From CAD $6,365
Guarantee
Small Group
Unknown
Rating
(17 reviews)
Experience Overview
The rolling steppe of Central Asia makes way to stark desert; across this vast landscape, nomadic ger camps are peppered, camels and goats are herded on horseback, fermented mare’s milk is the tipple of choice, dunes sing and the first intact dinosaur eggs were found. Genghis Khan went forth from here to conquer the biggest land empire in history and, to this day, Buddhist and Animist traditions mix. Join this trip and travel through steppe, mountain and the Gobi Desert to explore the nature and culture of this fascinating, yet little known, country.
We also offer festival departures of this itinerary, see Naadam Festival (June) or Naadam Festival (July)
Trip For You
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Journeys: We go further into the wilderness than the average visitor to Mongolia and, while this allows us to travel through stunning parts of the country, encountering few people other than the odd nomad, it does mean some days involve long and bumpy drives. Much of our time is spent in areas where roads are barely tracks through the landscape. These drives are balanced with time to relax and take in the incredible surroundings often with the option of going for a walk or, sometimes, a horse or camel ride.
Suitability: There are some scheduled hikes. These are no more than one or two hours, on mostly flat or rolling terrain. The Flaming Cliffs hike may not be suitable if you have an acute fear of heights and can involve some scrambling; however, it’s still possible to enjoy great views of the cliffs and opt out of the walk.
Climate: The climate in central Mongolia is generally pleasant in summer when the trip runs. In the Gobi Desert, however, temperatures can get well above 30C (86F), even approaching 40C (104F).
Group Description
We are led by a local tour leader who is accompanied by an experienced Mongolian guide. Other trip staff include drivers and local assistants as needed.
Eating Drinking
Traditional Mongolian diets are very meat and dairy heavy. While there are opportunities to try some of these products, such as dry curd and fermented mare’s milk, the meals provided in the ger camps are generally Western meals, at times with an Asian influence. There is normally some form of soup and salad plus a main course and desert. Vegetarians are generally well catered for; if you are vegetarian or have other dietary requirements, please inform us in advance.
Breakfasts can vary from place to place, some are buffets while others are set, normally cereal, bread and possibly a hot dish. On some days, a pack lunch is provided, this is often still a proper meal (though without the soup). Water is provided and is generally from large water containers, so make sure to bring a refillable water bottle. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer, vodka and (most of the time) wine are available to buy at the ger camps. There is the opportunity to buy snacks in Ulaanbaatar and on a couple of other occasions along the way when we drive through towns or villages.
Transportation
We travel in a convoy of 4x4s (four passengers per vehicle) as we make our way around central Mongolia and the Gobi Desert.
Driving in the wilderness can be hard going on minivans/larger vehicles. They may experience punctures and may need to be cooled down as overheating is common. We use Jeeps as they are much more reliable and able to navigate rough roads better than the larger minivans often used. Although rare, punctures/issues can occur so please come with an open mind.
We may also use a coach for getting around Ulaanbaatar and Terelj National Park.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Bayangol Hotel, Chinggis Avenue-5, Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia
Phone: +976-11-312255
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm this evening.
Airport: Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 1hr 30min drive from the airport. We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight.
You may join this transfer, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
July and August is summer in Mongolia and daytime temperatures should be a pleasant 20C (68F) in Ulaanbaatar and central regions. Temperatures can reach a maximum of 33C (91F) in the capital and high 30Cs (around 100F) in the Gobi Desert in July. Although the average is lower, expect some very warm weather. Evening temperatures are uniformly 15C-20C (59F-68F). Humidity is very low. These months are also the wet season. Over a trip of this duration, expect some rain but showers do not normally last long and the total rainfall during this period is very low.
Spending Money
Budget an extra US$150 for incidental expenses such as laundry, telephone and excursions into the nightlife of Ulaanbaatar. Cashmere, leather products, carpets, woodcarvings, watercolour paintings and traditional Mongolian dolls all make great souvenirs – US$150 is a modest souvenir budget.
Optional excursions
Horse riding (for experienced riders) may be available at some locations within the itinerary. The price will be confirmed at the time as these are operated independently by local horsemen. Please note, riding helmets and instruction are very unlikely to be available and, where they are provided, the quality may not be the highest standard. Mongolian ponies are generally unpredictable and more suited to confident and experienced horse riders. Any horse riding undertaken in Mongolia is done entirely at your own risk.
Theatre show: US$15
Tipping
Tipping is at your discretion but is customary in Mongolia and has become standard for tourism. We have found that a tipping kitty is the easiest way to ensure the correct levels are given out. This includes tips for local staff at the camps, hotels and airports plus your driver. Your leader will advise the amount, which will depend on the group size. Budget around US$80-US$110 for this.
This tip kitty will not include the tip for your leader, which is discretionary, though US$35-US$55 is common.
