Ultimate Mongolia: Gobi, Reindeer Herders & Altai

Arrive in Mongolia’s capital and transfer to your hotel. Meet your guide and group for a welcome briefing and dinner. Ulaanbaatar gives your first look at Mongolia’s mix of old and new before heading into the remote parts of the country.

Fly south into the Gobi Desert and drive into Yol Valley, a narrow canyon with high rock walls and occasional ice even in warmer months. Walk through the valley and take in your first real sense of Mongolia’s scale and isolation.

Drive deeper into the desert to reach the Khongor sand dunes. These are some of the largest dunes in Mongolia. Climb to the top, ride camels across the sand, and watch the sunset over endless waves of desert.

Travel to Bayanzag, known as the Flaming Cliffs, where dinosaur fossils were first discovered. Walk among the red rock formations and take in the landscape as the cliffs glow at sunset.

Drive back to the airport and fly to Ulaanbaatar. After time in the desert, return to the city for a comfortable night, a proper meal, and a chance to reset before continuing north.

A flexible day to absorb any delays or simply rest. You can explore the city, visit markets, or relax. This day keeps the trip running smoothly across Mongolia’s unpredictable flight schedules.

Fly north to Murun and drive toward the Khuvsgul region. The landscape shifts from desert to forests and lakes. This is a completely different side of Mongolia.

Ride horses into the taiga forest to reach the Tsaatan reindeer herders. This is a long day through remote terrain with no roads. It feels completely off grid.

Spend the day with Tsaatan families, learning how they live with their reindeer in one of the most remote regions in Mongolia. This is a rare cultural experience with almost no outside influence.

Ride back out of the forest and return to the lake region. After days in remote camps, enjoy a more comfortable night and time to rest.

Drive to Murun and fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Another reset before heading west.

Fly to western Mongolia and drive into the Altai Mountains. Meet eagle hunters and settle into a traditional ger.

Spend the day riding horses and learning from eagle hunters. This is one of the last places where this tradition still exists in daily life.

Drive back to Ölgii and fly to Ulaanbaatar for your final night.