Nomads & Wilds of Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar - Ulaanbaatar

21 days through Mongolia

FROM: $3235 USD

Transport:

Overland Expedition Vehicle

Crew:

Two Dragoman Crew Members, Local Guides where necessary, Local Crew Member in certain areas

Accom:

Comfortable Hotel 3 nights
Yurt Camp 9 nights
Camping without facilities 8 nights

Meals:

Breakfasts x 20, Lunches x 8, Dinners x 15

Physical:

Lifestyle:

Code:

ZUU

Deposit:

$260 USD per person

Foreign Travel Advice

TRIP OVERVIEW

A trip through Mongolia is one that is guaranteed to be memorable and eventful; it will be an unforgettable adventure, rather than just a holiday! Mongolia is one of the last unspoiled travel destinations in the world, where nomadic herders still tend to their flocks amongst vast grasslands, Gers remain the accommodation of choice and it's still possible to travel for days without meeting another person. The country is an overlander's paradise, with challenging roads, stunning scenery and a unique and welcoming culture. The Mongolian people, their culture and the landscape is what this journey is so much about. From Ulaanbaatar we will head west through the central region of Mongolia, past Erdene Zuu monastery to the natural beauty of the Orkhon Valley and the Tsenkher hot springs We then make the journey north to the remote and spectacular Khovsgol Lake before heading back towards the capital.

HIGHLIGHTS

Head out to see Ulaanbaatar's Gandan Monastery and National Museum

Spend a few hours exploring Ulaanbaatar's Mongolian Black Market

Stay in a local nomadic ger encampment at Ogii Lake

Visit ancient Karakoram, capital of the Mongol Empire at Kharkhorin

Wild camp in remote Orkhon Valley

Stay in traditional ger encampments in the 'Paradise of the horse herders'

Discover the nomadic lifestyle of local Mongul families

Hike to the top of Khorgo volcano

Hike around forests and meadows near Khovsgol Lake

3 days overlanding and wild camping across central-northern Mongolia

WHAT TO EXPECT

This is not just a holiday, it's an adventure; it is one of our more unpredictable journeys, where roads are limited, rivers rise and the itinerary changes. Wild camping, with limited washing facilities, Ger home stays and a few hotels may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you have a spirit of adventure and are prepared to go outside a limited comfort zone, this is an amazing trip. No wonder it is so popular.

ITINERARY

EXPAND ALL CLOSE ALL

Day 1 - Ulaanbaatar (10th June 2021)

Border information: If you are joining in Ulaanbaatar, you will most likely enter Mongolia at Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (IATA code: ULN).

There will be a group meeting today at 6:00pm - please look out for a note from your tour leader at the hotel reception with more information about this important meeting, but please do not be alarmed if the note is not there as this is often a travel day for the tour leader and they may arrive in the afternoon. If you arrive early, the rest of the day will be free to explore the Mongolian capital!

Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Ulaanbaatar before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Ulaanbaatar.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 2 - Ulaanbaatar (11th June 2021)

This morning we head out on a guided tour to see some of Ulaanbaatar's best and most treasured sights, including the Gandan Monastery and the National Museum.

This afternoon we will spend a few hours exploring the Black Market. This huge market contains every single item a Mongolian may need, so a trip here will certainly give visitors a fascinating insight into people's lives, whether they are nomads or urban apartment dwellers.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 3 - Ogii Lake (12th June 2021)

Today we drive out of the city and into the vast plains of Mongolia. We hope to arrive at Khar Bukh Balgas ruins in the early afternoon.

Khar Bukh Balgas was built during the Kitan period in about 1000CE, and was part of a chain of fortresses that were used to govern and control the northern region and borders of the Kitan state. Upon arrival at the site, we will explore the ruins and learn about the various kingdoms that dominated Mongolia during that era.

After our visit to the ruins we will drive to Ögii Lake where many nomadic families spend their summer. The lake is famed for it's great bird watching opportunities where it is not uncommon to spot at Swan Goose, White Spoonbill and Dalmatian Pelicans.

Please note that we cannot give any accurate drive time estimations for our Mongolia trip as the journey times are heavily dependent on the state of roads, which is in turn heavily dependent on the weather. The roads in Mongolia are mostly dirt tracks in very poor condition, which means that an even greater degree of flexibility is needed for this trip in all regards.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 4 - Kharkhorin (13th June 2021)

Today we have an early start as we head to Mongolia's earliest capital, Kharkhorin (otherwise known as Karakoram).

