Gobi and Central Mongolia Wonders – 10-Day Loop Tour
Trip Overview
Offered by Visit to Mongolia, this 11-day expedition—“Gobi and Central Mongolia Wonders”—is one of the most complete programs, combining the golden dunes of the Gobi Desert with the historical treasures of the Khangai region. Travelers will step into the heart of Central Asian nomadic civilization, walk in the footsteps of 70-million-year-old dinosaurs, and encounter the world’s last wild horses in their natural habitat.
The journey begins in the Gobi’s legendary “Three Wonders”: the Khongoryn Els sand dunes stretching over 180 km, the permanently frozen Yolyn Am valley, and the colorful rock formations of Tsagaan Suvarga, once an ancient seabed. A visit to Bayanzag—known as the “Flaming Cliffs,” where the world’s first dinosaur eggs were discovered—offers an almost otherworldly experience, resembling a journey to Mars. Today, this site remains of great importance to international scientific research.
In the middle of the itinerary, the route shifts toward the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will explore the ruins of Kharkhorum, the ancient capital of the Great Mongol Empire, and the Erdene Zuu Monastery, the earliest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia dating back to the 16th century. You will also visit the historic ruins of Ongiin Khiid, located at the transition between the Gobi and Khangai regions, and experience authentic nomadic life by staying with local herder families and riding Bactrian camels.
Toward the end of the journey, you will stop at Hustai National Park, home to the world’s last truly wild horses—the Przewalski’s horse—observing them alongside red deer, argali sheep, and other wildlife in their natural environment. The tour concludes with cultural exploration in Ulaanbaatar, where our experienced guides and drivers ensure your safety and comfort, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Upon your arrival in the capital city, our company driver will warmly welcome you at the arrival hall of Chinggis Khaan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. After completing the check-in process, you can relax and recover from your journey while enjoying your free time. If you would like to explore the surrounding area and experience the city lifestyle, you can receive useful recommendations and information from the hotel reception.
In the morning, we will depart toward Tsagaan Suvarga, traveling through the vast steppe landscapes and untouched wilderness of Dundgovi Province before arriving at a tourist camp near the site.
This impressive formation, standing approximately 200 meters high and 400 meters wide, was once the bottom of an ancient sea. Even today, fossils of marine creatures and seashells can be found in the area. Created by millions of years of wind erosion over a period of around 10 million years, Tsagaan Suvarga is an ideal destination for photography and hiking.
After breakfast, we will continue our journey to Yolyn Am, located within the Gobi Three Beauties National Park. Along the way, we will pass through Dalanzadgad city and visit the Gobi Natural History Museum before continuing another 44 km to reach Yolyn Am.
This beautiful green valley in the Gobi is surrounded by towering cliffs and is rich in wildflowers and unique desert vegetation. During winter, a thick layer of ice forms along the valley floor and remains frozen until summer, creating a unique natural phenomenon.
Visitors can enjoy a 1–2 hour hike through the valley or explore the area on horseback. With some luck, you may also spot wild mountain goats and argali sheep grazing along the rocky cliffs.
On the 5th day of the journey, we will continue traveling through the wild landscapes of the Gobi Desert until we reach the Khongor Sand Dunes, stretching over 180 km and rising up to 300 meters at their highest point.
We will spend the hottest part of the day relaxing at the camp. In the afternoon, we will visit a camel herding family to learn about their nomadic lifestyle and traditional cultural heritage. Afterward, we will ride a two-humped Bactrian camel and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape while visiting the desert oasis known as "Seruun Bulag".
In the evening, we will climb the famous "Duut Mankhan" (Singing Sand Dunes) and listen to the unique sound created by the moving sand, which resembles the sound of an aircraft engine. From the top of the dunes, we will admire the breathtaking view of the sunset over the endless Gobi landscape.
Our journey continues to Bayanzag, also known as the "Flaming Cliffs", where the world's first evidence of dinosaur eggs was discovered.
Walking among the red cliffs that appear to glow like flames under the sunlight and exploring the saxaul forests, visitors will travel through traces of history dating back 70–80 million years.
The soil composition of Bayanzag is particularly unique, as it is considered one of the places on Earth most similar to Mars compared with other deserts and Gobi regions around the world. Visiting this area creates an extraordinary feeling, as if stepping onto another planet.
In the morning, we will travel north across the open steppe and arrive at the valley of the Ongi River.
Serving as a resting point between the Gobi and Khangai regions, this area is home to the ruins of Ongi Monastery, which was established in the 17th century.
After exploring the monastery's historical museum and exhibits, we will continue toward the Orkhon Valley and arrive in Arvaikheer, the provincial capital of Övörkhangai Province, where we will spend the night at a local hotel.
Continuing our journey, we will visit the historic city of Kharkhorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire.
Here, we will explore the history of the legendary Silver Tree, which was once a remarkable symbol of the Mongol Empire. We will also visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first major center of Buddhism in Mongolia, built in 1586 on the ruins of the ancient city. Surrounded by 108 stupas, this architectural masterpiece represents the harmony of history, culture, and spirituality, where ancient traditions continue alongside the peaceful chanting of monks.
The journey continues to Khustai National Park. This protected area is the only place in the world where visitors can observe the Przewalski’s horse (Takhi), the last remaining truly wild horse species, in its natural habitat.
In the afternoon, we will visit the information center and, before sunset, take a nature excursion to observe Takhi horses and other wildlife, including deer, roe deer, and foxes.
After returning to the capital city, we will visit Gandantegchinlen Monastery, the center of Mongolian Buddhism, and admire the 26-meter-high statue of Janraisig Buddha.
Continuing the city tour, we will explore Sükhbaatar Square and the Chinggis Khaan Museum. In the evening, we will enjoy a memorable performance of Mongolian traditional arts, including Khoomei (throat singing) and contortion performances, creating an unforgettable cultural experience.
You will have free time until your departure flight. At the scheduled time, our company driver will transfer you to the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through Mongolia.
Destinations
Included Activities
What's Included
Included
- check Тээвэр
- check Байрлах газар
- check Хөтөч тайлбарлагч
- check Аяллын даатгал
- check Үзмэр үйлчилгээ
Not Included
- close Монгол руу зорчих виз (урьдчилж авах)
- close Цайны мөнгө болон бусад хувийн зардал
- close Аяллын хөтөлбөрт дурдагдаагүй бусад үйлчилгээнүүд