Highlights
Experience the spectacularly varied landscape of Mongolia — Sleep in ger camps (traditional Mongolian tents) — Visit Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire — Marvel at the rolling dunes and landscape of the Gobi Desert — Discover one of the last remaining nomadic cultures in the world
Trip Details
Product Code: 4350
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: l flight.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Supplier Code: ACMA
Starts:
Finishes:
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Unknown
Includes
All accommodation: 3 Classic nights (hotels), 9 Simple nights (traditional nomadic ger camps) — All breakfasts, lunch and dinners — Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities — Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure — Group arrival and departure transfers availableAccommodation
Hotels and ger campsWe use hotels in Ulaanbaatar and Arvaikheer and ger camps elsewhere. This traditional accommodation is airy and usually contains a central wood-burning stove (in the summer the stoves are not normally needed). The bathrooms are normally shared and all have hot water (due to the remoteness of the camps this can, at times, be erratic). Many of the ger camps now have 24-hour electricity in the ger itself for charging batteries. If there is no charging facility inside the ger, there are charging facilities in the common area (though this may be during limited periods of the day when the generator is turned on). There is normally no more than two people per ger; however, in some cases, due to availability issues, we may need to have triples in the ger. There may also be rare occasions when a single cannot be guaranteed in a particular ger camp.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6365 (CAD $490 /day)
Itinerary
Begin your adventure in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, where Soviet-era architecture, Buddhist monasteries and glass towers stand side by side on the high-altitude steppe. Around 6pm, say sain baina uu (hello) to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Mongolian welcome by arranging a group dinner. Want more time in Ulaanbaatar? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Leave the capital and head into the wide-open landscapes of Terelj National Park, where forested mountains, granite rock formations, and flower-filled meadows reveal a very different side of Mongolia. Before departing Ulaanbaatar, we visit Gandan Monastery, the largest functioning Buddhist monastery in the country and an important centre of Mongolian religious life. Among the highlights is the gold-and-bronze Migjid Janraisig statue, standing 65ft (20m) high inside the main temple hall. If we’re lucky, we may hear the deep chanting of monks during morning prayers. The drive (approximately two hours) to Terelj National Park takes us east into rolling grasslands and alpine scenery. In the afternoon, we walk up to the Aryabala Meditation Temple, a Tibetan-style monastery built into the hillside. Along the path, wooden plaques display Buddhist teachings and reflections, while the temple itself overlooks the valleys and rock formations of the park. The climb involves several steps but rewards us with far-reaching views over the surrounding wilderness. Tonight, we experience our first stay in a traditional Mongolian ger, the circular felt homes still used by nomadic families across the country. Total drive time: 2hr 30min
Today we head to the Mongol Els (Little Gobi Desert), where grassland gives way to dunes and semi-desert landscapes. En route, we detour to Khustain Nuruu National Park, one of Mongolia’s great conservation success stories. The park is best known for the reintroduction of the takhi (Przewalski’s horse). Once extinct in the wild, the species now roams freely here again thanks to decades of conservation work led by Mongolian and international organisations. After visiting the information centre, we take a guided hike through the steppe in search of the horses. The contrast of Bactrian camels crossing the dunes while horses graze nearby captures the unique geography of central Mongolia, where desert and grassland meet. Continue to the Mongol Els for another night in a ger camp beneath expansive desert skies. Total drive time: five hours
Travel deeper into Mongolia’s history, travelling to Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire founded by Ogedei Khan, son of Genghis Khan. First, however, we head to the nearby Khogno Khan Mountain, an isolated granite massif known for its birdlife, including steppe eagles and vultures. At the foot of the mountain sits a small monastery, quietly positioned between the rocks and sand dunes. Continue to Karakorum, once the political heart of the largest land empire in history. Though little remains of the original city, the surrounding landscape still carries enormous historical significance. After lunch, we visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, established in 1586 using stones from the ruins of ancient Karakorum. Although much of the complex was destroyed during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, the monastery walls, lined with 108 stupas, remain one of the most important religious monuments in Mongolia. Later, we visit the Karakorum Museum, where artefacts recovered from the area help piece together the story of the Mongol Empire and Silk Road trade routes that once passed through here. Total drive time: 1hr 30min
Follow the northern fringe of the Gobi Desert to Arvaikheer, the capital of the Ovorkhangai Province Along the way, we stop at Shankh Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Mongolia and once associated with Zanabazar, the revered Buddhist scholar, artist and spiritual leader often considered the father of Mongolian Buddhism. The monastery remains an active religious site, and our tour leader helps bring its history and symbolism into context. Arriving in Arvaikheer in the afternoon, we visit the local museum, where exhibits include ancient stone figures, archaeological finds and Turkic inscriptions that trace the deep human history of the Mongolian steppe. Depending on timing, we may also stop at the local market for a glimpse into everyday provincial life. Total drive time: three hours
Today is the longest drive of the trip, but also one of the most rewarding as we leave the main tourist route behind and enter the more remote reaches of the Gobi. After breakfast, the paved road soon disappears and the scenery steadily changes. Vast gravel plains, dry riverbeds and distant mountain ranges dominate the horizon as we travel deeper into the desert. In the distance, the Ikh Bogd Mountain rises above the landscape, the highest peak in the Gobi Altai range and an important landmark for local herding communities. The journey takes approximately nine hours including stops, giving us time to appreciate the sheer scale and isolation of Mongolia’s southern wilderness. Encounters with other vehicles are rare, and the silence of the open steppe becomes part of the experience itself. Arrive at our remote ger camp by evening for a night surrounded by desert landscapes and uninterrupted skies. Total drive time: six to seven hours
