Serenity in Mongolia: 9-Day Wellness Expedition

Highlights of the trip

Join us on a 9-day Mongolia Wellness Retreat, a unique fusion of wellness and adventure in the heart of Mongolia. This transformative group tour offers daily yoga sessions, some invigorating, others tranquil, all set against the breath-taking Mongolian landscape.

This isn’t just a wellness retreat; it’s an adventure into Mongolia’s soul. Yoga and wellness are seamlessly woven into hiking and sightseeing, providing a holistic experience. It’s a journey that bridges ancient traditions with modern exploration, offering serenity and adventure in equal measure. Come, find solace for your soul, and let your spirit soar with us.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit 

Ulaanbaatar 

• Chinggis Khaan Museum: Dedicated to preserving the legacy of Chinggis Khaan, often referred to as Genghis Khan in the Western world.

Gun Galuut Nature Reserve

• Giant Genghis Statue: A magnificent portrayal of the great leader, standing at an impressive height of 40 meters.
• Mount Baits: This mountain is home to numerous species of animals, such as the iconic snow leopard, the rare and elusive Siberian ibex, and the majestic argali sheep.

Elsen Tasarkhai (Bayan Gobi)

• Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve: Situated in the central region of Mongolia, this reserve encompasses over 46,000 hectares of diverse terrain.
• Erdene Khamba Monastery Ruins: Its name, which means ‘Precious Victory’ in Mongolian, suggests the importance and significance of this religious site.

 Karakorum

• Erdene-Zuu Monastery: Built in the 16th century, this monastery is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist monasteries in the country.
• Karakorum Museum: A treasure trove of artifacts and relics dating back to the time of Genghis Khan and his descendants. As soon as you step inside, you are transported back in time to the era of the great Mongol Empire.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Early Morning Yoga: Early morning yoga in Mongolia is a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. The crisp, cool air and serene surroundings make it the perfect environment for a refreshing and grounding yoga practice. As the sun rises over the vast grasslands and mountains, the stillness of the morning sets the tone for a mindful yoga session.

Steppe Nomads Camp: Steppe nomad camps are located in various parts of Mongolia, usually in remote and picturesque locations surrounded by stunning scenery. These camps offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life, providing guests with an authentic experience of living in a ger and being part of a nomadic community.

Nomadic Family: Nomadic family life in Mongolia is a unique and fascinating experience. The country’s deep-rooted nomadic culture and traditions have been passed down for centuries, making it a truly authentic and raw way of living. As a visitor to Mongolia, one can truly immerse themselves in the nomadic lifestyle and gain a deeper understanding of this ancient way of life.

Horse Riding to Gun lakes and Ayga lakes: Horse riding is an exhilarating experience that allows individuals to feel connected to nature and explore unique landscapes. In Mongolia, horse riding is a way of life, deeply rooted in the country’s culture and history. One of the most popular horse riding destinations in Mongolia is the Gun lakes and Ayga lakes. These lakes are located in the northwestern region of Mongolia, in the Uvs Province. This region is known for its expansive grasslands, rugged mountains, and breath-taking lakes.

Camel Ride: Embrace a camel ride through the Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve. The gentle giants, with their powerful yet graceful strides, are the perfect companions for traversing the reserve’s diverse terrain. With their thick coats of fur and impressive stamina, these camels are well adapted to the harsh conditions of the steppe and have been used as a mode of transportation in the region for centuries. You can also experience the nomadic lifestyle with a camel breeder.

Traditional Folklore Concert: Folklore concerts in Mongolia are a unique and vibrant cultural experience that showcases the rich history and traditions of this beautiful country. These concerts, often held in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, bring together musicians, dancers, and storytellers to share their heritage through music, dance, and oral traditions.

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

Ulaanbaatar: Shangri-La Hotel 5*.

Gun Galuut: Steppe Nomads camp /traditional yurt without bathroom or winter quarters with bathroom.

