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Across Mongolia

Grand Mongolia

The Gobi dunes, the old capital, the hot springs of Arkhangai and Lake Khövsgöl, in one long journey.

Length
15 days
Level
Moderate
Runs
June to September
Price per person
On request

Overview

For travellers who come once and want to see it all. You cross the country from the dunes of the south to the forests of the north, sleeping in ger camps and with herding families, then fly back to Ulaanbaatar instead of driving the whole way back.

  • Climb the Khongoryn Els dunes and ride camels in the Gobi
  • See the Flaming Cliffs and the ice gorge of Yolyn Am
  • Visit Erdene Zuu monastery at Kharkhorin
  • Soak in the Tsenkher hot springs
  • Walk the rim of Khorgo volcano above Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
  • End on the shores of Lake Khövsgöl

The route

Starts and ends in Ulaanbaatar. Includes a flight from Mörön back to Ulaanbaatar.

UlaanbaatarKhongoryn ElsKharkhorinTerkhiin Tsagaan LakeKhatgal

Day by day

A sample itinerary. We adjust it to your dates, the weather and what you’d most like to do.

  1. 1

    Day 1

    Ulaanbaatar

    Arrival, Gandan Monastery and a welcome dinner to talk through the journey.

    Overnight:HotelMeals:Dinner

  2. 2

    Day 2

    South to Tsagaan Suvarga

    A long drive into the desert to the striped limestone cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga.

    Overnight:Ger campMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  3. 3

    Day 3

    Yolyn Am

    Walk the narrow gorge of Yolyn Am in Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park.

    Overnight:Ger campMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  4. 4

    Day 4

    Khongoryn Els

    West along the mountains to the great dunes, and a climb for sunset.

    Overnight:Ger campMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  5. 5

    Day 5

    With the camel herders

    A camel ride and a day with a herding family at the foot of the dunes.

    Overnight:Family gerMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  6. 6

    Day 6

    Bayanzag

    The Flaming Cliffs at sunset, where dinosaur eggs were found in 1923.

    Overnight:Ger campMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  7. 7

    Day 7

    Ongi Monastery

    North to the ruins of Ongi Monastery on the Ongi River.

    Overnight:Ger campMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  8. 8

    Day 8

    Kharkhorin

    Erdene Zuu monastery and the museum of Karakorum, the old imperial capital.

    Overnight:Ger campMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  9. 9

    Day 9

    Tsenkher hot springs

    Into the green hills of Arkhangai, with an evening soak in the hot springs.

    Overnight:Ger campMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  10. 10

    Day 10

    Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake

    Climb Khorgo, an extinct volcano, and walk the shore of the Great White Lake.

    Overnight:Ger campMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  11. 11

    Day 11

    A slower day

    Ride, walk or simply rest by the water before the long drive north.

    Overnight:Ger campMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  12. 12

    Day 12

    North to Lake Khövsgöl

    A long drive through the mountains to Khatgal at the southern tip of the lake.

    Overnight:Ger campMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  13. 13

    Day 13

    Lake Khövsgöl

    Walk, ride or take a boat along the forested shore.

    Overnight:Ger campMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  14. 14

    Day 14

    Fly to Ulaanbaatar

    Drive to Mörön and fly back to the capital for a farewell dinner.

    Overnight:HotelMeals:Breakfast, dinner

  15. 15

    Day 15

    Departure

    Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

    Meals:Breakfast

On the way

The Khongoryn Els dunes under a wide sky
Khongoryn Els, Gobi
The red Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag at golden hour
Bayanzag, Gobi
The stupa wall of Erdene Zuu monastery
Kharkhorin
Gers under a star-filled night sky by Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
Arkhangai
Clear turquoise shallows of Lake Khövsgöl
Khatgal, Lake Khövsgöl

Included

  • English-speaking Mongolian guide
  • Driver and 4×4 vehicle
  • Flight Mörön – Ulaanbaatar
  • Accommodation as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Camel ride, hot springs and park fees

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa, if your passport needs one
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Tips for your guide and driver

Good to know

  • ModerateModerate. Some long drive days, hikes of a few hours, camel or horse rides, and basic facilities on some nights.
  • A long journey with several full driving days. The reward is watching the land change from desert to forest.
  • Ger camps have shared showers; nights with families are more basic.
  • Pack for heat in the Gobi and cold nights in the north.

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