Continue through classic Gobi scenery, where rocky plains, isolated outcrops and pockets of sand stretch across the Khatan Suudal Steppe. After crossing a desert pass, we visit the White Cave, known for its pale quartz-rich rock formations and archaeological significance. The surrounding landscape feels increasingly remote, with little beyond open steppe and distant mountain silhouettes. We stop for a picnic lunch overlooking Arts Bogd Mountain before continuing towards the Khongoriin Els dunes. The gradual arrival of the dunes is particularly memorable, their vast ridges rising unexpectedly from the flat desert terrain. Reach our ger camp in the late afternoon. Total drive time: four hours
Spend the day among the Khongoriin Els, the largest dune system in Mongolia, stretching approximately 125mi (200km) across the South Gobi. Some dunes reach heights of almost 985ft (300m), and when the wind conditions are right, the shifting sand creates the low vibrating sound that gives them the nickname Singing Dunes. Later, we visit a local camel-herding family to learn more about nomadic life in the desert. The South Gobi is home to around 100,000 Bactrian camels, still widely used to transport goods and gers across remote areas in one of the world’s harshest environments. Total drive time: 30 minutes
Drive through Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, whose name translates as Three Beauties of the Gobi, referring to the mountain range that dominates the region. The landscapes here are remarkably varied, shifting between rocky desert, sand plains, narrow ravines and isolated oases. Our main destination is Yolyn Am, also known as Vulture’s Mouth, a canyon so deep and narrow that winter ice can remain on the valley floor even in the height of summer. We visit the local museum before walking into the canyon itself. The area supports a surprising range of wildlife, including ibex, lammergeiers, argali sheep and, more rarely, snow leopards. Our tour leader helps identify the signs of life in what initially appears to be a harsh and empty environment. Later, transfer to a nearby ger camp. Total drive time: four hours
Enjoy a slower-paced day with time to relax at camp before visiting one of the most important palaeontological sites in Mongolia. Either in the morning or afternoon, we drive approximately 43mi (70km) to Bayanzag, better known as the Flaming Cliffs. The name comes from the deep red-orange colour of the sandstone. The cliffs became internationally famous in the 1920s, when American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews uncovered some of the world’s first dinosaur eggs here. Even today, fossil fragments can occasionally be spotted on the ground. During our hike through the area, our tour leader explains the significance of the discoveries and how they changed scientific understanding of dinosaurs forever. Return to camp later in the day. Total drive time: three hours
Begin the journey back towards Ulaanbaatar, staying overnight by the dramatic granite formations of Baga Gazryn Chuluu. Rising abruptly from the steppe, these weathered rock formations have long been associated with Buddhist pilgrimage and local legends. We visit the ruins of Lovonchombo Monastery, once an important religious centre hidden among the rocks, before continuing to a nearby natural spring believed by local people to have healing properties for the eyes. The surrounding landscape is particularly atmospheric in the evening light, when the granite formations cast long shadows across the grasslands. Tonight is our final stay in a traditional ger camp. Total drive time: four hours
Travel back to the capital, stopping first at the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex at Tsonjin Boldog. Standing 130ft (40m) high atop a 33ft (10m) visitor centre, the stainless-steel statue depicts Genghis Khan on horseback and has become one of the most recognisable landmarks in modern Mongolia. It is possible to climb inside the structure for views from the horse’s head across the surrounding steppe. After lunch near the complex, continue to Ulaanbaatar (approximately 174mi/280km on paved roads). Back in the capital, there may be the opportunity this evening to attend a traditional music and dance performance at the National Academic Drama Theatre, featuring throat singing, folk music and contortion performances. End the journey with a final group dinner, a chance to reflect on desert crossings, monastery visits and nights spent beneath Mongolia’s vast skies. Total drive time: 3hr 30min
You’ve tracked wild horses across the steppe, crossed the landscapes of the Gobi Desert and visited ancient monasteries linked to the Mongol Empire, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home. Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.
Similar Experiences
Nomadic Mongolia
14 Days from CAD $4,478
Morocco: Deserts & Beaches
11 Days from CAD $899
Mongolia Golden Eagle Festival
17 Days from CAD $9,500
Mongolia Expedition: Reindeer Herders
14 Days from CAD $4,946
Discover Mongolia - Naadam Festival
15 Days from CAD $6,300
Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains
8 Days from CAD $1,435
China & Mongolia Railway Adventure
18 Days from CAD $5,126
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Linsey Miller - Traveled, August 2023
Fabulous trip to Mongolia! This was a great trip to Mongolia, somewhere I have wanted to visit for a long time and it didn’t disappoint. The trip encompassed both the steppes and the Gobi, photos of which don’t seem to do the country justice! The Ger camps were great fun, and visiting the nomad families gave a fascinating insight and understanding into a completely different way of life. Most Inspirational Moment Visiting the sand dunes on the Gobi desert. Not an easy climb, but once at the top of the dunes as the sun begins to set, you get a sense of the scale and peacefulness of the Gobi, and a landscape which is like nowhere else I've ever been. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent - Mars was a fabulous ambassador for his country and took good care of us! Advice for Potential Travellers There are some very long drives on this trip, and whilst they give you a chance to look at the changing landscapes, they are mostly off road and very bumpy- so I'd advise some travel sickness tablets if you suffer from this! The Ger camps were great and really made the trip - just be aware that electricity supply can be a little erratic in some of the more remote camps, so power banks are useful. And definitely take a torch!! Outside of Ulaanbaatar, there is very little in the way of WiFi or phone signal, and there are no tvs or computers at the camps. Personally I loved this and it meant I simply focused on the trip - but its something to be aware of if you like to keep in touch with what's happening back home! There is some downtime during the trip at the camps, so it's a good idea to take a book (and in our case we all became avid card players in the evenings!) Suggestions A great mix of wilderness and culture on this trip - it isn't the most active of trips - there are some short walks, and an optional climb up the sand dunes - and i learnt a lot about mongolian history and culture. Overall I'd definitely recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2023
