stay with you forever.
Day 14
