CLASSIC MONGOLIAN CIRCUIT TOUR/16 DAYS/
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Our Classic Mongolian Circuit tour will open for you true Mongolia with her untouched natural beauty, rich cultures, amazing landscapes and undoubtedly unique Nomadic hospitality. It’s perfectly blended with Mongolian must see travel destinations, so you will not miss any natural & cultural wonders of Mongolia and there are endless photo opportunities as well as some private times. Experiencing the authentic way of nomadic life is an inseparable part of this tour. Within 16 days you could experience the vast-open Gobi Desert, beauty and historical artifacts of Central Mongolian rolled hills, crystal clear water rivers, lakes and national parks of forested Northern Mongolia- Khuvsgul Lake all in one awesome adventure. If you are ready to spend your lifetime experience in our beautiful country this tour is for you.
- CATEGORY: SHORT TOUR
- AVAILABLE: YEAR AROUND
- DURATION: 16 DAYS, 16 NIGTHS
- DESTINATION: CENTRAL MONGOLIA
ESSENTIALS
GUIDE
A Chinese, English or Russian speaking Mongolian guide will accompany the group at all times. The guide will be a native Mongolian person with great local knowledge who can deal with any requests and ensure that your holiday to become one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life.
TRANSPORT
This trip you have a two choice. First one is a highest level, latest model, air-conditioned private 4WD vehicles for the maximum comfort on your touring days. And second choice is Russian 4x4 Van. Also with 20 years’ experience drives.
MEALS
In Mongolia, you will be dining at fine American, European and Asian cuisine restaurants. Mutton, beef, rice and noodles form the basis of the Mongolian diet, so your meals will be based around this. However, the trail rations may include vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, cheese and sometimes yak! On some days there will be lunchboxes from our cook.
PERSONAL THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU
Warm thin layers of clothing are the best such as bring a rain jacket, gloves and hiking booth. Don’t forgot first aid kit (medicine for headache, cold, diarrhea, runny nose; bandages; any medicine prescribed for you). All your camera equipment.
TOUR PACKAGE PRICE
| Group size | Price/Per person |
| 1 pax | 4630USD |
| 2-3 pax | 3180USD |
| 4-6 pax | 2950USD |
| 7-9 pax | 2780USD |
| 10-12 pax | 2580USD |
| 13-15 pax | 2380USD |
| 16< pax | 2150USD |
| No | Include service | Exclude service | Include service of Meals |
| 1 | Vehicle with a driver. | Items of personal nature | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| 2 | Fuel for the trip whole time | Beverages, alcoholic drinks, bar bills, laundry | Per day 3 bottle water for per person /1,5 liter/ |
| 3 | English speaking guide | Travel and insurance | One time Mongolian traditional food /lamb with vegetables/ |
| 4 | Accommodation/Ger camps and Hotel/ | International transportation | |
| 5 | All food, during the trip and at restaurants /Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner/ | Excess baggage fee in the flight /15kg includes handbag is free of charge/ | |
| 6 | All cooking and camping gears. | Optional activities | |
| 7 | National park and border office permits (area you will go is close to China and Russia border) | Single supplement /For hotel or Ger camp/ | |
| 8 | Airport shuffle | Gratuity for the tour team | |
| 9 | Other small administration fees Basically, includes everything. | Taxi |
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1 - Ulaanbaatar capital city of Mongolia
Pick you up our driver and guide from Chinggis Khan international airport. Drive to Your hotel. Visit local outdoor market /bazaar/, Gandan Monastery and Mongolia national museum. Evening Leisure day in Ulaanbaatar city. Over night at Hotel
| Distance | N/A |
| Route | N/A |
| Drive time | N/A |
| Accommodation | Hotel |
| Food | Dinner |
Day 2 - Baga Gazaryn Chuluu
In the morning, we will pick you up from your accommodation and start our tour directly driving to Baga Gazriin Chuluu or known as Earth stone. Before we leave the city we will pass some shops and then drive around 280 km through steppe by overview of land-sea and grandiose formation of rocks and basalts of Baga Gazriin Chuluu. Baga Gazriin Chuluu is a 15km long and 10 km wide stone massif, and this stone massif is also part of the Mongolian granite stone zone. Wild sheep, ibex and marmot inhabit here, Surtiin am is one of many beautiful places in Baga Gazriin stone massif. This is a narrow canyon with asp, birch, white wicker and elm trees, as well the ruin of a stone temple and the site of 2 Gers where monks lived and meditated since the seventieth century. There is a 20 m long cave near to the Surtiin Am. Crystals can be found around the cave. Also, there is a spring water which comes from under source is good for eye illness. You will arrive at Baga Gazriin Chuluu in the afternoon, and rest of the day you will spend hiking around the area. Stay overnight in Ger camp.