Our first stop on the way to Kharkhorin will be at the Kultigen Monument. This massive stone tomb was built in honour of a Turkic prince and warrior killed in a nearby battle. We then continue on a fairly short drive to Kharkhorin.

Kharkhorin was famed throughout Asia at the capital of the Mongol Empire. We will visit the ruins of the old city, the Erdene Zuu monastery, and other historical monuments in the area.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3

Day 5 - Orkhon Valley (14th June 2021)

Today we head south

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 6 - Orkhon Valley (15th June 2021)

Today we will continue our journey through the Orkhon Valley to the Tuvkhon Monastery, which we can embark on a two and a half hour trek to visit (the first hour will be uphill!). This monastery was established during the 1650s by Zanbazar, one of Mongolia's most respected religious leaders. The monastery's wooden buildings are integrated with a natural system of caves perched near a hilltop, from which you have beautiful views of the Orkhon Valley and the surrounding pine forests.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 7 - Tsenkher (16th June 2021)

Today our trip heads north, crossing the Khangai Nuruu Mountains through a series of passes until we reach an area that Mongolians call 'The Paradise of the Horse Herders' due to its lush grasses and open valleys.

We drive to the Tsenkher hot springs, where water flows out of the ground at 82°C, and where we can enjoy a relaxing soak.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 8 - Tsenkher (17th June 2021)

This morning we will take a short, easy walk to meet one of the many nomadic families that spend their summers in the region. The afternoon is free to explore the valley and surrounding hills either by foot or by horseback.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Day 9 - Tamir River (18th June 2021)

This morning we drive to Tsetserleg, the provincial capital, where we will make a short visit to the local market. If time permits, we will also visit the provincial museum.

We will then continue our journey north past the Tamir river, and will wild camp tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Day 10 - Khorgo Volcano (19th June 2021)

Today we continue noth past Taikhar Chuluu (a massive rock which is connected to local mythology) and the Chluulut Canyon to arrive at our ger camp near the Khorgo volcano.

In Chuulut Canyon we will stay at a nearby ger camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 11 - Khorgo Volcano (20th June 2021)

This morning we will take a hike to the top of the Khorgo Volcano and take in the incredible views over its perfect crater. From the top of the volcano we continue our hike though fields studded with pine trees, stopping off en route at the Yellow Dog Cave, an interesting volcanic phenomenon.

We will then return to the truck and continue our journey north. We will aim wild camp tonight in the remote plains north of Khorgo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2

Day 12 - Moron (21st June 2021)

Over the next few days we continue driving north on one of Mongolia's most beautiful routes, crossing high mountain passes, vast grasslands, and small creeks! We will pass by the beautiful alpine Lake Zuun en route.

We hope to arrive at Mörön, the provincial capital, the following afternoon. We will visit the local market, Danzadarjaa Monastery and the local museum. If we don't have time on this section of the trip, then we can visit the town after coming back from Khövsgöl Lake.

We will aim to wild camp near Zuun Lake and near the town of Mörön.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 13 - Moron (22nd June 2021)

We hope to arrive at Mörön, the provincial capital, this afternoon. We will visit the local market, Danzadarjaa Monastery and the local museum. If we don't have time on this section of the trip, then we can visit the town after coming back from Khövsgöl Lake.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 14 - Khovsgol Lake (23rd June 2021)

This morning we will drive out to an ancient burial site featuring Mongolia's mysterious deer stones, these are memorial stones representing important leaders and warriors, carved with deer motifs. After visiting the site, we continue our trip northward to one of the world's biggest fresh water sources, the stunning Khövsgöl Lake.

Khövsgöl Lake and its amazing surroundings are home to several of Mongolia's ethnic minorities as well as a refuge for a wide variety of wildlife. One of the most interesting ethnic groups living near the lake is the Tsaatan, also known as 'The Reindeer People'. A small tribe of Tsaatan consisting of about 40 families lives with its herds of reindeer in the forests around the lake. These graceful animals provide the tribe with all its basic needs - milk, meat and transportation. As there are very few Tsaatan left and this is a mobile population, we may meet them but there are no guarantees - however, the scenery of the area is well worth the exploration.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Day 15 - Khovsgol Lake (24th June 2021)

Today we will take a hike around the forests and meadows near the lake. Lying at about 1650m above sea level, surrounded by mountains rising above 3100m, the waters of Khovsgol are deep and spectacularly clear and pure. We will hike through thick pine forests carpeted with flowers and explore the setting of Mongolia's 'Blue Pearl'.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Day 16 - Moron (25th June 2021)

