10 day Private Tour in Vast Mongolia

A 10-day Private Tour in Vast Mongolia offers an immersive journey through one of the world’s most captivating landscapes. This experience takes travelers from the bustling capital of Ulaanbaatar to remote desert dunes, ancient monasteries, and dinosaur fossil sites, blending natural beauty with historical intrigue. It’s tailored for those craving authentic Mongolian culture, scenic adventures, and a well-paced itinerary that balances sightseeing with leisure.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines iconic natural sites like the Gobi Desert with lesser-known gems such as Hustai National Park and the Ongi Monastery ruins. The inclusion of activities like horse and camel riding, short hikes, and visits to UNESCO-listed sites helps make the experience feel genuine and engaging. One potential consideration is that the tour involves some long driving days—up to six hours—to reach various destinations, so it’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable on the road.

This private tour is perfect for adventurous travelers, history buffs, and those seeking a deeper connection with Mongolia’s nomadic traditions. It’s also ideal for individuals, couples, or small groups wanting a tailored experience with the flexibility to explore at a relaxed pace.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Encounters: Visits to monasteries, historic ruins, and nomadic sites offer a genuine glimpse into Mongolia’s spiritual and historical roots.
• Scenic Landscapes: Expect breathtaking views—from the flaming cliffs of Bayanzag to the rolling sand dunes of Khongoryn Els.
• Active Experiences: Short hikes, horse riding, and camel rides are woven into the itinerary, making it more than just sightseeing.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance your understanding of the sites and local traditions.
• Value for Price: At $2,359 per person, the tour includes all transportation, accommodations, most meals, and entry fees, providing a hassle-free all-inclusive package.
• Travel Flexibility: As a private tour, it offers personalized attention and the ability to customize certain aspects for your interests.

Exploring Mongolia’s Natural Wonders

The journey begins with an excursion to Hustai National Park, a highlight for wildlife lovers. Here, you’ll see the rare Przewalski horses (Takhi), the last true wild horses in the world, a highlight praised by travelers for the chance to observe such a rare species in their natural habitat. The park also features remarkable man-made monuments dating back to the 6th-8th centuries, including the Ungut monuments with their intriguing man-like figures and tombs. Expect a mix of wildlife sightings—wolves, marmots, deer—and scenic mountain hikes, which are manageable and rewarding for most visitors.

Next, a visit to Ugii Lake offers tranquility and a taste of Mongolia’s freshwater beauty. Besides enjoying a boat tour and horse riding, travelers can appreciate the quietude of this peaceful spot. Along the way, the Khusuu Tsaidam Museum provides insight into the region’s Turkic past, with artifacts from the 6th-8th centuries, appealing to history enthusiasts and those interested in ancient civilizations.

The Orkhon Valley is a standout for history buffs. Once the capital of the Mongol Empire, Kharkhorin now hosts ruins and the Old Mongolian Empire’s remnants. The Kharkhorin Museum showcases artifacts that bring the past to life, while the Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in the 17th century, offers a glimpse into Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage. The guides are often praised for their knowledge, helping visitors understand the significance of each site beyond just its visual appeal.

Cultural and Religious Heritage

The Ongi Monastery provides an evocative experience, with its impressive ruins illustrating the destructive impact of the 1930s communist purges, but also the resilience of spiritual traditions. Rebuilt since the 1990s, the remaining structures now symbolize hope and revival. The stories shared by guides about the monastery’s history deepen the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing stop.

The Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) is another iconic site, famous for dinosaur fossils and eggs dating back 60 million years. Travelers often comment on the surreal appearance of the cliffs, which resemble flames, and the thrill of walking on ancient, petrified remains. Paleontology buffs will love learning about the discoveries made here, and many appreciate the opportunity to photograph the striking red rocks against the backdrop of a vast desert landscape.

The Gobi Desert’s Most Famous Sights

Driving to the Khongoryn Els dunes is a highlight, with the “singing dunes” delivering a sensory experience. The sand dunes stretch over 100 km and are up to 7 km wide, offering sweeping views of rolling sands. The camel rides are a fun way to connect with traditional transportation methods, and watching the sunset over the dunes creates magical photo opportunities. Reviews mention that the dunes are accessible and the rides enjoyable, even for beginners.

