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Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Wildlife, Glamping
Destinations
Mongolia

This 13-day journey will take you deep into the Mongolian wilderness, where you’ll experience a nomadic travel lifestyle, staying in ger camps throughout the East Gobi. Much of your time will be spent on the steppes - vast tracts of grasslands inhabited by gazelle and ibex - but your travels will take you to the edge of Siberia to Khan Khentii, where you’ll have the chance to hike and horseback ride. On this trip, you’ll visit remote communities and traverse the landscapes Genghis Khan called home - your nights spent in ger camps to allow you to truly appreciate the vastness and beauty of this little-explored region. 

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

  • Ikh Nart Nature Reserve: See rare species such as the Red Fox and the Corsac Fox in their natural habitat and learn about conservation efforts to save the Argali and Siberian Ibex.
  • Hiking: Spend your days trekking the protected areas of Dornod looking for rare wildlife and fishing the riverbanks of the Onon.
  • Edge of Siberia: Journey to the rocky, mountainous terrain of the Hangai Region and visit Dadal village, the reputed birthplace of Genghis Khan.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Ulaanbaatar

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. You’ll be met at the airport by your guide, then transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you’ll be briefed about your upcoming journey and enjoy dinner with your guide and the rest of your travel party. In Ulaanbaatar, we recommend staying in the modern, international-class Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar, which offers luxurious accommodation in the heart of the city.

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.

See Hotel
Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Ikh Nart

Travel deep into Mongolia today on the Trans-Mongolian Railway to the East Gobi. Watch the landscape change from the grassy plains of the steppes to the more arid topography of the Gobi Desert. Alight from the train in Shiveegobi and drive around 35 miles to Red Rock Valley, located inside Ikh Nart Nature Reserve. Here, you’ll spend the night in Red Rock Ger Camp, where ger tents are set in a rocky plain where mountain sheep and ibex graze.

Hotel Options
About

Camping is the best accommodation option in this remote region. The basic ger tents typically have a separate western-style bathroom tent, twin beds, wooden furniture, and heaters.

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.

Ikh Nart
Ikh Nart

Day 3

Ikh Nart

Spend the day exploring this corner of the vast Gobi Desert, home to wildlife such as Mongolian gazelles, wild donkeys, cinereous vultures and lynx cats. The reserve is the subject of various conservation and research initiatives and expeditions conducted here are always respectful of Gobi’s ecosystems. The park is especially important for migrating birds, with more than 120 different bird species spotted in the park. Spend another night in the Red Rock Ger Camp, enjoying a close connection with the spectacular Mongolian wilderness.

Day 4

Gun-galuut Nature Reserve

Travel by 4X4 to the Eastern Steppes today, heading north to the Herlen River and onwards to Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve. This relatively small reserve is composed of steppes, grassland, rivers and mountains, and home to a wide array of birds and mammals. Spend the afternoon visiting the marshlands and spotting swans and cranes. Spend the night in another ger camp, enjoying the serenity of this remarkable location.

Hotel Options
About

Camping is the best accommodation option in this remote region. The basic ger tents typically have a separate western-style bathroom tent, twin beds, wooden furniture, and heaters.

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 5

Toson Khulstai Nature Reserve

Continue east into Khentii Province through the city of Öndörhaan and onwards into Dornod, Mongolia’s easternmost province. The landscape will continue to change the farther east you travel, until you arrive in the far-flung Toson Khulstai Nature Reserve. This is the natural habitat of various exotic animals, including Mongolian gazelles, Siberian marmots and white-naped cranes. Tonight, join the ger camp in the reserve, where the darkness of the steppes will afford you unforgettable views of the stars. This secluded camp offers wide-open 360-degree views of the largest remaining intact grasslands in the world.

Hotel Options
About

Camping is the best accommodation option in this remote region. The basic ger tents typically have a separate western-style bathroom tent, twin beds, wooden furniture, and heaters.

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

Toson Khulstai Nature Reserve

Enjoy a full day of hiking the steppes today. The protected areas of Dornod are perfect for wildlife safaris and you’ll get to see the nomadic Mongolian gazelle en masse as they graze in the plains. In the wetlands, you’ll see white-naped and Siberian cranes and possibly wild boars, depending on your luck. After taking the 4X4 to various premium hiking spots, you’ll return to the ger camp for the evening, enjoying a traditional Mongolian meal with your traveling party.

Day 7

Olziyt Hairhan

Drive north today to the Onon River. From flat grasslands to more rocky, mountainous terrain, you’ll reach the Hangai Region on the edge of Siberia. A tributary of the Amur River, the Onon makes up part of the longest free-flowing river on the continent and you’ll check into a ger camp on its fertile banks. The area here is known as Ölziyt Hairhan and is considered sacred by local communities.

Hotel Options
About

Camping is the best accommodation option in this remote region. The basic ger tents typically have a separate western-style bathroom tent, twin beds, wooden furniture, and heaters.

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 8

Olziyt Hairhan

Explore the riverbanks of the Onon with a full day of hiking today. This region is inhabited by the Mongol Buryat - cow herders who live in log cabins. It may be possible to meet with a Buryat shaman, still an active part of the Buryat lifestyle. Enjoy the tranquil scenery of the Onon River and the mountains and birch forests of its banks before returning to your ger camp for the night.

