Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Mongolia's capital and acclimate to the city with a panoramic view and introduction to local culture.
Morning
Airport transfer and hotel check-in
Arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in central
Ulaanbaatar. Take time to rest and freshen up after your flight. Orient yourself with the city center, exchange currency, and purchase a local SIM card if needed. The morning is intentionally light to allow for jet lag recovery.
2-3 hours
$15-20
Arrange airport pickup through your accommodation in advance for easier arrival
Lunch
Traditional Mongolian with contemporary presentation
Mid-range
Afternoon
Zaisan Hill Complex
Climb the 300 steps to this Soviet-era memorial on a hilltop south of the city. The monument commemorates Soviet-Mongolian friendship and offers spectacular 360-degree views of
Ulaanbaatar and the surrounding mountains. The colorful circular mural depicts scenes of friendship between the two nations. Perfect for getting your bearings and capturing panoramic photos of the sprawling capital.
2 hours
Free entry
Evening
Welcome dinner and traditional folklore performance
Attend a cultural performance featuring throat singing, traditional dance, and contortionism at a theater venue, followed by dinner at a restaurant serving classic Mongolian dishes like khorkhog and buuz
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Ulaanbaatar near Sukhbaatar Square (Mid-range hotel with modern amenities)
Central location provides easy access to restaurants, shops, and cultural sites for your orientation day
Download offline maps of
Ulaanbaatar before arrival as WiFi can be spotty outside hotels
Day 1 Budget: $90-110
Explore
Ulaanbaatar's artistic heritage and prepare for your countryside adventure with last-minute supplies.
Morning
976 Art Gallery and Mongol Art Gallery
Begin at the 976 Art Gallery showcasing contemporary Mongolian artists working in various mediums from traditional to avant-garde. Continue to Mongol Art Gallery to see works that blend nomadic heritage with modern artistic expression. These galleries provide insight into how Mongolian artists interpret their cultural identity and landscape. The intimate settings allow for genuine appreciation of the evolving art scene.
3 hours
$10-15
Check gallery hours in advance as they may have irregular schedules
Lunch
A Korean-Mongolian fusion restaurant in the downtown area
Korean-influenced Mongolian cuisine
Budget
Afternoon
National Park exploration and shopping
Visit the National Park area for a peaceful walk and to observe local life. Spend time shopping for supplies needed for your countryside journey including snacks, toiletries, and any camping gear. Visit the State Department Store or local markets for authentic Mongolian souvenirs, cashmere products, and traditional items you might need for the ger camps ahead.
3-4 hours
$30-50
Evening
Farewell to the city dinner
Enjoy a hearty meal at a steakhouse or international restaurant, as this will be your last night with diverse dining options before heading to the countryside
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Ulaanbaatar (Same hotel as Day 1)
Convenient for early morning departure to the Gobi Desert
Stock up on wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper as facilities in the countryside are basic
Day 2 Budget: $85-105
Depart
Ulaanbaatar for the first leg of your Gobi adventure, stopping at a dramatic granite formation rising from the steppe.
Morning
Drive to Baga Gazryn Chuluu
Embark on a scenic drive south from
Ulaanbaatar toward the Gobi region. The landscape gradually transitions from rolling hills to open steppe. Stop at roadside settlements to observe rural Mongolian life. Arrive at Baga Gazryn Chuluu, a striking granite rock formation that rises unexpectedly from the surrounding plains, creating a unique ecosystem with natural springs and caves.
6-7 hours driving
$40-50 for vehicle portion
Book a multi-day Gobi tour with reputable operator including driver and guide
Lunch
Simple Mongolian fare
Budget
Afternoon
Baga Gazryn Chuluu exploration
Hike among the granite formations, exploring small caves and ruins of a 17th-century monastery. The rocks create a maze-like landscape perfect for scrambling and photography. Look for the natural springs that support vegetation and wildlife. Visit a nearby nomadic family to learn about traditional herding life and sample airag (fermented mare's milk) if offered.
