Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar, Sand Dunes & Terelj National Park

Welcome to Mongolia! Arrive in Ulaanbaatar at any time and make your own way to the hotel to check in and settle in after your journey. As one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, Mongolia is known for its vast open landscapes and rich nomadic heritage—an incredible setting for the adventure ahead. This evening, meet your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and fellow travelers at a welcome briefing, where you’ll get an overview of the journey. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed evening with the option to join your group for dinner at a local spot, a perfect opportunity to connect and kick off your time together.

Start your first full day in Ulaanbaatar with a guided tour exploring the cultural and historical highlights of Mongolia’s capital. Begin at the revered Gandan Monastery, one of the country’s most important Buddhist sites, where you’ll encounter the impressive 26-metre gold-leafed statue of Migjid Janraisig, a powerful symbol of Mongolia’s spiritual heritage. Continue on to Zaisan Hill, climbing to the summit for sweeping panoramic views over the city, along with a striking Soviet-era memorial that reflects Mongolia’s complex 20th-century history. After some free time for lunch, visit the Bogd Khan Winter and Summer Palace, once home to Mongolia’s last king. Here, you’ll gain insight into the country’s royal past as you explore a fascinating collection of Buddhist artworks, royal treasures, and unique historical artifacts. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon, with the rest of the day at leisure to relax or continue exploring at your own pace.

Leave the city behind this morning and journey west across Mongolia’s vast steppe, where endless grasslands stretch to the horizon—a reminder that Mongolia is one of the least densely populated countries on Earth. Arrive at Elsen Tasarkhai, often referred to as the “Mini Gobi,” a unique landscape where sweeping sand dunes rise from the surrounding plains. Spend the afternoon exploring and hiking through this remarkable stretch of desert. Continue on to your ger camp, where you’ll settle into your traditional accommodation, an authentic way nomadic families have lived for centuries. This evening, enjoy a hearty Mongolian barbecue dinner before unwinding under the wide-open sky and taking in the peaceful beauty of the steppe.

Begin the day with breakfast at your ger camp before heading into the rugged landscapes surrounding Khugnu Khan Mountain. Set out on a scenic hike through pine forests and rocky ridgelines, taking in sweeping views across the Mongolian steppe, before visiting the atmospheric ruins of Övgön Khiid Monastery, a centuries-old monastery built into the mountainside. Later, enjoy an authentic cultural experience with a local nomadic family, learning to make traditional Mongolian dumplings together inside their working ger before sharing a home-cooked lunch. Spend the afternoon gaining insight into daily nomadic life, with the chance to experience and observe traditional activities that form part of the family’s everyday routine before returning to camp for free time and dinner under the vast Mongolian skies.

Travel east today toward the stunning landscapes of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Known for its dramatic granite rock formations, forested hills, and winding river valleys, Terelj offers a striking contrast to the open steppe you’ve explored so far. Arrive at your ger camp and take some time to relax and soak in the peaceful surroundings. If you’re feeling active, head out on an optional short hike to get your first taste of the park’s unique terrain. This evening, enjoy dinner at camp and settle in for another night in a traditional ger.

Spend a full day exploring the natural and cultural highlights of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, one of Mongolia’s most beautiful protected areas, known for its dramatic rock formations and serene alpine landscapes just outside the capital. Begin with a visit to Turtle Rock, a striking natural formation shaped like a giant turtle and considered a symbol of longevity in Mongolian culture. Continue on to the Aryaval Meditation Monastery, reached by a scenic hillside climb lined with carved Buddhist mantras, offering panoramic views over the valley and a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. Return to camp for lunch before trying your hand at traditional Mongolian archery, one of the historic sports of Naadam. In the afternoon, head out for a guided hike through the surrounding river valleys and forested hills, home to wildlife such as marmots and birds of prey. After a full day in nature and culture combined, return to camp for dinner and a relaxed evening in the peaceful surroundings of the park.

Return to Ulaanbaatar today after your time in the wilderness, travelling back through the sweeping steppe landscapes of central Mongolia. Along the way, stop at one of the country’s most iconic landmarks, the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex. Standing at an incredible 40 metres tall, this stainless steel monument honours Mongolia’s most legendary historical figure and offers panoramic views over the surrounding plains from the horse’s head. Continue onward into the capital and arrive back at your hotel in the early afternoon to check in and refresh. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore Ulaanbaatar further and in the evening, choose to join your group for an optional farewell dinner, marking the end of your journey through Mongolia.