Trip Overview
Departures
Click for Dates + Prices
Duration
12 Days
Activities
Camel Riding
Cultural
Hiking
Wildlife Viewing
Physical Rating
Easy–Moderate
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Experience the Marvels of Mongolia
Get ready to set your spirit soaring on this transformative 12-day adventure into Mongolia’s wild, remote heart on our Mongolia Explorer Adventure. This journey is all about slow travel and soulful experiences, connecting you deeply to nomadic communities and landscapes that’ll leave you breathless—from majestic mountain-forest steppes and towering sand dunes to vast herds of yaks and mystical monasteries.
Hop on a camel and sway gently through the surreal beauty of Khogno Khan Nature Reserve, where golden sands meet endless skies. Venture into the expansive grasslands of the UNESCO-listed Orkhon River Valley, where every step feels like walking through a living history book. Search for the legendary wild horses of Khustain Nuruu National Park—symbols of Mongolia’s untamed, thrilling spirit.
From sweeping grasslands to echoes of Chinggis (Genghis) Khan’s once-mighty empire, every moment of this adventure surprises, inspires and quietly educates.
WHERE MODERN AND NOMADIC WORLDS MERGE
Revel in the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky
You don’t just visit Mongolia—you feel it. You’ll step into a world where ancient traditions aren’t locked in museums—they’re alive in the hands of the people you’ll meet. Learn the art of bow-making from a local master, then channel your inner warrior during a traditional archery session on the steppe.
Craft felt with the fierce and talented women behind the Made in Mongolia project—this is art with soul, rooted in purpose and community.
Brush ink across paper in a private calligraphy class that brings Mongolia’s poetic spirit to life, then dive deeper with monastery visits and museums that connect past and present in the most powerful way.
And when the day winds down? You’ll settle into your cozy ger under a blanket of stars, swapping stories with yak-herder families and listening to the wind carry tales older than time.
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Itinerary
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Day 1
Ulaanbaatar
Squares and Dancing
Upon arrival at Chinggis Khan International Airport, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to the group’s accommodations in Ulaanbaatar. Depending on city traffic, it’s a one to two hour ride–this is your first introduction to the capital of Mongolia. It’s a contrast of modern design, Neoclassical buildings, monasteries, garment factories and Soviet-era buildings.
Late afternoon, we have an orientation and time to refresh and reset before we walk to tonight’s show and dinner. En route, we cross central Sükhbaatar Square (named after Mongolia’s revolutionary hero, Damdin Sükhbaatar).
We will attend the popular Tumen Ekh Cultural Show which is a lively performance of folk music, traditional music, dance and contortion! Music is an extension of the Mongolian heart with songs expressing freedom and harmony with nature.
After the dazzling show, we gather for dinner, get to know each other, and share travel stories together.
Included Meals
Dinner
Accommodations
Hotel Nine (twin share ensuite)
TRAVEL
1–2 hours or 31 miles/50km (driving, depending on city traffic)
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Day 2
Ulaanbaatar
A Heartfelt Day
Ulaanbaatar is home to nearly half of Mongolia’s population and is the beating heart of the nation and modern urban life.
We visit the revered Gandan, Mongolia’s principal monastery, where we will receive a sacred blessing for our journey ahead. Afterwards, under the tutelage of the inspiring women supported by the Made in Mongolia (MIM) felting project we learn about the world of felt making and Asral Mongolia’s invaluable humanitarian work.
In the workshop we have the opportunity to practice the thousand-year-old traditional art form and learn more about MIM. Many of the women at MIM are from single-parent households at high risk of experiencing extreme poverty and malnourishment. The contemporary handcrafted slippers and felt products the women produce are made with wool sourced from the Mongolian steppe region and Gobi Desert.
Following lunch at a nearby eatery, we spend time with one of Mongolia’s top bow and arrow craftsmen in his home workshop. A traditional Mongolian bow is made of wood, horn, sinew, leather and animal glue and can take six months to a year to be fully shaped. Arrows are made of bone or wood and feathers from birds of prey for the shaft.
