Mongolian National Parks: Central Mongolia and South Gobi

14 DAYS TRIP

Mongolian National Parks

  • Duration: 14 days tour
  • Availability: June to August is the best season
  • Begin and end: Ulaanbaatar city
  • Tour type: Central & south Mongolia tour

Our highlights

  • Explore Stunning Landscapes: Discover the Gobi Desert and Khangai Mountains.
  • Nomadic Culture Immersion: Meet and learn from local nomadic families.
  • Camel and Horseback Riding: Ride Bactrian camels and Mongolian horses.
  • Wildlife Watching: Spot wild Przewalski’s horses and other native animals.
  • Dinosaur Fossil Exploration: Visit the famous Flaming Cliffs.
  • Gobi Desert Stargazing: Enjoy the clear night skies and Milky Way views.
  • Sand Dune Hiking: Climb the breathtaking Khongor Sand Dunes.

Overview:

2 Weeks Exploring Mongolia’s Top 3 National Parks

Discover the beauty of Central Mongolia and the South Gobi Desert on this two-week adventure. Visit Terelj, Hustai, and Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Parks while staying in traditional Mongolian ger camps.

Enjoy authentic meals, camel rides, horseback trekking, and cultural experiences that connect you to Mongolia’s rich nomadic heritage and stunning landscapes.

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES

Mongolian Star TOURS

  • Explore the Majestic Landscapes:
    Traverse the diverse scenery of the Gobi Desert and Khangai Mountains, witnessing breathtaking views and uncovering fascinating historical landmarks.
  • Immerse in Nomadic Culture:
    Meet and engage with local nomadic families, gaining insight into one of the world’s last surviving traditional cultures.
  • Camel and Horseback Riding:
    Ride Bactrian camels in the majestic Gobi Desert and horses across the vast Mongolian steppe.
  • Wildlife Watching:
    Observe wild Przewalski’s horses and other unique wildlife in their natural habitats.
  • Dinosaur Fossil Discoveries:
    Wander through the world-renowned Flaming Cliffs, where some of the first dinosaur eggs were unearthed.
  • Gobi Desert Stargazing:
    Gaze upon the Milky Way with the naked eye in the vast, unpolluted skies of the Gobi Desert.
  • Hike Iconic Sand Dunes:
    Climb the stunning Khongor Sand Dunes for panoramic views you will never forget.

Itinerary:

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL & ULAANBAATAR CITY

Upon your arrival in Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, you’ll settle into your hotel before embarking on a guided city tour to explore key landmarks. In the evening, enjoy a mesmerizing folklore concert and dine at one of the city’s finest restaurants.

Optional Activity: State Department Store Shopping
Accommodation: Hotel (D)
Driving Distance: Approx. 60 km

Ulaanbaatar city Mongolia

DAY 2 – CHINGGIS KHAN STATUE & TERELJ NATIONAL PARK

Today, we venture to Tsonjinboldog, home to the world’s largest equestrian statue of Chinggis Khan. After lunch, we’ll head to the breathtaking Terelj National Park, known for its dramatic rock formations and pristine nature.

Optional Activity: Horseback riding
Accommodation: Ger Camp (BLD)
Driving: Approx. 110 km

Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Mongolian national parks

DAY 3 – EXPLORING TERELJ NATIONAL PARK

Embark on a horseback riding adventure to discover the natural splendor of the park, surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery. Following a leisurely break post-lunch, consider a serene hiking tour to Giant Turtle Rock and Aryabal Monastery. From these vantage points, soak in panoramic views of the picturesque park, creating lasting memories of its beauty.

Optional Activity: Kayaking
Accommodation: Ger Camp (BLD)
Driving: No driving

turtle rock terelj
Terelj National Park Mongolia

DAY 4 – HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK

We travel to Hustai National Park, a sanctuary for the rare and endangered Przewalski’s horses, the last true wild horse species. In the evening, you’ll witness these majestic creatures descending from the mountains to drink from the river, offering a rare glimpse of their natural behavior.

Optional Activity: Horseback riding
Accommodation: Ger Camp (BLD)
Driving: Approx. 160 km

wild horse mongolia
Khustai national park mongolia

DAY 5 – KHARKHORIN: THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF THE MONGOL EMPIRE

Today, we head to Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. On the way, we’ll stop at the stunning Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes, known for their unique mix of forest and desert landscapes. Upon reaching Kharkhorin, we’ll explore the historical Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia.

Optional Activity: Visit to Kharkhorin Museum
Accommodation: Ger Camp (BLD)
Driving: Approx. 290 km

Kharkhorum city Erdene Zuu monastery

DAY 6 – ONGI RIVER

Today’s journey takes us to the Ongi River, where we’ll arrive at our tourist camp in time for lunch. The vast steppe here provides a tranquil rest stop between Central Mongolia and the Gobi Desert.

Optional Activity: Hiking to old temple and prehistoric drawing
Accommodation: Ger Camp (BLD)
Driving: Approx. 300 km

ONGIN RIVER

DAY 7 – FLAMING CLIFFS

We travel to Bayanzag, famous for the discovery of the first dinosaur eggs by explorer Roy Chapman Andrews in 1923. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the Flaming Cliffs, one of the most iconic fossil sites in the world.

