Embark on this two-week adventure that loops through Mongolia’s three most stunning regions - the Gobi Desert, the Central Heartlands, and the northern highlands of Lake Khuvsgul. Experience Mongolia’s natural and cultural diversity, from colorful desert cliffs and vast dunes to volcanic lakes and forested taiga.
You’ll visit famous landmarks including Tsagaan Suvarga, Yolyn Am Gorge, Khongor Sand Dunes, Flaming Cliffs, Kharkhorin, and Lake Khuvsgul, staying in comfortable tourist ger camps throughout the journey. Meet nomadic families, learn about Mongolia’s ancient empires and Buddhist traditions, and enjoy authentic encounters along the way.
This “Big Loop” itinerary is one of Mongolia’s most comprehensive routes — a true introduction to the country’s spirit, landscapes, and people.
Driving time : 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic
Welcome to Mongolia! Upon arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, meet your Travel Buddies driver and transfer to your hotel. Take the day to rest after your flight or explore the city independently — visit Sukhbaatar Square, the National Museum, or Gandan Monastery.
After breakfast, depart Ulaanbaatar and begin your journey south to the Gobi Desert. The drive takes you through wide-open steppe where you’ll pass small towns, herds, and wind-sculpted rock formations.
Driving time : 6–7 hours on paved and dirt roads
After breakfast, drive deeper into the southern Gobi. Along the way, stop in Dalanzadgad, the provincial capital, to visit the Natural History Museum — one of the town’s highlights.
Driving time : 5 hours on dirt and paved road
Experience the enchanting Khanbogd Ger Camp, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Gobi Desert in Ömnögovi province. Stay in authentic ger accommodations for a taste of Mongolian culture.
After breakfast, journey across the Gobi Desert to the Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes, which stretch for nearly 180 kilometers and rise up to 200 meters high.
Driving time : 4–5 hours on dirt road
Today, drive to the famous Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag), the discovery site of the world’s first dinosaur eggs.
Driving time : 4 hours on dirt road
Continue north toward the Ongi Monastery, located beside the Ongi River. Once one of Mongolia’s largest monastic centers, it was destroyed in the 1930s and later partially restored.
Driving time : 3 hours on dirt road
Drive north into Central Mongolia’s green valleys. Arrive in Kharkhorin, the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire founded by Genghis Khan’s son Ögedei.
Driving time : 5 hours on dirt and paved road
Continue west toward the Khorgo–Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, known for its volcanic landscape and pristine freshwater lake. Stop in Tsetserleg town for a short walk and visit to a local market before driving along the scenic Chuluut River Canyon.
Driving time : 5–6 hours on paved road
After breakfast, head north through scenic high mountain passes and forested valleys toward Mongolia’s northern regions. Along the way, enjoy changing views of alpine meadows and tranquil rivers.
Driving time : 5 hours on dirt and mixed roads
After breakfast, drive toward Lake Khuvsgul, stopping in Murun town for supplies.
Arrive at the shores of Mongolia’s “Blue Pearl,” one of Asia’s largest and cleanest freshwater lakes.
Driving time : 6 hours on paved and dirt roads
Visit a Tsaatan (reindeer herder) family at their summer camp near the lake. Learn about their migration from the taiga forest and unique culture, then enjoy free time by the lakeshore.
Evening at leisure in your lakeside camp.
Explore the area on horseback guided ride along the lakeshore with local wranglers.
Duration: 1–2 hours
Depart Khuvsgul Lake and travel south to Uran Togoo–Tulga Uul Natural Monument, a dormant volcano surrounded by larch forest.
Driving time : 6-7 hours on paved road
Drive to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, one of Mongolia’s three major Buddhist monastic centers, stopping briefly in Erdenet, the country’s second-largest city.
Driving time : 5–6 hours on paved road
After breakfast, drive back to Ulaanbaatar with scenic stops along the way.
Driving time : 5–6 hours on paved road
Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure. Your driver will ensure you arrive at least three hours before your flight.