| Distance | 340km |
| Route | Asphalt |
| Drive time | 5 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 3 - Yol valley
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Continue tour to Gobi Desert. Gobi desert gives you an exotic view of the desert with boundless view of horizons, rare species of mammals and plants. Visit to Vulture valley well known as Yolyn Am that located in Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. The area is beautiful picturesque place with ice fields even in summer, and surrounded by sheer rocky walls, forming incredible canyons. It is end of the Altai Mountain ranges and chances are to see wild animals such as wild sheep, ibex, golden eagle and of course vultures. Stay overnight in Ger camp.
| Distance | 460km |
| Route | Asphalt |
| Drive time | 6 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 4 - Khongor sand dune
Known as Singing dunes, the Khongor sand dune has an extraordinary length of 180 kilometers and 15 – 20 meters wide and lies on the Northern part of the Mountains of Sevrei and Zuulen. There is an Oasis near Khongor sand dune at the Northern edge of the sand dune. Name of the Singing sand dunes comes from the sound produced by the masses of moving sand can be heard from afar, and when it occurs, it is said that it can be mistaken for the sound of an aero plane. Arrive at the camp and after some relaxation we will hike through the Golden sand dunes, explore the surrounding nature and if you wish you can climb up to the highest point of the sand dunes which will reach about 200 meters. Camel riding is one of the main fun activities you can do while you are in the Gobi. Our camel man will take to the sand dunes and the two humped camels are very comfortable to ride, as the walk slowly and gently you will be supported by the humps, sitting comfortably between them. In the evening back to the camp and after dinner it will be free time. Stay overnight in Ger camp.
| Distance | 180km |
| Route | Asphalt |
| Drive time | 3 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 5 - Bayanzag Flaming cliff
After breakfast, we will continue our way driving to Bayanzag. Known as Flaming cliffs, where American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews found cemetery of dinosaurs and the first dinosaur eggs ever discovered in the world. We will have some hiking through the cliffs and see the Gobi tree grove named “Bayanzag”. Bayanzag, literally means “rich in saxual trees”. This tree only grows in central Asian Gobi. See the short documentary about 1920-s American excavation. After dinner return to the Bayanzag to see the sunset, find out why area is called Flaming Cliffs. Stay overnight in Ger camp.
| Distance | 110km |
| Route | Asphalt |
| Drive time | 3 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 6 - Ongi monastery
Today we will drive to Ongi Monastery ruins through the great steppe which is called Ongi steppe, continues extraordinary 100 km long. Ongi monastery was one of the Mongolian biggest 7 monasteries. There are 2 temple ruins which were built up in 1780s. During repression in 1930s’ these two temples destroyed and many lamas were executed and imprisoned. On the way to Ongi temple ruins we will visit to nomad family and introduced the nomadic life in the Gobi. Stay overnight in Ger camp.
| Distance | 110km |
| Route | Asphalt |
| Drive time | 3 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 7 - Karakorum and Erdene Zuu monastery
Our today’s tour takes place on the transition zone from the Gobi desert to mountain steppes. Kharkhorin, formerly known as Karakorum, once was a capital of Chingghis Khaan’s Great Mongol Empire in the 13th century. After the move of Mongolian capital to Beijing, and the fall of the empire, Karakorum was abandoned and then destroyed by Chinese soldiers in 1388. Today, in the wide valley of the Orkhon River, ancient monastery Erdene Zuu coexists with Kharkhorin town. The monastery was built in 1586 by a Mongolian king called Abtai Sain Khaan, and not a single nail used in the construction of the ornate temples. We will visit to newly opened Kharkhorin museum which displays artifacts mostly of Great Mongolian Empire time and Erdene Zuu Monastery complex museum respectively. Dinner will be Mongolian barbecue Khorkhog. Stay overnight in Ger camp.
| Distance | 340km |
| Route | Asphalt |
| Drive time | 5 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 8 - Tsenkher Hot spring
After breakfast, drive to Tsenkher hot spring, located in Arkhangai province. On the way we will visit to nomads who are living in Khangai, steppe and mountain area. You will be invited to their Gers and offered to taste traditional dairy products including famous airag (mare’s milk) and see some differences among life in the Gobi and Khangai area. The Arkhangai provinces have many old volcanos, which explain the presence of this hot water source that flows all year long at 1860 meters (1, 16 mile) above the sea level in the sub province of Tsenkher. The water is at 85,5°C (185,9°F). In a pleasant verdant wooded area, some Ger camps with equipment and baths with a less hot temperature have been set up for the travelers. In the evening have a spa bath and relax. Overnight in Ger camp
| Distance | 120km |
| Route | Off-road |
| Drive time | 5 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 9 - Khorgo volcano mountain
Drive to Khorgo – Terkh National Park. On the way we will pass the Tsertserleg town, which is provincial center of Arkhangai province. Just before we reach the Khorgo – Terkh National Park we will see Chuluut river great canyon which huge creation of volcanic earthquake. After arriving at Khorgo – Terkh National Park, climb up to the top of extinct volcano Khorgo, the top view is amazing. The Khorgo crater, situated at an altitude of 2.210 meters with a diameter of 20 meters and depth of 70 to 80 meters, approximately 8000 years ago volcanic lava flooded the valleys nearby which are covered today with small forests of Siberian larch and a great variety of berries and flowers. Terkh White Lake is an astonishingly beautiful lake with crystal clear fresh water and surrounded by spectacular scenery of plants, forests, mountains, and fauna. Area offers fun activities such as hiking, horse riding, and swimming. Overnight in Ger camp.