We will spend the next 3 days crossing central-northern Mongolia on our way back towards the capital of Ulaanbaatar. We will aim to wildcamp in the plains east Moron tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 17 - Selenge River (26th June 2021)

Today's drive offers diversified landscapes from vast, open steppes to beautiful sand dunes. At the end of a long drive day we will cam near the Selenge River

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 18 - Bulgan (27th June 2021)

After packing up camping this morning we will continue on our journey and aim to reach the town of Bulgan where we will find a wildcamp on the outskirts of the town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 19 - Amarbayasgalant Monastery (28th June 2021)

This morning we will try to visit the Amarbayasgalant Monastery. Built between 1727 and 1736 by the Manchu Emperor Enkh Amgalan, Amarbayasgalant is among the largest monasteries in Mongolia to have survived the purges of the 1930s. With about 60 monks living and studying here, the monastery functions today as one of Mongolia's central religious institutions, and consists of 29 different temples, all built in the classic Tibetan style.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3

Day 20 - Ulaanbaatar (29th June 2021)

Today we have a full day drive from northern Mongolia back to the city of Ulaanbaatar. This evening is free to relax and explore, and to have a well-earned final meal and drinks in one of the city's many restaurants!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3

Day 21 - Ulaanbaatar - End Date (30th June 2021)

Border information: If you are leaving in Ulaanbaatar, you will most likely exit Mongolia at Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (IATA code: ULN).

Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Ulaanbaatar. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.

DATES, PRICES & TRIP NOTES

Show only available departures

Departing

Finishing

Total Price (USD)

10 Jun 21 Ulaanbaatar

30 Jun 21 Ulaanbaatar

$3,235 USD

Status: Closed

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 21 days Booking Closed

18 Jun 21 Ulaanbaatar

08 Jul 21 Ulaanbaatar

$3,235 USD

Status: Closed

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 21 days Booking Closed

09 Jul 21 Ulaanbaatar

29 Jul 21 Ulaanbaatar

$3,235 USD

Status: Closed

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 21 days Booking Closed

17 May 22 Ulaanbaatar

06 Jun 22 Ulaanbaatar

$3,365 USD

Status: Closed

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 21 days Booking Closed

09 Jun 22 Ulaanbaatar

29 Jun 22 Ulaanbaatar

$3,365 USD

Status: Closed

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 21 days Booking Closed

17 Jun 22 Ulaanbaatar

07 Jul 22 Ulaanbaatar

$3,365 USD

Status: Closed

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 21 days Booking Closed

08 Jul 22 Ulaanbaatar

28 Jul 22 Ulaanbaatar

$3,365 USD

Status: Closed

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 21 days Booking Closed

REVIEWS

Lisa K

I was new to overlanding. I was so happy with the experience and the way Dragoman organizes trips. Really enjoyed the wild camping in the countryside and the new experiences!

Jacob B

I really enjoyed the camping in beautiful suroundings.

Melinda F

Loved the GER accommodations

Garry K

I enjoyed most things about the trip - it pretty lived up to what I wanted and expected to see throughtout.

Vivienne B

Excellent experience, great scenery, excellent group of fellow travellers

William W

The tour leaders were outstanding. Thoroughly professional and fun to be with. Mongolia presents barriers at every turn. Our tour leaders guided us with humour and flair. Close contact with Mongolian people. Especially enjoyed the meal prepared for us at the ger/camp.

Holly-Ann P

I loved the whole trip!! The team leaders were excellent! Couldn't have had a better pair! The group was awesome and so was Mongolia! Such a beautiful country. I really enjoyed it!

Marc R

I had the time of my life (you sure can fit that in the brochure, right? - it´s actually true)

Robert H

The trip leaders were excellent. They solved any problems that occurred with professional aplomb

Sheila B

Fantastic leaders, great truck, good range of ages of group - 18 to 78yrs! and a route which gave so many sites & sights - well worth long days so recommend no change of itinerary of Mongolia Loop.

Sacha W

Amazing as always. I enjoyed travelling with other people from all walks of life. I also enjoyed getting off the beaten track. Lake Khovsgol was a definite highlight but so was the rest of the trip.

Katja P

It was great! I really really liked it all: the truck, the guides, the tents!

Renate H

Super organized, very nice crew,

Karen K

I loved traveling with a bunch of different people to very remote places, camping in the wild and always having our truck Tallulah as a sort of "home" on the road.

Annalise B

Loved staying with the nomadic families.

Christopher R

Really enjoyed the wild camping, volcano hiking and the horse riding.

Dale N

Really enjoyed staying in Gers, the visit to ger with the family. the bush camping, the drives, the fellow travellers and the crew were great. !!

