Gobi Desert and Central Mongolia 15 Days Tour via Ancient Capital

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15 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 2 more

Discover the spirit of Mongolia on this 15-day cultural and natural adventure. Explore Ulaanbaatar’s historic sites and museums, journey through the Gobi Desert’s striking landscapes—including sand dunes and the Flaming Cliffs—and visit the ancient 13th-century capital city built by Genghis Khan, along with monasteries and national parks. Experience the nomadic lifestyle while staying in traditional Ger camps, enjoy camel rides in the desert, horse rides, a mini Naadam festival in the national park, and overnight stays in Ger camps. From sacred temples to desert sunsets, this tour offers a rich blend of heritage, nature, and unforgettable experiences.

What's Included

Sightseeing as per itinerary
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Accommodation in the countryside is included, with all lodging in ger camps.
Lunch (Optional[13])
Lunch
Purified bottles of water are provided
Dinner (Optional[12])
Dinner
Breakfast (Optional[11])
Breakfast
Private chauffeured 4x4 vehicle or minivan provided throughout the tour.
English-speaking guide at all times
All entrance fees are included, such as museum, national parks, etc,.
Hotel pickup/drop-off
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided as stated in the itinerary.
Alcoholic Beverages
Travel and Medical insurance

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

The driver will be waiting for you with a sign displaying the lead traveler's name at the airport or the international train station in Ulaanbaatar upon your arrival. After you have arrived in Ulaanbaatar and checked into your hotel, the driver and English-speaking guide will pick you up from the hotel lobby where you are staying.

OR
Meeting point

We will meet you at Shangri-La-Hotel Lobby (first floor waiting area). Look for a guide who is holding a Nomad Trail Mongolia sign.

End point
This activity ends in a different location. You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.

Itinerary

Duration: 15 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    ARRIVAL IN ULAANBAATAR CITY

    1 stop
  • 1
    Ulaanbaatar

    Please arrange your arrival date in this day and our driver and English speaking guide will pick you up from airport/train station and transfer to your hotel for check-in. If your arrival time permits join the welcoming dinner with your tour guide and tour briefing will be introduced during this dinner.

    Admission ticket free
    • Day 2

    ULAANBAATAR CITY TOUR

    7 stops
  • 2
    Chinggis Khaan National Museum

    Begin your journey with a city tour, starting at Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist center in Mongolia. Next, explore the National History Museum or Genghis Khan Museum and the iconic Sukhbaatar Square. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional Mongolian restaurant before visiting the Winter Palace of Mongolia’s last king. Then, head to Zaisan Memorial Hill for a stunning panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar. In the evening, experience an enchanting Mongolian traditional folklore concert, followed by dinner. Conclude the day with a relaxing return to your hotel.

    2 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Bogd Khaan Palace Museum of Mongolia

    Begin your journey with a city tour, starting at Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist center in Mongolia. Next, explore the National History Museum or Genghis Khan Museum and the iconic Sukhbaatar Square. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional Mongolian restaurant before visiting the Winter Palace of Mongolia’s last king. Then, head to Zaisan Memorial Hill for a stunning panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar. In the evening, experience an enchanting Mongolian traditional folklore concert, followed by dinner. Conclude the day with a relaxing return to your hotel.

    2 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Gandantegchenling Monastery

    Begin your journey with a city tour, starting at Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist center in Mongolia. Next, explore the National History Museum or Genghis Khan Museum and the iconic Sukhbaatar Square. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional Mongolian restaurant before visiting the Winter Palace of Mongolia’s last king. Then, head to Zaisan Memorial Hill for a stunning panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar. In the evening, experience an enchanting Mongolian traditional folklore concert, followed by dinner. Conclude the day with a relaxing return to your hotel.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Sukhbaatar Square

    Begin your journey with a city tour, starting at Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist center in Mongolia. Next, explore the National History Museum or Genghis Khan Museum and the iconic Sukhbaatar Square. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional Mongolian restaurant before visiting the Winter Palace of Mongolia’s last king. Then, head to Zaisan Memorial Hill for a stunning panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar. In the evening, experience an enchanting Mongolian traditional folklore concert, followed by dinner. Conclude the day with a relaxing return to your hotel.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Zaisan Hill Monument

    Begin your journey with a city tour, starting at Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist center in Mongolia. Next, explore the National History Museum or Genghis Khan Museum and the iconic Sukhbaatar Square. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional Mongolian restaurant before visiting the Winter Palace of Mongolia’s last king. Then, head to Zaisan Memorial Hill for a stunning panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar. In the evening, experience an enchanting Mongolian traditional folklore concert, followed by dinner. Conclude the day with a relaxing return to your hotel.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 7
    National History Museum

    Begin your journey with a city tour, starting at Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist center in Mongolia. Next, explore the National History Museum or Genghis Khan Museum and the iconic Sukhbaatar Square. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional Mongolian restaurant before visiting the Winter Palace of Mongolia’s last king. Then, head to Zaisan Memorial Hill for a stunning panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar. In the evening, experience an enchanting Mongolian traditional folklore concert, followed by dinner. Conclude the day with a relaxing return to your hotel.

