Mongolia · Trekking

14-Day Central Mongolia Hiking and Trekking Tour with Gobi and Naiman Nuur

14 Days Round trip from Ulaanbaatar Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex at Tsonjin Boldog
  • 02 Discover Bayanzag's red cliffs, famous for dinosaur egg and bone discoveries
  • 03 Hike through Yolyn Am, where ice remains in the gorge until July
  • 04 Experience sunset and sandboarding at the Khongoryn Els dunes
  • 05 Trek through the Naiman Nuur region and camp in the wilderness
  • 06 Visit Kharkhorum, Erdenezuu Monastery, and the Kharkhorum Museum

Embark on a 14-day adventure through Central Mongolia that combines cultural exploration with hiking, trekking, and nomadic experiences. Discover Ulaanbaatar's key landmarks, ride on horseback in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, explore the palaeontological wonders of Bayanzag in the Gobi, and trek through dramatic landscapes including Yolyn Am, Khongoryn Els, Naiman Nuur, and the Orkhon Hurheree waterfall. Along the way, stay in ger camps, tents, and with nomadic families for a deeper connection to Mongolia's landscapes and traditions.

Bayanzag's red vistas are famous for palaeontology due to the discovery of dinosaur eggs and bones by American palaeontologist Roy Chapman Andrews in 1922.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 14 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Ulan Bator, Khogno khan national park, Yolyn Am, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Karakorum
Languages Czech, English, French, German, Korean

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Ulaanbaatar City Tour and Welcome Dinner

Transfer to the hotel. After checking in, we will begin the city tour. Sightseeing includes the Gandan Monastery, Sukhbaatar Square, National Museum, and Zaisan Memorial.

During the tour, we will enjoy a barbecue lunch with wine at a restaurant. The welcome dinner will be held at another restaurant. Overnight stay at the hotel. The city tour lasts approximately 8 hours.

2
Day 02

Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex and Horseback Ride to Terelj

In the morning, we will visit the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, located 60 km from Ulaanbaatar on the bank of the Tuul River at a place called Tsonjin Boldog. Legend says this is where Genghis Khan found a golden whip.

A 40-meter-high statue stands on a 10-meter-high base and is surrounded by 36 columns, commemorating 36 kings from Genghis to Ligden Khaan. The base houses a recreation area, restaurants, a souvenir shop, and a conference hall. Visitors can ascend to an exhibition hall using an elevator behind the horse.

Later, we will start our horseback tour to Terelj National Park with a nomadic family from the area. Overnight in a ger of the nomadic family. Lunch and dinner.

3
Day 03

White Stupa, Steppe Canyon, and Bayanzag

We will head to a magnificent, colourful canyon known for its ancient rock paintings. By sunset, we'll reach Bayanzag, rich in saxual trees unique to the desert.

Bayanzag's red vistas are famous for palaeontology due to the discovery of dinosaur eggs and bones by American palaeontologist Roy Chapman Andrews in 1922. We'll spend the night in a tent in the valley and the next night in a ger camp.

4
Day 04

Hiking in Yolyn Am

Yoliin Am is a deep and narrow gorge in the Gurvan Saikhan mountains, located 620 km south of Ulaanbaatar. Ice persists in the river here until July.

The valley offers a perfect setting for hiking and photography. Overnight in a ger camp.

5
Day 05

Journey to Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes

After breakfast, we'll head to the magnificent Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes, some of the largest in Mongolia. Enjoy the Mongolian starry night. Overnight with a nomadic family.

6
Day 06

Sandboarding and Sunset on the Dunes

Today includes sandboarding and relaxation. Late in the evening, we'll climb the dunes for a memorable sunset, enjoying dinner and wine at the peak. Overnight with a nomadic family.

7
Day 07

Hike at Arts Bogd Mountain

Arts Bogd Mountain in Bogd soum of Uvurkhangai province has a backdrop of steep Gobi rocks. We will hike around this mountain. Overnight in tents.

8
Day 08

Drive to Uyanga Sum and Prepare for Naiman Nuur

Prepare for a three-day hike to 'Naiman Nuur,' the eight lakes. Overnight in tents.

9
Day 09

Trek to the Largest of the Eight Lakes

Camp by the lake and enjoy the wilderness. Overnight in tents.

10
Day 10

Continue Trekking Through the Wilderness

Enjoy the journey!

11
Day 11

Orkhon Hurheree Waterfall and Valley Horse Trekking

Post-rains, the seasonal 'Orkhon Hurheree' waterfall is a sight to behold. July and August are ideal months to view it.

Enjoy horse trekking in the valley. Overnight in a ger camp.

12
Day 12

Kharkhorum and Khogno Khan Natural Reserve

After lunch, we visit Kharkhorum, the first capital of the Mongolian empire. Here lies the Erdenezuu Monastery and the modern Kharkhorum Museum showcasing the history of various Mongolian empires.

Later, we head to Khogno Khan Mount, a junction of steppe and taiga ecosystems. Overnight in a ger camp.

13
Day 13

Return to Ulaanbaatar and Farewell Dinner

Return to Ulaanbaatar and stay overnight at a 4-star hotel. Enjoy a farewell dinner accompanied by a live concert.

14
Day 14

Departure from Ulaanbaatar

Until your departure, spend time shopping or attending to personal tasks in the capital city.

Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, Bayanzag red cliffs, Khongoryn Els dunes

Where this trip takes you

Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, Bayanzag red cliffs, Khongoryn Els dunes

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Ulaanbaatar 5 cities · 14 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation
  • Transportation, driver, and fuel
  • Sightseeing entrance tickets
  • Guide services, including horse and camel guiding
  • Horse and camel riding fee
  • Non-alcoholic drinks
  • Chef service during overnight tent stays
  • Airport pickup and drop-off

What's Not Included

  • Visa fee
  • Airfare
  • Horse and camel riding fee
  • Beer and vodka

What to bring

  • Warm sports clothes
  • Any extra equipment for hiking and trekking

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Tour start
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 14 days finish where they began, in Ulaanbaatar.

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