
Dates: August 3rd – August 13th, 2026
Ulaanbaatar – Gobi Desert – Bayanzag – & Lots More
Step into a world where ancient traditions still thrive. Mongolia is home to one of the last remaining nomadic cultures on Earth. With just three million people spread across a land the size of Western Europe, half still live in portable felt tents called gers, moving with their herds through the seasons—just as their ancestors did centuries ago.
This adventure takes you through Mongolia’s most iconic destinations, including the awe-inspiring Gobi Desert. Marvel at dramatic sand dunes, endless steppes, icy gorges, rocky mountains, red cliffs, and unforgettable sunrises and sunsets!
– $2850 per person & the first 8 spots that are booked save $100 –
- 11 Days/ 10 Nights
- 8-19 Guests
- Double occupancy in 4 Star Hotels & Yurts*
- Almost all Meals Included during tour (10 Breakfast, 9 Lunch, 10 Dinners)
- Fly in & out of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (UBN)
- Full payment isn’t due until 60 days prior to the trip. (All Pricing is in USD)
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Only a 25% Deposit is due to book your spot on this trip!
Note: We still accept Venmo as payment option with the new booking system. If you prefer to use Venmo to pay for your trip just use promocode VENMO at checkout – you’ll receive instructions with the Venmo details after checking out!
Have questions? Check the FAQ – still have questions? Message or email Rachel! @RachelLikesTraveling on IG or email [email protected]
*Whats a Yurt you might ask? Check the FAQS under the travel style FAQ
Overview
From the Gobi Desert to staying in traditional Yurts – this trip is an adventure for those wanting to go off the grid to explore areas of the world that most travelers dont see! We will start in the capital then head out to the Gobi desert and visit tUNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, rich with ancient ruins and archaeological wonders dating back to the 6th century, and Karakorum, the historic capital of the Mongol Empire.
In the final days of the tour, unwind in stunning national parks like Hustai, home of the wild Przewalski’s horse. Throughout the trip, enjoy immersive experiences like hiking, horseback and camel riding, climbing dunes, and scenic drives through untouched wilderness. It’s the perfect way to reconnect with nature—and with a way of life that’s truly one of a kind.Check out the FAQ’s to make sure this trip is right for you!
Itinerary
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Welcome to Mongolia, get ready for an amazing 11 day Adventure!
Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by one our drivers in the arrival’s hall at the international airport and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, free at leisure and have a good rest to recover from the jet lag.
We will meet up as a group to have dinner at a local restaurant tonight to cheers to a fun trip ahead!
Included: Welcome Dinner, Airport Transportation to Hotel
Overnight In Hotel
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your guide and drivers will pick you up to begin your unforgettable journey to the Gobi Desert—one of Mongolia’s most iconic and breathtaking regions, known for its rare wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
Afterwards we’ll head to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a stunning area of granite rock formations rising out of the steppe. Upon arrival at the tourist camp, we’ll settle in and enjoy a delicious lunch, followed by some time to rest.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the surrounding area, which is home to a variety of wildlife including gazelles, ibex, vultures, hawks, and majestic eagles. The scenery here is perfect for photography and quiet walks in nature.
After dinner, if the sky is clear, step outside to experience Mongolia’s famously dark night skies. You’ll have the chance to stargaze under a dazzling canopy of stars—spotting constellations, the Milky Way, and even shooting stars.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, All Tickets & Fees for listed activities & sites, 4×4 Vehicle Transportation

Overnight in Yurt
Travel Time: Approximately 5 hours with many stops along the way
Today brings a refreshing change of scenery as you hop into your private vehicle and set off for the stunning Tsagaan Suvarga. As we drive through the vast, open steppes of the Middle Gobi province, keep an eye out for the wildlife that roams freely across this dramatic landscape.
We’ll take some time to wander through quiet alleyways in small local towns, offering a chance to glimpse everyday life in this remote part of Mongolia. It’s a peaceful, grounding experience that connects you to the rhythm of the land.
By midday, we’ll arrive at second camp, set right beside the towering cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga. After check-in, enjoy a well-deserved lunch with views of this breathtaking natural wonder.
Tsagaan Suvarga, known as the “White Stupa,” is a massive escarpment rising 200 meters high and stretching over 400 meters. Once part of an ancient seabed, its weathered layers hold traces of marine fossils and clam shells. Over millions of years, the wind has sculpted this surreal, colorful landscape. Its the perfect place for us to take an afternoon hike with lots of photos along the way.
In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner under the wide Gobi sky and spend the night in the peaceful setting of the camp, surrounded by nature’s quiet beauty. Hopefully another wonderful night of star watching!
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight in Yurt
Travel Time: Approximately 5 hours with many stops along the way
After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Yolyn Am—also known as Yol Valley or Vulture Valley—nestled within the breathtaking “Three Beauties of the Gobi” mountain range, a national park rich in natural beauty and wildlife.
