Mongolia. Gobi desert, remote monasteries, yurts and shamans

Price

€2107

Days

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Tour description

Get ready for beautiful wildlife, nomadic life and an incredible feeling of freedom.

Explore Karakorum - the capital of the Mongol Empire, from which Genghis Khan ruled half of Asia and Europe
Follow the foorsteps of dinosaurs that lived in the Gobi desert 80 million years ago and where scientists continue to find cemeteries of these mysterious animals
Immerse yourself in a nomadic life, spending the night in yurts of hospitable locals
Ride a horse across the Great Steppe
Watch Buddhist ceremonies in the most ancient temples of the country

Tour departures

28 June 2025 - 09 July 2025

€2107

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The price of the tour includes

All transportation during the trip Accommodation in hotels, yurts and monasteries during the entire trip Tickets to all palaces, parks and other attractions mentioned in the itinerary All breakfasts and lunches Professional guiding services.

What is NOT included

Flight to Ulaanbaatar and back home (Let us know if you need help finding the best deals) Insurance (mandatory) Dinners ($10-15 per person per day).

Tour map

Tour itinerary

Day 1-2

Ulaanbaatar, the capital, National Museum of History, Gandan Monastery, Winter palace, Concert of traditional music and dance

We arrive in the capital of Ulaanbaatar, where we will begin our group trip to Mongolia, and check into a hotel in the center. The next morning we go out for a walk along the main square and head to the National Museum of History. Here we learn about the nation's fascinating history - from ancient people who left unique cave paintings more than 20 thousand years ago, to the empire of Genghis Khan and the conquest of the country by China, and then the Soviet Union.

We pass from theory to practice and set off to explore the Gandan Monastery. In Soviet times, it was the only open monastery in the country. Everything reminds of Tiber here - architecture, bright colors and monks in burgundy robes. Yes, most Mongolians profess Tibetan Buddhism. Pilgrims from all over Mongolia strive to the main hall of the monastery which boasts a 26-meter statue of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.

Head to the Winter Palace of the spiritual leader of the country, Bogd Khan, and then visit the sacred place for shaman's offerings. Despite widespread Buddhism, ancient shamanism in Mongolia is alive and well! We will also get ot the top of a skyscraper to see the city from above, and in the evening we enjoy a traditional Mongolian concert of music and dance. Have you ever heard throat singing? It is very unusual!

Day 3

Mount Tsagaan Suvarga, Herds of wild horses and camels, First night in the yurt

In the morning we ride jeeps to the Gobi desert. The adventure begins! We will drive about 200 kilometers, which will take about 5-6 hours. From the first kilometers it becomes clear that this country has no roads, only directions. But what amazing views!... Enjoy the endless steppe, which occupies most of the country, and sand dunes, herds of wild camels, and, of course, horses, without which it is simply impossible to imagine Mongolia and the Mongol.

We stop in a small town and head to see one of the most beautiful places in the country - Mount Tsagaan Suvarga. In Mongolian this name means "White stupa". Indeed, this incredible rock resembles a Buddhist temple. We get to a height of more than 50 meters and enjoy the view of the colorful hills. Winds have been creating this beauty for millions of years! ...

Today we will spend our first night in a traditional Mongolian yurt with a local family. This will be a complete immersion in the life of nomads. We will share a traditional dinner and enjoy very unusual Mongolian tea. It is made from water, milk, green tea leaves and salt.

Day 4

Yolin Am ice gorge, Monastery on the hill, Eggs and bones of dinosaurs

In the morning we leave for the ice gorge Yolin-Am (about 4-5 hours on the way) where we will continue our guided tour to Mongolia. This gorge is completely unexpectedly located in the middle of the desert. The slopes of the mountains create such a shadow here that blocks of snow and ice are several meters thick and melt only in September. Locals say that in these places they often saw a snow leopard. Now this animal belongs is endangered, but we will definitely meet other wild animals and birds here.

We climb the slope to enter one of the most ancient monasteries in the country. Now several dozen monks living here. We will observe Buddhist ceremonies, enjoy the views of the forests in the valley below, and try the water from a local spring, which is considered healing. Next, we head to the local museum to see the collection of eggs and bones of dinosaurs that used to live in this valleys, as well as stuffed exotic birds and a snow leopard.

Is this trip for you?

This trips is of average level of physical activity, suitable for people in normal physical shape. We will walk a lot. The route includes jeep rides lasting from 3 to 5-6 hours, as well as one horseback ride lasting about 3 hours. In Ulan Bator we will live in a 3 * class hotel. We will spend other nights in very simple conditions in the yurts of local residents, and also spend the night in a remote monastery. In yurts and monasteries shower and toilet are located outside.