17 DAYS / 16 NIGHTS

2025

september 21 to october 7

This unique adventure begins in the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert, where you will witness its stunning sand dunes, rugged mountains, and unique wildlife, including the elusive Bactrian camel. As you traverse this arid wonderland, you’ll have the opportunity to explore ancient dinosaur fossils and visit traditional nomadic camps that offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Mongolia. The tour continues to Murun from where we drive to meet the reindeer herders of northern Mongolia, who maintain their ancestral traditions while living harmoniously with nature. Engage with these fascinating communities, learn about their way of life, and enjoy activities such as riding a reindeer and hiking in one of Mongolia’s most pristine environments. There are about 400 reindeer people of 80 families in total. They live in teepees. Their livelihood is completely dependent on the nature and few heads of reindeer. The most famous shamans are among them. Finally, we visit the enchanting Khuvsgul Lake, often referred to as “the jewel of Mongolia,” where crystal-clear waters meet lush green forests. This driving tour promises a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion that will leave you with lasting memories.

We strive to hire female guides for our tours as part of our mission to elevate the status of women in the tourism industry. This tour is open to all genders.

Women Guide Leadership Training June 6-8, 2025

**Joining this trip will help us in launching our Women Guide Leadership Training in Bayan Ulgii, Western Mongolia as a way to elevate the roles of women in the tourism industry.**

ITINERARY

DAY 1 Arrive in Ulaanbaatar

Our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Rest day. Overnight in Ulaanbaatar.

DAY 2 Drive about 270kms to Tsagaan Suvraga ( White Stupa) (Drive time: 6-7 hours)

The scarp of Tsagaan Suvarga is located in Ulziit soum of Dundgovi province. It is interesting to see the sheer slope, facing east, which from a distance seems to be the ruins of the ancient city. The cliff is 30 meters high and 100 meters wide. Over thousands of years the wind has created this amazing structure. It is sheer slope and was an old seabed with sedimentary structure created by millions years and the different colors of the ground represent different times. The formation is over 50m in its highest point and continues 400m. Overnight in ger. B/L/D

Day 3 Drive 200 kms to Yol valley (Drive time: 3-4 hours)

The Valley in the Zuun Saikhan mountain located 45km from Dalanzadgad, in the centre of South Gobi province, is called Yolyn Am. The narrow Valley between high rock walls has breathtaking dramatic scenery, and no doubt is one of the beautiful places in the country. In rainy summer hundreds of small waterfalls appear in the rocky walls. Overnight in ger. B/L/D

Day 4 Drive to Hongoryn Els Sand Dunes (Drive time: 2-3 hours)

After breakfast drive to Dalanzadgad, capital of south Gobi and ready to discovery with Gobi Desert. we will head to Hongoryn Els which is most highest sand all in Asia. Today we more in Gobi 800 meters high Sand Dune is in Servei soum, south aimag are called Hongoryn Els. These dunes are 20 wide 100km long. Don’t forget to ride camel here because the camel is matches in Gobi desert. The sunset is spectacular here. Overnight in ger. B/L/D

Day 5 Drive 300 kms to Bayan Zag and Ongiin khiid (Drive time: 5-6 hours)

Drive to Ongiin Khiid, formerly one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia founded in1660. The landscape around the monestry is a semi-desert with endless wode-open dry steppe, random plants and rocks. Gobi desert is not here yet, but the welcome gate is right around the corner. Early morning dirve to the place known to westerners as The Flaming Cliffs, Bayan Zag \Rich with Saxual\ is famed for its red sandstone cliffs which take on beautiful red and orange hues during sunset. Sculptural Saxual trees grow in the arid rocky soil. The area is also recognized as one of world’s larger dinosaur graveyard. In 1921, the American Roy Chapman Andrews discovered here some of the most important Paleontological findings of the last century. Since then, hundreds of archeological expeditions have come to this remote desert location, and even today with the assistance of local people dinosaur fossils continue to be found in the area. Overnights in ger. B/L/D

DAY 6 Drive 280 kms to Erdene Zuu Monastery (Drive time: 4-5 hours)