This lush, green valley is a true oasis in the middle of the desert, surrounded by towering cliffs and carpeted with wildflowers and native Gobi plants. It’s one of the Gobi Desert’s most beloved gems, and you’ll soon see why.
We’ll set off on a walk through the valley once we arrive. Our walk through the valley is full of adventure and charm. The trail takes about an hour each way, winding through rocky terrain and crossing over a small stream—yes, you might even get to hop across a few stones! If you’d prefer something less strenuous, you’re welcome to stroll partway in and turn back, or opt for a gentle horseback ride through the valley instead.
As you wander through the towering cliffs, keep your eyes peeled—if you’re lucky, you might spot wild sheep or nimble mountain goats grazing high above.
This valley is not just a walk—it’s an experience of contrasts, colors, and quiet beauty you won’t forget.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight in Yurt
Travel Time: Approximately 3.5 hours
Get ready for an unforgettable journey deep into the wild heart of the Gobi. Today, we travel to one of the desert’s most awe-inspiring landscapes: the majestic Khongor Sand Dunes. Stretching over 180 kilometers, with peaks reaching up to 300 meters, these golden dunes—known as Duut Mankhan, or the Singing Dunes—are a true natural wonder.
Upon arrival, we’ll settle into a cozy Ger camp nestled near the base of the dunes. After a refreshing lunch, you’ll have time to rest and recharge during the warmest part of the day—perfect for journaling, reading, or simply soaking in the silence of the desert.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll visit a local camel herder family and get a rare glimpse into Mongolia’s enduring nomadic way of life. These women and men have thrived in the harsh beauty of the Gobi for generations. You’ll be welcomed into their nomadic Ger (similar to our Yurts) and experience their hospitality firsthand.
Then, it’s time to saddle up and explore the sands from the back of a two-humped Bactrian camel—an incredibly gentle and patient creature found almost nowhere else on Earth.
As the day softens into golden light, we’ll visit the lush oasis of Seruun Bulag near the Khongor River, a stunning contrast to the arid dunes. Then we’ll make our way to the highest point of the dunes. If the wind is right, you might hear the haunting hum that gives the Singing Dunes their name—like the distant echo of a plane engine across the sand.
Climbing to the top is a challenge, but the reward is incredible: a sweeping, panoramic view of the Gobi Desert bathed in sunset hues. It’s the kind of moment that makes you feel completely alive.
We’ll return to camp for a hearty dinner and a restful night under the stars, surrounded by the quiet magic of the desert.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, All Tickets & Fees for listed activities & sites, Camel Riding
Overnight in Yurt

Drive Time: Approximately 4-4.5 hours
After a fresh start to your morning, we’ll set off for one of the Gobi’s most legendary sites—Bayanzag, famously known as the Flaming Cliffs. This otherworldly landscape is not only visually stunning, but also one of the most important dinosaur fossil sites on Earth.
As we approach, you’ll see exactly how this place got its name: the towering red cliffs seem to glow like fire under the sun, rising dramatically from the desert floor. Sculpted over millions of years by wind and water, these fiery formations are as beautiful as they are ancient.
Bayanzag is where famed explorer Roy Chapman Andrews and his American expedition made a groundbreaking discovery in 1923—the first dinosaur egg nests ever found. That moment changed what the world knew about prehistoric life, proving that dinosaurs laid eggs.
We’ll spend time exploring this historic and mysterious terrain, walking among the striking red hillocks and wandering through groves of hardy saxaul trees, unique to the Gobi. Keep your eyes open—visitors still occasionally stumble upon fragments of fossilized bones or eggs resting quietly in the sand.
This is more than a sightseeing stop—it’s a chance to walk in the footsteps of explorers and paleontologists, and to stand in awe of nature’s ancient power.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, All Tickets & Fees for listed activities & sites, 4×4 Vehicle Transportation

Drive Time: Approximately 4 hours
Overnight in Yurt
This morning, we’ll head south across the wide-open steppe, where mirages dance on the horizon, toward the peaceful Ongi River Valley. Tucked between the Gobi Desert and central mountains, this quiet spot offers a welcome break in our journey.
Here, we’ll explore the ruins of Ongiin Khiid, a once-thriving monastery founded in 1660. Once home to dozens of temples and Buddhist universities, most of it was destroyed in the 1930s. Today, a restored temple and small museum share the story of its spiritual legacy.
