Overview
Itinerary
Fly overnight to Mongolia's capital Ulaanbaatar. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You have the rest of the day at leisure. (D)
Start your explorations with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Mongolia. Later, explore the Museum of Mongolian History giving insight into the culture of Mongolia, you will then visit the Museum of Fine Arts. (B/L/D)
This morning, travel to Terelj National Park stopping on route to visit the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex. Spend the afternoon exploring the area, enjoying the alpine scenery and seeing Turtle Rock. (B/L/D)
This morning, you will fly to Dalanzadgad where you will visit the local market and dinosaur garden before transferring by 4WD to the ger camp near Gurvansaikhan (Three Beauty) National Park. You will then spend the day exploring Vulture Valley and the famed Eagle's Gorge, before driving back to the camp for a visit to a Mongolian family to learn about their lifestyle. (B/L/D)
After an early start you will be travelling by 4WD to Khongoryn Els to explore the remarkable desert landscapes and beautiful sand dunes. (B/L/D)
This morning is at leisure for you to explore. After lunch, continue to Bayanzag - more commonly known as the 'Flaming Cliffs'. This afternoon sees a visit to the Gobi Dinosaurs Cemetery and an opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape. (B/L/D)
Today you will journey to the banks of the Ongii River, travelling through over-dry plains. On arrival, visit the ruins of two famed monasteries, the Barlim Khiid to the north and the Khutagt Khiid to the south. Combined they form the complex known as Ongiin Khiid Monastery. (B/L/D)
Depart for Mount Khogno Khan to explore the remains of the 17th-century monastery, the Uvgun Khiids, located at the foot of the mountain. The monastery offers views of the spectacular scenery so enjoy some time to explore the monastery and its surroundings. (B/L/D)
Drive to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, situated on the Orkhon River. Here you will have the chance to explore the ancient sites within Kharkhorin and the memorable Erdene Zuu Monastery. (B/L/D)
Enjoy the morning at leisure before continuing to Tsenkher Jiguur. You will have more free time to relax in the hot springs and soak up the spectacular surroundings (B/L/D)
Today you will be heading towards the serene Great White Lake (Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur) to your ger camp which is located within one of the most beautiful areas of the famous Great White Lake and Khorgo Volcano. Why not take a walk up to the crater of the volcano for wonderful views, or stroll along the lake shore with excellent opportunities for bird and wildlife spotting. You will also visit Zayaiin Huree Monastery in Tsetserleg Town. (B/L/D)
Enjoy a walk around the shores of the lake, which is home to a diverse variety of wildlife and birds and take in the breathtaking scenery. After lunch, continue to Jargal Jiguur known as 'home of the yaks', due to many local families seen herding yaks. (B/L/D)
Today is a long drive through Môron to Lake Khovsgol watching plains and glacial peaks pass by. Your ger camp is situated on the eastern shore of the lake.
In the afternoon, take a walk to the forest and visit a reindeer breeding family, where you will get introduced to their way of life. You have the next day at leisure to explore freely. (B/L/D)
This morning, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival you will transfer to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. (B/L/D)
This morning, visit the Mongol Nomadic Show and Khustai National Park to learn about the nomads and their way of life. After lunch, return to Ulaanbaatar city for the Naadam Eve, visiting Central Square where you can view the Naadam Mongol costumes on display. (B/L/D)
Today starts the highlight of your journey as you interact with locals and nomads, witnessing the Opening Ceremony of the Naadam Festival. The featured events you will see are wrestling, horseracing and archery. View the procession of the athletes, officials and monks as the first round of competitions in the wrestling tournament begin. (B/L/D)
Travel outside the city to enjoy the second day of the Naadam Festival. An exciting day unfolds as you view the cross-country horseracing, also known as 'tumnii ekh' (leader of ten thousand). Cheer along with the locals as the athletes compete in a carnival-like atmosphere. This evening you will enjoy a traditional Mongolian performance followed by dinner. (B/L/D)
You have the day in Ulaanbaatar to explore as you wish. (B/L/D)
Fly overnight to Australia, arriving home the following day. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Experience traditional Mongolia at the Naadam Festival
- Explore the Gobi Desert
- Discover Bayanzag's flaming cliffs
- Venture to the Singing Sand Dunes
- Visit Turtle Rock
- Wander through Ulaanbaatar
- Admire the steppe grasslands
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 3 - 4 star accommodation & ger camps (12 nights)
- 19 Breakfasts, 18 Lunches, 19 Dinners
- Your accommodation has been selected for convenience of location, comfort or character. In remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have western amenities. Hotels are generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but do please note that there is no international classification system for hotels and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the Australia and Mongolia. If you experience any difficulty, please speak to your National Guide.
- The group tour hotel in Ulaanbaatar has private western bathroom facilities, air conditioning, TV and a telephone. Plumbing and electricity supplies can be erratic and quite often the power in hotel rooms is turned off while guests are out of the room.
- Check-out time in Mongolia is 12:00. Please keep this in mind on the days when you are travelling between cities as it may result in a delay of access to your room or a change of itinerary to allow for this delay. Our office in Mongolia will inform the hotels of your expected arrival time, but occasional delays due to last night’s guests checking out at midday are beyond our control.
- Gers are the traditional home of nomads across Mongolia. They are made from a wooden frame and layers of felt and canvas erected on a wooden platform. The interior is filled with warm fabrics and furs as well as ornate wooden furniture. Ideally suited to Mongolia’s nomadic way of life and harsh weather, the Ger has been the most popular dwelling for hundreds of years. Gers are also known by the Russian name ‘yurt’. Each Ger will consist of two or three single wooden beds, linen, and a stove for heating purposes, a thick blanket, one electrical socket and a low bearing table and chairs. Most of the camps will be equipped with electricity connection and is typically available between 7-11pm. All Gers will also have electricity as well as electrical outlets.
- Please note that your accommodation at the ger camps is in traditional gers, with shared facilities.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 August 2023. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount approximately US$120pp (AU$179pp) is paid locally in Mongolia.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
- Australian passport holders do not need a visa for Mongolia if they are travelling for less than 30 days for tourist purposes. Please be advised that your passport must have at least six months validity left on it when you arrive back into Australia.
Wendy Wu's Go Beyond touring range are characterised by engaging cultural experiences, active adventures and getting off the beaten track. Read more
Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more
On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more
Brochure
Wendy Wu River Cruises & Tours (2025-26)
Availability
AUD
Prices include air taxes and fuel surcharges, this amount is correct at time of brochure release and subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure city. The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart (based on a minimum of 10 passengers). We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Wendy Wu. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