Today after breakfast we will drive to old capital of Mongolia Kharkhorum. Chinggis Khaan’s fabled city, was founded 1220 in the Orkhon valley, at the crossroads of the Silk Road. It was from there that the Mongol Empire governed, until Khubilai Khaan moved it to Beijing.The symbolic ruins of Kharkhorum monumental walls with 108 stupas, surround the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia Erdene Zuu MOnestry, built in 1586. In 1792, it housed 62 temples and 10,000 lamas,since 1990, it has been active monastery again. Overnight in ger. B/L/D

DAY 7 Drive 298 kms to Khorgo /Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake/ White Lake Nat.Park (Drive time: 4 hours)

Driving westwards, you will stop next to ‘Taikhar chuluu’, a huge rock which related to the local mythology. The next stop of the day will be the ‘Chuluut canyon’ observation point, and the holy ‘100 branches tree’ which stands next to it for hundred of years. Khorgo Volcano is a dead volcano covered with basalt lying in the east of the Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan /Nat.Park/ in Arhangai province. Interesting bubbles of solidified lave named ‘Basalt ger’. Possible a visit to yak’s herders. Arhangai province, the northeast slope of the Hangai chain, is called ‘the Switzerland of Mongolia’ for its forest, rivers and wooded hills. Overnight in ger. B/L/D

DAY 8 Drive 246 kms to Murun (Drive time: 4-5 hours)

Today, we will drive to Murun and stay at a hotel overnight. B/L/D

DAY 9 Drive 183 kms to Ulaan-Uul (Drive time: 4-5 hours)

We will start driving to northwest toward Ulaan-uul village. On the way, you will enjoy the beautiful Taiga Mountains and dense forests.

Overnight in Ulaan-uul village in a wooden house. B/L/D

DAY 10 Drive 200 kms to meet the Tsaatan reindeer herder family (Drive time: 5-6 hours)

We will continue our drive to the Tsaatan reindeer herder family. On the way, we will pass the Tsagaan nuur town and see the Tsagaan Nuur lake. At night, we stay with the Tsaatan family in a teepee. B/L/D

DAY 11 Stay with the Tsaatan reindeer herder family

Today will be the highlight of your trip as you immerse yourself in the Tsaatans’ culture. Learn the Tsaatan’s’ everyday life and their traditions like milking reindeers, reindeer riding, and processing reindeer skins. Also, you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings and nature while riding a reindeer. Horseback riding is also an option. The Tsaatans are a small ethnic group of Mongolia (600 of them). They practice shamanism traditions so we will have a chance to meet with a shaman on this trip. Overnight in a teepee. B/L/D

DAY 12. Drive 200 kms back to Ulaan-Uul (Drive time: 5-6 hours)

Today, we will drive to Ulaan-uul town and stay to overnight in a wooden house. B/L/D

DAY 13. Drive 120 kms to Khuvsgul Lake Hatgal (Drive time: 2-3 hours)

Today, after breakfast we will drive to the Khovsgol lake. Known as “The Dark Blue Pearl,” Lake Khuvsgul is Mongolia's largest and deepest lake. Located in the northern province, it is the largest tributary stream of Lake Baikal in Russia. Lake Khuvsgul is 136 km long, 36 km wide, and 262 meters deep and is located at an altitude of 1645 m above sea level. It’s frozen from January until April or May. It's the second largest fresh water lake in Central Asia. It's inhabited by nine species of fish including the Siberian grayling and lenok. Fishing and sport fishing are becoming popular in the lake area. Different ethnic groups live in the area: Khalh, Darhadt, and Buryat. Lake Khuvsgul is along the migration route for birds from Siberia, thus facilitating marvelous opportunities for bird watching. We will go boating on the Khuvsgul lake. Overnights in a ger. B/L/D

DAY 14 Drive 370 kms to Urantogoo Volcano (Drive time: 7-8 hours)

Along the way to the Urantogoo volcano, we will pass by Erdenet copper mine city which is the central town of Bulgan province. The landscapes will change into more forested areas. Urantogoo volcano became extinct 800,000 years ago. The top of the mountain is accessible by foot. The vista is awe-inspiring when you are on the top. Overnight in a ger. B/L/D

