Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Destinations

This 7-day itinerary traverses some of Mongolia's most remote and beautiful terrain. From the capital of Ulaanbaatar to the arid Gobi Desert to the fertile fields of Khan Khentii, you'll not only be immersed in nature, but in Mongolian culture. Much of rural Mongolia is undeveloped and the people here lead nomadic lifestyles, raising horses and other livestock, and living in ger camps. On this journey, you’ll have the chance to stay in a selection of different ger camps for a truly authentic Mongolian experience.  

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Ulaanbaatar: Learn about the history of Buddhism in Mongolia with a visit to the famous Gandan Monastery, step through prehistoric to modern art at the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts, then enjoy a Hoomi throat singing performance - all in the country's capital.
  • Camel Trekking: The best way to traverse the Northern Gobi Desert is by camel; meeting nomadic herdsmen, sharing food and swapping stories, then sleeping under the stars in traditional ger tents.
  • Horseback Riding: Trot through Khan Khentii's fertile fields on horseback, the most Mongol mode of transport.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Ulaanbaatar

You begin your 7-day luxury itinerary in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar. Here you’ll orientate yourself with an architectural tour of Sükhbaatar Square where historic statues, Soviet buildings and sleek modern skyscrapers paint an intriguing picture of the city’s heritage. Next, you’ll delve further into Mongolia’s past with a visit to the Natural History Museum, where the 50-foot-long skeleton of a tarbosaurus is on display. The tarbosaurus is Asia’s equivalent to a tyrannosaurus, believed to have walked the Earth 70 million years ago. In the evening, settle into your luxurious Ulaanbaatar hotel - we recommend the modern Blue Sky Hotel.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Situated in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, this cosmopolitan hotel overlooks Nayramdal Park to the south and Great Chinggis Khaan Square to the north, and is just a 40-minute drive from Chinggis Khan International Airport.

History: This luxury hotel, which features both contemporary and indigenous design and includes nine large venue spaces, opened its doors for business and leisure guests in 2015, making it a recent addition to this historic city.

Service: The Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar - as with all of the esteemed Shangri-La locations - offers exceptional service to all guests. For even more exclusive and personalized service, guests at the Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar can become part of the exciting Horizon Club, which includes express check-in and check-out, a private lounge, complimentary breakfast and cocktails, and use of a meeting room.

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Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Ulaanbaatar

One of Mongolia’s must-see sites is the Gandan Monastery, which is where you’ll begin today’s activities. Construction here began in the early 1800s and continued for a hundred years. During communist rule much of it was destroyed, but in 1994, it was restored to its previous grand state and is now a protected site. Here, you can learn about the history of Buddhism in Mongolia and have tea with a resident monk who is more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Next, head to the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts, where a collection of Mongolian art from prehistory to the early 1900s is on display in a converted 1905 mansion. After that, you’ll be treated to a Hoomi throat singing performance, a skill that involves complex vocalization to give the impression of multiple overtones sung at once. Tonight, return to your Ulaanbaatar hotel for the night.

Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar

Day 3

North Gobi

This morning, you will be on your way to the northernmost plains of the Gobi Desert. Your camp is situated approximately 90 miles south of Ulaanbaatar. After arrival, you’ll enjoy an iconic Mongolian experience - horseback riding across the vast steppes of Central Mongolia. You will have an opportunity to visit Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain, a sacred granite mountain with several springs, a diverse population of wildlife, and centuries of influence on the region’s traditions and culture. After that, spend time with a local nomadic family in their ger camp, where you will also be staying this evening. 

Hotel Options
About

Experience the nomadic lifestyle staying in a Mongolian ger camp in the north of the Gobi Desert with a local host family. Situated in the northernmost sand dunes of the Gobi Desert this camp resides in the heartland of the Central Asian nomads.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

North Gobi

Learn all about authentic Mongolian cuisine today in a cooking class. Mongolian recipes are heavily-influenced by Chinese and Russian cuisine and feature meat and dairy products – a reflection of the nomadic lifestyle of herdsmen. Today you'll prepare – and enjoy – your own hearty Mongolian meal in the camp. Next, you'll set out on a camel trek in the Northern Gobi, traversing vast plains and meeting herdsmen along the way. These nomads are more than happy to share their experiences with you, and will invite you into their ger to relax and swap stories. In the evening, you'll return to camp for another night in your cozy ger.   