Malcolm Barrett - Traveled, August 2018
A memorable trip The tour was well organised and covered everything promised in the brochure. The knowledgeable local guide enabled us to learn about Mongolia. Even the cancellation of a local flight transfer was turned into an adventure. Most Inspirational Moment The sights of the Gobi desert. Discovering that Mongolia was better than I imagined it would be Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent, A wiberaul ambassador for Mongolia,. Suggestions A visit to the National Museum in Ulan Batur
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2018
Malcolm Barrett - Traveled, August 2018
A memorable trip The tour was well organised and covered everything promised in the brochure. The knowledgeable local guide enabled us to learn about Mongolia. Even the cancellation of a local flight transfer was turned into an adventure. Most Inspirational Moment The sights of the Gobi desert. Discovering that Mongolia was better than I imagined it would be Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent, A wiberaul ambassador for Mongolia,. Suggestions A visit to the National Museum in Ulan Batur
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2018
Mary W. - Traveled, August 2018
Being prepared This trip was a real adventure. Mongolia is a stunning country and we saw breath-taking and different landscapes during our visit, as well as animals galore. However, it’s billed as 2, a leisurely to moderate trip. This is true in the sense that there isn’t much walking involved. However, there is a very great deal of driving, most of it off-road, and some very long driving days. The off-road vehicles we travelled in were ok, but not that comfortable – this is Mongolia afterall! – and the sheer amount of driving took its toll. Although there was some downtime during the trip, it wasn’t till day 8 that we got a half-day to ourselves. And don’t forget that Mongolia is 1300m above sea-level in the capital, and we went up to 2000m elsewhere, and the UK body takes a good time to adjust to that altitude. Most Inspirational Moment This trip was a real adventure. Mongolia is a stunning country and we saw breath-taking and different landscapes during our visit, as well as animals galore: herds of sheep and goats, herds of horses, camels and yaks and, a highlight for me, the Takhi horses. Other highlights were Karokorum and the Ger camp we stayed in there, where a local musical group came to perform for us specially. We also enjoyed the trips to the Singing Dunes just before the storm came in, the Flaming Cliffs and the trek into the Yolyn Am gorge. There had been a lot of rain and several cars got stuck on the approach, but our drivers were great. They got us through and also helped to pull others out. At one point, in the middle of the Gobi Desert in temperatures of 40 degrees, they replaced a broken driveshaft on our vehicle! Visiting the gorge is billed as a walk, but there are horses to hire there, which my partner and I chose to do. It made the trek really memorable. Thoughts on Group Leader Odka was very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and generally helpful. There was one issue which she was unable to help with and said I should contact Exodus. As we were without wifi or mobile phone signal, this wasn't possible at the time. However, once I was able to contact the office, the issue was sorted very promptly. Advice for Potential Travellers This trip is billed as 2, a leisurely to moderate trip. This is true in the sense that there isn't much walking involved. However, there is a very great deal of driving and some very long driving days off-road, so be aware of this, especially if you have a back problem, as did one member of our group. The off-road vehicles we travelled in were ok, but not that comfortable - this is Mongolia afterall! - and the sheer amount of driving took its toll physically. Although there was some downtime during the trip, it wasn't till day 8 that we got a half-day to ourselves, so I wouldn't say downtime balanced out the driving. And remember that Mongolia is 1300m above sea-level in the capital, and we went up to 2000m elsewhere. The UK body takes a good time to adjust to that altitude. Suggestions There was no shortage of food and we were very well fed throughout. It was generally set meals, but the Gobi Erdene Ger Camp, where we stayed two nights (Day 7 and 8), had a good and varied buffet option.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2018
Martin Healey - Traveled, June 2016
Wonderful Mongolia The Mongolian Adventure trip exceeded all my expectations. It took me back to a time when people were more interested in humanity than in possessions. I thought Mongolians would be similar to Chinese but they aren’t. They are open and friendly. Ulaanbaatar is a pleasant city and we were there for the spectacular Nadaam Festival, The opening ceremony, the wrestling, archery and the horse race were great but the day before the public turned out in national dress! The desert, the gir camps and the nomadic families were experiences to be savoured. Most Inspirational Moment Walking around the main square with all the locals in traditional dress. The welcome from the nomadic families ran it a close second. Thoughts on Group Leader Terrific! Competent, flexible and a good laugh Advice for Potential Travellers Don't hesitate, it's fabulous. The food is good, the camps are comfortable and spotless. Suggestions There is a lot of driving on rough tracks, but the scenery is worth the effort
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/19/2016
Tina Jones - Traveled, August 2015
