From the Khangai Mountains to the Gobi

This overland journey displays Mongolia’s unexpectedly wide variety of landscapes, from vast sand dunes to snowy peaks, from forested enclaves to the oceanic steppe. We begin with some sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar, then head a little way west to Khustain Nuruu National Park to see the world’s only truly wild horses, the stocky and handsome takhi, or Przewalski horses. Then to the old capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum, once the most important place on the planet, and the nearby Buddhist monastery of Erdene Zuu, evidence of a country enjoying a cultural and religious renaissance.

Now farther west to the heart of the Khangai Mountains for a moderate, yak-supported, four-day trek through beautiful valleys that see very few visitors. This region is gorgeous, even by Mongolia’s consistently gorgeous standards: forests draped on wavy hills, snowy peaks, exuberant streams, and turquoise highland lakes. And wildlife: argali sheep, ibex, red deer, marmots, wild boars, brown bears, and wolves are common. We turn south to Mount Ikh Bayan, whose rock paintings date from 3000 BCE, and on to the wonders of the Gobi and the Gurvan Saikhan National Park, including the ancient rock engravings at Bayangiin Nuruu, the massive sand dunes at Khongoriin Els, and the flaming red cliffs at Bayanzag, then, at trip’s end, a sojourn into the Yol Valley for some hiking and contemplating condor-like lammergeyers elegantly wafting on towering thermals.

Mongolian Odyssey’s mastermind, Michael Steigerwald, points out that one of this trip’s highlights is a visit and overnight stay with a nomadic family on Day 12, “a fascinating cultural experience with these charming and alert folks, who will introduce us to their still vibrant culture and time-tested nomadic technologies.”

Please note that Mongolia and Siberia can serve as a superb extension to this trip. We'd be more than happy to elaborate if you're interested.

Day 1: arrive in Ulaanbaatar • Day 2: Ulaanbaatar sightseeing • Day 3: drive to Khustain Nuruu to see Przewalski horses • Day 4: drive to Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery • Day 5: Orkhon Waterfall and Khangai Mountains • Days 6–9: hiking (or horsebacking) in Khangai Nuruu National Park • Day 10: end trek, drive to Bayankhongor Aimag, stay with nomad family • Day 11: drive to Bayangobi • Day 12: day excursion to Tsagaan Agui (White Cave) • Day 13: visit Mount Ikh Bayan to see ancient rock engravings, drive to Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park • Day 14: explore Khongoriin Els (Singing Sand Dunes) on camelback • Day 15: drive to Three Camel Lodge, visit Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) • Day 16: excursion to Yol Valley • Day 17: fly to Ulaanbaatar • Day 18: depart Ulaanbaatar.

• Currency Information
• General Description
• Health Precautions
• Reading List
• Travel Conditions
• Visa Information
• Weather Information

• More Mongolia & Tuva Trips
• More Touring Trips