Tour Code: V1M • Nomadic Explorer
From Desert Winds to Endless Grasslands:
12-Day Mixed Mongolia Tour
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About This Journey
Explore Mongolia’s stunning landscapes from the Gobi Desert to Central Mongolia. Discover sand dunes, canyons, waterfalls, ancient monasteries, volcanic parks, and nomadic culture while enjoying camel riding, horseback riding, and authentic local experiences. Experience authentic Mongolian nomadic life, stay with local herder families, ride camels across golden dunes, and explore legendary ancient wonders.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1Ulaanbaatar Arrival
Dinner
Welcome to Mongolia! Your journey kicks off at Chinggis Khaan International Airport. Once you’ve cleared immigration and grabbed your bags, look for your friendly local guide and driver waiting for you in the arrivals hall. They’ll whisk you away for a smooth transfer to your hotel in the heart of Ulaanbaatar. Depending on your arrival time, you may have free time to rest or explore the city. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant — your official introduction to authentic Mongolian cuisine. Meals: D
Day 2White Stupa (Tsagaan Suvarga)
BreakfastLunchDinner
After an early breakfast at the hotel, begin your journey toward the Gobi Desert and the spectacular White Stupa (Tsagaan Suvarga). This breathtaking limestone escarpment rises nearly 30 meters high and stretches for hundreds of meters, shaped by wind and water erosion over millions of years. Enjoy a guided walk along the cliffs, panoramic photo stops, and time to admire the vast open landscapes. Late afternoon, check in at a nearby tourist camp and enjoy dinner. Meals: B, L, D
Day 3Yol Valley Exploration
BreakfastLunchDinner
Continue your journey deeper into the Gobi region toward Yol Valley within Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. Yol Valley, also known as the “Valley of the Vultures,” is famous for its towering rock walls and permanent ice fields. Explore the valley on a scenic horseback riding tour, following narrow trails along the riverbed. Keep an eye out for ibex, wild sheep, and vultures. Meals: B, L, D
Day 4Khongor Sand Dunes (Singing Dunes)
BreakfastLunchDinner
Depart for the legendary Khongor Sand Dunes, the largest and most impressive dunes in Mongolia, stretching over 180 kilometers. Visit a local nomadic camel herding family and enjoy a traditional welcome. Experience a memorable Bactrian camel ride across the desert landscape, explore nearby green oases, and climb to the top of the dunes for breathtaking sunset views. Meals: B, L, D
Day 5Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) & Ongi Monastery
BreakfastLunchDinner
Travel to Bayanzag, famously known as the Flaming Cliffs, where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered in the 1920s. Walk among the striking red sandstone formations that glow brilliantly at sunset. In the afternoon, continue to the historic Ongi Monastery ruins set along the scenic Ongi River, gaining insight into Mongolia’s spiritual heritage. Meals: B, L, D
Day 6Orkhon Waterfall (UNESCO Landscape)
BreakfastLunchDinner
Journey north toward the lush landscapes of central Mongolia and the historic Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall, where the river plunges more than 20 meters into a dramatic canyon surrounded by green meadows and basalt cliffs. Enjoy a leisurely walk and relax in this tranquil setting. Meals: B, L, D
Day 7Tövkhön Monastery & Jaran Tsagaan Hot Springs
BreakfastLunchDinner
Head toward the forested mountains to visit the secluded Tövkhön Monastery. Ride horses along scenic forest trails to reach the monastery, located on the summit of a mountain. It was once the meditation retreat of Zanabazar. Later, transfer to Jaran Tsagaan Hot Springs to relax and soak in the mineral-rich natural hot springs to soothe your muscles. Meals: B, L, D
Day 8Khorgo Volcano & Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
BreakfastLunchDinner
Travel along the scenic Chuluut River Valley canyon and arrive at Khorgo-Terkhi National Park. Explore the extinct Khorgo Volcano, walking along the crater rim and observing lava fields. Later, visit Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake (Great White Lake) and enjoy a peaceful walk along the lakeshore while taking in the serene mountain scenery. Meals: B, L, D
Day 9Kharkhorin (Ancient Karakorum) & Ugii Lake
BreakfastLunchDinner
Travel to Khar Khorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire founded in the 13th century. Visit the historic Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1586 using stones from the ruins of ancient Karakorum. In the afternoon, continue to Ugii Lake, a beautiful freshwater lake set in the open steppe that serves as an important habitat for migratory birds. Meals: B, L, D
Day 10Khustai National Park (Takhi Wild Horses)
BreakfastLunchDinner
Begin your journey back toward Ulaanbaatar, with a stop at Khustai National Park. This protected area is internationally renowned for the successful reintroduction of the Takhi (Przewalski’s Horse), the world’s last truly wild horse species. Accompanied by a local ranger, explore the park and observe these rare horses before heading back to the city. Meals: B, L, D
Day 11Ulaanbaatar City Tour & Cultural Gala
BreakfastLunchDinner
Discover Mongolia’s capital city with visits to Sukhbaatar Square, the Chinggis Khan Museum, and the Bogd Khan Palace Museum. Enjoy shopping for souvenirs and authentic cashmere before attending a traditional Mongolian folk concert featuring throat singing, contortion, and Morin Khuur music. Enjoy a farewell dinner. Meals: B, L, D
Day 12Departure Flight
Breakfast
After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Your guide and driver will transfer you to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight as your unforgettable journey through Mongolia comes to an end. Meals: B
✓ What’s Included
All activities and excursions stated on the itinerary
Meals as stated (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
Experienced English-speaking tour guide
Ground transportation and park vehicle logistics
Entrance fees for all visits mentioned
Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers
Bottle of water per person per day
Hotel (3-4 star in UB) and traditional Ger camp stays
✗ What’s Not Included
Personal bar drinks and sodas
International or domestic flight tickets
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Mongolian Visa fees
Tipping for guides, drivers, and camp staff
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, etc.)
Surcharge for Peak season / Naadam Festival (July 11 – July 15)
Reviews
Genuine traveler feedback from real experiences in Mongolia
The complete Mongolia experience in 12 days
★★★★★• Jul 2025
This tour covers it all — Gobi desert, central steppe, Kharkhorin, Terelj — and does each region justice. We never felt rushed. Our guide Enkhjargal was exceptional: knowledgeable, funny, and genuinely caring. The best organised trip we’ve ever done.
B
Barbara & Frank S.
Munich, Germany
Mongolia’s greatest hits — all of them
★★★★★• Aug 2025
12 days felt like the perfect length to properly experience Mongolia without exhaustion. The variety is incredible: sand dunes one day, ancient monasteries the next, then wild river valleys and open steppe. Novamira’s attention to detail showed in everything.
C
Catherine M.
Edinburgh, UK
Worth every penny and every kilometre
★★★★★• Jun 2025
We drove hundreds of kilometres across terrain that barely qualifies as road, and every single stop was worth it. The ger camps ranged from simple to surprisingly comfortable. Meals were always good. Our driver was a hero on some of those tracks. Brilliant trip.
W
William & Joan P.
Auckland, New Zealand
Life-changing trip, outstanding team
★★★★★• Sep 2025
I’ve travelled extensively across Asia and this 12-day tour stands among my top experiences. Mongolia’s scale and emptiness are almost impossible to describe. The Novamira team — guide, driver, local contacts — all worked together seamlessly. Highly recommend this itinerary.
I
Isabelle V.
Antwerp, Belgium