DAY 15 Drive 260 kms to Amarbayasgalant Monastery (Drive time: 6- 7 hours)

In the morning, drive to Amarbaysgalant monastery. Amarbayasgalant is known as the most beautiful, ancient, and stunning architectural monastery. Arrive at Amarbayasgalant monastery in the late afternoon. After some time, visit the beautiful monastery and hike up the foothills of Burenkhaan Mountain to see Buddha sculptures and the large stupas. You see gorgeous views of the Iven River Valley and the whole monastery from the hilltop. Overnight in a ger. B/L/D

DAY 16 Drive 341 kms to Ulaanbatar (Drive time: 5-6 hours)

Today, we will drive to Ulaanbaatar and stay in a hotel overnight. B/L/D

DAY 17 Fly home.

After breakfast, we drive you to Ulaanbaatar airport to start your journey back home.

TRIP STYLE

This trip is mainly focused on sightseeing in Gobi and Northern Mongolia with time spent with the Tsaatan reindeer herders to learn more about their unique culture and traditions. The day hikes are easy and open to beginner level hikers. Note that weather in Mongolia in September / October can be unpredictable and snow is not uncommon. Gers and teepees are usually heated at night via traditional stove. You will be staying in various accommodations on this tour - hotels, wooden houses, ger and teepee with the local families. On this tour, there maybe limited or basic shower & toilet facilities (except for hotel stays in the town/city). Please note that the tour involves a good amount of driving on a shared van (HIACE) which is a more comfortable ride than a Russian van. Nonetheless, be prepared to go on unpaved, bumpy roads in both regions of Gobi and Taiga.

PRICING

Per person for a group of

2 Persons: $3970

3-6 Persons: $3270

We want everyone to be able to join our tour! Contact us via equity@browngaltrekker.com to find out about our promotional discounts or to discuss some type of collaboration in exchange for reduced tour pricing.

There is no minimum group size for this tour. For 1 person only, contact us about pricing. The maximum group size is 6 people.

Single supplement fee applies for solo hotel room.
Deposit due: $950
Balance Due Dates:
90 days before the trip

A completed booking form & non-refundable deposit are required to book. For questions, send us an email at equity@browngaltrekker.com

Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS and LIABILITY WAIVER before booking.

BOOK NOW

INCLUSIONS

English-speaking guide.
Private land transports and driver.
All meals noted in the itinerary.
Shared hotel stay in Ulaanbaatar (2 nights) & Murun (1 night).
All other accommodations during the tour including wooden houses, ger and teepee.
Chef in the northern part of the trip.
Camping equipment including sleeping bag and mat.
Drinking water during the trip.
Airport transfers.
Trekking/entrance fees, border & national park permits.
Camel riding in Gobi.
Mongolian barbecue.
Tax for museum.
Pre-trip group meeting and one-on-one trip prep consultation.

EXCLUSIONS
International flight
Optional activities (e.g. horseback riding)
Tips for guide and driver.
Photography fees for museum and monastery
Single supplement for hotel stays
Personal expenses
Laundry

FLIGHTS
International flights are excluded. Clients must book their own flights. Please send us your flight itineraries by e-email no later than the balance due date.

TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIRED
After making a deposit, you are required to obtain appropriate travel insurance through Global Rescue or other insurance of your choice that should cover at a minimum 100% of the trip cost (land & air), as well as, emergency medical and evacuation. Proof of travel insurance must be provided via electronic mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date. Failure to obtain travel insurance by the trip balance due date will result in cancellation and no refund of your trip deposit and/or applicable cancellation fees as noted in the Terms & Conditions.

VISA & VACCINATIONS

Please check ahead of time as to the visa requirements for the country of your choosing. You are responsible for securing your own visa, if required and getting the required and/or recommended vaccinations.

COVID-19 TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Please check current COVID-19 related entry requirements. You can check the latest via the U.S. State Department website or the website of your embassy in Mongolia.

GEAR LIST & TRIP NOTES

Upon booking, you will receive trip notes that include the recommended gear list.

Gobi & Reindeer Herders Experience (17D / 16N)