Embark on this 9-day adventure through Mongolia’s diverse landscapes — from the dramatic Gobi Desert to serene national parks alive with wildlife.
Discover the heart of Mongolia as you stay in cozy ger camps, meet nomadic families, and explore stunning natural formations shaped by centuries of wind and sand. Ride a camel across golden dunes, hike through ancient valleys, and visit sacred monasteries that tell stories of faith and empire.
This journey blends iconic destinations like Khongoryn Els, Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs and White Stupa with authentic local experiences — offering a perfect balance of nature, culture, and connection.
Driving time: 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic
Travel Buddies team will greet you on your hotel lobby and start the tour by driving south to the breathtaking Tsagaan Suvarga, a 30-meter-high limestone escarpment eroded by wind and rain into surreal shapes resembling a ruined city.
Driving time: 6 hours drive on paved and dirt road
In the afternoon, arrive at Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa) — wander along the cliff edges for sweeping desert panoramas, pause to admire the shifting colors of the rock layers, and immerse yourself in the serene stillness of Mongolia’s southern wilderness.
After breakfast, head further south to the province of Dalanzadgad, the capital of South Gobi province for pitstop. Then, drive on to the Flaming Cliffs.
Driving time: 4 hours on a paved dirt road.
After breakfast, travel to the world-famous Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag), the site where dinosaur eggs and fossils were first uncovered in the 1920s. Explore the vibrant red sandstone formations that blaze under the sun, and wander through a landscape that feels frozen in prehistoric time.
Continue your journey to the legendary Khongoryn Els, Mongolia’s largest and most dramatic sand dunes, stretching more than 180 km along the Gobi’s southern edge.
Driving time: 4 hours on dirt road
Meet a local camel-herding family and learn about their traditional nomadic lifestyle before setting out on a gentle, hour-long camel ride across the rolling dunes.
As evening approaches, take a rewarding hike to the ridge line for an unforgettable sunset — golden waves of sand glowing in amber, rose, and soft violet as the desert shifts into twilight. It’s one of the most magical moments in the Gobi, where silence, light, and landscape come together in perfect harmony.
Continue into Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, the largest national park in Mongolia.
Driving time: 5 hours drive on paved dirt road
Afterward, drive to Yolyn Am (Vulture’s Mouth) — a spectacular canyon famous for its year-round ice field. Take a scenic 5 km hike (about 2 hours) through the gorge, where dramatic cliffs and cool breezes contrast the desert beyond.
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.
Travel north toward the Middle Gobi, a region of open steppe dotted with herds and rare wildlife.
Driving time: 6 hours drive on paved and dirt road
Explore Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a striking granite rock formation rising from the flat steppe of the Middle Gobi. Scattered cliffs, narrow canyons, and weathered towers create a scenic landscape shaped by wind and time. visiting its granite formations, an old monastery ruin, and a sacred spring.
Traveling further north, leave the Gobi behind and return to lush steppes and rolling hills.
Driving time: 5 hours on paved road
After breakfast, head back to Ulaanbaatar via Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, the world’s largest equestrian monument. Explore the museum, climb to the horse’s mane for panoramic views, and take an eagle photo opportunity.
Driving time: 1 hour on paved roads
After breakfast, begin your return journey to the capital, watching the vast steppe gradually transition into the rhythms of city life. Enjoy a relaxed lunch en route and take in the shifting landscapes one last time.
Driving time: 1.5 hours on paved roads
Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, make a stop at the iconic State Department Store to browse for quality Mongolian souvenirs and gifts. As evening falls, attend a traditional performance by the Tumen Ekh Ensemble, a mesmerizing showcase of throat singing, dance, and contortion that captures the spirit of Mongolia in movement and sound. Lastly, gather for a memorable farewell dinner — a warm celebration of the experiences, landscapes, and connections that have shaped your journey across Mongolia.
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
Our classic journeys run from mid-May to mid-October, when Mongolia’s landscapes are at their best — from the green summer steppes to the golden autumn valleys. This period offers long days, mild temperatures, and open access to countryside ger camps across the country.
Travel Buddies’ classic tours are created for travelers who value comfort blended with authentic local experiences.
They feature scenic drives (3.5–6 hours most days), short hikes (1–3 hours), and light adventure activities such as camel and horse riding — always guided and supported by your local team.
A few days include longer travel (up to 8 hours including breaks) due to Mongolia’s vast distances, but these drives are part of what makes the experience special.
Hotel in Ulaanbaatar – Comfortable City Stay
Your first and final nights are spent at a good-quality modern 3★ hotel in Ulaanbaatar, selected for comfort, cleanliness, and convenient location. Rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, hot showers, air conditioning or heating, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast service.
Most hotels we partner with are within a short distance of Sukhbaatar Square, restaurants, and shops, allowing guests to explore the capital with ease. Examples of our partner hotels include Premium hotel, Aurora hotel, and Millenium plaza — or similar standards depending on availability.
Tourist Ger Camps – Simple Comfort in Nature
Most nights are spent in tourist ger camps, which provide a cozy and clean base near major attractions. These camps offer the traditional charm of Mongolia’s circular gers (yurts) while maintaining basic hotel standards.
