Treasures of Mongolia

Travel to Tsagaan Suvarga
In the morning, it’s back on the road; today you head 240km south to the imposing cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga, translated into English as “White Stupa” and named for its appearance. This stunning area is a 30-meter-high white limestone formation, shaped over thousands of years by wind. After arriving, have lunch, then stroll into the rock formations for great photo opportunities. Stay overnight in the Ger camp. BLD

Travel to Yol Valley & Hiking
In the morning, we will drive to the Yol Valley (Lammergeier’s Gorge), approximately 220 km away. This picturesque place is nestled between the peaks of Gurvan Saikhan Mountain and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visit the Gobi Museum and trek through the valley. Stay overnight in the Ger camp. BLD

Travel to Khongor Sand Dune

Today, leave the paved road and venture deeper into the Gobi Desert to Mongolia’s largest dunes, Khongor Els. Known as the Singing Dunes, they reach up to 300 m high, stretch 15 km wide, and run 180 km long. Watch for gazelles and birds of prey as you drive; the scenery is beautiful, and the area is home to abundant wildlife. After the traditional lunch, we will walk through the Golden Dunes. The view from the top of the dunes is incredible. Stay overnight in the Ger camp.BLD

Ride a Bactrian camel. 
If you didn’t see the sunset last night, drive a short distance to the dunes before breakfast for a spectacular sunrise. Otherwise, enjoy breakfast at the camp’s restaurant, then drive a short distance to mount up for a few-hour ride alongside the dunes. In the afternoon, the schedule is flexible. Alternatively, you may want to go for a longer hike in the area, along the river, or to the dunes to take amazing photos, or rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery – discuss your preferences with your guide. Stay overnight in the Ger camp.BLD

Explore ancient petroglyphs and Bayanzag.
Continue travelling to Bayanzag for 170 km. Along the way, stop at the ancient sacred site of Khavtsgait, where hundreds of ancient stone engravings, known as petroglyphs, can be found atop a rocky hill. Some date back to 3000 BC and were painted by hunters while they waited for prey. The site also offers fantastic views over the desert. Soon, you will arrive at Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs. An American explorer, Roy Chapman Andrews, discovered the first dinosaur eggs here, and the area remains one of the most famous paleontological dig sites in the world. Here, you will see the Saksaul forest in the Gobi Desert and red, flaming cliffs formed by sand and rock eroded over thousands of years. This is where dinosaurs lived 70 million years ago and is internationally famous for its dinosaur remains, including complete skeletons, eggs, and hatchlings from the Cretaceous Period. After lunch at the camp, stroll for an hour or two among the flaming-red cliffs and explore this unique area where the dinosaurs once roamed.  Stay overnight in the Ger camp. BLD

Travel to the temple ruins of Ongi & Hike
Travel to the Ongi temple ruins, located 140km away. Walk through the area where the ruins stand. Ongi is a ruined and partially rebuilt monastery founded in 1760 to commemorate the Dalai Lama’s first visit to Mongolia. You can see the stupa displaying the names of the victims and perhaps meet local monks. Stay overnight in the Ger camp. BLD

Travel to the Orkhon Valley

Today you will travel to the Orkhon Valley. Enjoy the valley’s beautiful scenery; it is a UNESCO-listed heritage site and the ancestral, nomadic heartland of the Mongolians. Arrive at a local yak herder family where you will be staying tonight in an authentic guest ger just a mile from the Orkhon Waterfall. Enter the gers and experience nomadic hospitality, try your hand at traditional Mongolian cooking, and learn to prepare Buuz (steamed dumplings) or Huushuur (fried meat-filled pastry), then socialise with your hosts over mare’s milk and milk tea in the evening. Stay overnight in a ger alongside the yak-herding nomad family.BLD

Horse Riding – Nomadic family stays in the Orkhon Valley.

After a home-cooked breakfast, saddle up for a horseback excursion to the nearby Orkhon Waterfall. The Orkhon Waterfall is a scenic cascade on the Ulaan Tsutgalan River, approximately 20 meters high and 10 meters wide. After exploring the area, return to the family encampment for lunch. In the afternoon, join your family’s activities, help milk yaks, and watch the nomads make curds, yoghurts, or distil vodka from milk. Alternatively, you may want to simply put up your feet, rest, read a book, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Discuss your preferences with your guide, and you can be as active or relaxed as you wish. Stay overnight with a yak-herding nomadic family.BLD

Travel to Kharakhorum
Travel 120 km to Kharakhorum. Kharakhorum is Mongolia’s ancient capital, where Chinggis Khan established his headquarters in 1220. In 1235, his son and successor, Ogodei, built a walled palace. You will visit an interesting local museum showcasing Mongolia’s past, as well as Erdenezuu Monastery, the first Mongolian Buddhist temple complex built on the remains of 16th-century Kharakhorum city. Then visit a local cooperative for a workshop on making felt items by hand. Stay overnight in the Ger camp. BLD

Wild Horses – Wildlife Tracking
Travel to Hustai National Park, 260 km away. Hustai National Park covers 50,620 hectares and is home to resurrected wild Mongolian horses, popularly known as Takhi (Przewalski’s Horse). Explore the park to see the Takhi horses in the wilderness. Stay overnight in a ger camp. BLD

Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex – Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, travel to the remarkable Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex. On arrival, climb the exterior staircase up the horse’s mane to a viewpoint overlooking the Tuul River, Terelj & the hills of the Khan Khentii. Then have lunch in the complex’s restaurant. After lunch, board the vehicle and drive back to Ulaanbaatar, where you will be dropped off at a location of your choice (we can do multiple drop-offs if required). End of the service. BL