We have the opportunity to learn the precise art of archery with a female student using one of his meticulously handcrafted bows and arrows at the national archery arena, putting a bull’s eye on a perfect day in Ulaanbaatar.
Our day culminates over dinner together in a local restaurant.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Hotel Nine (twin share ensuite)
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Day 3
Khogno Khan Nature Reserve
Sleep in the Sand Dunes
We leave the hum of the city behind for a day of pure adventure in Khogno Khan Nature Reserve. It’s going to be a scenic drive of six to seven hours, depending on road conditions.
This is a supernatural landscape of mountain forest steppe, mountains, Gobi-type desert, and mineral waters. Wolves, deer, and fox inhabit this serene area, which was once the site of brutal Middle Age feuds between Western and Eastern Mongolians (Dzungaria and Khalkh Mongolia) after the collapse of the Mongol Empire.
We have a picnic in the vastness of this landscape before meeting our welcoming hosts in Khogno Khan. The native Davaasuren family have lived in this region for generations. We will experience Mongolian daily life in an intimate way as guests in their simple gers located at the base of the otherworldly Elsen Tasarhai sand dunes. These dunes are part of the Great Mongolian Sand Dunes and stretch over 50 miles (80km).
There will be time to unwind or absorb the surroundings on a contemplative walk before dinner. Serenity will be felt in the simplicity of our accommodations and warm hospitality of the Davaasuren’s. Four to six women will share a ger and experience Mongolian family life with Davaasuren’s beloved herd of horses and camels.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Simple shared group ger at a small family-operated ger camp (2–4 or 4–6 women per ger). Please note there are no shower facilities and toilets are outdoor long drop Asian-style.
TRAVEL
6–7 hours (not including stops) or 177 miles (285 km) on dirt and asphalt road on Day 3. Driving speed ranges between 19—40 miles (30–65 km/hr) due to the road surface and condition. Roads typically transition from smooth gravel, corrugated surfaces, rocks, tree roots and mud depending on the location and weather. It can be physically tiring traveling but this is the nature of driving in Mongolia.
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Day 4
Khogno Khan Nature Reserve
Camel Trekking
Today, we embark on a two-hour camel trek to venture deeper into Khogno Khan’s shifting landscapes. From desert dunes to mountains, rushing rivers, and jade grassland, the views are ever-changing.
After lunch, we visit Erdene Khambiin Khiid temple, also known as The Lama Erdene Monastery or Ovgon Monastery. Located at the foot of Khögnö Khan Mountain, the 17th-century monastery was built by Saint Zanabazar (a renowned sculptor and most notable representative of Buddhism in Mongolia). In 1990, the granddaughter of one of the monks who resided at Ovgon was instrumental in the restoration of the monastery after the democratic revolution. At its height, this secluded sanctuary housed more than one thousand lamas at the same time.
During the temple visit, there are opportunities to walk for up to 3 hours, following a birch-bordered path to exceptional panoramas.
Tonight, we stay in our shared gers and revel in our remarkable surroundings.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Simple shared group ger at a small family-operated ger camp (2–4 or 4–6 women per ger). Please note there are no shower facilities and toilets are outdoor long drop Asian-style.
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Day 5
Tsetserleg
Mountains, Markets and Museums
Today, we give our camel trekking bums a rest as we drive through Arkhangai Aimag to reach Tsetserleg, the provincial capital that lies on the northeastern slopes of the Khangai Mountains 250 miles (400 km) southwest of Ulaanbaatar. Tsetserleg is overlooked by the behemoth 6,407 foot (1,953m) Bulgan Uul mountain, and the cluster of homes with multi-coloured roofs seems fictional. Here, we can stretch our legs and taste buds as we explore the lively local market.
At Galdan Zuu Temple, we have a stunning view of the alpine town before visiting the Museum of Arkhangai Province, housed in the last three courtyard temples of the former Zayain Khüree Monastery. The museum, notable for its Mongolian and Tibetan architecture, features Buddhist exhibits, a detailed model of the original monastery and displays of traditional Mongolian life.