3-4 hours
$5 donation to nomadic family
Evening
First night in a traditional ger camp
Experience your first sunset over the Gobi landscape, enjoy a traditional Mongolian dinner in the ger camp dining hall, and stargaze under pollution-free skies
Where to Stay Tonight
Baga Gazryn Chuluu area (Tourist ger camp with shared facilities)
Authentic introduction to ger living while breaking up the long journey to the deep Gobi
Bring a headlamp for nighttime bathroom trips and stargazing - the Milky Way is spectacularly visible
Day 3 Budget: $95-115
Witness one of Mongolia's most surreal landscapes at the colorful sedimentary cliffs resembling ancient ruins.
Morning
Drive to Tsagaan Suvarga
Continue south through increasingly arid landscape toward Tsagaan Suvarga. The drive offers opportunities to spot wild horses, gazelles, and birds of prey. Stop at small settlements to stretch and interact with locals. The anticipation builds as the landscape becomes more dramatic and otherworldly with each passing kilometer.
4-5 hours driving
Included in tour package
Lunch
Picnic lunch prepared by ger camp with scenic views
Packed sandwiches and snacks
Budget
Afternoon
Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa) exploration
Explore this extraordinary geological formation of layered sedimentary cliffs that stretch for several kilometers. The colorful striations of red, orange, and white create the appearance of ancient temples or stupas. Walk along the rim for panoramic views and descend into the formations. The play of light on the cliffs changes throughout the afternoon, creating exceptional photography opportunities. The site was once an ancient seabed.
3 hours
$3 site entry
Evening
Sunset photography and traditional dinner
Watch the cliffs transform colors during golden hour, then enjoy tsuivan (Mongolian noodle dish) at the ger camp
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Tsagaan Suvarga (Basic ger camp in remote location)
Proximity to the formations allows for sunrise photography opportunity
The best light for photography is early morning or late afternoon when shadows emphasize the cliff formations
Day 4 Budget: $80-100
Journey to the famous dinosaur fossil site where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered.
Morning
Travel to Bayanzag
Drive through the quintessential Gobi landscape of sparse vegetation, distant mountains, and endless horizons. The route takes you deeper into the desert where nomadic families become fewer and wildlife more abundant. Watch for black-tailed gazelles and desert birds. Arrive at Bayanzag, one of the world's most important paleontological sites.
5-6 hours driving
Included in tour package
Lunch
Lunch at a ger camp en route
Traditional Mongolian mutton dishes
Budget
Afternoon
Bayanzag exploration
Walk among the famous Flaming Cliffs where American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first dinosaur eggs in the 1920s. The orange-red sandstone cliffs glow brilliantly in afternoon light, justifying their name. Explore the area where Protoceratops and Velociraptor fossils were found. Visit the small saxaul forest, a rare desert tree species that provides habitat for desert wildlife.
3 hours
$5 entrance fee
Evening
Gobi sunset and astronomy session
Experience the dramatic Gobi sunset painting the cliffs in fire colors, followed by informal stargazing with your guide pointing out constellations visible from the southern hemisphere
Where to Stay Tonight
Bayanzag area (Tourist ger camp with better amenities)
Central location for exploring multiple Gobi attractions over the next days
Fossil hunting is strictly prohibited, but the gift shop sells authenticated fossil replicas for souvenirs
Day 5 Budget: $90-110
Explore Mongolia's largest national park featuring dramatic canyons, sand dunes, and unique desert ecosystems.
Morning
Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park - Eagle Valley
Enter Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park and hike through Yolyn Am (Eagle Valley), a remarkable gorge that remains filled with ice even in summer due to its depth and orientation. The canyon walls tower overhead while a stream of ice flows through the narrow passage. Watch for lammergeiers (bearded vultures) and other raptors. The microclimate supports unique vegetation and wildlife.
