Mongolia Expedition
Uncover Mongolia’s untamed wilderness and rich nomadic culture on an expedition that blends wildlife, tradition, and awe-inspiring landscapes into an unforgettable private adventure. This exclusive itinerary is the ideal way to explore Mongolia, offering the flexibility to travel on the dates of your choosing and the option to customize every aspect of the journey to match your unique needs, travel days, and interests. Every step of the adventure is led by NPE’s Master Local Guides and supported by expert naturalists, ensuring a seamless, immersive, and enriching experience.
Begin your journey in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, with visits to its vibrant monasteries, museums, and the historic Bogd Gegen Palace. Head into the wild to track the endangered Przewalski’s Horse at Hustain Nuruu National Park, and then north to the pristine waters of Hovsgol Lake, where you’ll horseback ride through the Saridag Mountains, meet nomadic families, and kayak on Mongolia’s “Blue Pearl.”
The expedition then takes you to the remote Gun Galuut Nature Reserve for encounters with argali sheep and white-naped cranes before flying south to the legendary Gobi Desert. Stay at the award-winning Three Camel Lodge as you explore the dramatic Yol Valley, ride Bactrian camels across Moltsog Els dunes, and search for dinosaur fossils at the Flaming Cliffs. Time your journey to coincide with Mongolia’s intimate Rural Naadam Festival in the Gobi for an authentic celebration of traditional games and culture—far from the crowds.
With private 4×4 vehicles, the best accommodations available, and expertly planned logistics, this customizable expedition offers extraordinary access to Mongolia’s wildlife, cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights of the Wild Mongolia Private Expedition
- Przewalski’s Horses at Hustain Nuruu: Spot the world’s last wild horses and enjoy excellent birding in this unique national park.
- Hovsgol Lake Experience: Explore Mongolia’s “Blue Pearl” with optional horseback rides, kayaking, and visits to nomadic families.
- Gun Galuut Nature Reserve: Hike to see argali sheep and white-naped cranes, and float the Kherlen River on an easy kayak excursion.
- Gobi Desert & Three Camel Lodge: Discover the Yol Valley, Flaming Cliffs, and Moltsog Els dunes while staying in deluxe ensuite gers.
- Rural Naadam Festival in the Gobi: Experience Mongolia’s authentic Naadam with horse racing, archery, and wrestling—far from the crowds.
- Bactrian Camel Ride: Ride two-humped camels across the Gobi dunes and immerse yourself in nomadic traditions.
- Flexible, Private Adventure: Customizable activities with expert guides, top 4×4 vehicles, and premium accommodations.
- 5-Star Hotel in Ulaanbaatar: Relax in luxury with a stay at Ulaanbaatar’s top hotel, steps from the city’s main attractions.
“An unforgettable journey through Mongolia’s wild landscapes—riding Bactrian camels, spotting Takhi horses, and witnessing the magic of the Gobi at sunrise.”
— Michael Anderson
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please let us know. We are here to help you!
Itinerary in Brief
This is a detailed Mongolia expedition itinerary crafted for previous New Paths Expeditions travelers. To prepare the ideal experience for you, please get in touch with our destination specialist.
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Arrive at Ulaanbaatar’s Chinggis Khaan International Airport, where you’ll be warmly greeted by your NPE Master Local Guide. Enjoy a seamless transfer to the centrally located 5-star Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel, just steps from Great Chinggis Khaan Square, Government House, and the city’s top landmarks.
After check-in, take time to rest and recover from your international flight. Ulaanbaatar offers a fascinating contrast of traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries set alongside modern architecture and vibrant city life.
Prepare for the adventure ahead with a relaxing afternoon, or explore nearby shops and cultural sites at your leisure.
Overnight: Deluxe Room, Best Western Tuushin Hotel (Meals aloft)
Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, begin your exploration of Mongolia’s vibrant capital with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the country’s spiritual heart and the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Marvel at the monastery’s immense gilded Buddha statue and observe the daily rituals of resident monks.
Next, delve into Mongolia’s rich past at the National Museum of Mongolia, home to an impressive collection spanning from the Stone and Bronze Ages to modern times. Exhibits include traditional nomadic clothing, sacred religious relics, and ancient artifacts that illuminate the country’s complex history and culture.
In the afternoon, explore the Bogd Gegen Palace Museum, the former home of Mongolia’s last spiritual leader, Bogd Khan. Admire his ceremonial robes, personal belongings, and rare examples of Mongolian craftsmanship from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
This evening, enjoy a traditional Mongolian welcome dinner, featuring local cuisine and warm hospitality.