    2 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 8

    Begin your journey with a city tour, starting at Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist center in Mongolia. Next, explore the National History Museum or Genghis Khan Museum and the iconic Sukhbaatar Square. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional Mongolian restaurant before visiting the Winter Palace of Mongolia’s last king. Then, head to Zaisan Memorial Hill for a stunning panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar. In the evening, experience an enchanting Mongolian traditional folklore concert, followed by dinner. Conclude the day with a relaxing return to your hotel.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
    • Day 3

    Baga Gazriin Chuluu

    1 stop
  • 9

    In the morning, set off on a journey to Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Middle Gobi), a habitat rich in birdlife and wildlife. Spend the afternoon exploring the unique landscape. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a traditional Ger camp.

    8 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 4

    TSAGAAN SUVARGA (White Stupa)

    1 stop
  • 10
    Tsagaan Suvarga

    After breakfast, visit the remnants of an ancient Buddhist temple, once built at the heart of the oasis. Then, continue your journey to Tsagaan Suvarga, a breathtaking white limestone cliff resembling a Stupa. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a traditional Ger camp.

    8 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 5

    YOL VALLEY

    1 stop
  • 11

    Continue your journey to the South Gobi and arrive at the Three Beauties Mountain Range in the heart of the Gobi Desert. Spend the day exploring Yol Valley, where you can hike and capture breathtaking photographs of the stunning landscape. Enjoy lunch and dinner before settling in for an overnight stay at a Ger camp.

    8 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 6

    KHONGOR SAND DUNE

    1 stop
  • 12
    Khongor Sand Dunes

    After an early breakfast, embark on a 4-5 hour drive by 4WD vehicle to Khongoryn Els, home to Mongolia’s largest sand dunes in Southern Gobi. Experience the breathtaking desert scenery and explore the towering dunes both by vehicle and on foot. The round-trip hike takes approximately two hours, with an option to climb to the summit for panoramic views. For those seeking an extra adventure, short camel rides are also available.

    8 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 7

    KHONGOR SAND DUNE

    1 stop
  • 13
    Khongor Sand Dunes

    Enjoy a full day of relaxation by the sand dunes, with optional activities such as camel riding and sand dune sledding. In the evening, savor a delicious Mongolian traditional barbecue for dinner.

    4 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 8

    BAYANZAG THE FLAMING CLIFFS

    1 stop
  • 14
    Bayanzag Cliff

    Journey to the legendary Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag), renowned for being the site of Mongolia’s first major paleontological discoveries. Explore this historic location, retracing the footsteps of Roy Chapman Andrews (1884–1960), the famed American explorer, adventurer, and naturalist.

    8 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 9

    ONGI RIVER

    1 stop
  • 15
    Ongi Monastery

    Spend the day traveling towards the banks of the Ongii River, a 4-5 hour journey that includes traversing rugged trails across vast dry plains with no direct roads. Upon arrival, check into your Ger camp near the river and explore the ruins of two historic monasteries—Barlim Khiid in the north and Khutagt Khiid in the south. Together, they form the Ongiin Khiid Monastery complex, a site of great cultural and historical significance.

    8 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 10

    ORKHON WATERFALL

    1 stop
  • 16
    Orkhon Waterfall

    After a relaxing morning, embark on a journey to Orkhon Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Mongolia. Formed by a unique combination of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes over 20,000 years ago, the waterfall is at its most spectacular after heavy rainfall. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a Ger camp near the waterfall.

    8 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 11

    KARAKORUM ANCIENT CAPITAL

    2 stops
  • 17
    Erdene Zuu Monastery

    After breakfast, travel to Karakorum, the former capital of the 13th-century Great Mongol Empire. Explore Erdene-Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s first and largest monastery, built on the ruins of the ancient capital. Tour its historic temples, which house remarkable Buddhist Thangka paintings and statues from the 17th century. Visit the Karakorum Museum to gain deeper insight into the city’s rich history. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a Ger camp.

    4 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 18
    Kharkhorin

    Spend a few hours horseback riding through the untouched, breathtaking landscapes of Central Mongolia, surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife.

    3 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 12

    HEADING BACK TO ULAANBAATAR CITY

    1 stop
  • 19
    Ulaanbaatar

    Drive back to Ulaanbaatar, and upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. The remainder of the evening is free for leisure and personal activities. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

    6 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 13

    TERELJ NATIONAL PARK

    1 stop
  • 20
    Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

    In the morning, drive to Terelj National Park and check in at the resort. In the afternoon, experience the mini naadam festival, showcasing Mongolia’s traditional sports and culture. Conclude the day with a farewell dinner party with the group, celebrating the end of an unforgettable journey. Meals: Lunch/Dinner

    8 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 14

    ULAANBAATAR CITY

    1 stop
  • 21
    Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

    Spend the afternoon exploring Terelj National Park, taking in its scenic beauty. After lunch at the resort, transfer back to Ulaanbaatar for a relaxing evening and some shopping.

    6 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 15

    DEPARTURE

    1 stop
  • 22

    Our driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby where you are staying and take you to the airport or the international train station, according to your preference. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you back to Mongolia soon!

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Nomad Trail Mongolia

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Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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