A visit to Yolin Am Ice Field adds a contrasting element, with its deep, narrow gorge surrounded by rugged mountain scenery. The two hours of horse riding here provides a peaceful, scenic experience away from the desert heat. It’s appreciated for the chance to explore Mongolia’s mountainous regions and see wildlife that inhabits these cooler areas.

Tsagaan Suvarga (“White Stupa”) is a spectacular natural formation, with colorful, mound-like cliffs resembling relic-storing stupas. The hike offers breathtaking vistas and the chance to photograph unusual geological formations. Guides typically assist with navigating the terrain and sharing insights into the geology and natural history.

Unique Geological and Cultural Sites

On the final stage of your trip, the Baga Gazariin Chuluu area offers granite mountains, ancient petroglyphs, and the ruins of a 17th-century Buddhist monastery. The site is a mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue, with over 20 medicinal herbs and rare animals such as marmots and ibex. Visitors often comment on the peacefulness of the area, and the chance to see how Mongolia’s natural environment has shaped its spiritual sites.

The Choir Monastery ruins tell stories of Mongolia’s past religious and scholarly endeavors, with ancient books and medical research linked to Tibetan influences. The combination of natural landscapes and historical sites makes this part of the tour both enriching and visually stunning.

Practical Details & Travel Experience

Transportation throughout the tour is via modern four-wheel-drive vehicles, ensuring comfort and reliability over long distances. The group size is private, meaning you get personalized attention and flexibility. The tour includes all fees and taxes, meals, accommodations, and activities such as riding, making it a good value considering the extensive itinerary.

The tour starts early at 8:30 am, and the schedule is quite full, with most days involving around six hours of activity. This pace suits travelers with moderate fitness levels who enjoy active exploration but might not be ideal for those seeking entirely relaxed or leisurely days.

Guides are often highlighted as knowledgeable and enthusiastic, providing context and stories that enrich the experience. The inclusion of meals, bottled water, and airport transfers reduces the stress of planning and logistics, allowing you to focus on enjoying Mongolia’s landscapes and culture.

The Sum Up

This 10-day private tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Mongolia’s diverse scenery, history, and nomadic lifestyle. It balances major highlights like the Gobi Desert, dinosaur fossils, and ancient monasteries with authentic experiences such as horse and camel rides, hikes, and cultural visits. The price, including all logistics and most meals, delivers good value for travelers looking for an all-inclusive, guided adventure.

Perfect for those with an adventurous spirit and curiosity about Mongolia’s traditions, this tour suits travelers who enjoy active days and meaningful cultural encounters. The knowledgeable guides and scenic vistas ensure that each moment feels special, making it a memorable journey into the heart of Mongolia.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
While most activities involve some walking and hiking, the tour is designed for those with moderate physical fitness. Long drives are part of the experience, but the activities are mostly manageable.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily, as well as lunches and dinners on most days, covering a variety of local and international cuisines.

What is the group size?
This is a private tour, so only your group will participate, providing flexibility and personalized attention.

Are airport transfers included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off services from the airport or railway station in Ulaanbaatar.

What kind of accommodation can I expect?
All accommodations are included, typically in comfortable hotels that complement the Mongolian experience—though specifics vary, they are arranged to suit the itinerary.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a private tour, there’s often room for flexibility or adjustments based on your interests, with guidance from your knowledgeable guide.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, it suits families with children who are comfortable with active days and long drives, though individual needs should be considered.

Is there free time built into the schedule?
Most days are filled with activities, but there’s some free time in Ulaanbaatar at the end of the trip for shopping or relaxing.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing for varying climates, sun protection, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

How much should I tip guides and drivers?
Tips are customary for guides and drivers, especially given their knowledgeable service, but the amount depends on your satisfaction and travel customs.

This tour offers a deep dive into Mongolia’s natural beauty and cultural treasures, all wrapped in a comfortable, well-organized package. Whether you’re drawn by the landscape, history, or nomadic traditions, it’s designed to leave a lasting impression—just be prepared for some adventures on the road!