Bayangobi: Sweet Gobi Geolodge

Itinerary

Day 1: Ulaanbaatar Arrival, Wellness Massage & Welcome Dinner

Arriving in Mongolia is an experience you will never forget. You will be transferred to your hotel, where the day is free for rest and recuperation before beginning the amazing journey that lies ahead. Take advantage of this time to get yourself prepared for the days to come. Unwind with a wellness massage session to help relax your muscles and boost your energy levels. Following this, enjoy a welcome dinner and briefing with the tour guide, who will provide all the necessary information about the tour. During this time, you will have the chance to ask any questions you may have and clarify any doubts. Ready for the journey? Let’s go!

✓ Dinner

Day 2: Gun Galuut Nature Reserve, Nomads Camp & Yoga

Day two is sure to be an adventure-filled day! After breakfast and checking out from the hotel, the group will drive to the Gun Galuut Nature Reserve, approximately two hours away. Enroute, you will make a stop to visit the Giant Genghis Statue. Upon arriving at the Steppe Nomads camp, your group will enjoy a delicious lunch and then some free time to explore Gun Galuut Nature Reserve. This unique nature reserve is home to a variety of wildlife and plants and offers stunning views of the surrounding terrain. After some time spent exploring the reserve, the group will return to the camp for an early evening yoga session, followed by dinner. After dinner, the group can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the camp. This is sure to be an unforgettable day of adventure and exploration!

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Mt. Baits Hike, Ger Camp, Visit to Nomadic Family & Yoga

Start your morning with an invigorating yoga session and a healthy breakfast to help you prepare for the day ahead. After breakfast, you’ll have the chance to take a hike up to Mt. Baits, where you will have the chance to spot some local wildlife, although wildlife viewing is not guaranteed. For lunch, you can choose to either have a meal at the ger camp or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy along the way. After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to hike to a nomadic family in the area and take part in their daily activities. Once the day’s activities are complete, you can enjoy a delicious dinner before finishing off the evening with a restorative yoga session. This is a great way to end your day and ensure you get a good night’s sleep.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Horse-riding to Gun Lakes & Ayga Lakes, Wellness Massage & Yoga

Start your day in a healthy and mindful way with a morning yoga session and a nutritious and energizing breakfast. Afterward, you can take a ride on horseback to Gun and Ayga Lakes, where lots of waterfowl arrive during the summer months. Take some time to enjoy the fresh air and the beauty of nature, before heading back for a light lunch at the ger camp or a picnic. After lunch, treat yourself to a relaxation massage to keep your mind and body in balance during your journey. Later, when the sun goes down, you can enjoy a delicious dinner and relax around a campfire. You can end your day with an evening yoga session to stretch your body and mind as you prepare for the next day.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Bayangobi Sand Dunes, Ride Camels With Nomadic Family, & Yoga

Start your day with a rejuvenating morning yoga session, then enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast with your group. Afterward, you will drive to Elsen Tasarkhai (Bayan Gobi) and Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve, where you can marvel at the breathtaking rocky mountains and 80-km long sand dune. Take a break at a ger camp for lunch or a picnic. Afterwards, you can visit a nomadic family and ride camels along the sand dunes for an hour or two. Then, end your day with a dinner at the ger camp and a yoga session by the sand dunes (weather permitting, you might do it indoors). This will be a truly one-of-a-kind experience, and you will be sure to cherish the memories of this special journey.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Khogno Khaan Mountain Hiking, Sweet Gobi Geolodge & Yoga

Start your day with an energizing morning yoga session and a healthy breakfast. After breakfast, you will be taken to explore the stunning Khogno Khaan Mountain, and you will have the opportunity to visit the Erdene Khamba monastery ruins. After the exploration, enjoy a delicious lunch at the Sweet Gobi Geolodge. After lunch, you will have some free time to either rest or explore the area. As the sun sets, enjoy a peaceful yoga session and afterwards enjoy dinner at the ger camp. At the end of the day, you will be able to take a leisurely walk and admire the night sky, stargazing in the clear sky of Mongolia.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Orkhon River Valley, Karakorum, City Sightseeing