| Distance | 220km |
| Route | Asphalt |
| Drive time | 3 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 10 - Terkhiin Tsagaan lake
In the morning after breakfast, meet with your horse guide and basic introduction. Full day horse riding through Khangai Mountains and shore of Terkh White lake. Picnic lunch. Come back in the evening, dinner and free time. Overnight in Ger camp.
| Distance | N/A |
| Route | N/A |
| Drive time | N/a |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 11 - Shine ider and Zuun nuur salt lake
We will have an overnight stop close to the Shine ider village. Zuun Nuur is a small, beautiful salt water lake which is a heaven for birds. After the lake, we will continue to drive about 10 kms and arrive at the camp, hike through the forest or just relax in the nature. Evening we will have a real Mongolian barbecue Khorkhog for dinner. Overnight in Ger camp.
| Distance | 150km |
| Route | Offroad |
| Drive time | 3 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 12 - Khuvsgul lake via Uushig dear stones
After breakfast, drive to Tsenkher hot spring, located in Arkhangai province. On the way we will visit to nomads who are living in Khangai, steppe and mountain area. You will be invited to their Gers and offered to taste traditional dairy products including famous airag (mare’s milk) and see some differences among life in the Gobi and Khangai area. The Arkhangai provinces have many old volcanos, which explain the presence of this hot water source that flows all year long at 1860 meters (1, 16 mile) above the sea level in the sub province of Tsenkher. The water is at 85,5°C (185,9°F). In a pleasant verdant wooded area, some Ger camps with equipment and baths with a less hot temperature have been set up for the travelers. In the evening have a spa bath and relax. Overnight in Ger camp
| Distance | 250km |
| Route | Offroad |
| Drive time | 6 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 13 - Tsaatan community
After breakfast, we will drive to the Reindeer Herders / Tsaatan people, who live in the depths of the taiga forest. Few reindeer are the main resource of their livelihood. In summer months, mostly in July and August, few reindeer families move down from mountain close to the lake to increase their livelihood. This small journey offers brief introduction of Tsaatan people’s lifestyle and great photo opportunity. After lunch, you will have a hiking activity accompany with your guide. Hiking and climbing up to the top of the back mountain of the lake is unforgettable. From the top of mountain magnificent Khuvsgul Lake looks turquoise. Walking by the edge of the lake you will see the crystal-clear part of the lake famous for its name ‘’Dark blue pearl’’. Overnight in Ger camp.
| Distance | n/a |
| Route | n/a |
| Drive time | n/a |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 14 - Extinct volcano Uran
Drive to Uran Mountain via Moron town, which is provincial center of Khuvsgul province. Today we will drive mostly by paved road. Arrive in Uran, transfer to the Ger camp. In the evening we will go to the Uran mountain, an extinct volcano with a crater of 600 m wide and 50 m deep and one of the most stunning parts of the Northern Mongolia. It is beautiful, utterly wild and unspoilt. Overnight in Ger camp.
| Distance | 400km |
| Route | Asphalt |
| Drive time | 5 |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 15 - Amarbayasgalant monastery
Amarbayasgalant is the most beautiful and well preserved old monastery in Northern Mongolia, which was established in 1726-1736 by order of Manchu emperor Yongzheng, and dedicated to the great Mongolian Buddhist and sculptor Zanabazar, whose mummified body was moved here in 1779. The beauty, decorations and construction of the monastery have made it one of the most magnificent architectural monuments not only in Mongolia, but in the whole Asia. Amarbayasgalant Monastery was not totally destroyed during the purges of 1937-38. However, all its senior monks were brutally executed. Today this spectacular monastery has some 60 novices and ordained monks who practice dharma in residence. Arrive at the camp in the afternoon, visit to the Monastery and enjoy hiking around. Overnight in Ger camp.
| Distance | 260km |
| Route | Asphalt |
| Drive time | 4 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 16 - Ulaanbaatar city capital city of Mongolia
Today we will drive to Ulaanbaatar by paved road. On the way we will pass through the Darkhan city, which is Mongolia’s second largest city. In 1961 the Darkhan was built with extensive economic assistance from the Soviet Union, and the city was originally conceived to be a manufacturing site for Mongolia’s northern territory. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, and you will be transferred to your accommodation. End of the tour.
| Distance | 350km |
| Route | Asphalt |
| Drive time | 5 hours |
| Accommodation | Hotel |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 17 - Home sweet home
Leave Ulaanbaatar. Our driver drop off to Chinggis Khan international airport. Thank you for visiting our country
| Distance | n/a |
| Route | n/a |
| Fly time | n/a |
| Accommodation | n/a |
| Food | Breakfast |
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