GOBI AND NORTHERN MONGOLIA

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14 Days 13 Nights
10/08/2024
Gobi & Northern Mongolia
9 People

Gobi: Unveiling the Desert’s Mystique

The Gobi Desert, spanning southern Mongolia and northern China, is a captivating landscape of vast sand dunes, rocky canyons, and unique flora. Home to the elusive Bactrian camels and ancient dinosaur fossils, the Gobi offers a surreal blend of desolation and natural wonders. Delve into the heart of Mongolia’s southern expanse for an adventure marked by endless horizons and tales of the Silk Road.

Northern Mongolia: A Tapestry of Wilderness

In the north, Mongolia reveals a different facet of its beauty. Lush landscapes, pristine lakes, and the majestic Khangai Mountain Range characterize this region. Explore the Khuvsgul Lake, known as the “Dark Blue Pearl,” and traverse through the Khangai’s coniferous forests. Northern Mongolia is a haven for nomadic culture, wildlife, and a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility amidst breathtaking scenery.

What’s included:

Accommodation: Ger camps and tented camps
Guiding: Expert interpretation and navigation
Meals: Full board with local and international cuisine
Transport: 4×4 vehicles or minivans
Entrance Fees: To protected areas and national parks
Horse Guide and Horses: For an authentic horse trekking experience
Camping Equipment: Provided for a comfortable outdoor stay

What’s not included:

International Airfare: Arrange separately
Personal Equipment: Bring your own gear
Optional Activities: Additional costs outlined
Excess Baggage Charges: Check airline policies
Single Room Supplement: Available for an extra fee
Alcoholic Drinks: Not included
Travel insurance

Day1: Tsagaan Suvarga Cliff – A Kaleidoscope of Earth

Start your epic 4×4 adventure with a pickup from your spot, headed straight to the mesmerizing Tsagaan Suvarga Cliff (470 miles – 6 hours on paved road). This sheer slope, an ancient seabed with sedimentary wonders, boasts colors representing epochs past. Rising over 50 m at its highest point, the cliff spans 400 m, resembling a ghost city from a distance. Take a break here on our way to the South Gobi desert, with the option to hike and explore the area. Overnight in this unique landscape.

Day2: Yol Valley – Nature’s Spectacle

After a hearty breakfast, the adventure continues to Yol Valley (200 miles – 3 hours on paved road), where nature paints its canvas. Yol, meaning bearded vulture in Mongolian, unfolds in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountain range, offering a shaded passage and the charm of year-round ice. Dive into an hour-long hike and explore a natural museum. Overnight in this picturesque valley.

Day3: Khongor Sand Dune – Desert Delight

Prepare for the journey to Khongor Sand Dune (180 miles – 4 hours off-road), the colossal masterpiece of the Gobi Desert. Stretching 5 to 10 km in width and nearly 100 km in length, this sprawling landscape boasts sand crests rising 80 to 300m. Immerse yourself in camel rides, exploring massive sand dunes, and witnessing the oasis near Khongor River. Overnight in the heart of the Gobi.

Day4: Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs – Dinosaur Wonderland

As the sun rises, venture to Bayanzag (150 miles – 4 hours off-road), also known as the Flaming Cliffs, where American zoologist Roy Chapman Andrews discovered dinosaur treasures. Walk amidst the red cliffs that reveal the ancient secrets of Protoceratops and dinosaur eggs. Marvel at the fiery hues as the sun sets. Overnight at this archaeological wonder.

Day5: Ongi Monastery Ruin – Traces of Time

Embark on a historical journey to Ongi Monastery, once a thriving complex with over 30 temples and 1000 monks (135 miles). Destroyed during the 1937 purges, witness the raw violence at the site and hike to the ruins. Visit a local ger museum, displaying objects that survived the destruction, and a small active Buddhist temple. Overnight near the Ongi River.

Day6: Nomadic Family & Karakorum – Echoes of History

Connect with nomadic life as we visit a local family in Central Mongolia. Engage in daily nomadic activities, from milking cows to preparing dried dung. After lunch, venture to Karakorum (27 miles), once the capital of the Great Mongolian State. Explore the remnants of Erdene Zuu Monastery and Karakorum Museum, taking a step back in time. Overnight in this historically rich town.

Day7: Tuvkhun Monastery & Orkhon Waterfall – Nature’s Harmony

Embark on a scenic drive to Tuvkhun Monastery (40 miles), perched atop the Shiveet Mountain. Hike through the larch forest and explore the meditation caves and sacred sites. After lunch, discover the majestic Orkhon Waterfall (34 miles), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ride horses and witness the grandeur of the waterfall at dusk. Overnight in the heart of nature.

Day8: Tsenkher Hot Spring – Relax and Rejuvenate

Drive to Tsenkher Hot Spring (59 miles), a haven for relaxation. Enjoy the therapeutic hot springs and hike to the scenic Shiveet Mountain or Tsenkher Valley. Immerse yourself in the soothing waters and unwind in the natural surroundings. Overnight in a tourist ger camp.