Overnight: Deluxe Room, Best Western Tuushin Hotel (B, L, D)
Hustain Nuruu National Park
This morning, depart Ulaanbaatar and head west toward Hustain Nuruu National Park, a protected area renowned for its efforts to reintroduce the endangered Przewalski’s horse—locally known as the Takhi—the world’s last true wild horse.
During the drive across the vast Mongolian steppe, keep an eye out for demoiselle cranes, cinereous vultures, and steppe eagles soaring overhead. Once in the park, settle into your traditional ger camp, the best available accommodations in the area.
In the afternoon, join your local naturalist guide for a wildlife walk or drive in search of the Takhi horses, which now number nearly 400 in the park. The grasslands and woodlands of Hustain Nuruu are also home to a variety of wildlife, including marmots, saker falcons, upland buzzards, and other raptors. Learn about the ongoing conservation efforts that protect this unique ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Overnight: Local Ger Camp. (B, L, D)
To Hovsgol Lake
En route, stop to explore the Uushgiin Deer Stones, a fascinating archaeological site featuring 14 ancient stones carved with deer and human figures. Dating back thousands of years, these monoliths are some of Mongolia’s best-preserved examples of Bronze Age culture.
Arrive at Lake Hovsgol, known as Mongolia’s “Dark Blue Pearl,” a pristine alpine lake holding nearly 2% of the world’s fresh water. Surrounded by boreal forests, rolling mountains, and vast meadows, this unspoiled region is rich in birdlife and endemic flora. Spend the afternoon exploring the lakeshore, home to horned grebes and other taiga specialties, or simply relax and soak in the serene landscape.
Overnight: Local Ger Camp. (B, L, D)
Hovsgol Lake
This morning, embark on an optional horseback trek through the stunning Khoridal Saridag Mountains, which border the western shore of Lake Hovsgol. The scenic ride offers spectacular views over Mongolia’s “Blue Pearl” lake. For those preferring not to ride, vehicles will be available to reach the viewpoints.
Later, visit local nomadic families to experience authentic Mongolian hospitality and learn about their customs and daily life. If possible, meet a traditional shaman to gain insight into ancient spiritual practices that are still alive in this remote region.
In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat ride or kayaking on the pristine waters of Lake Hovsgol. Conclude the day with a fascinating ger-building demonstration, providing excellent photo opportunities and a deeper understanding of Mongolia’s nomadic traditions.
Overnight: Local Ger Camp. (B, L, D)
Morning Birding and Ulaanbaatar Fine Arts
After an early breakfast, return to Murun for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar. If time allows, enjoy a birdwatching stop at a nearby lake known for its abundant waterfowl, including whooper swans, swan geese, and ruddy shelducks—perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, visit the renowned Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum. Named after the 17th-century artist, politician, and Mongolia’s first Buddhist leader, the museum showcases one of the finest collections of Buddhist art in the world. Admire original works by Zanabazar, intricate sculptures, thangkas, and sacred relics that reveal Mongolia’s rich cultural and spiritual history.
End the day with dinner at one of Ulaanbaatar’s top local restaurants.
Overnight: Deluxe Room, Best Western Tuushin Hotel. (B, L, D)
Gun Galuut Nature Reserve
After an early breakfast, depart eastward from Ulaanbaatar for the Gun Galuut Nature Reserve, located just 2.5 hours away. This pristine reserve offers a stunning blend of river valleys, mountain ranges, and expansive rolling steppe, providing critical habitat for some of Mongolia’s most endangered wildlife.
Enjoy an easy guided hike through the valley in search of the elusive argali (Marco Polo) sheep and the rare white-naped crane. The reserve is also home to a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Later, take a relaxing kayak trip along the calm waters of the Kherlen River. Along the way, watch for birdlife and enjoy the possibility of interacting with local nomadic families grazing their livestock. Guests preferring not to kayak can opt for transportation by 4×4.
Return to Ulaanbaatar in the late afternoon. Enjoy dinner and relax at your centrally located hotel.
Overnight: Deluxe Room, Best Western Tuushin Hotel. (B, L, D)
To the Gobi, Yol Valley National Park
This morning, board a flight south to Mongolia’s legendary Gobi Desert (1.5-hour flight). Known for its dramatic landscapes and paleontological treasures, the Gobi offers a rich combination of nature, wildlife, and history.
