Best of Mongolia Jeep Tour: Ulan Bator, National Parks, Gobi Desert and Naadam Festival (MN-02)

This is a magical and in-depth 15-day tour of Mongolia which will introduce travellers to the very best that this beguiling country has to offer. Combining modern and historical traditions we will explore the country’s customs, folklore, history and nature. Over the course of two weeks, you will have a cultural immersion visiting the unusual capital of Ulan Bator and Erdene-Zuu which is home to one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia as well as the country’s very first Buddhist monastery and the fascinating remnants of Karakorum – the former stronghold of Genghis Khan's Mongolian Empire. There will be a large element of nature and wildlife on this tour too. We will explore the fascinating national parks of Terelj and Hustain Nuruu, the rolling and magical sand dunes of Khongor and the South Gobi.

We will also experience a truly remarkable opening ceremony of the Naadam and enjoy festival unique sporting events, Naadam gala dinner and a folk concert in the evening. This is a tour unlike any other!
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from £3,095 per person, 15 days



Day 1. Ulan Bator
Upon arrival in Ulan Bator, you will be met by your guide and a driver. Transfer to the hotel.
Day 2. Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Middle Gobi)
Trip to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a multi-hued and striking natural rock formation. Overnight in a traditional ger camp.
Day 3. Tsagaan Suvarga
Today we will head to Tsagaan Suvarga, a fascinating white lime stone cliff. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 4. Yol Valley
A thrilling drive to Yoliin Am Park for hiking and a chance to photograph the breathtaking landscape. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 5. Khongor Sand Dunes
We drive to the Khongor Sand Dunes known as the Singing Dunes, in the evening observe a stunning sunset. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 6. Bayanzag
We will focus on the amazing Flaming Cliffs and the saxaul trees of the Gobi, we'll have a chance to ride on a camel too. Overnight stay in a ger.
Day 7. Ongi Monastery
Our mission today is to visit the ruins of once great Ongi Monastery. Spend the night in a ger camp.
Day 8. Karakorum - Erdene-Zuu Monastery
Drive out to Karakorum - the magnificent capital of the Great Mongol Empire, visit the Erdene-Zuu Monastery. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 9. Tsenkher Hot Springs
Today is less about exploring and more about relaxing in beautiful Mongolian nature. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 10. Tsenkher Hot Spring
Enjoy this day at your leisure as we take a break from driving. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 11. Lake Ugii
Today we drive to Lake Ugii in Arkhangai province - one of the best places for bird watching. Spend the night in a ger camp.
Day 12. Lake Ugii
Breakfast at the camp. Drive to Ulan Bator and transfer to the hotel.
Day 13. Naadam Festival
Today we will attend the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival and have a gala dinner. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 14. Hustain Nuruu National Park – Ulan Bator
We rise early today to drive to Hui Doloon Hudag for the horse-racing event of the Naadam. Drive back to the hotel in Ulan Bator.
Day 15. Ulan Bator
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Click here to view detailed day-by-day itinerary of this tour

Quick Facts
  • Season: Summer
  • Days: 15
  • Group Size: 2-10
  • Tour Grade:   Moderate