We can also visit the Fairfield Cafe and support the small community of Arkhangai. Year–round employment is offered to as many locals as possible in this area, which is seen as an ever-growing job-seeking migration to Ulaanbaatar. Try fresh wholemeal, barley and carrot bread from the bakery. Fun fact: Fairfield Cafe is the first (and currently only) place you can order pizza in Arkhangai!
Today’s schedule is flexible, allowing you to explore and discover at your own desired pace. Dinner is also independent tonight.
Included Meals
Breakfast and lunch
Accommodations
Khangain Tugul or Ashid Bekei Hotel
TRAVEL
Approximately 6 hours or 134 miles (215km) on dirt and asphalt roads (not including stops).
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Day 6
Tsenkher
Yak and Walk
We have a two-hour drive to meet our gracious hosts, the Galbadrakh family, in Tsenkher. They are a young group of yak herders, and we have the unique opportunity to experience their daily lives and learn about sustainable herding and the local economy from Bor, the Galbadrakh family’s mother.
The Galbadrakh family is part of the Cooperative Ar Arvijin Delgerekh, an NGO that supports yak herders in the Arkhangai Province. This organization supports the production of spun yak down, a refined process that significantly boosts the herders’ income by allowing them to sell their harvest at higher prices than the local market.
The surrounding undulating hills and panoramas of this vast steppe are designed for slow, meditative walks, which we can take before returning to our hotel. Note: The half-day hike is optional!
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Khangain Tugul or Ashid Bekei Hotel
TRAVEL
Approximately 2 hours
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Day 7
Kharkhorin
Unscripted Learning
Today, we travel for four hours to Kharkhorin, the former (13th-century) capital of Ogodei Khan and the Mongol Empire. Kharkhorin served as a vital cultural crossroads on the Silk Road and is known for its symbolic stone turtles (two are still visible). Four turtles were originally set in Kharkhorin in a spiritual attempt to ward off floods and ensure eternal life. Turtles also symbolize longevity, solidarity and independence.
We can explore Erdene Zuu, Mongolia’s oldest monastery, and immerse ourselves in the rich heritage archives at the Kharkhorin Museum. This collection breathes life into the region’s past and is renowned for its exhibits tracing the history of the Orkhon River Valley and the Turkish and Mongol Empires. A turtle’s pace is required to take it all in!
At the elaborate nonprofit Erdenesiinn Khuree Centre of Mongolian Arts and Calligraphy, we have a private calligraphy lesson. At the creation of his empire, Genghis Khan established the official Uyghur script, “Ancient Mongolian,” which is the true origin of Mongolian calligraphy. This experience provides a creative connection to Mongolia’s vibrant culture and past. Built in 2019, the Erdenesiin Khuree Center is eager to preserve the traditional script and Mongolian calligraphy, which has been declared “an intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding” by UNESCO.
For the next three nights we are staying in one of the newest ger camps in Kharkhorin. The Silk Road Camp is run by the Mongolian Secret History company and was built to reflect the design of Ogodei Khan’s palace. The camp is located 1.8 miles (3km) southeast of Erdene Zuu Monastery—expect startling, sweeping views.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Twin-share ger at Secrets of the Silk Road standard ger camp with flush toilets and hot showers in a separate block
TRAVEL
Approximately 4 hours or 81 miles (130km) on dirt and asphalt roads (not including stops).
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Day 8
Orkhon River Valley
Daily Rhythms
Today we will be welcomed into the home of Tumee and Jargaa, a dedicated herding family. It’s a short 30-minute drive to their house. We shadow the daily rhythms of our hosts’ life and sink into the undiluted beauty of this region. The Orkhon River Valley is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a testament to Mongolia’s nomadic heritage and cultural evolution.
Often referred to as the “cradle of Mongolian civilization,” this area is a deep glimpse into the nomadic way of life. The Orkhon River remains a vital lifeline and precious resource for herders and future generations.
For those who are energetic, a half-day hike can be organized to truly experience the wilds on foot.
