Highlights of Mongolia Hiking & Cultural Adventure

Highlights

Khongor Els: Mongolia’s largest and most impressive sand dunes, known for their “singing” sound in the wind.

Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag): Famous red sandstone cliffs where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered.

Yoliin Am Gorge: A deep, narrow canyon in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, home to wildlife and year-round ice.

Erdene Zuu Monastery: Mongolia’s first Buddhist monastery, surrounded by 108 white stupas in Kharkhorin.

Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake & Khorgo Volcano: A volcanic landscape of lava fields, crater views, and a freshwater lake.

Orkhon Waterfall: One of Mongolia’s most scenic waterfalls, set in the historic Orkhon Valley.

Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa): Striking limestone formations glowing in shades of white, red, and orange.

Elsen Tasarkhai Dunes: A small but beautiful sand dune belt, ideal for easy hiking and camel riding.

Tour summary

This journey covers the essential highlights of central Mongolia and the Gobi, but without getting swallowed by the crowds. We move through well-known areas, yet the real focus is on hiking in quieter corners — spots where you can breathe, take your time, and feel like the land is yours for the day. The idea is simple: keep the classic sights, avoid the tourist piles, and give guests a genuine look at nomadic life.
This trip is built for active travelers who want solid daily hikes, cultural depth, and big landscapes that actually stay in memory. Over about two weeks, you’ll move from the green valleys and volcanic hills of the central region to the canyons, cliffs, and vast dunes of the Gobi Desert. It’s a mix of long drives, 8–20 km hiking days, nights in traditional gers or tents, and real encounters with the herders who still live the old way.
You’ll walk through everything Mongolia is known for: volcanic craters, alpine forests, wide steppes, rocky desert canyons, and the legendary golden dunes. Evenings bring quiet camps, big skies full of stars, and time to slow down after the day’s mileage. Hot springs along the way help you rest and reset before the next push.

Customizable Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, meet your guide, and enjoy a briefing and city tour. Overnight at the Bayangol Hotel.

DAY 2

Chinggis Khaan Statue & Terelj National Park
Visit the Chinggis Khaan Statue, then drive to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. See Turtle Rock, hike 10 km, and visit Aryabal Meditation Temple with optional horseback riding. Overnight in a ger camp.

DAY 3

Elsen Tasarkhai → Kharkhorin
Drive 360 km through the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes. Hike 10 km in the oasis and take a short Bactrian camel ride. Continue to Kharkhorin. Overnight in a tourist ger camp.

DAY 4

Kharkhorin → Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
Explore Kharkhorin, visiting Erdene Zuu Monastery and Kharkhorin Rock. Drive 280 km to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. Hike 10 km around Khorgo Volcano. Overnight in tents.

DAY 5

Khorgo Volcano & Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
Full-day hike 20 km around Khorgo Volcano and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, followed by a Mongolian cooking evening. Overnight in tents.

DAY 6

Tsenkher Hot Springs
Drive 200 km via Taikhar Rock to Tsenkher Hot Springs. Hike 10 km around Tsenkher Mountain. Overnight in a tourist ger camp.

DAY 7

Orkhon Waterfall
Drive 100 km to Orkhon Waterfall. Hike 15 km and visit a local nomadic family. Overnight in tents.

DAY 8

Ongiin Khiid Monastery
Drive 270 km to Ongiin Khiid Temple and hike 10 km. Overnight in a tourist ger camp.

DAY 9

Flaming Cliffs
Drive 170 km to the Flaming Cliffs. Hike 15 km and watch the sunset and moonrise. Overnight in tents.

DAY 10

Khongor Els Sand Dunes
Drive 190 km to Khongor Els Sand Dunes. Hike 10 km on the dunes after lunch. Overnight in tents.

DAY 11

Ride a Bactrian camel
Full-day 20 km hike on the dunes, visit a nomadic family, and ride a Bactrian camel. Overnight in tents.

DAY 12

Yoliin Am Gorge
Drive 185 km to Yoliin Am Gorge. Hike 10 km. Overnight in tents.

DAY 13

Tsagaan Suvarga Cliffs
Drive 215 km to Tsagaan Suvarga. Hike 5 km. Overnight in tents.

DAY 14

Return to Ulaanbaatar
Drive 300 km back to Ulaanbaatar. Hike 8 km in Bogd Khaan Valley. Overnight at the Bayangol Hotel.

DAY 15

Departure
Transfer to the airport for departure.

Dates & Prices

DATES

DURATION

TOTAL COST

TOTAL COST INCLUDES THE DEPOSIT

2025.01.20

2025.01.30

10 Days

$2000

Book now

2025.01.20

2025.01.30

10 Days

$2000

Book now

2025.01.20

2025.01.30

10 Days

$2000

Book now

Included

All accommodations

All internal transportation

All food in Mongolia

All kitchen equipment

Tent

All sightseeing cost

All entry permissions

Not Included

Alcoholic drinks

Sleeping bag and mat