ITINERARY

Here is a day-by-day description of the tour:

Day 1: Ulaanbaatar
Meet the tour leader at the hotel, early in the morning. Then we begin our journey in Ulaanbaatar, a city where Mongolia’s nomadic past meets modern life. We will explore Gandan, the largest and most important Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, and witness the monks' rituals. Sukhbaatar Square will reveal the history of this warrior nation, while the National Museum will uncover the secrets of Genghis Khan's empire.

Day 2: The Journey to Baga Gazriin Chuluu – The Legendary Rocks in the Heart of the Gobi
We head toward Mongolia’s moon-like landscapes, where the endless steppe meets spectacular rock formations. Baga Gazriin Chuluu National Park greets us with legends of monks who meditated here, and with skies so clear that the stars seem within reach. We spend the night under a star-filled sky, far from civilization.

Day 3: Tsagaan Suvarga – The “White Stupa” of Mongolia
We dive deeper into the Gobi Desert and discover Tsagaan Suvarga, a massive cliff resembling a natural fortress sculpted by the wind. Its colorful layers, rich in marine fossils, tell the tale of an ancient ocean that once bathed these lands. We walk among its ridges and let our imagination soar, admiring the landscape that seems to belong to another world.

Day 4: Yolyn Am – The Canyon of Eternal Ice
We arrive at the “Three Beauties of the Gobi” National Park and step into Yolyn Am, a green valley hidden between towering mountains, where blocks of ice can be found even in the summer. We stroll through its narrow walls, spotting eagles and wild goats, in a rare and breathtaking setting.

Day 5: Khongoryn Els – The “Song of the Dunes” and the Steppe Camels
Today, the Gobi Desert reveals one of its most stunning creations: Khongoryn Els, the largest sand dunes in Mongolia. We venture up their golden crests and listen to the “song of the dunes,” a mysterious sound created by the movement of the sand. We visit a nomadic camel herder family to learn about their fascinating lifestyle, and the evening finds us in a magical atmosphere, with views that seem endless.

Day 6: Bayanzag – Tracing the Footsteps of Dinosaurs at Flaming Cliffs
We explore Bayanzag, where some of the world’s most important dinosaur fossils were discovered. The red cliffs of Flaming Cliffs glow in the sunset light, offering an unforgettable visual spectacle. Here, history and nature intertwine in an almost surreal atmosphere.

Day 7: Ongi Khiid – Ruins of a Glorious Past
The journey takes us to Ongi Khiid, a monastery complex destroyed during the communist era. We feel the serenity and sacredness of the place before exploring the surrounding area of this forgotten historical site.

Day 8: Kharkhorin & Erdene Zuu – At the Heart of the Former Mongol Empire
We arrive in Kharkhorin, once the capital of the Mongol Empire. Here, we visit Erdene Zuu, Mongolia’s first Buddhist monastery, surrounded by an imposing wall with 108 white stupas. We walk in the footsteps of Genghis Khan and imagine the grandeur of this legendary city.

Day 9: Hustai National Park – Meeting the Wild Takhi Horses
We venture into Hustai National Park, the only place in the world where wild Takhi (Przewalski) horses roam freely in their natural habitat. We observe them galloping across the grassy hills and understand the efforts made to conserve this rare species.

Day 10: Return to Ulaanbaatar – Mongolian Culture and Traditions
We return to the capital and visit the Bogd Khan Palace, the former residence of the last Mongolian ruler. We explore the local markets, and in the evening, we enjoy a traditional performance featuring the “morin khuur” (horsehead fiddle) and “khoomei” (throat singing), along with energetic traditional dances.

Day 11: The Statue of Genghis Khan and Terelj National Park
Today we head to the awe-inspiring equestrian statue of Genghis Khan, the largest of its kind in the world, offering an incredible panoramic view of the Mongolian landscape. We then explore Terelj National Park, an area of exceptional beauty, with stunning rock formations and isolated yurts. We will enjoy our final moments in nature, in a setting that seems straight out of a storybook.

Day 12: Ulaanbaatar – Free Day
Our last day is dedicated to discovering the city at our own pace. We can visit the Zaisan Memorial for a spectacular view of the capital, explore the Choijin Lama Museum, a hidden gem filled with treasures of Mongolian Buddhism, or wander through the Narantuul Market (“Black Market”), where we can find authentic souvenirs and traditional items. Of course, there will be time to enjoy more Mongolian specialties in local restaurants or traditional tea houses.

Day 13: Departure
Your journey comes to an end today. If you wish, you can spend some time exploring the city at your own pace or shopping for souvenirs before departing from Ulaanbaatar at your convenience.

Terra Incognita - From Dream to Reality