Driving time : 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic
The Big Loop Tour operates from June through mid-September, the most favorable travel months for exploring Mongolia’s full range of landscapes — from the southern Gobi Desert to the northern alpine forests. During this period, most ger camps are open, and temperatures are mild, with long daylight hours that allow extended sightseeing.
Travel Buddies’ classic journeys are designed for guests who appreciate comfort blended with authentic local experiences. This 14-day itinerary is a comprehensive route that combines scenic drives (averaging 4–6 hours daily, some longer), easy-to-moderate walks, camel and horse riding, cultural visits, and historical sightseeing.
Because Mongolia is vast and sparsely populated, expect a mix of paved and dirt roads, occasional off-road sections, and travel days that can extend up to 7–8 hours, including rest and photo stops.
Every long drive rewards you with new landscapes — from desert plains to lush meadows and mountain passes.
Hotel in Ulaanbaatar – Comfortable City Stay
Your first and final nights are spent at a 3★ hotel in Ulaanbaatar, carefully selected for comfort, cleanliness, and central location.
Rooms include private bathrooms with hot showers, heating or air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and breakfast.
Most partner hotels are within walking distance of Sukhbaatar Square, restaurants, and shops. Examples include Premium Hotel, Aurora Hotel, or Millennium Plaza (or similar depending on availability).
Tourist Ger Camps – Reliable Comfort in Nature
Most nights outside the capital are spent in tourist ger camps, which provide a comfortable and authentic way to experience Mongolia’s countryside.
Each camp is located close to natural attractions such as dunes, cliffs, lakes, or monasteries and operates from May to early October.
Each tourist ger typically includes:
Private twin beds with linens, blankets, and furniture (extra bed available on request)
Shared bathrooms and showers with hot water, located in a separate building
A restaurant ger serving fresh, hearty meals
Electricity (220V) available in the evenings for lighting and charging
Heating stove provided in cooler months or high-altitude regions
Please note:
Ger camps do not provide one-time amenities such as toothbrushes, robes, shampoo, or conditioner (a few upgraded camps may).
Bring personal toiletries and a towel.
Some camps have Starlink Wi-Fi, but signal strength and reliability vary.
Camps are clean, quiet, and well-managed, offering a balance of comfort and nature immersion.
Meals are included as stated in your itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner).
Across the 14 days, you’ll experience a mix of restaurant meals, camp dining, picnic lunches, and home-cooked dishes.
Breakfast (usually at camps or hotels):
Bread, butter, jam, eggs, sausage, or pancakes
Tea or coffee
Occasionally yogurt or cereals
Lunch (served in camp dining halls, local cafés, or packed for travel):
Soup or salad starter
Main dish: meat (beef, mutton, or chicken) with rice, pasta, or potatoes
Vegetables or fresh salad
Dessert or fruit, with tea
Dinner (usually at ger camps):
Main course such as stir-fried noodles (tsuivan), rice with meat, or dumplings
Simple dessert (fruit, yogurt, or pastry)
Tea served afterward (coffee uncommon in rural areas)
Please note:
Meat and dairy are central to Mongolian cuisine.
Vegetarian meals can be arranged with prior notice.
Gluten-free options are difficult to guarantee in remote areas.
Bottled water (1.5L per person per day) is provided throughout the journey.
All Travel Buddies tours use reliable Japanese vans and minivans, such as Mitsubishi Delica, Hyundai Starex, or Grand Starex, equipped with air conditioning and maintained for long-distance travel.
Your experienced driver knows Mongolia’s diverse terrain — from paved highways to unmarked dirt tracks — ensuring safe and efficient travel.
Road Conditions:
Main highways between major towns are paved but may have rough patches.
Access roads to natural attractions (dunes, lakes, volcanoes) are usually dirt or gravel.
Average daily driving time: 3.5–6 hours
Longest travel days: up to 7–8 hours (e.g., between regions in the Gobi and Central Mongolia)
Regular stops are made for rest, photos, and refreshments.
07:30–08:30 Breakfast at camp or hotel
09:00–12:30 Morning drive or visit
12:30–13:30 Lunch stop
14:00–17:00 Sightseeing or activity
18:00–19:00 Arrive at camp / shower / rest
19:30–20:00 Dinner and free time under the stars
On longer days, driving may continue for 2–3 hours after lunch, followed by a shorter activity or sunset stop before reaching camp.