A dream comes true I’d wanted to see Mongolia and the Gobi Desert since hearing about them in Geography class when I was 18. I wanted to see the wide open spaces. The nothingness. The vastness of the country. And that’s what I saw. Most Inspirational Moment Just driving through the countryside, bumping around in the jeep, having breaks in the middle of nowhere with a vast country stretching out for kilometres all around you. So different from crowded Europe. I also liked the wildlife in Vulture Gorge - picas and ground squirrels. The opening parade of Naadam Just walking around Ulaanbataar, seeing the people - especially during Naadam, when people dressed up in their nice clothes. My room-mate. She was great and I really enjoyed talking to her. I'd never set eyes on her before but it was a good match. Thoughts on Group Leader I liked her very much. Dorjo tried to keep everyone happy, which was not an easy thing to do because four of the 16 people were very demanding. Maybe they expected a five-star luxury holiday. The rest of the people were easy-going and relaxed, just happy to be there and see the country. Dorjo is very pleasant, her English is fine. She likes to laugh. Naturally, when one gets excited or emotional, words are hard to find. She was always willing to explain things and it was clear how much she loved her country. I hope to stay in touch with her. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't expect five-star luxury. I certainly wasn't expecting it, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much better the accommodation was than I thought. I thought we'd be sleeping on the floor in tents, sharing them with local people. Instead, we got a tent between two people and the beds were in wooden 'boxes'. Apart from one camp, all the beds were very comfortable and I was surprised by how well I slept, even with the open part of the tent in the middle of the roof. (Normally, I keep all doors and windows shut when I sleep.) You don't go to Mongolian camps for the cuisine. Some people complained because we got starters consisting of tomato and cucumber often. What you have to keep in mind, though, is that very little grows there. Take a look out of the window when you're in the jeep. See how little grows. The camp cooks do their best with the little they have. I have to avoid gluten so I took extra fruit and nut mixes and some snack salami sausages just in case. However, the camp cooks were able to give me gluten-free food. Dorjo had a word with them when we arrived in a new camp. Remember that when you are in a ger camp that you are in the middle of nowhere. Do not expect entertainment. Do what people used to do in the past - make your own entertainment. Take books with your. Crosswords puzzle books. Talk to your fellow travellers. Just sit back and watch the sun go down and think how lucky you are to be able to be on holiday, not having to do anything. Just chill out. As for travel sickness, I took plenty of travel sickness chewing gum because I have problems with bus journeys in towns. Did I need any of them? Nope. Even though sitting in the jeeps was a case of "shake, rattle and roll". It's a completely different movement in the jeeps. Not once did I feel travel sick. I was also impressed by the washing and toilet facilities in the ger camps. I thought we'd be washing in buckets, but no.. there were brick and mortar buildings with showers, sinks and toilets. Some were better than others. If you go when everyone else goes, then you're not going to have lots of hot water. Me.. I waited until everyone had gone to the dining tent about 10 minutes early and rushed in for a quick shower. Suggestions Just go with the flow. Don't complain that your beer is not cold in the middle of the Gobi Desert. Be thankful that you HAVE the beer in the first place. The holiday is called "Mongolian Adventure" and not "Mongolian 5-Star Luxury All-Inclusive Holiday".
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2015
M B - Traveled, August 2015
Mongolian Adventure - August 2015 Interesting trip to a VAST country that makes you realise what “nothing” – landscape wise – really is . Most Inspirational Moment Amazing night skies with no light pollution . Endless horizons with no mand made structures Thoughts on Group Leader Can only echo Caroline's comments , Dorjo needs to improve her leader/guide skills. Perfectly pleasant on a one to one basis but clearly most anxious to avoid any conflict whatosever , which means that placatory answers are given. That may solve immediate "issue" but leads to others when promised things dont occur , information isnt forthcoming , scheduled itinerary items are omitted / curtailed , general lack of information ( lunch stop , toilet stop / duration of any stop ) , general feeling of "not prepared " and unable/unwilling to actually go and find out the information . Advice for Potential Travellers When checking in for your flights ensure your luggage is checked ALL THE WAY through to Ulan Baator and not just Beijing. Take some spare clothes as hand luggage for overnight in Beijing off airport hotel. Do not expect an Air China rep to "assist " you with transfer to hotel , you have to fill in 72 hour temp visa form , then take transit train to luggage arrivals building ( hopefully if your bag checked through you wont have to collect luggage ) , leave customs and arrivals , go out into public arrivals hall. look for tiny Air China Hotel desk !!! Be prepared to argue that the room has been included and , if paid extra for single supplement , that you have a single room . Lots of driving in mini van , being bounced around for hours at a time so take some sweets for sharing . Also carry some hand gel and own toilet paper , be prepared to see more of your fellow travellers than you normally would ( at comfort stops) . Take own entertainment for evenings as very little to do after evening meal or those occasions when delivered back to ger camp at lunchtime with no activities availble in area. During the season its highly unlikley there will be any "single " Gers available and only then at FULL price ( not the hinted top up price in trip notes . small supplement ) . For the internal flight everyones luggage is weighed en-masse INCLUDING any day packs/rucksacks / hand luggage - and only 15KG allowance per person. So 6 people is 6 x 15 = 90 KG total . Any excess works out at about 1 USD per KG and has to be paid local currency - dont forget to ante up your share . Carry a small torch , for those night time/early morning start bathroom visits ( not every toilet block had lights on during night ) . Suggestions Driver Samdan was outstanding - always checking on his passengers and their comfort . Always willing to provide assistance , a hand up , fetching a stool to stand on etc. Mongolia: Steppes, Deserts & Nomads Reply from Exodus We would like to thank MB and Caroline (review below) for their reviews, although we are very sorry that they were disappointed with some aspects of their trip’s leadership. We have been in contact with both clients on an individual basis and further training has been organised for their tour leader to ensure that similar disappointments do not recur. Olly Pemberton – Product Manager for Mongolia
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2015
Caroline Bradley - Traveled, August 2015