Day9: Khorgo-Terkh National Park – Volcanic Wonders

Embark on a scenic drive to Khorgo-Terkh National Park (132 miles), passing the picturesque Chuluut River Canyon. Witness the beauty of Khorgo Extinct Volcano and Terkh White Lake, an enchanting setting shaped by volcanic activities. Climb to the volcano’s peak and explore the circuit valleys. Overnight in this captivating national park.

Day10: Shine Ider Sub-province – Mountain Majesty

Journey to Shine Ider sub-province (106 miles), passing through the Instagram-worthy Orookh Mountain Pass. Revel in the stunning mountain landscapes and savor the tranquility of the region. Overnight in a tourist ger camp.

Day11: Uushig Deer Stones & Khuvsgul Lake – Ancient Artistry

Explore the Uushig Deer Stones (68 miles), a treasure trove of ancient Huns period artifacts. Witness the Bronze Age art and symbolism represented in these mesmerizing stones. Drive to Khuvsgul Lake National Park (82 miles) and enjoy a leisurely hike along the lake’s shore. Marvel at the pristine beauty of one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes.

Day12: Khuvsgul Lake National Park – Full Day Horse Trek

Embark on a full day of horse trekking through the untamed wilderness around Khuvsgul Lake. Immerse yourself in the panoramic scenery and experience the nomadic way of life. Encounter the Tuvan reindeer herders, a unique culture that migrated to Mongolia. Overnight in this captivating lakeside setting.

Day13: Uran Extinct Crater – Natural Masterpiece

Drive to Uran Extinct Crater (254 miles), a geological marvel named for its artistic ridge. Hike to the crater’s top and witness the breathtaking views of this circle-shaped ridge with a crater lake. Overnight near this natural masterpiece.

Day14: Back to Ulaanbaatar – Journey’s End

As our adventure concludes, we head back to Ulaanbaatar (349 miles) on the paved road. Relish the memories of diverse landscapes, ancient history, and the warm hospitality of Mongolia.

(5 Review)

Anna E
Horse trekking

Helpful

Great trip with great company

Traveling through Mongolia’s mountains on horseback was an incredible experience. Very grounding and kind of therapeutic for me. Bataa always made an effort to satisfy everyone’s wishes and helped us understand his county’s traditions. I felt very well taken care of and welcomed by his kindness and humor. I can only recommend traveling with Bataa, he was one of the reasons why that trip was so special.
Kathi Schnatti
Horse trekking

05/08/2023 Helpful

THE ROUTE IS THE GOAL – LEGENDARY

If you were always dreaming of an amazing, unforgettable, very special and very intense journey – Bataa from Taiga Nomadic Travel is your man to help you out!!
Why? Because he is responsible for a super well organized trip with:
x landscapes that let you feel being directly in the scenario of “lord of the rings”
x top powerful and brave horses, that will steal your heart forever
x super friendly, generous and diligent team members of horse-men and eagle-hunters, who are making you feel like a champion on the horse and survive every challenge on the way
x excellent talented cooks, letting you discover the varied culinary of Mongolian food
x a loooot of fun and laughing, after you probably could have belly soreness
x huge adventures, which you will tell your grandchildren for sure

And probably many many many things more!
I am so thankful for every second during this time and so happy about experienced this with this people!
Stephanie D
Horse trekking

18/10/2023 Helpful

Bataa is an amazing Guide. You feel safe at every time. He takes care of his clients and make them always feel very comfortable. I can recommend him without exception. When you’re looking for a great time in Mongolia, Bataa should be your Guide. Thanks for everything! See you next year.
Meli
Short tour

20/10/2023 Helpful

Welcome to Mongolia !

It was a dream for me to discover Mongolia on horseback. The experience was even more incredible than I had hoped, and one thing’s for sure, Bataa had a lot to do with it. Thanks to him, we got to know the traditions and people of Mongolia. He was available 24 hours a day to help us communicate with our guides and helped us, explaining what we should and shouldn’t do. He was there for the laughing, the good times but also when we were having a hard time. Perfect guy-de😃 ! I’ll definetely do my next trip with him again !
Alessandro C
Horse trekking

28/11/2023 Helpful

That was the most exciting experience of my life. Our guide Bata was always very helpful and helped us with every problem imaginable.
I will never forget this trip.
Thank you for everything.
Leonie M
Events & Festivals

19/10/2023 Helpful

Where should I start – I had an an indescribable and amazing experience from the beginning until the end and further.

I was on a very well-organized nine-day riding tour with a small group of people. Bataa from Taiga Nomadic Travel accompanied our group and did incredible work to provide us with unforgettable experiences (for example feeding eagles, eating traditional Mongolian food, galloping bareback through the Mongolian steppe and heading camels).
Always helpful and friendly, he enabled communication with the Mongolian horsemen, took us to Gers and introduced us to nomadic families and their way of living. Further, he spontaneously organized an additional three-day stay with a family of Kazakh Eagle Hunters – another once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Bataa was always available, helping with several issues and did his very best to fulfill all desires. My expectations were more than satisfied and for certain it wasn’t my last tour with Taiga Nomadic Travel.