3-4 hours
$8 park entrance fee
Visit in morning when ice formations are most impressive
Lunch
Packed lunch near the park visitor center
Portable trail food
Budget
Afternoon
The Gobi Museum of Nature and History
Visit this excellent regional museum in Dalanzadgad that provides context for the Gobi's geology, paleontology, and ecology. See dinosaur fossils, skeletons, and eggs found in the region. Learn about the unique adaptations of Gobi wildlife including the Bactrian camel, snow leopard, and Gobi bear. Traditional cultural exhibits showcase nomadic life in this harsh environment.
2 hours
$3 entrance fee
Evening
Rest and preparation for sand dunes
Early dinner and rest at the ger camp in preparation for tomorrow's sunrise at the singing dunes
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Khongoryn Els (Singing Dunes) (Ger camp with camel riding services)
Strategic position for early morning dune access and camel trekking
The park protects over 200 bird species - bring binoculars for wildlife watching
Day 6 Budget: $85-105
Experience the Gobi's magnificent sand dunes by foot and camel, hearing the mysterious singing phenomenon.
Morning
Sunrise at the Singing Dunes and camel riding
Wake before dawn to witness sunrise over Khongoryn Els, the largest sand dunes in Mongolia stretching over 100 kilometers. Climb the dunes (up to 300 meters high) to experience the singing phenomenon when sand cascades down slopes. The two-humped Bactrian camels await for a trek across the dunes and to a nearby oasis. The morning light creates spectacular shadows and colors across the rippled sand.
4-5 hours
$15-20 for camel rental
Arrange camel trek through your ger camp the evening before
Lunch
Return to ger camp for hot lunch
Mongolian comfort food
Budget
Afternoon
Relaxation and optional dune activities
Rest during the hottest part of the day or try sandboarding down the dunes. Visit a nearby nomadic family to learn about desert herding life and how they survive in this extreme environment. Observe how they manage their camels, goats, and sheep. Experience traditional hospitality with milk tea and snacks. The afternoon provides a slower pace after active morning.
3-4 hours
$5 for family visit
Evening
Final Gobi sunset and celebration dinner
Climb the dunes one last time for sunset photography, followed by a special khorkhog (traditional hot stone barbecue) dinner at the ger camp
Where to Stay Tonight
Khongoryn Els area (Same ger camp as previous night)
Maximize time at this spectacular location
Bring a scarf to protect your face from blowing sand, and shake out your shoes frequently
Day 7 Budget: $95-115
Begin the journey back north, stopping at a unique landscape combining sand dunes, rocky mountains, and green valleys.
Morning
Long drive north from the Gobi
Depart the deep Gobi and begin the return journey toward central Mongolia. The landscape gradually transitions from pure desert back to semi-arid steppe. Stop at small towns for breaks and to observe the changing scenery. The long drive provides time to reflect on the Gobi experience and watch for wildlife along the route.
6-7 hours driving
Included in tour package
Lunch
Roadside restaurant in a small provincial town
Simple Mongolian and Chinese dishes
Budget
Afternoon
Elsen Tasarkhai (Sand Dune Mini Gobi)
Arrive at Elsen Tasarkhai, a unique area where sand dunes meet forest and mountains, creating diverse ecosystems in close proximity. Take a short camel or horse ride across the smaller dunes. Explore the transition zones between desert and grassland. The area offers a condensed version of Mongolia's varied landscapes, perfect for those who couldn't make it to the deep Gobi.
2-3 hours
$10 for horse/camel ride
Evening
Ger camp relaxation
Enjoy a quieter evening with traditional dairy products tasting and early rest after the long travel day
Where to Stay Tonight
Elsen Tasarkhai area (Comfortable ger camp with good facilities)
Convenient stopover point between Gobi and Karakorum
This area is less crowded than major Gobi sites but offers similar landscape diversity
Day 8 Budget: $85-100
Explore the archaeological remains and museum of Genghis Khan's legendary capital city.