Upon arrival, transfer to Yol Valley National Park, nestled in the Gurvansaikhan (Three Beauties) Mountains. Explore this stunning gorge on foot, searching for wildlife such as argali sheep, Siberian ibex, and an array of unique bird species, including Pere David’s snowfinch and Koslov’s accentor. Yol Valley’s striking cliffs and ice fields offer fantastic photography opportunities.
In the late afternoon, transfer to the award-winning Three Camel Lodge. If time and energy permit, visit Khavtsgait Valley to view ancient petroglyphs dating back over 15,000 years.
Overnight: Deluxe Ger, Three Camel Lodge. (B, L, D)
Hongoryn Els/ Three Camel Lodge
After breakfast, embark on an exploration of the iconic Hongoryn Els, also known as the “Singing Sands.” These massive dunes, rising up to 985 feet, are famous for the deep, resonant sound they produce when wind shifts the sand. Experience this natural wonder and enjoy the stunning views of the desert landscape.
Visit a traditional camel-herding family and learn about their nomadic lifestyle. For those interested, take a ride on a Bactrian (two-humped) camel across the golden dunes—an unforgettable way to experience the Gobi.
After lunch, return to the award-winning Three Camel Lodge (4-hour drive). If time and energy permit, visit Khavtsgait Valley to view ancient petroglyphs dating back 15,000–40,000 years, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Gobi life.
Overnight: Deluxe Ger, Three Camel Lodge. (B, L, D)
Moltsog Els and Flaming Cliffs
This morning, visit Moltsog Els, one of the few sand dune areas in the Gobi fully covered by sand. Here, you’ll have another chance to ride a Bactrian (two-humped) camel across this striking desert landscape, experiencing Mongolia’s nomadic traditions firsthand.
In the late afternoon, travel to the famous Flaming Cliffs—Bayan Zag—renowned for their fiery red sandstone that glows at sunset. This is the historic site where Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the world’s first dinosaur eggs in 1922. Explore the cliffs with your expert guide, searching for ancient bone fragments and learning about the area’s rich paleontological history.
Take time to walk through the nearby saxaul forest, an ecosystem unique to the Gobi Desert, home to rare endemic species and offering fantastic photography opportunities.
Overnight: Deluxe Ger, Three Camel Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 11
Ulaanbaatar
Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, check in at the centrally located Best Western Tuushin Hotel, just steps from Chinggis Khaan Square and Ulaanbaatar’s main attractions.
Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure—perfect for exploring local craft markets, visiting cultural landmarks, or shopping for cashmere and souvenirs. Your guide will be available to offer recommendations.
In the evening, experience a captivating traditional Mongolian cultural performance. Watch skilled dancers and listen to khoomi (throat) singers as they share Mongolia’s unique musical heritage. Celebrate the end of your incredible journey with a farewell dinner at one of Ulaanbaatar’s finest restaurants.
Overnight: Deluxe Room, Best Western Tuushin Hotel. (B, D)
Day 12
Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodgings
Shangri-La Hotel
Located in the heart of modern Ulaanbataar, the Shari-La Hotel is the ideal base to start your journey in Mongolia. Its wonderful suites plus their friendly staff will make you feel at home. The hotel is located 40 minutes away from the airport, and it is near to the famous Government House, Great Chinggis Khaan Square, and main offices and embassies. Shari-La has a three-concept restaurant where you will be able to try authentic Mongolian cuisine.
Three Camel Lodge
This experiential hotel is located in the midst of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert and is manned by Mongolians who provide traditional hospitality to tourists. You will stay in a “Ger,” which is the nomadic herders of Mongolia’s traditional tent. They are heated by a wood stove and are surrounded by exquisitely painted wooden latticework. Your opulent Ger is equipped with a king-sized bed, a basin, a toilet, and conventional beauty supplies.
When to go
The summer, which lasts from the middle of June until the last week of August, is the most incredible time to visit Mongolia. The best and safest time to visit the nation is when the weather is ideal for expeditions, and there is enough rain and sunshine to cover the entire country. Every location you visit on your trip is lush and verdant.
In Mongolia, the summer months of June through September are particularly lovely. September’s autumnal weather is pleasant and restores color to the landscape. Neither it’s too hot nor too cold outside. The abundance of dairy products available to the nomads, who make up the majority of this nation, is another benefit of this time of year. They can be seen working diligently to process milk and make winter-related preparations.
The autumn season makes Mongolia’s gorgeous countryside settings even more picturesque and photogenic.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please let us know. We are here to help you!
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