Journeys: Discover Mongolia

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. After the welcome meeting, join your group for an orientation walk around Ulaanbaatar on the way to an optional welcome dinner.

Mongolia's rich history is on full display at the National Museum of Mongolia. Explore the museum with your National Geographic Expedition Leader learning about the traditional ethnic groups of Mongolia and view some of the archaeological artifacts on display. Next, walk to No Limits Cafe, a G for Good project supporting youth with Down Syndrome who work alongside their mothers to serve delicious teas, coffee and snacks. This afternoon, visit Nalaikh Ger Village for a local lunch of Mongolian Buuz dumplings with some of the families who call this place home. After learning about life in a ger village, continue to the imposing statue of Chinggis Khan. The monument of Mongolia's most emblematic figure is observed as you take an elevator to the head of the horse to get the best view of both the statue itself, and the vast expanse of the surrounding Mongolian mountainside. The evening is free for dinner at your leisure.

Travel by 4x4 to Gandan Monastery, one of the most important temple complexes in all of Mongolia to learn about the history of Buddhism and listen to the monks chant. We then make our way to the Gobi, one of the world's largest deserts, which covers much of the southern part of Mongolia. On the way, we'll stop for a picturesque pond-side picnic at Zorgol Khairkhan, a sacred mountain considered to be the most beautiful in central Mongolia. Arrive in the afternoon to our first ger camp–we will stay in these traditional Mongolian lodgings through day 12 of the trip. Tonight at the camp, it's time to get competitive and try your hand at some traditional Mongolian Games, like The Knuckle Bone game and Khorol, a Mongolian style dominoes.

Continue onwards to the Dundgobi Aimag region—Middle Gobi—and witness the astonishing granitic formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu. Set off on a hike around the small but historic national park, and visit the ruins of an old temple dating from the 17th century hidden in the massif granite. Continue driving to the South Gobi and the next ger camp-your base for exploring the next 3-days.

Start today with some hands-on skills-imperative to life in remote Mongolia. Learn the basics of constructing a Mongolian ger (yurt,) then, try your hand at archery-one of the most beloved sports in the country. Later, enjoy an excursion through the magnificent gorges of the Altay Mountains to Gurvan Saikhan National Park, a vast protected area comprised of canyons, sand dunes, and a steppe. Stop for a hike in rugged Yolyn Am, known as the “valley of the eagles,” keeping an eye out for ibex, gazelles, argali sheep, and countless species of birds.

After breakfast, drive to Moltsog Els sand dune and witness the seemingly never ending waves of sand. Spend time exploring the ever-changing dunes and learn about this unique and beautiful landscape. Return to the camp for lunch and some down time or choose to join some optional activities, such as traditional massage by a local shaman or take a cooking class. Later, travel by 4x4 to the Flaming Cliff, a rust-coloured sandstone landscape where a vast amount of dinosaur fossils and eggs have been found. Learn about the discoveries made here and spend time exploring the dramatic crags and canyons and enjoy a fiery red sunset before heading back to camp for the evening.

Visit the ruins of Ongiin Khiid, a complex of Buddhist monasteries and universities which were tragically destroyed during the communist purges. Tour the site and learn about the monks who have returned here in recent years, bringing new life to the complex. Continue on to the next ger camp and settle in for the evening.