Welcome to Mongolia, a landlocked country located in central Asia, which boasts its vast grasslands, nomadic culture, and the historical legacy of Genghis Khan. Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you’ll local guide will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your hotel for a good rest before embarking on your expedition through this mysterious and legendary land.

After breakfast, begin your exploration tour from the National Museum of Mongolia. With approximately 60,000 historical, cultural, and ethnological artifacts, it serves as a vital gateway to understanding Mongolia’s history and culture. Chinggis Khaan Square, formerly known as Sukhbaatar Square, was officially renamed in July 2013. Located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, the square faces the State Palace to the north, which houses the offices of the President, government, and parliament of Mongolia, and features a majestic seated statue of Genghis Khan. The next stop is The Sukhbaatar Memorial. It stands at the very center of Chinggis Khaan Square (formerly Sukhbaatar Square), commemorating this founding father of modern Mongolia. The monument is inscribed with traditional Mongolian script.

In the afternoon, continue to visit the famous Gandan Monastery. With a history spanning nearly 200 years, it was constructed under the supervision of its abbot at the time and now stands as one of Mongolia’s most renowned attractions. Today’s tour concludes at the Bogd Khan Palace Museum. Comprising both a Summer Palace and a Winter Palace, this museum was originally the residence and religious center of the 8th Bogd Khan, Jebtsundamba Khutughtu (1870–1924). The Summer Palace houses nearly 10,000 cultural relics, including personal belongings of the Bogd Khan, religious artifacts, and traditional paintings, making it a vital site for understanding the history, religion, and architectural art of late imperial Mongolia.

This evening, enjoy a traditional folk show followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

Leaving Ulaanbaatar today, you’ll drive to the expansive landscapes of nearby Terelj National Park. Located approximately 70 kilometers east of Mongolia’s capital, the park is a nature reserve nestled within the Khentii Mountains. Established in 1993, it spans 290,000 hectares and features a unique composite ecosystem where mountains, forests, and grasslands intertwine. The park is traversed by the Tuul and Terelj Rivers, creating stunning valley landscapes, while its iconic Turtle Rock, resembling a giant turtle, is regarded as a symbol of mystical power.

A late morning arrival allows you some time to walk around and explore in the afternoon before your first ger camp experience of the trip within the park.You can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, as well as savor authentic stone-grilled meat.

This morning, embark on a horseback riding tour to explore the surrounding valleys, immersing yourself in an authentic Mongolian experience, and then proceed by car to the majestic Genghis Khan statue. It is one of Mongolia’s most famous landmarks and a symbol of Mongolian national culture and history. Crafted from stainless steel, the statue gleams with a silver radiance. Its meticulous design captures Genghis Khan’s majestic demeanor, holding a golden whip as if riding forward and gazing into the distance. Visitors can explore the interior of the statue’s base, which houses a museum and exhibitions showcasing Genghis Khan’s life, Mongolian history, and traditional culture. At the top, an observation deck accessible by elevator offers panoramic views of the surrounding vast steppe and breathtaking scenery.

After the tour, drive back to Ulaanbaatar for rest and stay there tonight.

Today, you will take a morning flight to the edge of the Gobi Desert and the quaint town of Dalanzadgad, the gateway to the desert’s wonders and the enchanting Yolyn Am Valley. This secluded canyon, cloaked in ice for most of the year, offers a trek through a tapestry of local wildlife, including wild sheep, ibex, and the majestic lammergeier vultures. Continue your journey onto the desert plateau, you’ll settle in for the night at a traditional ger camp. As dusk falls, venture to the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, home to some of the most significant paleontological discoveries ever unearthed. The vibrant red cliffs, rising dramatically from the desert sands, provide a breathtaking backdrop for an evening stroll.

Heading westward today, your journey leads you to the Khavtsgait petroglyphs, where a brief but invigorating scramble rewards you with a panoramic view atop a hill adorned with ancient rock carvings dating back over 7,000 years. As you traverse further through the desert, the road meanders through rugged mountains, past flocks of grazing goats and camels. Your evening abode awaits at a ger camp nestled near the awe-inspiring Khongoryn Els Dunes.  You can immerse yourself in the nomadic lifestyle by visiting a family of camel herders, embark on a Bactrian camel ride alongside the towering dunes, and ascend them in the early evening for breathtaking vistas across the rippling sands, stretching out towards the endless desert horizon.

Today, drive towards Kharkhorin. Briefly the Mongol capital before being deserted in the 16th century, the remains of Kharkorin were used to build the monastery of Erdene Zuu, probably the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery in the country. As the first Tibetan Buddhist Gelug Sect monastery in Mongolia, it was built in 1586. Facing east and sitting west, the monastery covers an area of approximately 0.16 square kilometers and is surrounded by 108 white stupas. It once served as the center of Buddhism in Mongolia, boasting 62 halls during its heyday. Now, it functions as a museum, preserving precious cultural relics from the 15th to 17th centuries. Overnight in Mongolian yurt.

After breakfast, you will visit the famous Kharkhorin Museum, a specialized museum focusing on history and archaeology, which is built on the site of the former capital of the Mongol Empire. It is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and research of cultural relics from Yuan Shangdu (Xanadu) and the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. The museum’s exhibits span the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Mongol Empire periods, featuring precious artifacts such as silver coins of Genghis Khan and Ögedei Khan, as well as Kublai Khan’s command token. With restoration workshops, a library, and a 3D reconstruction hall, it vividly recreates the city’s prosperity during its heyday through miniature urban models and virtual reality. Continue to explore the charm of Khaadiin Hill, which boasts its unobstructed 360-degree panoramic views. The short hiking trail from the foot to the summit (approximately a 1-2 hour round trip) offers a moderate level of difficulty, allowing hikers to appreciate the grassland ecosystem and geological features along the way.

After the tour, drive back to Ulaanbaatar.

Today, you are free and easy on your own. At the appointed time, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. End your exploration tour in Mongolia.