Tonight’s dinner will be memorable, as it will be prepared by and shared with Tumee and Jargaa in their home.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Twin-share ger at Secrets of the Silk Road standard ger camp with flush toilets and hot showers in a separate block
TRAVEL
Short drives in the surrounding area
Photo: John Holman
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Day 9
Orkhon River Valley
Choose Your Own Adventure
Today’s schedule is as flexible as the contortionists we saw perform in Ulaanbaatar on our first day! We can opt for a peaceful, personal day to relax or tailor the day to the group’s interest and energy levels.
Other options include visiting Tumee and Jargaa’s home or exploring the Kharkhorin region once more. For those up for a bigger adventure, we will visit the spiritual retreat of Zanabazar, the Tovkhon Khiid Monastery. This is a full-day trip (a two-hour drive one way) and involves a challenging 3 km hike up a steep hill (and back down again!). Our guide can share more details about the terrain, duration, and today’s options.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Twin-share ger at Secrets of the Silk Road standard ger camp with flush toilets and hot showers in a separate block
TRAVEL
Driving time will be dependent on the day’s plans
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Day 10
Khustain Nuruu National Park
Sunday Drive
We have a full-day drive to Khustain Nuruu National Park, the home of our ger camp hosts, the Batchuluun family.
Upon arrival, we can relax or expand our felt skills with a refresher lesson from our host. The family is a member of the cooperative, and this additional income has been a reassuring boost to creative independence and financial security.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Simple shared group ger (2–4 or 4–6 women per ger) at a small family-operated ger camp with no showers and outdoor Asian-style toilets.
TRAVEL
Approximately 6–8 hours or 217 miles (350 km) on dirt and asphalt road.
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Day 11
Khustain Nuruu National Park and Ulaanbaatar
In Search of Wild Horses
Khustain Nuruu National Park is one of Mongolia’s conservation success stories and noted for its flourishing reintroduction of the endemic Przewalski horse. The “Takhi” is the only wild horse to survive in modern times.
We begin our journey with a visit to the national park’s dynamic information center where the park’s invaluable environmental research and conservation projects and successes are vividly showcased.
Inside the park we’ll gain an immediate and deeper insight into the park’s efforts to protect the diverse wildlife and the precious wild space in the company of one of the park’s dedicated biologists. We search for red deer, elusive corsac foxes, Siberian marmots, black vultures and circling birds of prey.
Sightings of the free-roaming Takhi horses that traverse the hills and mountains of the national park always elicit goosebumps. Naturally, these wild encounters are not guaranteed but every effort will be made to experience this signature moment.
It’s a three hour drive to our hotel in Ulaanbaatar where we’ll gather for a relaxed and reflective informal farewell dinner to share our favorite Mongolian memories.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Twin share at Hotel Nine
TRAVEL
Approximately 3–4 hours (depending on city traffic) or 93 miles (150km)
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Day 12
Departure
Mongolian Memories
You may book your departure flight at any time today. Keep in mind that the transfer time to Chinggis Khan International Airport is approximately 1–2 hours but can be longer depending on city traffic in Ulaanbaatar.
Included Meals
Breakfast
What’s Included
- Awesome local English-speaking female guide and male driver
- Shared accommodation for 11 nights (5 nights hotel, 6 nights ger camps. In the group ger camps, tents may be shared by 2–4 or 4–6 women per ger.)
- Airport shuttle to and from Chinggis Khan International Airport (UBN)
- All overland transportation throughout the trip in a Russian Furgon 4×4 or UAZ van (3 to 4 women per vehicle)
- Meals as outlined in the trip itinerary
- Filtered drinking water (not bottled), tea and coffee
- Activities as outlined in the trip itinerary
- Entry to nature reserves and national parks
- Activity safety gear and equipment as needed
- Museum, temple and monastery admissions (*excluding camera fees)
What’s Excluded:
- International airfare to and from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (UBN)
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Camera fee if you wish to take photos in certain museums, temples and monasteries
- Tips for your wonderful Wild Women Expeditions trip guide and driver
Please Note:
All applicable taxes are included in the trip price.