Optional Activity: Visit a nomadic family
Accommodation: Ger Camp (BLD)
Driving: Approx. 180 km

FLAMING CLIFFS

DAY 8 – KHONGOR SAND DUNE: SUNSET CLIMB

In the morning, explore ancient petroglyphs on Khavtsgait Mountain, followed by a drive through desolate desert landscapes to the towering Khongor Sand Dunes. As the sun sets, hike to the top of the dunes for an unforgettable view of the Gobi Desert.

Accommodation: Ger Camp (BLD)
Driving: Approx. 200 km

Gobi desert

DAY 9 – CAMEL RIDING AT KHONGOR SAND DUNES

Experience a magical morning camel ride in the shadow of the vast Khongor Sand Dunes. After lunch, we head to our next destination, arriving by dinner time.

Accommodation: Ger Camp (BLD)
Driving Distance: Approx. 180 km

People Riding on Camels in gobi desert

DAY 10 – YOLIIN AM: ICE VALLEY

We explore the Gurvan Saikhan National Park, known for its beautiful canyons, including Yoliin Am (Ice Valley), and its diverse wildlife.

Optional Activity: Horseback riding
Accommodation: Ger Camp (BLD)
Driving: Approx. 60 km

Yolyn Am – The Icy Valley of the Gobi

DAY 11 – WHITE STUPA CANYON

In the morning, visit the Gobi Museum and local black market before heading to the breathtaking White Stupa Canyon for a scenic tour.

Optional Activity: Observe stars with telescopes
Accommodation: Ger Camp (BLD)
Driving Distance: Approx. 150 km

the White Stupa (Tsagaan Suvarga)

DAY 12 – BAGA GAZRIIN CHULUU: ROCKY MOUNTAINS

Journey to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a picturesque granite canyon in the middle of the steppe. Enjoy hiking and exploring the remnants of a 17th-century temple.

Accommodation: Ger Camp (BLD)
Driving Distance: Approx. 200 km

baga gazriin chuluu Gobi desert tour

DAY 13 – RETURN TO ULAANBAATAR

We head back to Ulaanbaatar on a paved road, arriving in the afternoon. Explore the city at your leisure or enjoy some last-minute shopping for cashmere and souvenirs.

Optional Activity: Visit cashmere outlets
Accommodation: Hotel (BL)
Driving Distance: Approx. 300 km

Ulaanbaatar Mongolia departure

DAY 14 – DEPARTURE

Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure.

Driving Distance: Approx. 65 km

Best time to visit: The tour is best enjoyed during the summer months of June, July, and August.

Temperature: Be prepared for varying temperatures, especially in the evenings and mornings.

Travel pace: The itinerary is designed to be flexible, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Tour Price Includes

  • Accommodations
  • English-speaking tour guide
  • Ground transportation
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • Listed sightseeing and activities
  • Taxes and entrance fees

Tour price excludes

  • International airfare and train fare
  • Travel insurance
  • Single occupancy
  • Optional activities
  • Gratuities
  • Body massage

Tour Package Price – 14D13N (National Parks)

Tour Type2–3 pax (Price per person)4–6 pax (Price per person)
Standard2960 USD2160 USD
Deluxe3690 USD2690 USD

Tour details:

Clothing: Warm layers, waterproof jacket, and comfortable hiking boots.

Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Essentials: Personal medications, toiletries, and a reusable water bottle.

Ger camps: Shared toilet facilities at the ger camps.

Hotels: Standard hotel bathroom amenities.

Tourist camps: Basic toilet facilities at tourist camps.

During the tour you will visit the places that are famous to the locals and are an important part of the city’s culture.

Guiding: Providing knowledgeable and friendly local guides.

Safety: Ensuring your safety and well-being throughout the trip.

Logistics: Managing all travel logistics and arrangements.

Respect: Respect local customs and traditions.

Participation: Actively participate in all activities and follow the guide’s instructions.

Sustainability: Minimize environmental impact and practice sustainable travel.

Please check the weather forecast once you have chosen your tour date. And try to pack an extra jacket for the evenings.

We kindly ask you to pay a deposit to confirm your trip.

The remein balance can be paid 7 days before the start of the tour (but we are very flexible with payment terms)

Here is our cancellation policy that we recommend our clients follow.

Cancelling the tour within more than 2 months, 50% of your deposit payment will be reinbussed.

Cancelling the tour less than one month, the deposit payment will not be reinbussed.

Ger camps: Stay in comfortable ger camps near Khuvsgul Lake.

Hotels: Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar and Murun.

Local ger camp: Experience the traditional Mongolian ger lifestyle.

Traditional Mongolian: Experience traditional Mongolian cuisine throughout the tour.

Local restaurant: Enjoy meals at local restaurants and tourist camps.

Freshwater lake: Fish from Khuvsgul Lake may be included in some meals.

Suggested Tours:

Suggested Blogs:

Khentii

Khentii Mountains

The Khentii Mountains, a majestic range nestled in the northeastern part of Mongolia, are a testament to nature’s grandeur with…
Hyargas nuur

Uvs Province

Uvs Province borders Khovd, Zavkhan, Bayan-Ulgii provinces, and Russia to the north, creating a picturesque landscape of snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear…
Sukhbaatar

Sukhbaatar Province

Welcome to Sukhbaatar Province, a mesmerizing region in Mongolia where history, nature, and culture intertwine, offering a captivating tapestry of…