Morning
Drive to Karakorum and Kharakhorum Museum
Travel to Kharkhorin, site of the ancient Mongol capital established by Genghis Khan in 1220. Begin at the excellent Kharakhorum Museum which houses artifacts from excavations of the ancient city. See relics from the Mongol Empire period, including coins, tools, and architectural fragments. Learn about the city's role as the political and cultural center of the vast empire through detailed exhibits and reconstructions.
3-4 hours including drive
$5 museum entrance
Lunch
Restaurant in Kharkhorin town center
Mongolian and international options
Budget
Afternoon
Erdene Zuu Monastery and ancient city ruins
Visit Mongolia's oldest surviving Buddhist monastery, built in 1586 using stones from the ruins of Karakorum. Walk around the massive walls lined with 108 stupas. Explore the three main temples representing different life stages of Buddha. See ancient thangka paintings, statues, and religious artifacts. Walk among the limited remains of the ancient capital visible outside the monastery walls.
3 hours
$5 monastery entrance
Evening
Historical reflection dinner
Dine at a local restaurant while discussing the day's historical discoveries with your guide
Where to Stay Tonight
Kharkhorin area (Ger camp or guesthouse)
Central location for exploring Orkhon Valley region
The turtle rocks marking the ancient city boundaries are scattered around the area - ask your guide to locate them
Day 9 Budget: $80-100
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of waterfalls, nomadic culture, and archaeological sites.
Morning
Orkhon Valley Natural and Historical Reserve exploration
Enter this UNESCO World Heritage site that has been inhabited for over 2,000 years. Drive through the scenic valley dotted with nomadic ger settlements. Visit archaeological sites including ancient Turkic monuments and burial mounds. The valley represents the evolution of nomadic pastoral traditions and served as a crossroads for cultural exchange along the Silk Road. Observe modern nomadic families continuing ancient traditions.
3-4 hours
$5 reserve entrance
Lunch
Picnic near the river with views of the valley
Packed lunch from ger camp
Budget
Afternoon
Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall and horse riding
Hike to the impressive Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfall (also called Orkhon waterfall) created by volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The water drops 20 meters into a dramatic canyon. Take an optional horse ride through the valley grasslands, experiencing the landscape as nomads have for centuries. Visit a nomadic family to learn about horse culture, dairy production, and seasonal migration patterns.
4 hours
$15 horse rental
Evening
Nomadic cultural experience
Participate in traditional activities like milking animals, making dairy products, or learning about ger construction at your host family's camp
Where to Stay Tonight
Orkhon Valley (Homestay with nomadic family or nearby ger camp)
Authentic cultural immersion in working nomadic household
Bring small gifts for host families like school supplies for children or tea and sugar
Day 10 Budget: $75-95
Visit a sacred rock formation covered in ancient inscriptions before heading toward northern Mongolia.
Morning
Taikhar Rock exploration
Visit this massive 20-meter high rock formation standing alone in the valley, considered sacred by locals. Examine the ancient inscriptions carved into the rock face dating back to various periods including Turkic runes and Mongolian script. Local legends tell of a hero who threw the rock to defeat a giant serpent. The site has been a pilgrimage destination and marker for travelers for centuries.
2 hours
Free
Lunch
Lunch at a nearby settlement
Local Mongolian home cooking
Budget
Afternoon
Drive toward Amarbayasgalant region
Embark on a scenic drive north toward the Selenge province. The landscape transitions to lusher grasslands and forested mountains. Pass through small towns and villages, observing rural Mongolian life. Stop at scenic viewpoints and local markets. The journey takes you into less-visited regions of northern Mongolia with different geography and culture from the Gobi.
5-6 hours
Included in tour
Evening
Arrival at northern ger camp
Settle into your accommodation and enjoy dinner featuring regional specialties from northern Mongolia
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Amarbayasgalant Monastery (Remote ger camp in forested area)
Proximity to tomorrow's monastery visit and experience of northern landscape
Northern Mongolia is cooler and wetter - bring layers even in summer
Day 11 Budget: $85-100
Explore one of Mongolia's most beautiful and intact Buddhist monasteries in a stunning mountain setting.