Day 1. Ulan Bator
Upon arrival in Ulan Bator, you will be met by your guide and a driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the capital. (D).
Day 2. Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Middle Gobi)
Early morning will see your adventure begin with a trip to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a multi-hued and striking natural rock formation. Nearby, we will also visit the ruins of an ancient temple and explore the area as well as enjoying a picnic lunch out in the wilds. Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional and romantic ger camp. Driving distance – 220 km (135 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 3. Tsagaan Suvarga
After breakfast today we will head to Tsagaan Suvarga, a fascinating white lime stone cliff which resembles a traditional Buddhist Stupa. Given that we are far from civilisation, we will enjoy an al-fresco picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 280 km (175 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 4. Yol Valley
Today it is a long – but thrilling – drive to Yoliin Am National Park for hiking and an opportunity to photograph the stunning surrounding landscape. Picnic lunch. Spend the afternoon hiking or relaxing in the natural setting. Return to the camp for overnight stay. Driving distance – 280 km (175 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 5. Khongor Sand Dunes
After breakfast today we will drive to the wild and beautiful Khongor Sand Dunes known as the Singing Dunes (the vibrations of shifting sand make a sound like singing). We will enjoy a picnic lunch, outside, nomadic style. We will climb up to the sand dunes and be rewarded with a huge, panoramic view. In the evening we will observe a stunning sunset, please prepare your camera for this spectacle. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 200 km (125 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 6. Bayanzag
Today, we will focus on the amazing Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) and the saxaul trees of the Gobi. We will explore the site of the first paleontological discoveries made in Mongolia by Roy Chapman Andrews. We will also learn all about those wonderful hump-backed creatures, the camel, with a nomadic camel breeding family. We will also experience the hospitality of the Mongolian nomads. There will be the chance to ride on a camel too to complete the experience. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 150 km (94 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 7. Ongi Monastery
Today, we travel north. Our mission is to visit the ruins of once great Ongi Monastery and to visit a local restored temple and as well as to enjoy a gentle walk in the surrounding area. Have dinner and spend the night in a ger camp. Driving distance – 150 km (94 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 8. Karakorum - Erdene-Zuu Monastery
After breakfast we will drive out to Karakorum, which in the 13th century was the magnificent capital of the Great Mongol Empire. Here, we will have the chance to visit the Erdene-Zuu Monastery, which was the first and largest monastery in Mongolia. We will tour the monastery and visit several temples in which hang several stunning examples of Buddhist Thangka paintings dating back to the 16thcentury. Visit the Karakorum Museum. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 300 km (187 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 9. Tsenkher Hot Springs
Today is less about exploring and more about relaxing in beautiful Mongolian nature. We will drive to the Tsenkher hot spring and spend the day relaxing in the natural spa. For those who fancy it, there is the chance to walk in the surrounding forest too. Bring your swimwear. Optional massage and beauty services are available. Enjoy the spa again after dinner for a full chill-out experience. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 150 km (94 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 10. Tsenkher Hot Spring
Enjoy this day at your leisure as we take a break from driving. You can spa, walk, sleep, read, upload pictures and generally reminisce about your adventure so far. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay in a ger camp. (B/L/D).
Day 11. Lake Ugii
Today we drive to Lake Ugii in Arkhangai province. This is one of the best places for bird watching in Mongolia. Spend the night in a ger camp. Driving distance – 240 km (150 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 12. Lake Ugii
Breakfast at the camp. Drive to Ulan Bator and transfer to the hotel. Driving distance - 350 km (220 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 13. Naadam Festival
Today will prove to be a truly remarkable experience as today we will attend the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival. Not only that, we will enjoy a Naadam Gala Dinner and a Folk Concert in the evening. The highlight of the Mongolian festival calendar, the Naadam Festival dates back several centuries and takes place each year on July 11-13. Originally a assessment of a nomad’s abilities, it requires power, endurance and precise marksmanship as well as a host of horse skills. Understandably given the role of the horse in Mongolia, much significance is placed on the horse races. Herdsmen arrive from hundreds of miles to join in – as well as those from cities and towns. Amazingly, the races are staged on the vast steppe itself which covers almost 20 miles. This is a hugely popular tour and we highly recommend booking early. Overnight stay in a hotel. (B/L/D).
Day 14. Hustain Nuruu National Park – Ulan Bator
We rise early today to drive to Hui Doloon Hudag for the horse-racing event of the Naadam Festival. This is our chance to watch these magnificent horses race and take some incredible photographs. The atmosphere is electric. Keeping with the equine theme, afterwards we will drive deep into the National Park in search for the Przewalski horses (takhi), the grandfather of all horses in the world. If you have binoculars, bring them. Here we will also view a short documentary and visit the museum. Drive back to the hotel in Ulan Bator. Driving distance – 130 km (80 miles) one way. (B/L/D).
Day 15. Ulan Bator.
Breakfast at the hotel. Our driver will meet you at the hotel lobby. Transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B).


Want to travel on different dates?
Please see below for our group tour dates, if you would like to travel on a different day, please let us know and we will come back to you with an offer. There might be additional surcharges for a private tour but all depends on the number of people in your party and your travel preferences.

 

Park Hotel 4*
Address: Park Hotel, Lhagvasuren street-32, 4th Khoroo, Bayanzurkh, Ulan Bator, Mongolia
Telephone: +976 7015 9900

DESCRIPTION
Park hotel is a newly opened 4* hotel in Ulan Bator, located in the south – eastern part of the Mongolian capital, about 8 kilometres from the central train station and 19 kilometres from the international airport.

Park hotel has 52 rooms, including comfortable and spacious standard twin, king, superior rooms and deluxe junior suites. All rooms are equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning, 32’ LCD television, high speed internet access, mini bar, hairdryer. Deluxe junior suite has a bar and extra bathroom for guests.

Park hotel offers 24 hour room service, luggage storage, spa and fitness facilities, currency exchange and business centre services. There is also park restaurant, tequila lounge and a coffee shop. Visa and Master card are accepted.

PHOTOGALLERY


Typical Mongolian Ger
In the countryside your accommodation will be in a typical ger camp located in scenic areas. Every couple or a single traveller are allocated a private ger unless you are willing to share with other travellers. All ger camps are very similar in their set –up, facilities and services.

A “ger” or a yurt is a traditional, portable dwelling structure used by Mongolian nomads in the countryside, it is their link with the past, future and spiritual world. The central pillar – the smoke hole on the top of the tent is directly directed to cosmic axis and represents highway for spirits as according to Mongolian traditions, the universe is full of invisible spirits and humans have to develop good relationship with them, win them over and not to offend them.

Ger camps we use on our tours are slightly modified for Western travellers, however they do offer a genuinely authentic experience and most of them are situated in picturesque areas. The gers are made of a wooden frame that is covered with felt. Inside they are generally brightly painted and feature two or four single beds, a small table, stools, a lamp, electricity sockets and a stove for heating. You can ask a member of staff to start the fire in your ger at a specified time to make it warm, for example early in the morning before you get up.

Toilet and shower facilities are outside in a separate block, they are basic but are kept very clean. There is both hot and cold water available. Restaurants and bars are located in separate blocks or quite often in larger gers.

Staying in a typical ger really adds to your travelling experience.






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