Nomads and Desert Escape

Upon arrival at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport, the Unlock Nomads Tour team will greet you and transfer you to the hotel. We will then take a city tour, including the National History Museum and Sukhbaatar Square. In the late afternoon, we will visit a local family in Ulaanbaatar to see felt art. This experience will enable us to craft our souvenirs out of sheep wool. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a unique and scenic granite rock formation with cultural and historical value, such as ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions. Once we arrive, we will enjoy our first lunch on an open steppe in Mongolia. We will then take a guided afternoon tour around the formations, including a visit to Sum Khukh Burd, a historic and picturesque site. Overnight in Ger camp.

We will start early this morning and drive to Tsagaan Suvarga. This outstanding cliff formation stands around 30 meters high and over 400 meters. Its colours range from pale whites to rich reds and oranges, creating a striking, surreal landscape, especially at sunrise and sunset. Our guide will organise photography and sightseeing sessions in the afternoon, including a visit to Del Uul Mountain. Overnight in Ger camp.

After breakfast, we will start driving to Eagle Valley, a thick ice canyon that remains in the gorge even during the summer months. We will walk through the gorge while observing the wildlife and the uniqueness of the Gobi Desert. Visit the Natural History Museum in the Park for more information about the Gobi Desert. Overnight in Ger Camp

Today, we will head to Khongoriin Els, often called the “Singing Dunes,” some of Mongolia’s largest and most picturesque dunes. In the afternoon, visit a camel breeder family near the dune and go on an optional camel ride for 30 minutes. Hiking around the singing dune and the Khongor River. Evening session for 30 minutes about Mongolian palaeontology. Overnight ina Ger camp.

This morning, we will drive to Bayanzag, known after palaeontologist Roy Chapman Andrews, who, on an expedition in the 1920s, discovered the first-ever dinosaur eggs and numerous dinosaur fossils. This landmark finds revolutionized paleontology, proving that dinosaurs laid eggs. In the late afternoon, we will visit the Saxaul forest and walk through the trails of Roy Andrew Chapman. Overnight in Ger camp.

Drive to Ongi Monastery, is a historic and serene site nestled along the banks of the Ongi River. Established in the 17th century, Ongi Monastery was a complex of two monasteries with over 30 temples and 1,000 monks at its peak. The afternoon will spent exploring the ruins of Ongi Monastery. Overnight at the ger camp.

Drive to Orkhon Waterfall, known for its impressive cascade.. This picturesque site is part of the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, surrounded by rich history, natural beauty, and nomadic culture. We will enjoy hiking, nature walks, and photographing. Overnight at Ger Camp.

Today, we continue driving to the nomadic settlement via Taikhar Rock in Arkhangai province. Upon arrival, hosts will greet us and have lunch in their ger. We will experience making traditional homemade cheese from yak milk in the afternoon. Cutting firewood by saw and chopping it into little pieces is one of the essential daily tasks of nomadic men. (optional) Overnight at the settlement.

Full day in the nomadic settlement. Morning activities: milking yaks, making dairy products such as yak butter, yoghurt, and traditional Mongolian vodka, gathering yaks, herding sheep and goats. At noon, we will make Khuushuur (fried dumplings) for lunch with the help of the hosts. Afternoon activities: horseback riding and trekking across the grasslands. A nomadic-style barbecue, cooked over an open fire, will be served for dinner. Overnight at the settlement.

Today, we will say goodbye to our host family and drive to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. This picturesque lake, with its crystal- clear waters, stretches over 16 km and is surrounded by rolling hills and lava fields. Afternoon hiking in Kthe horgo volcano offers panoramic views of the lake. Overnight in Ger camp.

After breakfast, we will drive to Kharkhorin, the capital city of the Mongol Empire between 1235 and 1260. At the heart of Kharkhorin lies the Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most significant spiritual and cultural sites. Built in 1585, Erdene Zuu is Mongolia’s oldest surviving Buddhist monastery, surrounded by an imposing wall of 108 white stupas. We will visit the Erdenezuu Monastery and the Kharkhorin Museum. Overnight in Ger Camp.

Drive to Bayabgobi via Uvgun Monastery, the hidden gem that combines nature, history, and spirituality. The monastery, founded in the 17th century, is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of rugged cliffs, rolling dunes, and green meadows. After a peaceful walking session in the Khugnu Khaan Mountain, we will continue driving to Ger camp in Bayangobi for lunch. After lunch, we will enjoy hiking around the dunes and taking photographs. Overnight at Ger Camp.

Today we will return to Ulaanbaatar. An optional shopping after lunch. An evening cultural performance followed by a farewell dinner and a calligraphy session. We will spend the night at the hotel.

Transfer to the the Chinggis Khaan International Airport. The services conclude.