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Gobi Desert Serenity Escape

Gobi Desert Serenity Escape image
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Tour Overview

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.

Tour Overview

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9 Days / 8 Nights

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Tour Overview

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1. Chinggis Khaan International Airport

Chinggis Khaan International Airport, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

2. Ulaanbaatar (Capital City & Start/End Point)

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

3. Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)

Tsagaan Suvarga, Dundgovi, Mongolia

4. Dalanzadgad (Gateway to South Gobi)

Dalanzadgad, Umnugovi, Mongolia

5. Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag)

Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs), Umnugovi, Mongolia

6. Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes

Khongoryn Els, Umnugovi, Mongolia

7. Yolyn Am (Vulture’s Mouth Gorge)

Yolyn Am, Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, Umnugovi, Mongolia

8. Baga Gazryn Chuluu Mountain

6249+X55, Choiri-sume, Dundgovi, Mongolia

9. Terelj National Park

Terelj National Park, Mongolia

10. Genghis Khan Statue Complex

Genghis Khan Statue Complex, Tsonjin Boldog, Erdene, Tuv, Mongolia

11. Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Day 1 - Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

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Arrive in Mongolia and Explore Ulaanbaatar

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Airport transfer to hotel

DepartureChinggis Khaan International Airport
DestinationPremium Hotel

Driving time: 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic

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Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Welcome to Mongolia! Your Travel Buddies driver will meet you at Chinggis Khaan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. Take time to rest after your flight or explore the city — visit Sukhbaatar Square, the National Museum, or nearby cafés and galleries.
Experience Premium Hotel Ulaanbaatar, situated in the vibrant heart of the city, providing easy access to cultural landmarks. Enjoy modern amenities paired with traditional Mongolian hospitality, and savor local and international dishes at on-site dining. With stunning city views and elegant design, it’s a unique choice for your stay.
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Day 2 - Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)

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Hike the White Stupa Cliffs and Desert

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Drive to Tsagaan Suvarga

DepartureUlaanbaatar
DestinationWhite Stupa Cliffs and Desert

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

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Arrive at Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)

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.

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Tsagaan Suvraga Tourist Camp (or similar)

Experience the beauty of the Gobi Desert at Tsagaan Suvraga Tourist Camp, where stunning views of the Tsagaan Suvraga cliffs await. Enjoy authentic Mongolian hospitality and cultural experiences, with comfortable accommodations that reflect the region's heritage. Guided tours let you explore the area's unique geological formations and wildlife.
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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Flaming Cliffs

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Explore Flaming Cliffs

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Drive to Flaming Cliffs

DepartureTsagaan Suvarga Tourist Camp
DestinationFlaming Cliffs

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.

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Explore Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag)

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.

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Mongol Gobi tourist camp (or similar)

Discover the Mongol Gobi Tourist Camp, where stunning desert landscapes meet unique tent-style accommodations. Savor authentic Mongolian cuisine and engage in cultural activities that celebrate the nomadic lifestyle. With guided tours to natural wonders and historical sites, this camp offers a remarkable experience in the heart of the Gobi Desert.
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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Khongor Sand Dunes & Camel Ride

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Camel Ride and Sunset at Khongoryn Els

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Drive to Khongoryn Els

DepartureMongol Gobi tourist camp
DestinationKhongoryn Els

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

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Camel Ride with Local Herders

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.

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Hike to Dune Summit for Sunset

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.

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Discover the Gobi Erdene Tourist Camp, where adventure meets culture near the majestic Khongor Sand Dunes. Stay in authentic yurts that provide a glimpse into the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle while enjoying camel rides and stargazing under the vast desert sky. Engage with local cuisine and cultures, making your stay truly memorable.
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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - South Gobi & Yolyn Am Gorge

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Explore Yolyn Am Gorge and Gobi Museum

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Drive to Yolyn Am (Vulture’s Mouth)

DepartureGobi Erdene Tourist Camp
DestinationYolyn Am Gorge

Continue into Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, the largest national park in Mongolia.

Driving time: 5 hours drive on paved dirt road

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Hike Yolyn Am Gorge (5 km)

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.

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Khanbogd ger camp (or similar)

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.

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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Baga Gazriin Chuluu & Nomad Homestay

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Experience Nomad Life and Explore Granite Formations

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Drive to Baga Gazriin Chuluu

DepartureKhanbogd ger camp
Destination Baga Gazriin Chuluu

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

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Travel to Middle Gobi and Baga Gazriin Chuluu

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.

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Nomadic Family Homestay Experience

In the late afternoon, arrive at your nomadic family homestay. Experience authentic herder life — help milk the livestock, taste homemade dairy products and traditional Mongolian vodka, try your hand at knuckle-bone and archery games, and learn about timeless nomadic traditions passed down through generations.
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Nomad family’s guest ger (Narka family)

Accommodation: Nomad family’s guest ger (Narka family).
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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Terelj National Park & Horse ride

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Explore Terelj National Park / Horse riding experience

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Transport

DepartureNomad Family
DestinationTerelj National Park

Traveling further north, leave the Gobi behind and return to lush steppes and rolling hills.

Driving time: 5 hours on paved road

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Terelj National Park Exploration

Continue to Terelj National Park, where granite formations rise above lush valleys. Visit Turtle Rock, hike to the Ariyapala Meditation Temple, and enjoy a 1-hour horseback ride surrounded by forested mountain scenery.
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Heaven Envoy Tourist Camp - Tengeriin Elch (or similar)

Experience the beauty of Terelj National Park at Heaven Envoy Tourist Camp (Tengeriin Elch). Stay in traditional Mongolian gers and enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking and horseback riding. With eco-friendly practices and rich cultural experiences, this camp promises a unique and memorable escape into nature.
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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Chinggis Khaan Statue & Ulaanbaatar

Day 8 -  Chinggis Khaan Statue & Ulaanbaatar image

Explore Chinggis Khaan Statue and Return to Ulaanbaatar and Farewell Dinner

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Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex

DepartureTerelj National Park
DestinationChinggis Khaan Statue Complex

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

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Drive back to Ulaanbaatar

DepartureChinggis Khaan Statue Complex
DestinationUlaanbaatar City

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

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Traditional performance by Tumen Ekh Ensemble

Duration1 hour 10 minutes

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.

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Experience Premium Hotel Ulaanbaatar, situated in the vibrant heart of the city, providing easy access to cultural landmarks. Enjoy modern amenities paired with traditional Mongolian hospitality, and savor local and international dishes at on-site dining. With stunning city views and elegant design, it’s a unique choice for your stay.
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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 - Departure from Ulaanbaatar

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Departure and Airport Transfer from Ulaanbaatar

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Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport

DeparturePremium Hotel
DestinationChinggis Khaan International Airport

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

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Breakfast

Journey Style & Comfort

Your travel style, comfort level, and overall journey atmosphere
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Season & Travel Style

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  • 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.

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Accommodation: Comfort & Authenticity

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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.

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Meals: Hearty & Warming

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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.

How We Take Care of You

The team, logistics, and care that make your journey effortless
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Transportation

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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.


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Typical Daily Schedule

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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.


Connectivity

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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.

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Guides

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  • 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.


Know Before You Go

Important information to help you prepare confidently for your trip
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When to Travel

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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.

What to Expect

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  • 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.

Booking & Payment

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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.

Trip Price & What’s Included

A clear breakdown of your trip cost, inclusions, and exclusions
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Let the adventure unfold—your journey starts now.

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Trip Price

Price is based on per person & double occupancy

4-12 travelers - $2,050 USD

Single supplement - $2,450 USD

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Inclusions

  • 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)

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Exclusions

  • International airfare & visa fees

  • Travel insurance (recommended)

  • Tips & personal expenses

  • Alcoholic drinks & meals not specified

About Us

Come as Guests, Leave as Buddies.
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About Travel Buddies Mongolia

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.

Let’s Stay in Touch

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Get in Touch with Us

We’re here to help you plan your perfect Mongolian adventure!

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.