Mongolia adventure 15th - 29th August An exciting trip to a remote region of the world. Met some wonderful people both on the trip and locals in the ger camps who are living the nomadic life still…..but with a few mod cons like satellite dishes and solar panels which drive the TV, twin tub and freezer box.. !!! A real experience to see the open spaces of the steppes and the different landscapes, but realised that I only scratched the surface of it as Mongolia is such a vast country. I would definitely like to go back to see more. Most Inspirational Moment To sit under the vast star light skies with no noise or light pollution and to realise how very small you are and what a big world we live in. It helps to put things into perspective! Thoughts on Group Leader Dorjo had a good heart and intentions but lacks both leadership and organisation skills. It is clear that this is a side line job because she can speak some English. But even this was a little difficult to understand at times. She also does not take an active part in pointing out things of interest along the journey to break it up. She did not seem to know as much about things as we had hoped and this resulted in very short answers and despite further questions revealed nothing more about the subject matter. So we read our guide books and shared fact between ourselves. She does not do it often enough to lead a group of professional people who have traveled the world. The fact that she is a ex teacher showed in how she thought that she could lead and organise us. We are not kids and don't want to be treated like one! She often avoid difficult situations by agreeing to something (to pacify us) then later changing her mind later on ....to our absolute frustration and fury! Eg, There only beer as the ger camps, and some of us wanted soft drinks, so we asked that on return from our mornings outing we could go into town (which was close by) to buy some... "Yes we could". Then when the time came we could not, "there is not enough time and it's too far!". Yet we spent the afternoon twiddling our thumbs in the ger camp. "Would we like sand boards to slide down the sand dunes"..."Yes we said"..... " I will organise that for you". The next day she told Marion she had considers overnight and it was too dangerous.... then when I asked where they were she said " I forgot!" and so this is how it went on the whole trip. Conflicting stories, changing the decision without consultation. Further e.g. Will there be hot water for a shower at any of the ger camps..."Yes, at the next ger camp"... but there wasn't. They forgot to put the stove on for the hot water!. "Can we have breakfast early and go to the dune in the early morning so can climb in the cool"..... "Yes, I will organise it for 7 am with the ger camp"..... but we all sat around for 20 - 30 mins at 7 am waiting for Dorjo and the people running the ger camp to get up, cook & serve breakfast ! Breakfast was hurried and late! Further e.g. There were times that we went out on a morning excursion and could have spent the whole day at the canyon, or rock painting, or monastary, but she rushed us back to the ger camp to sit with nothing to do. So rather than asking us if we would like to take picnic lunch out there and spend most of the day exploring and walking. We were taken back to the Ger camp for lunch then to sit about. There was no activities planned so we amused ourselves by going off walking. We all wanted to make the best use of our time in Mongolia ,so following long days of driving, we wanted to stretch our legs and take the opportunity to explore and walk when we could on the excursions, but this was curtailed. We were viewed as naught children because we laughed and joked with each other and had great banter between each other and the driver. We were even told we were like children! Her style of leadership and organisation is out dated,so although she was doing her best or what she knew, it was not up to the standards that I am use to or would expect from a guide. I like all the others on the trip have worked hard to earn my money to afford to take this trip ....I not some sort of spoil rich kid!. Yes, I have high standards expect of me at work and have feedback and coaching all the time to improve. I therefore expect high standards of those people leading the trip. I therefore would suggest that Karakorum Expeditions need to take seriously the feedback that I know a number of us on the trip made to them on their blue feedback forms we handed in to Dorjo (that's if they did not get put in the bin!) and also take this feedback seriously too. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for some long bumpy rides off road for most of the trip. Be prepared to shower in cold water as they never seemed to have the hot water on when we were showering mornings or evenings! Take some cards or games to play in the evening after dinner which finishes by 8 pm or days when you are just left in the ger camps as there is nothing else to do! Suggestions I can not speak highly enough about the driver Samdan who made the holiday for all of us. He was an excellent driver, who care for us, looking around often on the long drivers to see if we were OK. He could not speak English but we understood each other and he was away very attentive and caring towards us. Well done that man!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/12/2015
Beverley Robin - Traveled, June 2015
Exciting Mongolian Adventure Excellent trip. It was a nice mix of big city (Ulaanbaatar) and Naadam festival and countryside/desert. Well-organized and planned. Long distances travelled by Russian van, but the scenery was beautiful and very diverse, our driver Sandam made it fun, and we had a great group of people in our van. Fun staying in ger camps. Most Inspirational Moment Climbing the sand dunes in the desert. It was physically very challenging but also beautiful and exilarating. Thoughts on Group Leader Erdene (Eddie) was an excellent group leader. His English is excellent and he is very knowledgable. He was very attentive and accommodated everyone on the group, despite very different needs. He was well organized and advocated for the group when necessary. I'd highly recommend him!! Advice for Potential Travellers This trip involves lots of long drives over bumpy terrain. The scenery is beautiful and I found the drives quite relaxing. Staying in the ger camps was fun, and interesting. It was more luxurious than I expected, but having said that, there were times when there wasn't electricity, most times the water was cold, and at times water (shower and toilet) was not available. Realize though, that if you can't tolerate such drives and lack of water, or cold water, this trip is not for you (a number of people on my group couldn't, and all they did was complain). After all people, this is the desert!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2015