Wake up early and start your morning with a yoga session, watching the sun rise over the hills of Orkhon river valley. Enjoy the beautiful views and take in the crisp morning air before heading to Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia, a UNESCO world heritage site. Explore the Erdene Zuu Monastery, founded in 1586 and the first Buddhist monastery in Central Mongolia. Admire this incredible structure, take some photographs, and learn about its history at the Karakorum Museum. After a morning of sightseeing, drive back to the Lodge for a delicious breakfast to replenish your energy. Enjoy the rest of the day with a dinner and an evening yoga session to end your day on a peaceful note.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8: Yoga, Return to Ulaanbaatar, Sightseeing, Traditional Folklore Concert & Farewell Dinner

Waking up to greet the morning sun, you begin your day with a peaceful yoga session. The sun has just begun to peek over the horizon, and you can already feel the energy of the day awakening. Take a few moments to connect with your breath and find your inner peace before the hectic day ahead. After your session, you enjoy a nutritious breakfast to fuel your body and prepare for the drive back to Ulaanbaatar.
Upon arrival, you take a few moments to relax and enjoy a delicious lunch. Afterward, you are free to explore the city on your own or visit the State Department store or Chinggis Khaan Museum. As the sun begins to set, you take a seat at a local theatre to enjoy a traditional folklore concert. You are taken away by the beauty of the music and the energy of the performers.
As the night draws to a close, you gather with your fellow travellers and your support team for a farewell dinner. You enjoy a few laughs and share your fondest memories of the day before bidding each other farewell and returning to your hotel. As you drift off to sleep, you reflect on the day with a sense of gratitude and joy.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 9: Chinggis Khan Airport for Departure

You’ll want to make sure you have enough time to enjoy your breakfast and get to the airport in time today. Once you’re at the Chinggis Khaan airport, you can relax before your flight and get your luggage checked in. Your morning is now at your leisure, so you can make the most of your time at the airport before your flight. Enjoy a coffee, read a book, or get some shopping done before you go. Then, when you’re ready, board your flight and enjoy the journey home.

✓ Breakfast

Price

£3,878

– Price per person based on four-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.

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Tour Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, settle into your hotel and enjoy a wellness massage to relax after your journey. In the evening, savour a welcome dinner while getting briefed on the upcoming adventure.

Day 2: Embark on a scenic drive to Gun Galuut Nature Reserve, stopping at the Giant Genghis Statue en route. Explore the reserve, stay at a nomad’s camp, and unwind with an evening yoga session.

Day 3: After breakfast and a yoga session, hike to Mt. Baits for wildlife spotting. Visit a nomadic family, engaging in their daily activities, before another relaxing yoga session in the evening.

Day 4: Begin with yoga and breakfast, followed by horse-riding to Gun and Ayga Lakes. Indulge in a wellness massage before dinner and evening yoga to wind down.

Day 5: Start with yoga and breakfast, then head to the Bayangobi Sand Dunes for camel riding and a nomadic family visit. Enjoy dinner and yoga at the ger camp.

Day 6: Morning yoga sets the tone for exploring Khogno Khaan Mountain and Erdene Khamba monastery ruins. Afternoon relaxation precedes dinner and an evening yoga session.

Day 7: Morning yoga offers a serene start before exploring Orkhon River Valley and Karakorum’s historic sites. Conclude with a dinner and evening yoga.

Day 8: Enjoy yoga and breakfast before returning to Ulaanbaatar. Spend the day sightseeing and attend a folklore concert. Gather for a farewell dinner in the evening.

Day 9: Begin your day with breakfast before heading to Chinggis Khan Airport for your departure, concluding the tour.

Tour FAQs

What is the best time of year to take this tour?

The best time to take this Mongolia tour is late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to early October). During these periods, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), which is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, horse-riding, and yoga.

What is included in the tour package?

The package includes all accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner, apart from arrival and departure day), yoga sessions, wellness massages, transportation within Mongolia, guided tours, activities like horse-riding, camel rides, hikes, and cultural visits, as well as a traditional folklore concert on Day 8.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes! The tour is designed to be accessible to travellers of all fitness levels. Activities like hiking, yoga, and horseback riding can be adjusted to suit your comfort and experience level. The tour guides are trained to help if needed.

Is there a lot of hiking or physical activity involved?

Yes, there will be some hiking, including a moderate hike to Mt. Baits, as well as horseback riding and camel riding. However, all activities can be adjusted based on individual preferences, and the pace is relaxed.

What level of fitness is required for this tour?