Gobi Desert (north)
Gobi Desert (north)

Day 5

Khan Khentii

Today you'll be driven several hours northeast– or charter a flight– to the green pastures of Khan Khentii, a protected area within the Tuul River Valley where the landscape transitions from steppe to taiga forest. The fertile wilderness here is home to abundant wildlife and when you arrive, you'll be properly introduced the area on horseback. Horses are an integral part of Mongolian culture and locals are already skilled equestrians as young children. Exploring the rivers, forests and grassland of Khan Khentii by horseback is a rewarding and unforgettable experience. Tonight you'll stay at a ger camp in a paddock of wildflowers by the Tuul River. This eco-friendly camp is staffed by workers from local communities and offers private twin tents, hot showers and a cozy candlelit library.  

Hotel Options
About

Stay in a low impact ger camp, in the heights of the Tuul River Valley, run by the principles of ecotourism. The camp is located in Jalman Meadows, next to Jalman Mountain, a vast meadow beside the Tuul River, which in the summer blooms with a profusion of wildflowers.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 6

Khan Khentii

Enjoy a departure from solid ground today with a Tuul River rafting expedition. Distinct from most rafting experiences, you and your inflatable raft will be transported from the camp to the river via yak-cart. A portable sauna will be set up so you can warm up before your trip down river. Next, you'll enjoy more of the beautiful countryside on a leisurely hike before meeting a nomad family and having lunch in their ger. In the evening, return to your own camp for the night, enjoying the serenity of the unspoilt Khan Khentii wilderness. 

Khan Khentii
Khan Khentii

Day 7

Departure

Head back to Ulaanbaatar today, where you have time to pamper yourself with spa treatments before flying home. There is a wide selection of world-class spas in Ulaanbaatar, and what better way to prepare for a long flight than with a relaxing massage or refreshing facial. A chauffeur will drive you to the airport in time for your departing flight.

Suggested Hotel For Days 1–2

Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar
Preferred Hotel

Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar

In the heart of the capital of Mongolia, Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar is an urban oasis, ready to pamper business and leisure guests alike with its spacious suites, exquisite restaurants and expansive health club. The hotel features nearly 300 rooms and suites, each with an impressive vista over downtown Ulaanbaatar, and is in within walking distance of the city’s best shops, restaurants, and historical sights. Fusing contemporary and traditional design, the hotel also offers much for guests to do within its walls, from enjoying a meal and culinary show in the open-kitchen Café Park to enjoying a steam bath and jacuzzi in the luxurious health club.

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Suggested Hotel For Days 3–4

Ger Camp (North Gobi)

Ger Camp (North Gobi)

Experience the nomadic lifestyle staying in a Mongolian ger camp in the north of the Gobi Desert with a local host family. Situated in the northernmost sand dunes of the Gobi Desert this camp resides in the heartland of the Central Asian nomads. The landscape is a breathtaking mélange of wide-open plains, sand dunes and treeless rocky mountains. In this area there is no permanent development, and apart from the wolf, deer, Siberian ibex and other wildlife, the only other dwellers are the pastoralist families living in ger tents. A ger or yurt is a circular, wooden tent structure covered with layers of fabric and sheep's wool felt for weatherproofing and insulation. The local families raise horses, camel and other livestock and move their camp accordingly to the seasons. This area is relatively untouched and devoid of tourism. If you wish to stay in more refined accommodation than what’s available, Remote Lands can arrange for a luxury ger camp to be set up for your trip.

Suggested Hotel For Days 5–6

Ger Camp

Ger Camp

Stay in a low impact ger camp, in the heights of the Tuul River Valley, run by the principles of ecotourism. The camp is located in Jalman Meadows, next to Jalman Mountain, a vast meadow beside the Tuul River, which in the summer blooms with a profusion of wildflowers. This conservation area is within the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area, and stretches right up to the Russian-Siberian frontier. The camp is accessible from Ulaanbaatar by 4WD (approximately 3 hours) or by bus (approximately 3.5 hours).

The camp can accommodate a maximum of 30 guests in double occupancy tents. It prides itself on being a camp that is non-destructive towards the local environment and people. The camp contributes to local communities by creating employment based on traditional livelihoods. Local people work for the camp providing the provision of yak carts, packhorses, horse riding and labor. The camp is made up from fully collapsible ger tents, long drop style toilets which allow for natural decomposition, a cozy candle-lit library, portable hot water showers and a separate waste disposal unit. Some of the camp’s electricity is produced from solar panels and windmills. The hotel-camp can be relocated leaving no more effect on the land than a local nomadic family campsite would.

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Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

A couple from St. Louis

A couple from St. Louis

Remote Lands fulfilled their promise to take us to us to one of the world's best fishing destinations in comfort and style. We would be happy to travel with Remote Lands again and will definitely recommend them to our friends

China, Mongolia

2 Couples from Brazil

2 Couples from Brazil

Our trip was a perfect mixture of big cities and more remote places.

China

A Couple from Los Angeles, CA

A Couple from Los Angeles, CA

It was a whirlwind vacation that will stay etched in our memories for a very long time.

Vietnam

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