Hugh Nolan - Traveled, June 2014
Mongolian Adventure including Nadaam festival A great trip to a vast and interesting country. Most Inspirational Moment The remote ger camp where we were the only visitors, riding a horse for the first time, the unexpected horse race, the opening ceremony of the festival, seeing a couple of long eared hedgehogs. Thoughts on Group Leader A nice lady but her English was quite poor and she wasn't very organised. Advice for Potential Travellers Take some sweets for sharing during the van journeys, mind your head on the ger doors and the van doors. Note that the luggage allowance for the internal flight is 15 Kg in total (i.e. checked plus carry-on) and that any excess has to be paid in local currency. Suggestions The people are friendly and were as intrigued by us as we were by them. There is a good deal of building work taking place in Ulaan Baatar which is starting to mar the place. A previous review mentioned 50 seater coaches, we only encountered anything like this at the very last ger camp which is quite close to UB and appears to be popular with day trippers, the rest of the camps might have a couple of vans of other people at most.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2014
John Cross - Traveled, June 2014
Mongolian Adventure and Nadaam festival This was a trip to Mongolia with the 3 day Nadaam festival slotted in towards the end of the trip. 11 of us toured round the country in two ex Russian military 4 x4 vehicles spending a lot of time off road, bouncing up and down. We stayed in a hotel in the capital and Ger camps in the country side. Most Inspirational Moment This was driving into the edge of the Gobi desert and finding that our drivers local village were having a horse race for 2 year old horses over 15KM the jockeys were all young boys and girls under the age of 10. Some of them were riding bare backed and a girl riding like this was second in the race. We then spent 2 nights in a remote Ger camp near to the village. We were the only Westerners present for the 2 days we were there. magic. Seeing a Cinereous vulture at close hand and watching it take off was like seeing a feathered Vulcan bomber on a bomb run. They are enormous (wing span up to 2.95M) Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader was a very likeable lady and immensely charming. However as it has been a year since she last led a trip and had not been able to practice her English language conversational skills it was difficult to understand her pronunciation of some words. This also meant that many questions posed to her went unanswered or were met with a smile and a blank look Advice for Potential Travellers Take a small thermarest, or similar, padded seat with you. A few small balloons to entertain the many (very, very many) small children you will encounter along the way. This helps to break the ice with their parents etc. and can lead to some very cute photographs. if you are interested in bird life, particularly Raptors take a small pair of binoculars as there is a lot to be seen. Suggestions This is a great trip. The country is far greener than I expected. The mode of travel is what I expected from the other reviews (ie; cramped and bumpy) but the drivers we had were magnificent and got us to places I never thought possible. The Ger camps are comfortable (except the last one in Terelj national park) and the food is mostly good with more vegetables and salads than I expected. The people are lovely and anxious to help. They are also well organised and things work and happen pretty much on time. Things are changing in Mongolia and it is rapidly becoming more modern with extensive building work going on in the capital. Things there are changing rapidly, go now before it becomes too spoilt.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2014
Anonymous - Traveled, August 2013
MONGOLIAN ADVENTURE Mongolia is a country well worth a visit. The scenery, the people, the customs and traditions combine well to make it a truly fascinating country. Most Inspirational Moment I enjoyed the sweeping vistas of the steppes dotted with Gers and herds of fine horses. It was good to see that customs and traditions are being maintained. Thoughts on Group Leader Our leader was helpful and sociable. His English was very good (one of his many languages). We were able to visit a couple of sites that were not on the itinerary because of his suggestions. Advice for Potential Travellers It is not a physically strenous trip as there are few opportunities for walks; however, the long journeys on really bumpy and dusty roads are bone jarring and tiring. The food can be challenging especially if you are a non meat eater. Be prepared to eat a lot of carbs and chocolate bars (for desserts!). The picnics were not well done. If thinking of arriving early I'd pick a hotel in the centre of town. Our tour hotel in UB was inconveniently located a long walk from the centre and its facilities were poor. Suggestions Don't rely on the trip notes for an accurate or an up to date picture of Mongolia or the trip. It is true that Mongolia does not get a lot of tourists yet, but many companies follow the same itinerary. As a result you do get clusters of tourists at popular sites. Also, some of the Ger camps are big, noisy and crowded so don't be surprised to see 50 seater tour buses disgorge large tour groups. The Russian 4wds are well suited to the task but are not built for comfort. We were a small group so space was not an issue, but a big group might find the long road journeys rather tight. Also, the local company failed to confirm our group's accommodation at two places forcing us to squeeze into fewer rooms. We managed to do it because we were a small group. Lastly, if you are thinking of last minute shopping in UB, it might very well come to that. We were booked on the late afternoon flight back to UB and not the morning flight as indicated in the trip notes. That meant we were stranded in a ger camp for a whole day with nothing to do. Consequently, our last day was a very hectic one and the fact that Exodus did not secure a day room at the hotel in UB when the group left at midnight was a bit cheap.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2013
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2013