After lunch at a nearby Ger camp, we’ll continue north toward the Orkhon Valley, stopping for the night in Arvaikheer—a calm provincial town surrounded by gentle hills and quiet countryside.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, 4×4 Transportation, All Entrance Fees
Overnight in Yurt
After magical days in the Gobi, we’ll journey north into Mongolia’s mountain ranges to reach Kharkhorin—a quiet village with a powerful past. Once known as Karakorum, this was the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, founded by Genghis Khan in 1220, and a key stop along the legendary Silk Road.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Kharkhorin Museum, where you’ll dive into the rich history of the city and the legacy of Genghis Khan. Then, we’ll explore the breathtaking Erdene Zuu Monastery, the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, built in the 16th century and surrounded by 108 white stupas. If the timing is right, you might even hear monks chanting ancient Buddhist sutras—a truly soul-stirring experience.
Overnight in Yurts
Drive Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, 4×4 Transportation, All Entrance Fees
After a delicious breakfast, we’ll head toward Hustai National Park, home of the rare and beautiful Przewalski’s horse (Takhi)—the last truly wild horse on Earth. The park’s sweeping mix of mountains and steppe makes it a stunning place to explore.
We’ll arrive around lunchtime and check in at our camp. Later in the afternoon, we’ll rest and recharge before heading out in the early evening—the perfect time to spot wild horses and marmots as they come down from the hills to drink from the stream. We’ll take a short drive and enjoy a peaceful hike to observe the Takhi in their natural habitat, surrounded by golden light and wide-open skies.
This is a rare chance to witness a true wildlife success story—and walk among one of the planet’s most iconic and resilient species.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, 4×4 Transportation, All Entrance Fees
Overnight in Yurt
Drive Time: Approximately 3-4 hours
Today, your guide will lead you on a cultural journey through Mongolia’s vibrant capital, Ulaanbaatar. We’ll begin with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the largest active Buddhist monastery in the country. Its centerpiece is the breathtaking 26-meter gilded statue of Megjid Janraisig—a powerful symbol of peace and compassion.
Next, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Sukhbaatar Square, the heart of the city. Surrounded by key landmarks—including the Government Palace and National Theater—it’s home to statues of national hero Sukhbaatar and the legendary Genghis Khan, flanked by his loyal generals.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the National Museum of Mongolian History, which brings Mongolia’s rich past to life—from prehistoric times to the rise of the Mongol Empire and beyond.
As the day winds down, get ready for one of the trip’s most unforgettable experiences: a traditional cultural performance featuring throat singing (Khöömii), graceful dance, colorful costumes, and awe-inspiring contortionists.
After the show, we’ll enjoy dinner together before returning to the hotel.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Hotel
Good Bye to Mongolia, Until next time! Today we’ll have our last breakfast then head to the Airport and catch our flight home.
Included: Airport Transfer, Breakfast

Inclusions
Everything Included
- English-speaking guide
- 10 nights’ accommodation based on twin/double (Hotel 4*) and twin share (Yurts)
- All meals as listed: Breakfast – 10, Lunch – 9, Dinner – 9,
- All Transfers/Transport with comfortable vehicles
- All entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
- Cultural Show featuring traditional performances
- Camel riding in the Gobi Desert
- Complementary drinking water during the entire trip
- All service charge, local and Gov’t tax
- Visa invitation letter, if required
Exclusions
- International Flights
- Visas
- Food & Drinks not listed on the itinerary
- Tips while on trip for tour guide & drivers
- Transportation not listed on the itinerary
- Any activities not listed on the itinerary
FAQs - READ ME
Travel Insurance is required for this trip. You can get a quote on aardy.com – our favorite is Travel Guard by AIG.
Yep! You can pick your roommate, so sign up with a friend if you'd like! You can room with your sister, your bestie, your wife, whoever you want!
We also do a full roommate survey before each trip for the majority of people that come solo!
This isnt a luxury trip! This trip is for the TRUE adventurer, someone with a fun travel spirit thats okay with a bit of sand in the desert, doesn't complain when things dont go perfectly and down to see a country outside the 'norm' when it comes to traveling.
We will be staying in a 4 star hotel at the beginning and end of the trip but the other nights will be in traditional Yurts (also known as Ger's). Think of it like a camping trip but without tents, each Yurt is at an established tourist camp. We will travel by comfortable SUV's between point that can handle the terrain. There will be lots of space for everyone to spread out though, we aren't cramping 3 people in the backseat of the SUV's. We will be off grid for the majority of the time. WiFi & Air Conditioning in the Yurts won't be apart of this trip but the weather will be nice enough to sleep each night as the temperatures during this time period are perfect for a visit. The camps WILL have bathrooms and showers for us to use.
Currently Americans (and many other countries such as Europeans & Canadians) can enter Mongolia visa free for 30 days so for our 11 day trip we dont need to apply for a Visa prior to the trip. Obviously Visa requirements can change but if they do we will be sure to let you know!
Rachel (owner & founder of Adventuring for Life) is hosting this trip! There will be a local tour guide company with us the entire time that we meet up with at 8am on Day 2 of the trip.