Internet access in rural Mongolia is limited, offering the perfect opportunity to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Mobile network coverage is available in most towns and along major routes if you use a local SIM card.
Some ger camps offer Wi-Fi via Starlink, but service can be intermittent.
In remote locations, you’ll enjoy a true digital break — replaced by incredible stargazing and quiet evenings.
Your tour is accompanied by a professional English-speaking Travel Buddies guide who handles coordination, interpretation, and guest support throughout the trip.
All guides are well-trained, experienced in multi-region tours, and familiar with both natural and cultural heritage sites.
Guides in German, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese are available upon request.
Local wranglers assist during camel and horse riding activities for safety and instruction.
The best time for the Across Mongolia: Gobi to Khuvsgul is from June to August, when the Gobi is warm and accessible, Central Mongolia is green, and the north is pleasant for outdoor activities.
Average daytime temperatures: +20°C to +28°C (Gobi) / +18°C to +25°C (Central & North)
Night temperatures: +8°C to +12°C (can drop to +5°C near Khuvsgul)
Weather: generally dry, with light winds and occasional summer rain.
May and September are cooler and ideal for photography, with fewer tourists and vibrant landscapes.
Bring layered clothing for temperature variation between regions.
The Big Loop Tour is a comprehensive, scenic, and comfortable adventure.
Expect a blend of paved and off-road travel, clean accommodations, hearty meals, and authentic encounters with local people.
You’ll experience Mongolia’s contrasts — from desert silence to forest lakes — and its cultural depth, from Buddhist monasteries to nomadic hospitality.
Every destination is unique, and your local team ensures the journey runs smoothly while giving you flexibility and comfort.
It’s more than a sightseeing trip — it’s a full immersion into the Mongolian way of life.
To confirm your booking, a 30% deposit is required, payable via online payment (Visa or Mastercard) or bank transfer. Please note that card payments incur a 3% processing fee, which is borne by the client. Bank transfers do not have any additional charges.
The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your tour departure. There are no hidden fees beyond the card processing cost. Please review our Terms & Conditions for full details.
Kindly note that bookings close one month before the tour departure date.
Price is based on per person & double occupancy
4-12 travelers - $2570 USD
Single supplement - $780 USD
2 nights at 3★ hotel in Ulaanbaatar
11 nights at Tourist Ger Camps throughout the Gobi, Central, and Northern Mongolia
All transport by private vehicle (4WD)
1-hour Bactrian camel riding fee
1–2 hour horseback riding fee at Lake Khuvsgul
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees and all sightseeing as per itinerary (national parks, museums, monasteries)
International airport transfers (one-time pick-up & drop-off)
Meals as per itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
Bottled water (1.5L per person per day)
International airfare & visa fees
Travel insurance (recommended)
Tips & personal expenses
Alcoholic drinks & meals not specified
Optional activities (motorboat trip, extra riding, etc.)
Travel Buddies Mongolia is a locally owned Destination Management Company based in Ulaanbaatar, crafting immersive, authentic, and comfortable journeys across Mongolia since 2009. We specialize in tailor-made experiences, small group adventures, and premium comfort-eco collections designed to connect travelers with Mongolia’s landscapes, culture, and nomadic heritage.
Our dedication to exceptional service and genuine hospitality has earned us consistent recognition on Tripadvisor — proudly placing us in the Top 10% of travel experiences worldwide. Year after year, we are honored as a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Winner, a reflection of the trust and love from our guests around the world.
At Travel Buddies, we believe in intentional travel — where every journey is meaningful, every guest is cared for, and every moment becomes a story.
For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out to our friendly team:
📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +976 9959 1766
✉️ Email: info@travelbuddies.info
Our Travel Buddies team is available 7 days a week to assist with bookings, tailor-made itineraries, and any questions you may have.
Let us help you make your dream journey through Mongolia a reality —
💛Come as Guests, Leave as Buddies