Mongolia: Steppes, Deserts & Nomads



Overview
Highlights
- Experiencethe 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
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Trip includes
- All breakfasts, lunch and dinners
- All accommodation
- All transport, including 4x4s and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
Itinerary

The adventure begins in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Anyone who arrives early can explore some of the city sites, including Sukhbaatar Square (the main square), the National Museum and the landmark State Department Store. A group welcome briefing is held at the hotel this afternoon/evening. Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)
Before leaving UB, we visit the Gandan Monastery, the largest functioning lamasery in Mongolia and the seat of Buddhist studies in Mongolia. Here we may see monks praying and a 65ft (20m) tall gold-and-bronze statue of Migjid Janraisig. We then drive on the main road...
We continue our journey westwards towards Karakorum along an asphalt road, travelling at an easy pace. Today’s destination, the Mongol Els (or Little Gobi Desert) is a unique belt of dunes in the steppe. Arriving at lunch, we check into a ger camp before exploring the...
Today we have a 56mi (90km) drive to Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. It was established by Ogedei Khan and remained the Mongol power base until Kublai Khan established Beijing as the capital. Erdene Zuu (Hundred Treasures) Monastery was the l...
We continue along the paved road to Arvaikheer, the capital of Ovorkhangai Aimag on the northern edge of the Gobi Desert. On the way, we visit the Shankh Monastery, once the home of the great Mongolian theologist Zanabazar. We should arrive at Arvaikheer mid-afternoon...
Today is a long day as we head properly off the tourist route into some of the wilder parts of the Gobi Desert. After an early breakfast, we start our journey and rapidly leave the paved road. The landscape changes as we head deeper into the Gobi, while the majestic I...
After going over a desert pass and visiting the quartz-rich White Cave, our journey continues through classic Gobi Desert scenery of flat stony plains mixed with small rocky outcrops and patches of sand across the Khatan Suudal Steppe. We stop for a picnic lunch on th...
We have a full day to explore the dunes and surrounding area. The Khongoriin Els stretch for 125mi (200km) and are as high as 985ft (300m) in places. They are known as the Singing Dunes, because of the beautiful sound that resonates through them on a windy day. The So...
This morning, we drive through the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. Gobi Gurvansaikhan means ‘Three Beauties of the Gobi’ and this range marks the eastern end of the Gobi Altai range. The park landscape is extremely varied, with rocky and sandy desert plains, precipi...
Today we have time to relax in our luxury ger camp. Either in the morning or afternoon, we take a 43mi (70km) drive to Bayanzag. Known as the Flaming Cliffs, the red-ochre colour can be striking and we have the opportunity for a short hike among colourful sands of red...
We leave the Gobi Desert and fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, we’re picked up by our bus and drive to Terelj National Park. Though it’s only about 37mi (60km) away, traffic is the main determining factor as to how long this journey takes. Terelj National Park i...
This morning, we visit the Tibetan-style Aryabala temple, a meditation centre on a mountainside with sweeping views over the national park. As we follow the walk up to the temple, we can read inspirational sayings on placards every few steps. The climb to the temple i...
The tour ends after breakfast today and we begin our return journeys home, full of tales and magnificent photos to share.
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics
What's excluded
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation
The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Adventure Travels.
If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.
Period before departure in which you notify us
From the date your Booking Confirmation is issued up to, and including, 90 days prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
- 89 to 52 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
- 51 to 31 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
- 30 days or less prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation, or after the booking has started
Cancellation charge
Deposit can be transferred to a new booking which must be made within 3 months of the date the original booking was cancelled, and depart within 12 months of the new booking date. If a new booking is not made within this period then the deposit will be forfeited. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
- 50% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
- 75% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
- 100% of the total holiday cost.
For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made:
Cancellation period (before departure) - Cancellation Fee (per person)
Outside of 180 days - No fee if cancelled within 15 days of booking date. US $1,250 cancellation fee if cancelled 16 days or more of booking date.
179 to 120 days - Loss of deposit.
119 to 90 days prior to departure - 50% of the holiday cost.
89 to 60 days prior to departure - 75% of the holiday cost.
59 to 0 days prior to departure - 100% of the holiday cost.
For more additional details, see the booking conditions of Exodus Adventure Travels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions
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