MONGOLIAN ADVENTURE This is a challenging trip through a remarkable, amazing country which still seems "new" to tourism. Most Inspirational Moment The vast and beautiful grasslands of the steppe and immense landscapes of the Gobi Desert are truly amazing. What was remarkable was that it was completely unbroken by fences or roads. Go during Nadaam. The festival is wonderful and colorful. Insist that your guide allow you to stay through to the end on the last day. It is worth watching the finals of Mongolian wrestling and all the awards to the winners. Thoughts on Group Leader She was very sweet and worked hard, but her language skills were definitely less than ideal. That said, she did an excellent job of arranging meals and accommodation. Advice for Potential Travellers When other reviewers refer to the ride on the Mongolian dirt roads as "bumpy," they are understating. It is often lurch/twist/throw you off your seat bumpy. Anyone with back issues should definitely think long and hard about this trip. That said, I developed sort of an attachment to our Russian vans, even though we had to push ours twice to start it! Suggestions I found the people we met to be charming and generous. Tourism sometimes trains people to have their hands out all the time, but that was not the case in Mongolia. I came away from the trip with a great deal of affection for this extraordinary country. But the "roads" really are rough.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/17/2013
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2012
MONGOLIAN ADVENTURE Good outdoor, wild country trip. Attended the Naadam Festival and came away feeling that there is not a huge amount of culture but that is to be expected from traditionally nomadic peoples. Museums have a rather unloved feeling about them. Most Inspirational Moment The great open plains.The hospitality of the nomadic people and the camel's cheese, salted tea and soured mare's milk that they offerred us.The Mongolian way of re-commencing religion/Buddhism in their country after Soviet rule. Thoughts on Group Leader She was absolutely lovely. Did her best at all times.English skills required polishing up.She didn't have very much control over the drivers and we kept losing the other trucks (we were in a convoy of 3 trucks) and had to double back etc. Also, got lost in the Gobi desert twice! Ended up having extremely long drives of 12hrs and 14hrs on 2 of our travel days. She didn't want to worry us and told us that everything was fine when it was obvious that it really wasn't. It would have been better if she had told us the truth and we could have helped her look out for landmarks. Advice for Potential Travellers Beware of pickpockets at the Naadam Festival in UB. They are particularly aggressive and use the slash (yes, with a knife) and grab method.The view in the stadium from where tourists are seated is not ideal. We couldn't really see anything happenning in the centre of the stadium where the opening ceremony was held. Try to catch a festival outside of UB and you will get a much closer and rewarding experience.Bring travel sickness medication if you suffer from it as the truck rides are rough, bumpy and very, very long.Food isn't bad just boring. Be prepared for lots and lots of coleslaw and boiled mutton. Condiments and lots of beer will assist in washing it all down. Suggestions There was a lot of time spent on the road to get to not very much at the end of a long, hard day. I can truly say that unless you really enjoy long and rough truck rides, this is not the trip for you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/19/2013
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2012
MONGOLIAN ADVENTURE Definitely go to Mongolia-even better go during Nadaam. Most Inspirational Moment The hospitality of the nomadic people we dropped in on to visit and trying their camel's cheese, mare's milk, goat and vodka.Encounters with the interesting characters who gather for the Nadaam in Ulaanbaatar.Travelling through vast and varied landscapesCrazy journey to get to the horse racing-never experienced anything like this before. Thoughts on Group Leader Erdene was a lovely person and also a good guide.He had a lot knowledge though sometimes he needed a little prompting to give it Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for any sort of weatherSome of the views in the Nadaam stadium are a bit distant, much better for the archery and ankle bone shootingAlthough it didn't seem unsafe,probably wise not to carry unnecessary amounts of cash/valuables around UB at festival time. Suggestions Trip should also definitely include the huge Chinggi's Khan statue (photos towards start of Lonely Planet guide) as it is only a short deviation from the Terelj National Park. This is a fairly new attraction and we all chipped in for the extra fuel to get here which was well worth it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/27/2012
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2012
MONGOLIAN ADVENTURE A really enjoyable and rewarding trip. The Steppe , the Gobi , the Gers and the people are something quite special. Travelling in the russian 4 wheeel drives is definately the way to travel. These vehicles allow you to travel into the real Mongolia. Generally well organised and good staff all make for a memorable trip. Most Inspirational Moment Enjoying the Gers in the middle of nowhere. No fences , no restictions , no phone or email just the odd horseman riding past in the morning. Thoughts on Group Leader Group leader quite good. English skills adequate but did create some confusion with translations. Could not have tried harder and just a lovely person. Advice for Potential Travellers Pick pockets in Ulaan Bataar the worst I have struck ANYWHERE. [ especially during the Nadam ]Don't excpect too much in the way of cuisine whilst travelling - some chilli paste / tabasco will win you a lot of friends around the table.There are not many towns that have ATMs and changing anything except US dollars in towns banks can be an issue. Addtionally old US notes [ older than 2007 ] can also be a problem. Suggestions Bring a sense of humour , be flexible and don't expect the showers to always be hot - then you will have a great and memorable trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/14/2012
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2011
MONGOLIAN ADVENTURE Mongolia is a fascinating country. Enjoyed every minut of the trip. Most Inspirational Moment Visiting a couple of families in their gers and seeing how they live on the plains. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent group leader. Advice for Potential Travellers Sit back and enjoy the whole experience - Russian jeeps are not the most comfortable - but travelling this way enables you to see so much. The gers are basic, but extremely comfortable. The food - which was my big worry - was excellent. Salads, vegetables and fruit every day. Suggestions Would love to go back and explore other parts of the country!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/16/2012
Download a personalized trip brochure!
Why book with us?
Best Rate Guarantee
Mytours.Travel makes sure you always have the best available rate
Best Selection
The best operators from around the world
Trusted Payments
Secure payments with Stripe
Expert Advice
Our expert agents will assist you in booking the perfect experience