Morning
Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Visit this magnificent monastery complex built between 1727-1737, dedicated to the great Mongolian Buddhist scholar Zanabazar. The monastery survived the Soviet purges better than most and retains much of its original architecture. Explore the symmetrically arranged temples showcasing Chinese-influenced design. Witness morning prayers if timing allows. The complex sits in a pristine valley surrounded by forested mountains, creating a scene of remarkable beauty and tranquility.
3-4 hours
$5 entrance fee
Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering temples
Lunch
Simple meal at monastery canteen or packed lunch
Vegetarian Mongolian food
Budget
Afternoon
Valley hiking and meditation
Hike in the surrounding valley and foothills, following trails used by monks for meditation walks. The peaceful landscape invites contemplation and photography. Visit the small museum displaying religious artifacts, thangkas, and historical items. Observe monks going about their daily routines. The remote location and stunning natural setting make this one of Mongolia's most spiritually significant sites.
3 hours
Free
Evening
Quiet evening reflection
Enjoy a peaceful evening at the ger camp, perhaps with a bonfire and traditional songs from your guide
Where to Stay Tonight
Amarbayasgalant area (Same ger camp as previous night)
Allows for leisurely monastery visit without rushing
The monastery is most photogenic in late afternoon light when the golden roofs glow against the mountains
Day 12 Budget: $75-90
Visit remarkable 8th-century Turkic monuments before returning toward
Ulaanbaatar.
Morning
Gokhturk Museum at Khoshoo Tsaidam
Visit this unique museum built to protect the Orkhon inscriptions, ancient Turkic monuments from 732-735 AD. The museum houses the original stone monuments (Bilge Khan and Kul Tigin) with inscriptions in ancient Turkic runes, among the oldest written records in Central Asia. Learn about the Turkic Khaganate that ruled this region before the Mongol Empire. The site provides crucial insights into pre-Mongol history.
2-3 hours
$5 entrance fee
Lunch
Packed lunch or roadside stop
Simple portable food
Budget
Afternoon
Begin the drive back to the capital through the northern steppes. Reflect on your journey through Mongolia's diverse landscapes and cultures. Make photo stops at scenic viewpoints and stretch breaks at small settlements. The changing landscape marks your transition back to urban life after nearly two weeks in the countryside.
6-7 hours
Included in tour
Evening
Return to civilization dinner
Celebrate your return to
Ulaanbaatar with dinner at an upscale restaurant featuring modern Mongolian cuisine and perhaps a craft beer from local breweries
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Ulaanbaatar (Comfortable hotel with modern amenities)
Convenient for final day activities and departure preparations
Book a massage or spa treatment for tonight to recover from the bumpy roads
Day 13 Budget: $95-115
Last-minute shopping, cultural experiences, and departure preparations in the capital.
Morning
Aryapala Temple Meditation Center and souvenir shopping
Visit the Aryapala Temple Meditation Center, a peaceful Buddhist complex built on a hillside requiring a climb of several hundred steps. The colorful prayer flags and mountain setting provide a serene final cultural experience. Afterward, shop for last-minute souvenirs at the State Department Store or specialty shops, including cashmere products, traditional artwork, and Mongolian crafts.
3-4 hours
$50-100 for shopping
Lunch
Farewell lunch at a restaurant serving your favorite Mongolian dishes from the trip
Mongolian classics
Mid-range
Afternoon
Final museum visit or relaxation
Depending on flight time, visit any museums missed earlier or simply relax at a cafe, organizing photos and reflecting on your journey. Pack carefully, ensuring souvenirs are properly wrapped. Check in for your flight and arrange airport transfer. Use remaining tugriks or exchange money back to your currency.
2-3 hours
$20-30
Confirm flight details and arrange pickup time with hotel
Evening
Airport departure
Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight, carrying memories of the eternal blue sky and endless steppes
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (Departure day)
End of journey
Arrive at the airport 3 hours early for international flights as check-in can be slow
Day 14 Budget: $80-120