Anna Maria F

Perfectly organized and well equipped

Sally H

Liked getting into the nitty gritty of Mongolia, the wide open plains and my fellow travellers.

Adele C

Enjoyed the activities - horse riding, kayaking, bird watching, swimming

Michael R

Brilliant crew, local guides were fantastic, amazing countryside, time built in between long drive days, and the most amazing group of people to travel with.

Joseph D

The country, Mongolia was amazing. But in direct relation to Dragoman, I just enjoyed exploring places that couldn't be accessed by anyone which the truck allowed us to do. It was a good mix of drive days and longer stays in certain places (which you need after 3 days of driving!!)

Gerardus R

Travelling with the Dragoman truck in a landscape without roads, the ultimate feeling of freedom!

Theresa K

I absolutely loved how off the beaten track we were. Mongolia is a awesome and unspoilt place and I loved camping in the nature

Jodie B

Enjoyed the total package - great combination of outdoors, camping, visiting the local tourist sites and getting a sound of understanding of the amazing Mongolian way of life.

Peter S

Enjoyed being in remote locations with fabulous scenery and meeting REAL indigenous peoples.

Leon S

The trip was similar and different from other overland trips I've had. The local guide came in handy and knowledgeable but also ends up taking away the chance to mix with locals, as they ended up doing all the conversing. The structure and travel experience was great and excellent vehicle and on board facilities and equipment

Dirk v

Guides were very helpful and enthousiastic, great guides through Mongolia.

Ramona Z

Great guys, always happy, always helpful and lots of fun!

Ray H

I was always comfortable in Zara (even in tough terrain) and even with a large group we had plenty of space. I slept well every night and I ate like a king!

LUKE H

Overall we had a brilliant time. The 2 trip leaders (Zoe and Jan) were strong leaders but still very relaxed, which was perfect. We particularly liked the positive approach to environmental issues (plastic bottles, toilet procedure etc.)

Katharine D

Zoe was perfect combo of professionalism, adaptability, good leadership and a great sense of humor, fun

John H

The crew Zoe and Jan were brilliant, nothing was to much bother for them, they really did make the trip enjoyable.

Marta Lucia D

Zoe and Jan were amazing. They were always kind, upbeat and amazing drivers and mechanics. I have hired many people throughout my career and you can not find better people than Zoe and Jan. They are truly excellent.

Urvashi P

Both guides in Mongolia and China were excellent.

Anoopwattie D

Tsogi and Claire were excellent guides.

Vasudha M

Zoe was helpful and a friendly personality. One felt comfortable asking a question. Multi-talented lady! Hands-on repair when the truck needed and played a musical instrument with great keenness.

Niklaus M

Great team.

Karin F

Roof seats are great fun!

Jakob A

A delightful experience, which I like to do again with Dragoman!

Thomas D

Excellent leader.

RONALD E S

Very helpful, and very informative guide.

Heather T

Zoe and Jan were wonderful. There constant enthusiasm and support was greatly appreciated! I think it must be very difficult to be in charge of 22 tourists and I think that they did a wonderful job.

Fiona J

We had everything we needed and more. Everything was in good condition and easy to find/use.

Stuart M

Great trip, balancing enough time to enjoy each place with seeing the major sites. Enjoyed getting off the beaten track and seeing the real Mongolia. My travel companions were awesome. We were a complete mix of ages but it worked well. Fantastic memories!

Daniele K

Wonderful tour leaders, super itinerary, one of the greatest trips ever.

Sarah S

Fantastic trip - professionally run, well organised, trip notes comprehensive and gave realistic expectations of trip. Amazing way for us to spend our honeymoon!

Matthew R

Genuinely enjoyed everything about the trip. Truck was great. It seems the years of dragoman experience in overlanding have been used thoughtfully.

Janet I

Believe it or not, the highlight of the trip was getting bogged for 20 hours in an open field. We all worked together as a team to try and get out but when we realised we needed local help, we made the most of the delay and had a great time!

Jacqueline D

Well organised, stunning scenery, great team

James W

Loved the items not on the itinerary. Traditional cooking with a farmer. Crashing a wedding. Locals stopping by the campfire and singing.

Silke W

I was a bit nervous about the bush camping but I loved it. Just being able to camp somewhere in the middle of nowhere is amazing.

Katherine F

I loved traveling on the truck, riding on the roof seats, and getting to camp in such a beautiful country!

Contact Us

Nomads & Wilds of Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar - Ulaanbaatar

USEFUL INFORMATION