Day 9

Olziyt Hairhan

Today, hike to the nearby Dadal village, the reputed birthplace of Genghis Khan, and a center of important conservation work. If you have the opportunity, try some of the local bread, considered among the best in the country. Return to your ger camp in the evening.

Day 10

Khan Khentii

Today you’ll make your way to Öglögchiin Wall - “Almsgivers’ Wall” - at the border of Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area. This expansive protected forest is three times as big as Yellowstone National Park in the US, and the Khan Khentii Mountains are believed to hold Genghis Khan’s tomb. Visit the Baldan Bereeven monastery ruins. In the park, you can have lunch with nomads before settling into a ger camp. Alternatively you can continue on closer to Ulaanbaatar to the Terelj Resort, which offers an onsite spa and five-star facilities.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Located almost next door to the picturesque landscape of the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park in Mongolia’s Tuv province, the location is one of Mongolia’s most captivating.

History: The area in which the Terelj is based is actually close to where Mongolia's famous Gengis Khan was born.

Service: The service offered at the Terelj is second to none, with fantastic touches that give guests a true sense of pampering, from the resort’s complimentary shoe shine to the VIP packing and unpacking service.

See Hotel
The Terelj Hotel Preferred Hotel
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.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Khan Khentii
Khan Khentii

Day 11

Khan Khentii

Spend the day hiking the forests of Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area, exploring the terrain around the nearly two-mile Öglögchiin Wall and spotting different species of wildlife, from moose to wolves. In this part of Mongolia, tourism is tightly regulated, so use your final day within the park to appreciate this rare and unique travel experience. Return to your hotel or your ger camp for the night.

Day 12

Ulaanbaatar

Today you’ll make your way back to Ulaanbaatar, which is a full day’s drive. Check back into your hotel and enjoy the final night of your journey at your leisure. You might want to browse Narantuul Market for some local handicrafts or antiques as a keepsake of your Mongolian adventure. For dinner, find an authentic Mongolian restaurant or enjoy five-star service at the Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar.

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.

See Hotel
Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar Preferred Hotel

Day 13

Departure

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport in time for your departure flight.

Suggested Hotel For Day 1

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.

See Hotel

Suggested Hotel For Days 2–3

Ger Camp

Ger Camp

Camping is the best accommodation option in this remote region. The basic ger tents typically have a separate western-style bathroom tent, twin beds, wooden furniture, and heaters. The low-impact campsites are basic and some may feature various facilities such as a restaurant, communal baths, and laundry service. Alternatively, if you are looking for something a little more indulgent, Remote Lands can arrange for a luxury ger to be set up for your trip.

Suggested Hotel For Day 4

Ger Camp

Ger Camp

Camping is the best accommodation option in this remote region. The basic ger tents typically have a separate western-style bathroom tent, twin beds, wooden furniture, and heaters. The low-impact campsites are basic and some may feature various facilities such as a restaurant, communal baths, and laundry service. Alternatively, if you are looking for something a little more indulgent, Remote Lands can arrange for a luxury ger to be set up for your trip.

Suggested Hotel For Days 5–6

Ger Camp

Ger Camp

Camping is the best accommodation option in this remote region. The basic ger tents typically have a separate western-style bathroom tent, twin beds, wooden furniture, and heaters. The low-impact campsites are basic and some may feature various facilities such as a restaurant, communal baths, and laundry service. Alternatively, if you are looking for something a little more indulgent, Remote Lands can arrange for a luxury ger to be set up for your trip.

Suggested Hotel For Days 7–9

Ger Camp

Ger Camp

Camping is the best accommodation option in this remote region. The basic ger tents typically have a separate western-style bathroom tent, twin beds, wooden furniture, and heaters. The low-impact campsites are basic and some may feature various facilities such as a restaurant, communal baths, and laundry service. Alternatively, if you are looking for something a little more indulgent, Remote Lands can arrange for a luxury ger to be set up for your trip.

Suggested Hotels For Days 10–11

The Terelj Hotel
Preferred Hotel

The Terelj Hotel

The Terelj Hotel provides a luxurious base from which to explore the wonders of the Mongolian outdoors in the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, one of the most carefully protected parklands in the country and part of the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area, an expansive, virtually uninhabited wilderness. Terelj Hotel is only 43 miles north of the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, near to the birthplace of Mongolia’s Great Unifier Chinggis Khaan (Ghengis Khan). The hotel itself boasts just 52 elegant suites, overlooking views of the Mongolian larch trees in front of the hotel or the Tereji River and surrounding mountains. The rooms are spacious with separate living areas and marble bathrooms. Rooms are well-appointed with classic furniture and quality upholstery, the sumptuous bedding comprises layers of Egyptian cotton and Mongolian cashmere blankets. Traditional Mongolian and local artworks are displayed throughout the hotel and guest suites. Hotel facilities include a spa, Jacuzzi, pine sauna, steam room, swimming pool, fitness center, winter movie theater and ice-skating rink and complimentary WiFi. Dining options include Morin Khuur, serving refined Mongolian cuisine paired with wines in an exquisite dining hall decorated with antique Mongolian saddles and artifacts; a restaurant overlooking the river serving western delicacies, as well as Argali serving burgers, steak and over 70 different whiskeys; a café with fresh coffee and French pastries; and a lounge bar.

See Hotel
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.

Suggested Hotel For Day 12

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.

See Hotel

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