The Silk Road & Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar - Xi'an

41 days through Mongolia, China

FROM: $5585 USD

Transport:

Overland Expedition Vehicle, Metro, Taxi

Crew:

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

Accom:

Comfortable Hotel 8 nights
Yurt Camp 9 nights
Camping without facilities 9 nights
Basic Hotel 11 nights
Guesthouse 3 nights

Meals:

Breakfasts x 31, Lunches x 10, Dinners x 17

Physical:

Lifestyle:

Code:

EXU

Deposit:

$290 USD per person

Foreign Travel Advice

TRIP OVERVIEW

This 41 day overland tour journeys from Ulaanbaatar to Xi'an through Mongolia, China

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

ITINERARY

EXPAND ALL CLOSE ALL

Day 1 - Ulaanbaatar (18th 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 (19th 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 (20th 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 (21st 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 (22nd 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 (23rd 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 (24th 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 (25th 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 (26th 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 (27th 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 (28th 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 (29th 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 (30th 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 (1st July 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 (2nd July 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 (3rd July 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 (4th July 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 (5th July 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 (6th July 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 (7th July 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 - Sainshand (8th July 2021)

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

There will be a short 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Day 22 - Erlian (9th July 2021)

Today we will leave the Mongolian capital behind us as we begin our overland journey south towards China. We may have the opportunity to visit the Dechinchoinkhorlin Monastery in Sainshand en route (please note this is not always open for visitors).

We aim to wild camp near the town of Sainshand tonight.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2

Day 23 - Erlian (10th July 2021)

Border information: Exit Mongolia at Zamyn-Uud, enter China at Erlian.

Today we will drive to the border town of Zamyn-Uud and cross the border into China! Please be aware that the border procedures can take around 5 hours to complete. Once we have crossed into China we will most likely stay in a local hotel in Erlian (the town on the Chinese side of the border), or wild camp out of town.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 24 - Beijing (11th July 2021)

Today we have an early start and will have a long drive to China's capital, Beijing.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12

Day 25 - Beijing (12th July 2021)

Border Information: if joining in Beijing, you will most likely enter China at Beijing Capital International Airport (IATA code: PEK).

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. The rest of the day will be free to explore the incredible city of Beijing!

Please note that many of the optional activities will only be possible for those with extra time in Beijing 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 Beijing.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 26 - Beijing (13th July 2021)

Today we will head out on the Beijing metro to the city centre's famous Tiananmen Square, which we will walk through and then take a tour of the Forbidden City. We will then have a free afternoon to further explore the many sights, sounds and flavours of Beijing.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 27 - Chengde (14th July 2021)

This morning we will start our journey with a drive to the city of Chengde.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Day 28 - Chengde (15th July 2021)

Today we will have a full day to explore the Puning Temple and the famous Imperial Summer Resort.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 29 - Jinshanling (16th July 2021)

This morning we will have a short drive to one of the world's most incredible sights - the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall of China! We will have time this afternoon to thoroughly explore and walk along the Great Wall.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3

Day 30 - Datong (17th July 2021)

Today we will drive to the city of Datong in China's Shanxi province.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 31 - Datong (18th July 2021)

On the following day we will head out of Datong in the truck on an included visit to the awe-inspiring Yungang Buddha Caves.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 32 - Wutai Shan (19th July 2021)

This morning we continue to the stunning mountainous area known as Wutai Shan, one of the holiest sites of Chinese Buddhism and a major centre of pilgrimage in the country. We will have an included visit to the incredible Hanging Monastery en route.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 33 - Wutai Shan (20th July 2021)

Today we will have a full day to explore the area and visit its incredible array of temples and religious sites.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 34 - Pingyao (21st July 2021)

Today we will drive to China's best-preserved ancient walled town, Pingyao.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 35 - Pingyao (22nd July 2021)

We will stay for 2 nights in Pingyao, giving us plenty of time to explore this ancient town and surrounding sites such as the Mian Shan Mountain Resort and the Zhangbi Underground City.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 36 - Pingyao (23rd July 2021)

Today we will have another free day to explore Pingyao and its surroundings.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 37 - Lijiashan (24th July 2021)

Today we continue our journey to visit the ancient village of Lijiashan, famed for settlement of cave dwellers and still home to more than 600 families. We will stop en route for an included visit to the Black Dragon Temple just outside of Lijiashan.

In Lijiashan we will stay in a cave room, run by a local family and set up for guests.

Please note that some caves include a traditional 'Kang Stove bed'. The Kang bed is a hollow platform made from bricks that is used both as a bed and as a work area, these are common in remote villages in Northern China. In winter a coal fire can be lit under the bed, providing a huge amount of warmth day and night and it is very common for the whole family to sleep on one large bed. This means there may be times that members of the group may have to share 1 large bed with others in the group.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 38 - Yan'an (25th July 2021)

Today we make our way to the city of Yan'an.

Yan'an is famous for being the ending point for those on the 'Long March', and became the CCP headquarters for a brief period. During our time here we have an included visit to the Revolutionary Museum and the CCP Headquarters site.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 39 - Xi'an (26th July 2021)

Today we will drive to the amazing city of Xi'an, the ancient capital of Shaanxi province and the end of the 'Silk Road'! On arrival we will have a free afternoon to explore the city of Xi'an, it's famous walls, bell and drum towers, pagodas and Muslim Quarter.

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Day 40 - Xi'an (27th July 2021)

This morning we head out of Xi'an on the truck to the site of the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, where we have an included visit and a guided tour. We will return to Xi'an for a free afternoon to further explore this diverse city.

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 41 - Xi'an (28th July 2021)

Border Information: if leaving in Xi'an, you will most likely exit China at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (IATA code: XIY).

Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Xi'an. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Sales Team 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.

DATES, PRICES & TRIP NOTES

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Total Price (USD)

18 Jun 21 Ulaanbaatar

28 Jul 21 Xi'an

$5,585 USD
Was: $6,205 USD
Save: $620 USD

Status: Open

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Duration: 41 days Add to basket

09 Jul 21 Ulaanbaatar

18 Aug 21 Xi'an

$5,585 USD
Was: $6,205 USD
Save: $620 USD

Status: Open

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Duration: 41 days Add to basket

27 Apr 22 Xi'an

06 Jun 22 Ulaanbaatar

$5,823 USD
Was: $6,470 USD
Save: $647 USD

Status: Open

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Duration: 41 days Add to basket

17 Jun 22 Ulaanbaatar

27 Jul 22 Xi'an

$5,810 USD
Was: $6,455 USD
Save: $645 USD

Status: Open

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Duration: 41 days Add to basket

08 Jul 22 Ulaanbaatar

17 Aug 22 Xi'an

$5,810 USD
Was: $6,455 USD
Save: $645 USD

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

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Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 41 days Add to basket

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The Silk Road & Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar - Xi'an

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