Itinerary

August 21 USA

Depart the USA on your independent flight to South Korea.

August 22 Seoul-Incheon, Korea

Arrive in Seoul and transfer to the Hyatt Regency Incheon Hotel for dinner and overnight.

August 23 Seoul-Incheon / Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

After breakfast at the hotel depart for your flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival transfer to the Kempinski Hotel for dinner and overnight.

August 24 Ulaanbaatar / Hustai National Park

Today we visit the Mongolian Museum of Natural History with an excellent exhibit on dinosaur fossils, many of which were recovered from the areas we are about to explore. We then make our way to Hustai National Park where we search for the wild Przewalski’s horses that call the park home. This rare and endangered subspecies of wild horse was at one time extinct in the wild, but has been successfully reintroduced to its native habitat throughout Mongolia. Dinner and overnight at Hustai Ger Camp.

August 25 Hustai National Park / Ulaanbaatar

We rise early this morning to seek out Mongolia’s abundant wildlife—including more Przewalski’s horses, Amur falcon, red deer, and wolves—on either a leisurely nature walk or half-day hike to Moilt Camp. We reconvene and drive to the southern steppes to see the Neolithic Ongut graves. Late this afternoon, we return to Ulaanbaatar for dinner and overnight at the Kempinski Hotel.

August 26 Ulaanbaatar / Dalanzadgad / Gurvansaikhan National Park

After an early breakfast we fly to Dalanzadgad and travel in 4x4 vehicles through the mystical Gobi Desert. Upon arrival at the Dungenee Ger Camp, we spend an afternoon at leisure, followed by dinner and overnight.

August 27 Gurvansaikhan National Park

Accompanied by naturalist guides, we hike through the stunning Yol Valley to learn more about the Gobi’s resident wildlife. After a picnic lunch, we take a guided tour of the Valley of Yol Museum. Dinner is followed by a performance from local Mongolian entertainers. Overnight at our ger camp.

August 28 Gurvansaikhan National Park / Singing Sands

Our caravan of 4x4 vehicles trek farther west through the amazing Gobi landscape and concludes at Hongoriin Els or “the Singing Sands.” These giant white sand dunes rise like a mountain range from the desert floor, reaching hundreds of feet, and continuing for miles in every direction. A short climb to the top of the dunes rewards us with stunning views at sunset. Dinner and overnight at Singing Sands Ger Camp.

August 29 Singing Sands / Flaming Cliffs

Rise early this morning to capture the spectacular sunrise above the waking desert. After breakfast we visit a traditional camel-herding family’s home and take an optional camel ride across the desert plains. We then drive to the Three Camel Lodge for check-in and lunch, and venture out to visit the Flaming Cliffs, famous for their concentration of dinosaur fossils. Dinner and overnight at our lodge.

August 30 Dalanzadgad / Ulaanbaatar

Today we return to Ulaanbaatar, via Dalanzadgad, and spend the afternoon touring Mongolia’s capital and largest city. Dinner and overnight at the Kempinski Hotel.

August 31 Ulaanbaatar

This morning we continue our tour of Ulaanbaatar with a visit to the Winter Palace Museum and the Gandan Monastery. After lunch, Mongolian athletes, clad in colorful costumes, treat us to a private outdoor display of two nationally-celebrated traditional sports—wrestling and archery. We enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Ulaanbaatar, followed by an overnight at our hotel.

September 1 Ulaanbaatar / Onon River

Today we fly to the Onon River region, most famous as the land where Chinggis Khaan was born and where the Mongolian empire was established. Upon arrival board rafts for a float down the calm, crystal clear waters of the Onon to our private river-side ger camp where we enjoy dinner and overnight for the next two nights.

September 2 Onon River

Explore the Onon River’s incredible environs, choosing from a variety of activities: float, fly fish, ride horses, hike, or search for birds—this remote region offers chances to see the black-billed capercaillie, Baikal teal, whooper swan, and great bustard. This evening we visit the log homes of the Buryat people, a distinct Mongolian tribe, and join them around an evening campfire where we are enchanted by their unique costumes and songs.

September 3 Onon River / Jalman Meadows

This morning we fly to Jalman Meadows. Here visit local herding families for a firsthand glimpse into the daily lives of Mongolian nomadic pastoralists. Dinner and overnight in a cozy ger camp for the next two nights.
September 4 Jalman Meadows

We take full advantage of our last day in the Mongolian countryside with horseback riding, floating down the Tuul River, and hiking. Enjoy a lecture from a local guide on Chinggis Khaan, followed by a candlelit dinner and drinks under the stars.

September 5 Jalman Meadows / Ulaanbaatar

We drive to Ulaanbaatar this morning and, after lunch, visit the monastery-museum of Choijin Lama. This magnificent five-temple complex houses the best tsam masks in the country, among other artifacts. Dinner and overnight at the Kempinski Hotel.
September 6 Ulaanbaatar / Seoul-Incheon, Korea

After breakfast, board your flight to Seoul-Incheon. We spend the day at leisure, enjoy dinner together, and overnight at the Hyatt Regency Incheon Hotel.

September 7 Seoul-Incheon / USA

Transfer this morning to the airport where you connect with your independent homeward flight.

More information from Eco Expeditions (a Zegrahm Expeditions Company):

• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips