MONGOLIA Sacred Valleys & Prehistoric Sands BY AIR ✈️

Journey: 2026 - 2027 Duration: 10 Days Double Sharing Price: $5900 pp Single Room Price: $6800 pp Limited To: 2-16

A Private Access Photography Expedition Across the Steppe

Nomadic Traditions, Dinosaur Discoveries, and the Eternal Steppe: From Ancient Capitals to the Flaming Cliffs of the Gobi

Trip Dates: June – September
2nd and 4th Sunday of the month

From the vibrant streets of Ulaanbaatar to the silent vastness of the Gobi Desert, this 10-day journey reveals Mongolia as a land where prehistoric fossils, nomadic traditions, and imperial legacies intertwine. Walk among Buddhist temples that survived decades of suppression, stand at the Flaming Cliffs where explorers uncovered the first dinosaur eggs, and ride camels across dunes once traversed by Silk Road caravans. In the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley, meet herding families whose way of life has endured for millennia, then step into the ruins of Karakorum, the fabled capital of Genghis Khan’s empire. Discover the resilience of Buddhism at Erdene Zuu Monastery, glimpse the wild Takhi horses of Hustai National Park, and end each day beneath some of the clearest night skies on earth.

This is not just a trip — it is an odyssey across time, where you’ll trace the arc of Mongolia’s history from prehistoric sands to sacred monasteries, from nomadic hearths to star-lit horizons.

Upcoming Departures:

  • June 14 – June 23, 2026
  • June 28 – July 7, 2026
  • July 12 – July 21, 2026
  • July 26 – August 4, 2026
  • August 9 – August 18, 2026
  • August 23 – September 1, 2026
  • September 13 – September 22, 2026
  • September 27 – October 6, 2026
  • June 13 – June 22, 2027
  • June 27 – July 6, 2027
  • July 11 – July 20, 2027
  • July 25 – August 3, 2027
  • August 8 – August 17, 2027
  • August 22 – August 31, 2027
  • September 12 – September 21, 2027
  • September 26 – October 5, 2027

Trip Overview

  • Experience Mongolia’s vibrant performing arts with throat singing, dance, and contortion.
  • Explore Buddhist temples, monasteries, and museums that illuminate Mongolia’s spiritual and imperial history.
  • Journey into the legendary Gobi Desert for camel caravans, petroglyphs, and the world-famous Flaming Cliffs fossil beds.
  • Visit Karakorum, Genghis Khan’s Silk Road capital, and the sacred Erdene Zuu Monastery.
  • Spot wild Takhi horses on safari in Hustai National Park and stargaze beneath pristine night skies
  • Stay in a curated blend of luxury city hotels, desert lodges, and atmospheric ger camps that root you in Mongolia’s landscapes

A travel experience like no other

Curated journeys of festivals, celebration, culture, and exclusive experiences

  • Experience Mongolia’s vibrant performing arts with throat singing, dance, and contortion.
  • Explore Buddhist temples, monasteries, and museums that illuminate Mongolia’s spiritual and imperial history.
  • Journey into the legendary Gobi Desert for camel caravans, petroglyphs, and the world-famous Flaming Cliffs fossil beds.
  • Visit Karakorum, Genghis Khan’s Silk Road capital, and the sacred Erdene Zuu Monastery.
  • Spot wild Takhi horses on safari in Hustai National Park and stargaze beneath pristine night skies
  • Stay in a curated blend of luxury city hotels, desert lodges, and atmospheric ger camps that root you in Mongolia’s landscapes
Day 1
  • Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
  • Evening folk performance with throat singing, contortion, and dance
  • Welcome dinner featuring Mongolian cuisine
    Overnight: Blue Sky Hotel & Tower
Day 2
  •  Explore the Choijin Lama Temple Museum, a rare survivor of Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage
  • See sacred masks, thangkas, and relics once used in ritual dances
  • Tour the Chinggis Khaan Museum, tracing the rise of the Mongol Empire
  • Overnight: Blue Sky Hotel & Tower
Day 3
  • Domestic flight to Dalanzadgad, gateway to the Gobi Desert
  • Scenic desert drive across steppe and pasturelands, witnessing nomadic herders
  • Sunset views from Dream Gobi Lodge
  • Overnight: Dream Gobi Lodge
Day 4
  • Visit the Central Dinosaur Museum
  • Ride a camel caravan across the Gobi steppe
  • See petroglyphs carved by early steppe cultures
  • Overnight: Dream Gobi Lodge
Day 5
  • Explore the Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) fossil site
  • Fossil dig demonstration with a local paleontologist
  • Sunset over the cliffs
  • Overnight: Dream Gobi Lodge
Day 6
  •  Travel into the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley
  •  Guided walk through steppe landscapes and river valleys
  •  Visit a nomadic family to learn about traditional life
  •  Overnight: Ursa Major Ger Camp
Day 7
  • Explore the ruins of Karakorum, capital of the Mongol Empire
  • Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist monastery
  • Learn about Buddhism’s survival through Mongolia’s turbulent history
  • Overnight: Silk Road Camp
Day 8
  • Wildlife safari in Hustai National Park
  • Observe Takhi (Przewalski’s horses), reintroduced after extinction in the wild
  • Evening astronomy session under pristine night skies
  • Overnight: HS Khaan Resort Hotel
Day 9
  • Return to Ulaanbaatar
  • Free time for shopping, museums, or relaxation
  • Farewell dinner with cultural performance
  • Overnight: Blue Sky Hotel & Tower
Day 10
  •  Breakfast at leisure
  • Transfer to the airport for international departure
Itinenary Map
Day 1

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Welcome to Mongolia, a land of endless steppe and ancient traditions. After settling into your hotel in the capital, enjoy a vibrant introduction to Mongolian culture with an evening folk performance of throat singing and traditional dance.

Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, where Mongolia’s sweeping history and modern identity converge. On arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center. Depending on your arrival time, relax or take a short stroll near Sukhbaatar Square, where grand statues and government buildings frame the skyline. This evening, attend a traditional folk performance featuring throat singing, long song, contortion, and spirited dance — a captivating introduction to the country’s nomadic heritage. Dinner tonight showcases Mongolian cuisine and hospitality, setting the stage for the days ahead

Hotel:
Blue Sky Hotel & Tower

  • Dinner
Day 2

Ulaanbaatar’s Spiritual & Imperial Legacy

Discover Mongolia’s spiritual heart and imperial soul with visits to the Choijin Lama Temple Museum and the Chinggis Khaan Museum, where Buddhist artistry and the story of the world’s largest empire come alive

Begin your exploration at the Choijin Lama Temple Museum, an exquisite early 20th-century monastery once home to the state oracle. Built in 1908, it survived Mongolia’s communist era when countless religious sites were destroyed, and today houses one of the richest collections of Buddhist art in the country. Within its courtyards are centuries-old masks used in tsam dances, silk thangkas, and ritual instruments that reveal the deep spiritual traditions of Mongolian Buddhism, influenced by both Tibetan practices and indigenous shamanism.

In the afternoon, continue to the Chinggis Khaan Museum, Mongolia’s most ambitious cultural institution. Opened in 2022, it chronicles the rise of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire, which at its height stretched from Korea to Eastern Europe. Here, interactive galleries and priceless artifacts illustrate how nomadic horsemen forged one of history’s most powerful and enduring empires. Learn how the Mongols pioneered postal systems, religious tolerance, and trade networks that connected East and West.

This day balances Mongolia’s dual identity: its enduring spirituality and its unparalleled legacy of conquest and innovation

Hotel:
Blue Sky Hotel & Tower

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 3

Into the Gobi Desert

Fly south to the legendary Gobi Desert, a vast land of nomads, sand dunes, and fossil-rich landscapes that once teemed with dinosaurs

After breakfast, board a flight to Dalanzadgad, gateway to the Gobi Desert. The Gobi is not merely a barren expanse: it is a region layered with history, from the routes of Silk Road traders carrying silk, jade, and spices, to the camps of nomadic herders who have thrived here for millennia. The desert also holds scientific renown, as one of the richest fossil beds on earth.

On arrival, drive across steppe and rolling desert plains to reach Dream Gobi Lodge, your base for the next three nights. Along the way, observe herders tending flocks of sheep, goats, and camels — a timeless rhythm that continues to define Mongolian identity. As the sun sinks into the horizon, the Gobi comes alive with shifting colors, painting the desert in hues of amber and crimson. Dinner tonight introduces you to desert flavors and the serenity of Mongolia’s southern frontier.

Hotel:
Dream Gobi Lodge

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 4

Dinosaurs, Ancient Petroglyphs & Camel Caravan

Discover Mongolia’s prehistoric past at the Central Dinosaur Museum, then travel by camel caravan to ancient petroglyphs that tell the story of early steppe cultures

This morning, explore the Central Dinosaur Museum, a testament to Mongolia’s importance in paleontology. The Gobi Desert has yielded some of the world’s most important fossil finds, including the first dinosaur eggs ever discovered. Inside, towering skeletons of Tarbosaurus (a cousin of the T. rex) and delicate nests of Protoceratops bring prehistory to life.

Later, mount a Bactrian camel, the iconic two-humped camel of Central Asia. For centuries, these hardy animals carried caravans along the Silk Road, transporting goods across deserts and steppes. Riding them across the landscape offers a glimpse into the endurance and adaptability of Mongolia’s nomads.

Along the way, stop at ancient petroglyphs, etched into stone thousands of years ago by Bronze Age steppe cultures. These carvings — depicting hunters, horses, and spiritual symbols — link today’s nomads with their prehistoric ancestors. Return to your lodge to dine under the stars, where the silence of the desert speaks volume

Hotel:
Dream Gobi Lodge

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 5

Flaming Cliffs Dinosaur Safari - Fossils of Fire at Bayanzag

Explore the legendary Flaming Cliffs, one of the world’s most famous paleontological sites. Walk in the footsteps of explorers at the Flaming Cliffs, where Roy Chapman Andrews unearthed the first dinosaur eggs. Watch a fossil dig demonstration,and end the day with a desert sunset that sets the cliffs ablaze.

Journey into the desert to the Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag), one of the world’s most legendary fossil sites. It was here, in the 1920s, that American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews made the groundbreaking discovery of dinosaur eggs — a find that revolutionized paleontology and cemented Mongolia’s place in prehistory.

Today, join a local paleontologist for a fossil dig demonstration, learning how fragile fossils are carefully extracted from sandstone cliffs that still hold scientific secrets. As you wander among the red rock formations, imagine the Velociraptors and Protoceratops that once roamed this very ground.

In the late afternoon, witness the spectacle that gave Bayanzag its name: as the sun lowers, the cliffs blaze in shades of red and orange, as though set alight. This fiery display remains one of Mongolia’s most iconic and unforgettable vistas. Return to Dream Gobi Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Hotel:
Dream Gobi Lodge

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 6

Orkhon Valley: Cradle of Nomadic Civilization

Travel into the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley, birthplace of nomadic empires. Walk its sweeping landscapes, visit with herding families, and learn how nomadic traditions continue unchanged for centuries

Depart the desert and journey north to the Orkhon Valley, a place UNESCO recognizes as the “cradle of nomadic civilization.” For over two millennia, Turkic khans, Uighur lords, and later the Mongol Empire established their power here, leaving behind a landscape layered with sacred sites, stone monuments, and whispered legends.

This afternoon, take a guided walk through the valley’s rugged beauty — past waterfalls, basalt cliffs, and riverbanks that have sustained nomadic life for centuries. Visit a local herding family, where traditions of hospitality remain central to Mongolian identity. Share tea, sample dairy delicacies, and hear stories about seasonal migrations, livestock care, and the challenges of life on the steppe.

Tonight, settle into Ursa Major Ger Camp, an atmospheric property designed to evoke Mongolia’s ancient sky-worship traditions. Under a canopy of stars, you’ll feel the unbroken thread of history that connects modern Mongolia to its nomadic roots

Hotel:
Ursa Major Ger Camp

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 7

Karakorum & Erdene Zuu Monastery

Step back into Mongolia’s Silk Road era with a visit to Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. Explore the ruins and tour the magnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist monastery.

This morning, drive to Karakorum (Kharkhorin), the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. It was here that Genghis Khan summoned envoys from Persia, Europe, and China, establishing a cosmopolitan capital at the crossroads of civilizations. Though the city eventually fell to the Ming Dynasty, its ruins still testify to an era when Mongol horsemen ruled half the known world.

Nearby lies Erdene Zuu Monastery, founded in 1585 and built from the very stones of Karakorum’s ruins. Mongolia’s first Buddhist monastery, it once housed 1,000 monks and over 60 temples, but was devastated during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s. Today, its surviving temples and encircling wall of 108 stupas stand as a symbol of Mongolia’s enduring faith and resilience. Explore the monastery grounds with your guide, learning how Buddhist traditions were revived after decades of suppression.

Tonight, rest at Silk Road Camp, where rustic gers and warm hospitality echo the legacy of travelers who once crossed these same steppes.

Hotel:
Silk Road Camp

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 8

Hustai National Park

Journey into Hustai National Park to see the reintroduced Takhi, the world’s last true wild horse, and enjoy a night of astronomy beneath Mongolia’s pristine skies

After breakfast, drive into Hustai National Park, one of Mongolia’s great conservation success stories. Once extinct in the wild, the Takhi (Przewalski’s horse) was reintroduced here in the 1990s, thanks to a global effort led by Mongolian scientists. Today, more than 400 Takhi roam freely across Hustai’s valleys — stockier and more robust than domestic horses, with a lineage stretching back tens of thousands of years.

On your safari through the park, you may also spot red deer, marmots, foxes, and golden eagles. After dinner at your lodge, step outside for an astronomy session: Mongolia’s vast, unpolluted skies reveal constellations and the Milky Way in dazzling clarity, recalling the celestial traditions of nomads who once navigated by the stars.

Hotel:
HS Khaan Resort Hotel

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 9

Return to Ulaanbaatar- Modern Capital & Cultural Farewell

Return to Mongolia’s capital for a final day of shopping, sightseeing, or relaxation. Celebrate your adventure with a farewell dinner and cultural performance in the evening.

Drive back to Ulaanbaatar, arriving by early afternoon. After checking in at your hotel, enjoy free time to shop for cashmere, browse art galleries, or visit the Zanabazar Museum, named after Mongolia’s most famous sculptor and spiritual leader.

This evening, join your group for a festive farewell dinner, featuring a curated menu of Mongolian specialties paired with music, dance, contortion, and the haunting sounds of throat singing. It is a fitting finale to a journey that has traversed the sweep of Mongolia’s landscapes, history, and cultural traditions

Hotel:
Blue Sky Hotel & Tower

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 10

Departure

Say goodbye to Mongolia and depart with memories of desert sunsets, sacred monasteries, and the warmth of nomadic hospitality

After breakfast, transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport, where your guide will assist with check-in. As you leave, recall the silent grandeur of the Gobi, the chants of Erdene Zuu, the thrill of spotting wild horses, and the warmth of your encounters with nomadic families. Mongolia bids you farewell not with goodbye, but with the hope of return.

  • Breakfast
Day1 , Day2, Day 9

Blue Sky Hotel & Tower

Set in the heart of the capital, the Blue Sky Hotel & Tower is a modern landmark with sweeping views over Sukhbaatar Square. Its spacious rooms, international dining options, and wellness facilities make it a luxurious base for exploring Mongolia’s bustling capital

Day 3, Day 4, Day 5

Dream Gobi Lodge

Nestled among desert landscapes, Dream Gobi Lodge combines authentic ger-style living with modern amenities. Enjoy en suite bathrooms, attentive service, and dazzling views of star-filled skies

Day 6

Ursa Major Ger Camp

Blending comfort with cultural immersion, Ursa Major offers traditional gers outfitted with modern amenities. Its stargazing platform and focus on astronomy connect guests to the cosmos revered by Mongolia’s ancestors

Day 7

Silk Road Camp

Set near Karakorum, this camp evokes the spirit of the Silk Road with simple, comfortable gers, hearty meals, and a warm communal atmosphere

Day 8

HS Khaan Resort Hotel

Set in the open grasslands, HS Khaan offers spacious yurts with panoramic views. A balance of comfort and wilderness immersion, it is an ideal base for wildlife and stargazing experiences.

Inclusions

Small group of 2-16 guests

Guaranteed departure with minimum 2 persons

All accommodations:

3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar (Blue Sky Hotel & Tower)

3 nights in Dream Gobi Lodge (Gobi Desert)

1 night in Ursa Major Ger Camp (Orkhon Valley)

1 night in Silk Road Camp (Karakorum)

1 night in HS Khaan Resort Hotel (Hustai National Park)

All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Domestic flight: Ulaanbaatar – Dalanzadgad (Gobi)

Airport transfers and all in-country ground transportation by private vehicle

Professional English-speaking local guide throughout the trip

Private transfers and ground transportation

Bottled water during travel days

Tour coordination and 24/7 in-country and USA support

Cultural and nature experiences including:

Evening folk dance & throat-singing show in Ulaanbaatar

Guided tours of Choijin Lama Temple and Chinggis Khaan Museum

Central Dinosaur Museum entry

Camel caravan and petroglyph interpretation

Fossil dig demonstration at Flaming Cliffs

Orkhon Valley exploration walk

Karakorum ruins & Erdene Zuu Monastery tour

Hustai National Park safari and astronomy session

All national park fees, museum tickets, and entrance fees

Exclusions

International flights to/from Mongolia

Optional activities

Travel insurance (required)

Visa fees (if applicable)

Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone/internet)

Alcoholic beverages

Tips for guide and driver (optional but appreciated)

Important Note

Mongolia Travel Fact Sheet

    •  Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry.
    •  Many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
    •  E-visas are available online; otherwise, apply at a Mongolian embassy.
    •  Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies (for rural areas), and routine immunizations (MMR, Tdap, Polio).
    •  Japanese Encephalitis recommended if traveling to rural areas in summer.
    •  Always carry travel insurance due to limited facilities outside Ulaanbaatar.
    • Drink bottled or boiled water; avoid raw foods outside main cities.
  • Season Months Avg. Temp (°C/°F) Notes
    Winter Nov – Feb -15°C to -30°C (5°F to -22°F) Severe cold, especially at night
    Spring Mar – Apr -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F) Windy, dusty conditions
    Summer May – Aug 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) Warm days, cool nights
    Autumn Sep – Oct 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) Clear skies, colorful landscapes
    •  Lightweight clothing for summer, warm insulated layers for winter.
    • Sturdy boots for treks and long drives.
    • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
    • Reusable water bottle and purifier tablets.
    •  Power adapter (Type C/E plugs, 220V).
    •  Basic first aid kit and personal medications.
    •  International arrivals via Chinggis Khaan International Airport (Ulaanbaatar).
    •  Domestic travel by flights or long overland drives.
    •  Public transportation is limited; private tours and drivers are recommended.
    •  Voltage: 220V, Frequency: 50Hz
    •  Plug types: Type C and Type E (European-style)
    • Bring a universal travel adapter.
    •  Restaurants: 5–10% if not included in bill.
    •  Guides: $5–10 per person/day.
    •  Drivers: $3–5 per person/day.
    •  Hotels: Small tips for porters and housekeeping appreciated.
    • Hearty cuisine reflecting nomadic traditions.
    • Popular dishes: Buuz (steamed dumplings), Khuushuur (fried pastries), Tsuivan (stir-fried noodles).
    • Dairy products: yogurt, cheese, and Airag (fermented mare’s milk).
    • Vegetarian options are limited outside Ulaanbaatar.
    •  Hospitality is central; accept food/drink offered by hosts.
    • Enter gers (yurts) with right foot, avoid leaning on door frame.
    •  Do not touch people’s heads or point feet at religious objects.
    •  Dress modestly when visiting monasteries.
    •  Internet is limited outside Ulaanbaatar—consider a local SIM card.
    •  Carry cash; card acceptance is limited beyond major cities.
    • English is not widely spoken; basic phrases in Mongolian are appreciated.

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