Mongolia Overland Explorer
Trip highlights
- Visit Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia
- Go birdwatching beside lakes and in the mountains
- Take a hike through the gorgeous Orkhon Valley
- Explore Mongolia’s largest monastery Erdene Zuu
- Spend time with the eagle hunters
- Marvel at the ancient Havsgait petroglyphs
-
Gandan Monastery
-
Pine bunting
-
-
Erdene Zuu
-
Mongolian eagle
-
Havsgait petroglyphs
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
- Days 1–3 Ulaanbaatar
- Days 3–7 Ulgii
- Days 7–8 Ulaanbaatar
- Days 8–11 Karakorum
- Days 11–15 Gobi Desert
- Days 15–16 Ulaanbaatar
- Days 1–3 Ulaanbaatar
- Days 3–7 Ulgii
- Days 7–8 Ulaanbaatar
- Days 8–11 Karakorum
- Days 11–15 Gobi Desert
- Days 15–16 Ulaanbaatar
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Welcome to Ulaanbaatar
You’ll find Mongolia’s busy capital, Ulaanbaatar, nestled on the banks of the Tuul River in a valley surrounded by four mountains. The skyline here is a mix of Soviet-era architecture, Buddhist monasteries and modern buildings with traditional gers dotting the city limits and retaining the country’s nomadic heritage. Go exploring with your private guide and you’ll discover a variety of museums and galleries all celebrating traditional Mongolian history, art, music and dance.
Where you could stay
Ulaanbaatar
Highlights
- 290 elegant and spacious guestrooms
- Four exciting dining options for any time of day
- A fun Adventure Zone for children to play
Overview
Located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, this luxurious hotel is the perfect place to call home when you’re exploring the city and surrounds. It’s situated within easy walking distance of Government House and Great Chnggis Khan Square. The 290 elegantly appointed guestrooms are spacious and overlook either the Nairamdal Park to the south or Great Chinggis Khaan Square and the city panorama to the north. The rooms and public areas of the hotel are modern and follow a natural colour scheme with rich fabrics and patterned accents.
Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar offers you a variety of unique dining options. Enjoy all-day dining at Café Park, casual signature dishes at Naadam, speciality Chinese cuisine at Hutong and light bites and refreshments in the Lobby Lounge.
A highlight for families is the Adventure Zone playground at the Shangri-La Centre which welcomes children under 12. There are slides, climbing mazes and party rooms available to keep young travelers entertained.
→ Find out more
Gandan Monastery visit
Visit Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Although many of the Buddhist monasteries were destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece for government officials. Strolling through the monastery grounds you’ll hear the low tones of the horns used to call the lamas to the temple and observe their daily rituals. Visit the renovated Chenrezi and Kalachakra Temples, as well as the magnificent statue of Migjid Janraisig, ‘the lord who looks in every direction’.
Into the Altai Mountains
Dominated by the Mongolian Altai Mountains, the highest mountains in Mongolia, this isolated area has preserved the language, culture, and traditions of the Kazakh people found here. Ninety percent of the population of Bayan-Ulgii is Kazakh, and there will be ample opportunities to meet local families and experience Kazakh culture. Visit the local museum to learn more about the history of province and its people before heading to your camp.
Where you could stay
Ulgii
Highlights
- Traditional Mongolian ger suites with cozy wood stoves
- Excellent hiking trails and stunning views over the plains
- Restaurant ger that doubles as a lounge
- Opportunities to spend time with local families learning about their traditions
Overview
Settle into your comfortable Mongolian ger suite at Three Eagle Camp and enjoy and authentic Mongolian experience perfect for the adventurous traveler. The camp is located at the foot of the majestic, snow-capped Tsambagarav Mountain and the area around it is home to the Kazakh and Uuld people who have lived here for centuries. As a result, there’s a strong emphasis placed on respectfully preserving the culture and environment at Three Eagle Camp.
The traditional ger suites are furnished with handcrafted wooden beds, tables and chairs, and each has an en-suite bathroom with a hot shower. The gers are heated by wood stoves, providing needed warmth during the chilly evenings. Dining takes place in an inviting restaurant ger that also serves as a comfortable lounge where you can relax and drink in your beautiful surroundings.
Head out into the stunning Altai Mountains to discover excellent hiking and walking trails, go horseback riding or spend some time with welcoming local families learning about their culture and age-old traditions. Walks take you through verdant valleys and beside crystal-clear streams, while hikes seen you trekking up the rugged Altai slopes being rewarded with astounding views of the sweeping plains and distant peaks.
→ Find out more
Make it mine
Golden eagles
Pasture hiking
Lake birds
Lake birds
Falconry demonstration
For over a millennium the Kazakh’s have been practicing the art of falconry, a tradition passed down from their Turkic ancestors, using golden eagles. Weighing up to fifteen pounds, the females are nearly one-third bigger than the males and their vision is eight times more acute than the human eye. Through the winter months the Kazakhs hunt foxes, rabbits and marmots, with their eagles. Learn about how they care for the eagles and see a demonstration. In the evening enjoy dinner with the family and hear their songs about the powers of their eagles.
Snow leopard territory hike
Drive to Eregt valley to get to Tavan Belchir pasture where Uriankhai people spend summer. The WWF’s surveys have determined that there are four snow leopards living in the region. You’ll also find Siberian ibex and Argali wild sheep here, the now leopards’ main prey. Hike up to Tavan Belchir pasture and start scanning rocky slopes of snowcapped mountains.
Bayan Nuur Lake
A cross country drive takes you to Bayan Nuur Lake, located on the north-eastern side of the Tsambagarav mountain. Set dramatically with high mountains on its south and north banks, the lake is rich with migratory birds. Spend some time walking along its shores spotting birds. Enjoy a picnic lunch before heading to Namarjin Valley, where you will learn more about nomadic life. Explore the area on foot or by horse back with a family.
Overnight in Ulaanbaatar
After your flight back to Ulaanbaatar you’ll head out to visit the ger district, where 60% of all citizens of Ulaanbaatar live. It gives you a glimpse into how the community with limited resources lives. You’ll also spend some time at the local women’s workshop where the women meet to create beautiful zeeg applique works. This unique technique has been used in Mongolia for many generations and has picked up from the 16th – early 19th century as part of the offerings that were given to the monasteries.
Where you could stay
Ulaanbaatar
Highlights
- 290 elegant and spacious guestrooms
- Four exciting dining options for any time of day
- A fun Adventure Zone for children to play
Overview
Located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, this luxurious hotel is the perfect place to call home when you’re exploring the city and surrounds. It’s situated within easy walking distance of Government House and Great Chnggis Khan Square. The 290 elegantly appointed guestrooms are spacious and overlook either the Nairamdal Park to the south or Great Chinggis Khaan Square and the city panorama to the north. The rooms and public areas of the hotel are modern and follow a natural colour scheme with rich fabrics and patterned accents.
Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar offers you a variety of unique dining options. Enjoy all-day dining at Café Park, casual signature dishes at Naadam, speciality Chinese cuisine at Hutong and light bites and refreshments in the Lobby Lounge.
A highlight for families is the Adventure Zone playground at the Shangri-La Centre which welcomes children under 12. There are slides, climbing mazes and party rooms available to keep young travelers entertained.
→ Find out moreExplore Karakorum
This historically significant Mongolian city was founded by Chinggis Khan in the early 13th century and was known as the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Most of the city has been lost to time with only ruins and archaeological sites hinting at its former glory. One of the most significant sites is the Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of the earliest surviving Buddhist establishments in the country. The surrounding landscape is stunning.
Where you could stay
Karakorum
Highlights
- 72 wooden chalets, including two suites and 21 modern gers
- A warm and inviting restaurant overlooking the Orkhon Valley
- Strong focus on supporting the local traditional culture and economy
Overview
Find space for rest and rejuvenation at Asa Land, nestled on the banks of Orkhon River in Karakorum. There’s a strong focus on sustainable tourism and supporting the local culture and economy here. The 72 wooden chalets, including two suites and 21 modern gers, all with private bathrooms, offer you a comfortable place to stay while enjoying all the Orkhon Valley has to offer. The chalets have wide windows with beautiful views and the gers have a circular dome in the centre, originally used by Mongolian nomads as a chimney, but which now allow you to sleep under the spectacular star-strewn skies.
The Asa Land restaurant is a warm and inviting space that features a terrace overlooking the Orkhon Valley. You can enjoy fine cuisine from the chef and outstanding service from the friendly staff. The menu boasts dishes created using some of the region’s freshest ingredients. After a day of exploring, relax at the bar and enjoy a classic cocktail or a glass of wine.
→ Find out more
Make it mine
Monastery and museum
Valley hike
Erdene Zuu Monastery and Kharakhorum Museum
Mongolia’s largest monastery, Erdene Zuu, was reputedly constructed from the ruins of Karakhorum in the 16th century. Surrounded by 108 stupas, Erdene Zuu has been a place of Buddhist activity for more than 500 years. Explore the monastery grounds and the temples which are richly decorated. Kharakhorum Museum offers fascinating insight into what was once the center of arts, politics, trades, and religions of the world.
Orkhon Valley
Head out with your guide on a hike (or horse trek) through the Orkhon Valley. This gorgeous region is not just home to many archeological, cultural and historic sites but it also stands testimony to how age-old nomadic culture has shaped and influenced developmental changes in Mongolia in general. After lunch, visit Kultegin Monument, erected during the Turkic Empire in the 8th century. Built in honor of a prince, this magnificent statue has been the subject of research by archeologists from around the world.
Ongiin Hiid Monastery
After leaving Karakorum you’ll visit Ongiin Hiid and explore the ruins of this 17th-century temple, situated in a beautiful, mountainous region. Still known as the ”Pearl of the Great Desert’, Ongiin Hiid was one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia until its destruction during the communist purges in 1939. After the visit, you’ll continue your journey to the Gobi Desert.
Escape to the Gobi Desert
On the way to Three Camel Lodge you’ll stop and visit the newly built Bulgan Temple. This temple was established in 2014 for the sole purpose of meditation. Drive through the hidden, scenic valley. A steep walk will lead you to the main temple with many wrathful deities of Buddhism. The vast golden plains of the Gobi Desert are not only spectacular, but they are also home many of Mongolia’s nomadic people. Your time here is all about appreciating the natural beauty, and connecting with the culture and traditions that have prevailed over centuries. You can spend time with a nomadic family, learn about their herding practices, help to raise a traditional ger, participate in an archery lesson and spend your nights stargazing.
Where you could stay
Gobi Desert
Highlights
- Stay in a traditional Mongolian ger, built and furnished by local artisans
- Learn Mongolia’s historic archery techniques
- Sample authentic Mongolian dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients
- Cultural and environmental sustainability are integral to the lodge’s ethos
- The lodge supports local communities, and is entirely staffed by Mongolians
- Learn about the nomadic lifestyle which still exists here
Overview
For those who want to truly experience Mongolia, Three Camel Lodge, way out in the wilds of the majestic Gobi Desert, is the place to go. It is the Desert’s first and only luxury eco-lodge, and sustainability and authenticity are not just part of the practice, but are integral to the ethos around which the lodge revolves.
Every aspect of your stay has been designed to preserve the land, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Mongolia and the Gobi Desert. The 40 cosy gers, or yurts, as well as the furniture within them, were all constructed by local artisans in keeping with authentic building methods. Inside, you’ll find thick camel-hair blankets and woollen carpets adding warmth and comfort to the hand-carved and painted furnishings. As well as a stove for heat, each ger has its own private bathroom.
The trend of simple luxury continues throughout, with the Arshaan spa offering western treatments complemented by eastern therapies, and artfully prepared meals at Bulagtai restaurant. Authentic Mongolian cuisine is given a contemporary twist and made entirely from locally sourced ingredients. Wash it down with a prized whisky at the Thirsty Camel Bar – regarded as one of the finest whisky bars in Asia.
Learn about the nomadic way of life as well as the traditions and customs which still pervade here. Visits with nomadic families are available, as are cooking classes, traditional archery lessons, and horseback riding. Mountain biking is also on offer; an ideal way to explore the vast beauty of your surroundings.
→ Find out more
Make it mine
Snow leopard habitat
Festival games
Buleen Valley hike
Head to Buleen Valley for day in snow leopard habitat. The valley is located in Baruun Saikhan Mountain. Your guide will show you a snow leopard den and you’ll spend the whole day here keeping an eye out for the elusive animals. Baruun Saikhan mountain is also home to Siberian ibex and Argali wild sheep. There will be opportunity for birding including bearded vultures, cinereous vulture, Eurasian kestrel and chukars.
Naadam Festival
Spend the morning enjoying the especially arranged Naadam Festival where local children and adults will compete in the ‘three manly sports’ including wrestling, archery and horseracing. These sports traditionally measured the courage, strength, and pride of nomads and warriors, but today men, women, boys, and girls all take part in the games.
See more
Glowing sunsets
Ancient art
Explore on foot
Explore on foot
Flaming Cliffs
Visit the legendary Flaming Cliffs, named for the orange glow of the rock at sunset. The red sandstone of the Flaming Cliffs is rich with dinosaur fossils, and paleontological expeditions continue to make significant discoveries at this site.
Havsgait petroglyphs
Travel to Havsgait by vehicle or on horseback for panoramic views of the grasslands and to see some amazing artwork of our ancestors. Preserved at the top of the mountain are some of the precious petroglyphs of the Gobi, ancient works of art that can be clearly seen as the sun hits the rocks from the right angle. From the depictions of these petroglyphs, we can gain a better understanding of the everyday lives of the people who lived in the Gobi during the Bronze Age.
Yol Valley National Park
Drive to Yol Valley National Park, cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. An ancient river carved this surprisingly green valley, and its remnant streams create ice formations that sometimes persist as late as July. A hike through the valley leads to the habitat of indigenous vulture-like lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks, and Argali mountain sheep.
Last night in Ulaanbaatar
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar and return to the Shangri-La Hotel. In the afternoon you’ll head to Zaisan Valley for a scenic hike through pine forested Bogd Khan mountain. A gradual ascent through a narrow scenic pass brings you to the top of the mountain where you will be awarded with magnificent views of the surroundings. Along the way you will walk through the larch tree forest, on a narrow path that leads to the mountain top, the forest is home to many small birds such as woodpecker, finches a many more. Most notably, the Bogd Khan mountain became the first ever mountain to be nationally protected in the 13th century by the local duke. Even today the mountain is still protected by the state.
Where you could stay
Ulaanbaatar
Highlights
- 290 elegant and spacious guestrooms
- Four exciting dining options for any time of day
- A fun Adventure Zone for children to play
Overview
Located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, this luxurious hotel is the perfect place to call home when you’re exploring the city and surrounds. It’s situated within easy walking distance of Government House and Great Chnggis Khan Square. The 290 elegantly appointed guestrooms are spacious and overlook either the Nairamdal Park to the south or Great Chinggis Khaan Square and the city panorama to the north. The rooms and public areas of the hotel are modern and follow a natural colour scheme with rich fabrics and patterned accents.
Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar offers you a variety of unique dining options. Enjoy all-day dining at Café Park, casual signature dishes at Naadam, speciality Chinese cuisine at Hutong and light bites and refreshments in the Lobby Lounge.
A highlight for families is the Adventure Zone playground at the Shangri-La Centre which welcomes children under 12. There are slides, climbing mazes and party rooms available to keep young travelers entertained.
→ Find out moreWhy book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
