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Home Destinations Mongolia Explore Mongolia with Truly Expat (8D7N)

Explore Mongolia with Truly Expat (8D7N)

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Overview

Often described as the "Land of the Eternal Blue Sky",  Mongolia remains one of the last frontiers of true nomadic freedom.

We have partnered with Truly Expat to curate an expedition that goes beyond the surface. This is a deep dive into the soul of Mongolia: its resilient people, its ancient heritage, and a natural beauty so profound it feels untouched by time.

This trip will appeal to anyone who finds beauty in the raw, the vast, and the visceral. Here, you will encounter a lifestyle that stretches across a landscape of cinematic proportions.

Highlights

  • Urban & Ancient: Trace the lineage of the Great Khans through Ulaanbaatar’s gilded monasteries and the 13th-century ruins of Karakorum.

  • Contrasting Landscapes: Traverse the golden geometry of Elsen Tasarkhai’s dunes and the emerald, alpine stillness of Terelj National Park.

  • Nomadic Rides: Navigate the "mini-Gobi" by camel and explore Terelj's alpine meadows on horseback.

  • Living Heritage: Enter a true nomadic Ger and spend time with a local family to learn about their way of life.

  • Sacred Stillness: In the deep steppe, with zero light pollution, the "Eternal Blue Sky" turns into a heavy blanket of stars.

Description

The United Nations’ declaration of 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) brings rare global attention to one of the world’s last great nomadic cultures—making this the moment to visit Mongolia.

Stretching between Russia and China, Mongolia’s vast grasslands, desert horizons, and open skies remain among the most untouched landscapes on Earth. Yet these ancient rangelands are quietly facing the pressures of climate change, urban migration, and modern development. To travel here now is not simply to witness beauty, but to experience a living heritage at a turning point in history.

Tour Details
Valid: 16 -23 July, 2026

Price: From USD 1900 per person based on twin-sharing (excluding airfare)
Single Supplement: Additional USD 420

Airfare ranges from US $1200 - $1500
Departure: 16 July 2026 with Mongolia Airlines (ensure at least 3 hrs for transit in HK)

 

What’s Included:

  • Airport transfers in Ulaanbaatar
  • Professional English-speaking local guide
  • Minivan
  • Entrance fees to National Parks and protected areas
  • Tickets to museums and cultural performances
  • All accommodation, including city tax
  • Meals as indicated in the programme
  • Camel riding experience
  • Horse riding experience

What’s Excluded:

  • Visa application fees (if applicable)
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guides and drivers

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport to meet your guide and transfer into the city for check-in.
Rest and settle in.

Accommodation: Novotel Ulaanbaatar 

Day 2: Discover Ulaanbaatar’s Icons

Nestled between rolling hills and the vast Mongolian steppe, Ulaanbaatar is a city of contrasts—where centuries-old traditions coexist with modern urban life. Monasteries and temples rise alongside sleek office towers, while bustling markets share space with wide boulevards lined with cafés and galleries.

Ulaanbaatar invites travellers to experience the country's living culture, where history, spirituality, and modern ambition converge under a sky that feels impossibly wide.

Today, we will visit some of the most iconic highlights of Mongolia’s vibrant capital.

Begin at Gandan Monastery, the spiritual center for Mongolian Buddhists. Here, the towering golden Buddha rises in serene majesty.

Continue to the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum, once the residence of Mongolia’s last theocratic ruler, offering intimate insight into the country’s royal and religious past.

Ascend Zaisan Memorial Hill for sweeping panoramic views across Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation: Novotel Ulaanbaatar 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Mongolia Gandan Buddhist Monastery

 

Day 3: Ulaanbaatar → famous Elsen Tasarkhai dunes (280 km)

As we travel west into Mongolia’s countryside, admire Mongolia’s natural beauty with landscapes that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. The scenic drive through Mongolia’s rolling steppe offers endless photo-worthy moments, with vast grasslands stretching to distant mountains.

Arriving at Elsen Tasarkhai, often called the “small Gobi”, you’ll be greeted by Bactrian camels, Mongolia’s iconic two-humped camels. These gentle animals have carried nomads across Mongolia’s steppes for centuries, and riding one is a chance to experience the country as generations before you have.

Mount your camel for a 30-minute ride, gliding across the rolling golden dunes that rise and fall like waves. Pause to wander the sands on foot and take in the timeless, otherworldly beauty of this unique landscape.

As the day draws to a close, enjoy sunset views over the dunes in Khogno Khan National Park. Away from city lights, the tranquility of the steppe just beyond your door provides the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Burd Star Resort

Accommodation: Burd Star Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4: Journey to Karakorum: Mongolia’s Ancient Capital

Travel to Karakorum, the historic heart of Genghis Khaan's Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Once the seat of power for one of the world’s greatest empires, Karakorum is a place where ruins, monasteries, and cultural landmarks tell stories of Mongolian heritage, spirituality, and nomadic tradition.

Begin with a visit to Erdenezuu Monastery, Mongolia’s oldest surviving Buddhist monastery. Located in the vast valley of the Orkhon River, the monastery is adorned with impressive stupas and intricate carvings.

Continue on towards Khaadyn Khad Hill, a scenic vantage point overlooking Karakorum’s historic ruins and the surrounding steppe.

As we drive back to Burd Star Resort, the journey unfolds through the picturesque landscapes of Khogno Khan National Park, where rolling dunes, open steppe, rugged rocky hills, and pockets of forest create a breathtaking mosaic. In July, the grasslands are lush, and wildflowers dot the horizon, perfect for photography and appreciating Mongolia’s natural beauty.

Accommodation: Burd Star Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 5: Mongol Nomadic Show → Terelj National Park

Head eastwards across the Mongolian steppe toward the Mongol Nomadic Camp, where you will experience traditional nomadic life firsthand. Witness age-old herding customs, meet a nomadic family, and learn about the Five Treasures—horse, camel, cow/yak, sheep, and goat.

Sample fresh dairy products, watch the preparation of fermented mare’s milk (airag), and enjoy interactive cultural activities such as archery, felt-making, and traditional games.

After lunch, we head towards Terelj National Park, renowned for its dramatic granite formations and scenic valleys. 

After a day of adventure, unwind in peaceful surroundings and enjoy your dinner.Mongol Nomadi Camp

Accommodation: Terelj Star Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Terelj National Park

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is rich in natural beauty and cultural landmarks. Start the day with a visit to Turtle Rock, an iconic granite formation rising dramatically from the meadows. 

Continue to the Ariyabal Meditation Temple, a serene hillside retreat offering a peaceful space for reflection. Experience horse riding and indulge in the freedom of the open steppe. 

Accommodation: Terelj Star Resort or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Turtle Rock Mongolia

Day 7: Ulaanbaatar

Enroute back to the capital city, we will visit the iconic Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex.

mongolia gengkhis khan statue

Dominating the landscape, the 40-meter-tall stainless steel statue of Chinggis Khaan on horseback sits atop a panoramic observation deck, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding steppe and rivers.

Visitors can explore the museum inside the base, showcasing exhibits about Chinggis Khaan. The complex also includes smaller statues, monuments, and scenic walkways, providing excellent photo opportunities and a sense of connection to Mongolia’s proud heritage.

Immerse yourself in Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage with a traditional folklore concert, featuring throat singing, folk music, and vibrant performance

Accommodation: Novotel Ulaanbaatar 

Day 8: Departure from Mongolia

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and take some final moments to soak in the views and atmosphere of Mongolia. Check out and transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your onward journey.

Depart with cherished memories of Mongolia’s vast landscapes.

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