7 Day Gobi Nomad Adventure Tour – Culture, Camels & Palaeontology

Highlights of the trip

Embark on an exhilarating 7-day Mongolian adventure, a journey that traverses captivating landscapes and immerses you in the heart of nomadic culture.

From climbs and camel rides on the awe-inspiring Khongoryn Els sand dunes to hiking the rugged peaks of Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain, each day unveils a new chapter exploration. Savour the stunning sights of Terelj National Park on horseback. Discover the secrets of the past at Flaming Cliffs’ palaeontologist sites and dinosaur fossils. Engage with local life, sharing moments with nomadic families and lending a hand in their daily tasks. Embrace traditions by playing national games and relish traditional cuisine. This unforgettable tour promises an authentic, truly immersive Mongolia experience and will appeal to those seeking a trip steeped in cultural experiences, history, archaeology, and palaeontology, and active adventure.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit 

Ulaanbaatar 

• Chinggis Khan Horse Statue: Standing at a towering height of 131 feet, the statue is a testament to the incredible legacy of Chinggis Khan.
• Turtle Rock: Located in the southern Gobi desert, this massive rock formation appears to be a giant turtle emerging from the earth.
• Tsagaan Suvarga: This unique site is home to a series of white and red cliffs, which have been gradually shaped and formed by the forces of nature over millions of years.
• Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain: One of the most iconic and revered natural landmarks in Mongolia.

Dalanzadgad City

• Local Museum: This museum showcases the rich and diverse heritage of the region.
• Yol Valley:  A breath-taking natural wonder situated in the Gurvan Saikhan National Park.
• Khongoryn Els: This vast expanse of golden sand dunes stretches over 950 square kilometers, reaching heights of up to 300 meters.
• Flaming Cliffs: A renowned geological and paleontological site located in the Southern Gobi desert.
• Baga Gazar: Considered to be one of the most important cultural and spiritual centers in the country,

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Terelj National Park: Spanning over 600 square kilometers, this park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers. Boasting breath-taking landscapes, endless rolling hills, and majestic mountains, Terelj National Park offers visitors a glimpse into the raw, untouched beauty of Mongolia.

Nomadic Family: Visit and speak with nomadic families located around Mongolia. Their lifestyle is based on their strong connection to nature and their deep understanding of the land. They live in traditional portable homes called gers or yurts, made of felt and wood, which can be easily dismantled and moved to new pastures as they follow their herds of livestock.

Camel Ride Khongoryn Els: Enjoy a 1-hour camel ride amongst this natural beauty. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of this natural wonder is by taking a camel ride through the dunes. Camels have been an integral part of Mongolian culture for centuries. These majestic creatures have been used as a mode of transportation, a source of food and milk, and a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Mongolia 

During this tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including aaruul, which is made from dried and hardened yogurt and can be consumed as a snack or used as an ingredient in other dishes. Other dishes include “Buuz” (steamed dumplings), “khorkhog” (meat and vegetable stew), and “tsuivan” (stir-fried noodles).

Accommodation of this Tour

All accommodation is included in the tour.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ulaanbaatar Arrival, Genghis Khan Complex Tour & Terej National Park

Dive straight into the activities on day one, with a drive to Terelj National Park, where you can see diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. You’ll also enjoy a visit to the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, plus horse riding and a short hike around turtle rock, before staying in a nomadic family yurt for the night.

Optional transfer service from the airport and/or overnight stay in Ulaanbaatar city 4* hotel included if required. Enjoy breakfast. Drive to Terelj National Park. Visit the Genghis Khan statue. Have lunch. Visit Turtle Rock. Horse riding and short hike around turtle rock. Stay overnight in a nomadic family yurt.

✓ Dinner (if staying with local family).

Day 2: White Stupa & Mongolian Nomadic Family

Enjoy breakfast. Drive to Tsagaan Suvarga/ White Stupa – stop to take photos on the way at your request. The White Stupa in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert is a striking limestone rock formation, a geological wonder, offering a serene and captivating glimpse of nature’s artistic prowess. Enjoy lunch on the journey. Sightsee around White Stupa. Drive to meet a nomadic family. Here you will encounter the heart-warming hospitality of a nomadic family and learn more about their culture. Savour traditional cuisine, learn ancient customs, and exchange stories

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Yol Valley Tour & Dalanzadgad City

Tuck into breakfast. Drive to Dalanzadgad city. Visit the local museum and local market. Wander through Dalanzadgad’s bustling local markets, where vibrant stalls showcase Mongolian craftsmanship, nomadic wares, and delicious street food. Immerse in the live atmosphere and connect with the authentic local culture. Enjoy lunch. Visit Yol Valley mountains. Visit to icy mountain and a short hike – approx. 1hr 30.

Hiking Mongolia’s icy mountains offers breath-taking vistas, from snow-capped peaks to serene valleys. Yol Valley in Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park features some remarkable sights, and the almost vertical slopes are home to many mountain sheep and goats. Dalanzadgad’s local museum showcases captivating artifacts, elucidating the region’s history, culture, and nomadic heritage, offering an insightful glimpse into the area’s rich past.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Khongoryn Els Desert Sand Dunes & Camel Ride

Enjoy breakfast. Drive to the sand dunes. Hike to climb the sand dune and see the sunset from the top. The Khongoryn Els sand dunes – also known as the Duut Mankhan “Singing Dunes” because of the sound they make when moved by the wind – are renowned as some of the largest and most spectacular in the world, measuring up to 300m high, 12km wide, and 100km long. 1 hour camel ride.

Stay at nomadic family yurt. Here you can connect with the local nomads, learning more about their traditional, sharing stories and witness Mongolia’s breath-taking landscapes together.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: The Flaming Cliff Tour

Eat breakfast then drive to Flaming Cliffs. Here you can discover dinosaur fossils, archaeological wonders, and the legacy of Roy Chapman Andrews’ expeditions, unravelling prehistoric mysteries amid an awe-inspiring desert backdrop. The red sandstone cliffs and canyons known as the Flaming Cliffs offer outstanding vibrant orange views at sunset. Roy Chapman Andrew’s discovered the first ever dinosaur eggs here in 1922, making the area world famous and giving rise to the hypothesis that dinosaurs gave birth.  Then have lunch and either relax or hike.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Baga Gazar Rock Formation

Eat breakfast. Drive to Baga Gazar. As well as uncovering dinosaur remains at Baga Gazar and Bayanzag, explorer Roy Chapman Andrews also discovered petrified forests remains of various mammals and the skeleton of the largest known mammal in the world, the hornless rhinoceros. Sightsee diverse wild animals and birds in this central steppe of Middle Gobi.

Have lunch. Enjoy sightseeing around Baga Gazar. Dinner and rest of day at leisure at your nomadic family yurt. Here you can take opportunities to learn traditional crafts, folklore, and nomadic customs with locals.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain Tour

Enjoy breakfast. Drive to Zorgol Khairkhan mountain. Exploring Zorgol Khairkhan mountain offers opportunities to encounter ancient spiritual monasteries and interact with local sheep, goat, and yak herders to learn more about their way of life. Relax. Enjoy lunch. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar city and transfer to hotel. Accommodation is at Ulaanbaatar city 4* hotel near airport. Optional overnight stay at this hotel (included) depending on your flight times, ready for your departure home.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch

Price

£1,534

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Dive into Mongolia’s wonders with a trip to Terelj National Park and the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, topped off with horse riding and a nomadic family yurt stay.

Day 2: Discover the awe-inspiring White Stupa and the warm hospitality of a Mongolian nomadic family, enriched with cultural exchange and traditional cuisine.

Day 3: Explore Dalanzadgad city, including its local museum and bustling markets, before delving into the icy mountains and stunning vistas of Yol Valley.

Day 4: Venture to the renowned Khongoryn Els sand dunes for a captivating sunset hike and camel ride, followed by an immersive nomadic family yurt experience.

Day 5: Uncover the mysteries of the Flaming Cliffs, renowned for dinosaur fossils and vibrant sunset views, with time for relaxation or hiking.

Day 6: Journey to Baga Gazar to unearth dinosaur remains and petrified forests, then immerse yourself in nomadic customs and crafts at a local yurt.

Day 7: Explore the spiritual Zorgol Khairkhan mountain, interacting with local herders, before returning to Ulaanbaatar for a comfortable hotel stay near the airport.

FAQs

1. What is included in the tour package?
   • The tour includes accommodation, meals, transportation, guided excursions, and activities as outlined in the itinerary.
2. What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
   • Accommodation varies between hotel stays in Ulaanbaatar and nomadic family yurt stays during the exploration of the Mongolian countryside.
3. Are meals provided, and what type of cuisine is served?
   • Yes, all meals are included, featuring traditional Mongolian cuisine as well as some international options.
4. What activities are available during the tour?
   • Activities include visits to national parks, cultural sites, nomadic family encounters, camel riding, hiking, and more.
5. What level of physical fitness is required for this tour?
   • The tour involves a mix of activities, some of which require moderate physical fitness, such as hiking and camel riding. However, most activities are suitable for participants of average fitness levels.
6. What should I pack for the tour?
   • Essentials include comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, sturdy footwear, sunscreen, a hat, and any personal items you may need during the trip.
7. Is there free time available for personal exploration or relaxation?
   • Yes, the itinerary includes some free time for relaxation or optional activities, allowing you to explore at your own pace or unwind amidst Mongolia’s stunning landscapes.