Optional private room upgrade, subject to availability and only available for five of the 10 nights on trip.
Itineraries may be subject to change without notice due to weather and other environmental conditions. Please review our Booking Terms.
Trip Details
Know Before You Go
Click HERE for all of the logistical details you’ll need to know prior to departure—including the packing list, arrival and departure details and suggested tipping information.
This trip starts in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (airport code: UBN) and finishes in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (airport code: UBN).
About the Tour Vehicles
The 4×4 Russian Furgon/UAZ van has its own simple mobile kitchen, sunshade, a small library as well as a 220v inverter/charger for phones or cameras. There will be a maximum of three to four women per vehicle.
Each Furgon has a high wheel-base, ample luggage space, a sociable layout with forward and backward facing seats, surround side windows and most importantly, impressive off-road capability! This is Mongolia afterall! As well as handling the challenges of the roads, the drivers are supremely talented at the Mongolian skill of mongolchlokh. This means ‘improvising the Mongol way.’ In the event that the vehicle breaks down, enjoy the entertainment and ingenuity that follows with the improv show!
Drives
Regular toilet breaks are taken during road transfers but in Mongolia, public toilets are virtually non-existent. Once you depart from the city, you must be prepared to use outdoor facilities, which could range from basic long-drop toilets to nature’s own bushes.
Cell Reception / Wifi Connectivity
Mongolia is frequently advertised as the perfect location for a digital detox. However, for those that need to stay in touch you will have a phone signal and there may also be opportunities to connect with Mongolia’s 4G network on some of the travel days. Most cafes, restaurants and hotels in Ulaanbaatar have Wi-Fi.
Spending Time with Host Families
When spending time with host families, we honor Mongolian culture. As such, we refrain from imposing rigid schedules. Instead, you form a cohesive unit with your local team, who provide assistance and support throughout your journey.
Potable Water
It is advised that you pack a water bottle with a filter already on it. If this is not possible, bring a standard reusable bottle and your water will be filtered on site, but double protection is preferred. Please refer to the ‘Potable Water’ section HERE for more recommendations on types of water filtration bottles.
The Wild Women Way
If you’re wondering how we roll, it’s together. The Wild Women Way is our modus operandi, our mantra and our rock solid foundation. You can learn more about our Wild Ways HERE.
How We Support You
Ready for a big adventure? We’re in it together. On this trip, we travel by road, by camel, and hike uneven terrain. Yes, it can be a challenge, but you’re never alone. Like thousands of women before you, you’ll draw on strength you didn’t know you had and come out feeling like the explorer that you are.
Like all our trips, this trip can be scaled to suit different abilities and comfort levels. If you have concerns or reservations about your ability to complete or enjoy this trip due to any physical or medical reasons, please contact us and let’s talk about it.
What the Trip Entails
This is an active adventure. We would like you to be comfortable with the following:
- Mongolia is vast—one of the largest countries in the world, spanning an area the size of Western Europe. However, its infrastructure is still developing, which means travel here can be unpredictable at times. Some driving days may take longer than expected, and road conditions can be rugged, leading to bumpy rides. Drivers service their vehicles before each journey, but occasional delays, like flat tires, are part of the experience.
- Some ger camps have limited facilities, including outdoor, Asian-style toilets and no showers.
- Once outside the city, public restrooms are rare. Be prepared to use basic facilities or nature’s open spaces.
- Mongolia is still a predominantly meat-eating country (especially outside of Ulaanbaatar) and there will be limitations in place at certain times. For example, if the group has lunch in a local restaurant, it might only be able to provide boiled rice with vegetables. Please contact us with any dietary restrictions before booking.
- Cellular service, WiFi, and internet access can be spotty in remote areas, though a 3G network is available.
- The infrastructure in Mongolia remains limited. You may occasionally experience electricity malfunctions and limited hot water due to regular maintenance checks. (it’s all part of the adventure!)
- Physical Rating: Easy – Moderate (Trips typically involve 3 to 5 hours of daily activity.)
