9 Days Tour From Gobi Desert To Ancient Capital And Hot Spring
About this tour
Experience the ultimate Mongolian road trip on a captivating 9-day journey through the legendary Gobi Desert, historic Central Mongolia, and relaxing natural hot springs. Designed for travelers seeking a perfect balance of adventure, history, and relaxation, this tour showcases the dramatic contrast between vast desert landscapes, lush valleys, and ancient cultural heritage.
Traverse towering sand dunes, hike through canyons, and discover the world-famous red cliffs where dinosaur fossils were first uncovered. As you travel northward, the desert gives way to volcanic valleys, natural hot springs, and the sacred heartland of the Mongol Empire. Ride camels and horses, soak in geothermal waters, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of nomadic host families beneath the vast Mongolian sky.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa), Mongolia
On the first day of our trip, we will pick you up from your hotel and head to the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, where you can gain deep insights into Mongolian history and culture. This monument is the world's tallest equestrian statue complex, featuring an elevator that takes you up to the head of Genghis Khan’s horse, where you can take a unique selfie up close. Afterward, we will drive to Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa). It looks especially beautiful during sunset. It is believed that the Mongolian Gobi was the bottom of an ocean about 300 million years ago, and Tsagaan Suvarga is a unique formation left behind that truly resembles an ancient seabed. It is a great formation to take perfect pictures and spot a beautiful Gobi sunset. Total driving: 500 km Meals: L, D Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 2: Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa), Mongolia to Yolyn Am Valley, Баяндалай, Mongolia
After having breakfast around 9:00 AM, we will depart for Yolyn Am in Ömnögovi Province. Along the way, we will stop for lunch in the largest city in the Mongolian Gobi. After lunch, we will arrive at Yolyn Am, where we will take an approximately 5 km hike through impressive, 200-meter-deep canyon walls. Keep an eye out as you hike—you may spot wild animals and bearded vultures perched among the cliffs. Total driving: 220km Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 3: Yolyn Am Valley, Баяндалай, Mongolia to Khongor Sand Dune, Mongolia
On this day, we will drive 190 km from Yolyn Am to Khongoryn Els (Khongor Sand Dunes). It is Mongolia's second-largest dune system, as well as the tallest and longest (up to 195 meters high and 180 km long). On this day, you will see one of Mongolia's beautiful oases and have fun riding a camel, climbing the highest dune, and sand-sledding down. Total driving: 190km /offroad starts/ Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 4: Khongor Sand Dune, Mongolia to Flaming Cliffs, Mongolia
On this day, we will visit the site where the world's first dinosaur eggs were discovered. This area is also famous for having been a key stop along the Silk Road and the Tea Road. In 1925, the world's first motorized expedition set up camp and worked right here. After taking a short walk around the Flaming Cliffs, you will see how the landscape glows with a vibrant red hue as the sun sets—making it an ideal time to take stunning photos. Total driving: 155km /offroad/ Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 5: Khongor Sand Dune, Mongolia to Ongi Monastery, Mongolia
On this day, we will travel from the Flaming Cliffs to the historic Ongi Monastery. At its peak, this impressive site served as a major center for Buddhist learning in Mongolia, home to over 2,000 monks and their families living in the surrounding area. Sadly, during the communist purges of the 1930s, the monastery complex was completely destroyed, leaving only its tragic ruins behind. Following the Democratic Revolution in 1993, three elderly monks who had originally studied at Ongi returned to revive its religious activities and rebuild a portion of the sanctuary. Because the long journey from the Flaming Cliffs to the Orkhon Valley is too far to cover in a single day, Ongi Monastery serves as an ideal overnight stopping point. During your visit, you can stroll through the ancient stone ruins, visit the beautifully restored temple, and explore a small local museum displaying artifacts discovered from the monastery remains. Total driving: 190km /offroad/ Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 6: Ongi Monastery, Mongolia to Orkhon Waterfall, Burgaasatayn Hiid, Mongolia
On this day, we will step into the Orkhon Valley National Park, an irreplaceable heritage of nomadic culture not only for Mongolia but for all of Central Asia. Since ancient times, the Orkhon Valley has served as the central hub for nomadic civilizations, leaving behind an endless array of cultural monuments, including ancient burial grounds, ruins of former capitals, and historic monasteries. We will visit and explore the Orkhon Waterfall, one of Mongolia's major waterfalls. You will also enjoy a scenic horseback ride through the beautiful, lush green steppe of the Orkhon Valley. Total driving: 305km Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Nomadic Family / Ger Camp
Day 7: Orkhon Waterfall, Burgaasatayn Hiid, Mongolia to Tsagaan Sum (The White Temple), Tsagaan, Mongolia
On this day, we will visit Tsagaan Sum Hot Springs, one of the extraordinary geothermal wonders of the Orkhon Valley. Ancient monks revered the healing powers of these thermal waters and built a temple on the site. The temple was named Tsagaan Sum (White Temple), though its operations were completely halted during the communist era. Today, along with the revival of the temple's activity, the hot springs have transformed into a favorite destination for travelers. These natural thermal springs provide the perfect sanctuary to unwind and recharge amidst your long journey across the countryside. If you wish, you can also hike to the source of the spring to taste the mineral water, which is traditionally known to benefit the heart and digestive system. Total driving: 55km Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Ger Camp
Day 8: Tsagaan Sum (The White Temple), Tsagaan, Mongolia to Erdene Zuu Monastery, Kharkhorin, Mongolia
Finally, the time has come to explore Kharkhorin, the ancient capital city. Although Genghis Khan issued the decree to establish the city in 1220, construction was not completed during his lifetime. It was later fully finished by his son, Ogodei Khan, in 1236. Despite being completely destroyed in 1388 by the forces of the Ming dynasty, Mongolians repeatedly attempted to restore the city over the centuries. In 1579, Abtai Sain Khan established the Erdene Zuu Monastery upon the advice of the Dalai Lama, breathing new life into Karakorum once again. To this day, the monastery is considered a sacred holy site for Buddhists not only in Mongolia but around the world, and its cultural treasures are classified as priceless heritage. On this day, you will visit the Kharkhorin Museum and marvel at the rare, priceless artifacts of the Erdene Zuu Monastery. Total driving: 95km Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Ger Camp
Day 9: Erdene Zuu Monastery, Kharkhorin, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
On the final day, after this unforgettable journey through the heart of Central Mongolia, we will drive back to the capital city, Ulaanbaatar, bringing our adventure to a wonderful close. Total driving: 390km Meals: B, L
What's included
-Travel Insurance -Alcoholic Drinks
Languages spoken
What to know
- Warm clothes - Bug repellent - Raincoat
Route & locations
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa), Mongolia