Each camp provides:
Private gers (yurts) with twin beds (extra beds available on request), bedding, and basic furniture
Shared bathroom facilities with Western-style toilets and hot showers in a separate building
Restaurant ger serving freshly prepared meals
Electricity (220V) available in the evenings for lighting and device charging
Heating stove for chilly nights (in some camps located in the central & northern Mongolia)
Please note:
Most camps do not provide one-time amenities such as toothbrushes, robes, shampoo, or conditioner (though a few upgraded camps may).
We recommend bringing your own personal toiletries and towel.
Wi-Fi may be available in some camps via Starlink, though connection speeds vary.
Camps are peaceful, well-maintained, and located in scenic surroundings — allowing you to experience the landscape while sleeping comfortably. Tourist ger camps are open seasonally from May to early October and provide the perfect blend of rustic charm and reliable comfort.
Nomadic Family Homestay – Genuine Cultural Experience
One night of your journey will be spent with a local nomadic family, giving you a rare opportunity to share in Mongolia’s traditional lifestyle. This stay is simple but deeply rewarding, offering an authentic look into the rhythm of daily herding life.
During your visit, you may:
Join your hosts in milking goats and tending livestock
Share tea and home-made vodka with the family and learn about nomadic customs
Try traditional games such as knuckle bones (shagai) or archery
Guest gers are simple but cozy — typically shared by 2–4 travelers, each furnished with beds, clean bedding, a small table, and a wash basin. Facilities are basic: there is no running water, electricity, or shower, but a clean eco-toilet is available. Dinner with your hosts often features a homemade Gobi-style dish such as jimbii or dumplings with meat) — a truly local experience enjoyed with tea and warm hospitality.
Meals are included as shown in the itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner). Food in Mongolia is simple, nourishing, and always freshly prepared, reflecting the local climate and nomadic heritage.
Breakfast
Bread, butter, jam, eggs, sausage, and sometimes pancakes or cereals
Tea or coffee is served
Some camps also offer yogurt or local pastries
Lunch
Soup or salad starter
Main dish featuring meat (beef, mutton, or chicken) with rice, pasta, or potatoes
Fresh vegetable sides such as cabbage, carrot, cucumber, or tomato salad
Dessert or fruit with tea
Dinner
Main course of meat, noodle, or rice dish
Simple dessert (fruit, yogurt, or pastry)
Tea
At the nomadic homestay, you’ll enjoy homemade Mongolian meals such as jimbii or other Gobi-style dishes prepared with local meat and flour. Guests are often invited to join in cooking or tasting suutei tsai (milk tea) with their hosts.
Please note:
Meat and dairy are central to Mongolian cuisine.
Vegetarian meals can be arranged with prior notice, but gluten-free options are difficult to accommodate in rural areas.
Bottled water (1.5 liters per person per day) is provided throughout the trip.
All Travel Buddies tours operate with Japanese vans and minivans, including Mitsubishi Delica, Hyundai Starex, and Grand Starex models. These vehicles are comfortable, air-conditioned, and driven by our reliable, experienced drivers.
Road conditions vary:
Main highways between towns are paved but can be uneven or have potholes.
Access roads to attractions and national parks are typically dirt or gravel.
Daily driving distances average 3.5–6 hours, with scenic photo and restroom stops along the way.
A few longer drives (up to 8 hours including stops) are part of the adventure — revealing Mongolia’s incredible diversity and vastness.
Our tours follow a relaxed and well-balanced routine:
07:00–08:00 Breakfast at camp
08:00 Depart for the day’s destination
12:30–13:30 Lunch at a ger camp or roadside café
14:00–17:00 Visit attractions, enjoy light hiking or local experiences
18:00–19:00 Return to camp, shower, and relax
19:30–20:00 Dinner followed by free time under the stars
On longer travel days, you may continue driving for 2–3 hours after lunch to reach your next stop, followed by a sunset visit or evening activity.
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.
Travel Buddies employs experienced, English-speaking tour guides who are friendly, professional, and passionate about sharing Mongolia’s history and culture.
They ensure smooth coordination throughout your journey and help you connect with locals along the way.
Guides in German, French, Spanish, Chinese, or Japanese can be arranged upon request.
During horseback or camel riding, local wranglers will assist you for safety and guidance.
The best months for this journey are June through August, when the weather is warm and stable.
Spring (May) and autumn (September–mid October) are cooler and ideal for photography, with fewer travelers.
Average daytime temperatures: +20°C to +28°C in the Gobi, +18°C to +25°C in central Mongolia
Nighttime temperatures: drop 10–15°C lower
Wind and rain: occasional, but generally mild
The Gobi is typically warmer and drier than the rest of the country.
Bring layered clothing, as temperature changes between day and night are common.
Traveling with Travel Buddies means seeing Mongolia through local eyes — at a comfortable pace, with space to breathe, explore, and connect.
Expect clean accommodations, freshly made meals, scenic drives, and personal touches that make the journey feel genuine and friendly.
Our goal is not just to show you Mongolia, but to share it — its vast landscapes, nomadic spirit, and the kindness of its people.
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 - $2,050 USD
Single supplement - $2,450 USD
2 nights at 3★ hotel in Ulaanbaatar
5 nights at Tourist Ger Camps across Mongolia
1 night in a Nomad Family Guest Ger
All transport by 4WD vehicle (Japanese minivan with A/C)
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees, sightseeing, museum tickets
Airport transfers (one time pick up and drop off)
Camel and horse riding fees
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
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.