A moderate level of fitness is recommended due to activities like hiking and horse riding. However, there is no strenuous climbing involved, and the yoga sessions will cater to all levels of flexibility and strength.

Will there be any free time during the tour?

Yes, each day has some free time built in for rest, relaxation, or personal exploration, especially during the visits to nature reserves and cultural sites.

What are the accommodation arrangements?

Accommodation includes comfortable ger camps and lodges, with basic but well-equipped facilities. Shared bathrooms and communal spaces are typical in ger camps.

What is the currency in Mongolia?

The official currency of Mongolia is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). While major cities like Ulaanbaatar have places that accept credit cards, many remote areas and smaller shops or local markets prefer cash. Therefore, it’s a good idea to carry some local currency, especially when traveling outside of Ulaanbaatar.

What are the power socket types in Mongolia and what is needed from the UK?

In Mongolia, the power socket types are primarily Type C, Type E, and Type F. You will need to bring a Type C, Type E, or Type F adapter to fit into Mongolian outlets. The voltage in Mongolia (220V) is the same as in the UK, so you won’t need a converter for most devices (such as laptops, phones, and cameras). However, if any of your devices are not compatible with 220V, you will need a voltage converter.

Do I need a visa for Mongolia (travelling from the UK)?

For this tour, you do not require a visa for Mongolia as you can enter Mongolia for up to 30-days within a 6-month period. Please be sure to check your country’s relevant website or contact us directly for up to date information.

What are the Passport Requirements for entering Mongolia (travelling from the UK)?

Ensure your passport has an expiry date of at least 6 months after your arrival date. You should also make sure that your passport is stamped on arrival. Please be sure to check your country’s relevant website or contact us directly for up to date information.

Do I need Travel Insurance for this trip?

Travel insurance is not included in this trip, so will have to be arranged separately. When purchasing your travel insurance, we recommend for this to include medical care and emergency evacuation.

Which airlines fly from London to Ulaanbaatar?

Common airlines include MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.

Which airlines fly from Ulaanbaatar to London?

Common airlines include MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.

Are the meals catered for specific dietary needs?

The tour offers a variety of Mongolian and international dishes, but if you have dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.), please inform us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

How are the transportation and travel distances managed?

The journey includes comfortable vehicles for road travel, with regular stops to rest and take in the sights. Distances between locations are usually between 1-3 hours of travel, ensuring ample time for breaks and exploration.

Are the activities on Day 2 and beyond challenging?

On Day 2, you’ll explore Gun Galuut Nature Reserve, take a light hike, and enjoy an evening yoga session. These activities are moderate and designed to offer both physical challenge and relaxation.

How strenuous is the hike on Day 3 to Mt. Baits?

The hike to Mt. Baits is a moderate activity that offers some elevation, but it’s not extreme. You can enjoy scenic views of local wildlife and the surrounding landscape along the way.

What can I expect from the visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery on Day 7?

The Erdene Zuu Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist monasteries. You’ll have the chance to explore its historical ruins, learn about its significance, and admire its architecture.

What kind of cultural experiences can I expect on Day 8?

On Day 8, you’ll experience a traditional folklore concert showcasing Mongolian music and dance, giving you an immersive cultural experience to conclude your journey.

Can I purchase souvenirs during the trip?

Yes, there will be opportunities to purchase local handicrafts and souvenirs during your visits to local nomadic families, markets, and cultural sites.

What should I pack for this tour?

Pack clothing that accommodates both outdoor activities and varying weather conditions. Bring comfortable clothing for yoga and hiking, along with layered outfits to adapt to fluctuating temperatures. Sturdy hiking boots, comfortable walking shoes, and sandals for camp are essential, as are warm socks and a waterproof jacket for unpredictable weather. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and scarf for chilly mornings and sun protection. Swimsuit, sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent are important for personal care, as are personal medications and toiletries. Technology-wise, pack a camera, phone with charger, power bank, and a travel adapter for Mongolia’s electrical outlets. Carry your passport, travel insurance details, credit card/cash, and a small backpack for day trips. A reusable water bottle, snacks, trekking poles, and camel riding gear (if needed) are recommended for outdoor activities.