True Mongolia travel Great Gobi & Central Mongolia tour

Overview

Great Gobi & Central Mongolia tour is a loop starting from Ulaanbaatar, traveling to the Great Gobi and through central Mongolia and finally back to the capital. It takes you through the spectacular diverse landscape, amazing hospitable culture and magnificent natural and historical wonders of the country. The tour begins with the Great Gobi desert where dinosaurs roamed for millions of years and first scientifically recognized dinosaur eggs were found. Glamorous Ice gorge, magnificent Flaming cliff and magical Singing sand dunes are also in the itinerary. In middle of the trip you will be taken to heart of Mongolia -amazing historical site Karakorum, capital of Mongol Empire and historic charming monastery Erdenezuu. Beautiful landscape, spectacular scenery and magical legends about the places you visit don’t give you a second to get bored. The final part of the trip will be in the land of wild horses where you will see not only wild horses but also dozens of wild animals as red deer, wolves, fox, marmot and wonderful burial site with standing stones as well as a magnificent deer stone. Witness these amazing creatures grazing in the mountains.

HIGHLIGHTS:

GREAT GOBI: Yolyn Am-Ice gorge, Flaming cliff, visit to nomadic family, camel riding in desert, climbing sand dune-Khongoryn els, charming buddhist temple Ongi.
CENTRAL MONGOLIA: Karakorum – capital of Mongol Empire, biggest buddhist Monasteries Erdenezuu , Wild horses-Takhi, ancient historical artifacts.

8-Day Mongolia Highlights Adventure

Day 1: Ulaanbaatar – Tsagaan Suvarga

Begin your great adventure at Tsagaan Suvarga, spectacular rock formations rising up to 60 meters high. Shaped by wind erosion, the cliffs resemble the ruins of an ancient city.

Day 2: Tsagaan Suvarga – Yolyn Am

Travel to Yolyn Am (Ice Gorge), where you can enjoy a natural refrigerator even during the Gobi’s steaming hot days. Visit the local museum for an introduction to the area and its wildlife.

Day 3: Yolyn Am – Khongor Sand Dunes

Drive through the dramatic Ice Gorge to reach Khongor Sand Dunes, the largest sand dunes in Mongolia, rising up to 300 meters and stretching over 130 km.
Visit a camel-herding family, enjoy a camel ride to the dunes, and climb to the summit. Watch the sunset from the top with a bottle of wine as billions of stars light up the sky.

Day 4: Khongor Sand Dunes – Flaming Cliffs

Travel to the magnificent Flaming Cliffs, where the first scientifically recognized dinosaur eggs were discovered. Admire the vast open plains where only drifting cloud shadows break the horizon.

Day 5: Flaming Cliffs – Ongi Temple

Hit the road toward Ongi Temple in Central Mongolia. Experience complete isolation as you cross endless steppe without a single hill in sight. Learn about the tragic history of Mongolian Buddhism in the 20th century, softened by inspiring stories and beautiful natural surroundings.

Day 6: Ongi Temple – Karakorum

Journey from the Gobi’s remote landscapes to a greener region as you travel to Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. Visit the local history museum and explore Erdene Zuu Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia.

Day 7: Karakorum – Khustai National Park

Travel toward Ulaanbaatar, stopping overnight at Khustai National Park, home of the wild Przewalski’s horse (Takhi). Drive deep into the park to visit ancient burial sites with magnificent deer stones. Enjoy the park’s peaceful atmosphere while spotting Takhi, red deer, and playful marmots.