Gobi Tours With Eight Lake Horse Riding Adventure Tour
About this tour
Meet one of the last nomadic cultures on earth, where a traditional way of life endures. The tour takes 16 days to cover the most popular travel destinations including Gobi desert ancient homeland of Dinosaurs Bayanzag flaming cliffs, Khongor towering sand dunes with green meadows; known as the ‘singing sands’, in Southern Mongolia and UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Karakorum ruins and museum of the ancient Mongolian capital, the oldest and most famous Erdene Zuu monastery. Mongolian Buddhist culture, visit the most interesting Orkhon waterfall horse trekking in Central Mongolia. Relaxing in wild nature and explore the nomadic lifestyle.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa), Mongolia
In the morning, our guide and driver will pick up from your hotel or guesthouse and start our tour. Before we leave the city, we will pass some shops. After shops directly driving towards to Tsagaan Suvarga or known as White Stupa for around 340 km. Around 4hours (240 km) first stopping at the Middle Gobi town, have lunch and then continue for 100 km to the Tsagaan Suvarga are located on the Southern border of the province of Middle Gobi. It is interesting to see the sheer slope, which from the cliff is 30meters high and 100 meters wide. Over 10 million years the wind has created this amazing structure. Overnight Ger guesthouse /nomad family/
Day 2: Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa), Mongolia to Yolin Am Ice Field, Mongolia
After breakfast, we will drive to Yolyn Am or known as Vulture Valley located in Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park for 220 km. 2 hours (100 km) after, first stopping at the important mining outpost of Dalanzadgad. Take a short tour of the city, visit the local market. Have lunch and then continue for 50km to the Yolyn Am. This is a beautiful deep canyon with many rocky cliffs and it has been created by many years of water erosion. The canyon keeps some ice until August. In the summer there is usually less ice, but you should still be able to walk on it. The area is also a habitat of ibex and birds of prey and you may be able to spot wildlife on top of the cliffs. After returning to the vehicle, head to tonight’s Ger guesthouse.
Day 3: Yolin Am Ice Field, Mongolia to Khongor Els, Mongolia
After breakfast, continue tour (off-road) to Gobi Desert, destination name is a Khongor Sand Dunes for 140 km. We will stop for a picnic lunch and photos on the way. Khongor Sand Dune is one of the biggest sand massifs in Mongolia, which covers 180 km long, 27 km of widest. The incredible roaring sounds of distant dunes are an unforgettable experience, particularly during the quiet hours of darkness and daybreak. Camel riding is one of the main activities and camel local guide will take to the sand dunes and two-humped camels are very comfortable to ride, as the walk slowly and gently. In the evening climb to the dune with sand sled and could see a sunset on the top much more beautiful. After returning to the vehicle, head to tonight’s Ger guesthouse.
Day 4: Khongor Els, Mongolia to Flaming Cliffs, Mongolia
After breakfast, (off-road) to Bayanzag for 160 km. On the way, you will stop at an ancient sacred site of Khavtsgait, where on top of a rocky hill there are hundreds of ancient stone engravings, called petroglyphs. Some of them are as old as 3000 BC and were painted by hunters while waiting for prey. The site also offers wonderful views over the desert. Have lunch in a village of Bulgan and soon after you will arrive at Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs. This place is popular with the name “Flaming Cliffs”. In the world 1922 after the American paleontological expedition found an Asian first dinosaur skeleton and a dinosaur egg with 10-15 cm length. Arrive in a Bayanzag literally means “rich in saxaul trees” short hiking around. After returning to the vehicle, head to tonight’s Ger guesthouse.
Day 5: Flaming Cliffs, Mongolia to Ongi Monastery, Saikhan-Ovoo, Mongolia
After breakfast, we will drive to off-road Ongi river & Ongi monastery for 240 km. Have lunch in a village of Mandal-Ovoo and soon after you will arrive at the Ongi monastery. Ongi river is one of the longest rivers in Mongolia has 435 km of length and flows into Ulaan Nuur. Ongi ruins monastery was one of the largest and most respected monasteries of Mongolia before its destruction in 1939 by the communist authorities. After returning to the vehicle, head to tonight’s Ger tourist camp.
Day 6: Ongi Monastery, Saikhan-Ovoo, Mongolia to Orkhon Waterfall, Mongolia
After breakfast, we will be driving to off-road Orkhon waterfall for 320 km. Have lunch in a village of Khujirt and after you will arrive at in Orkhon waterfall. The Orkhon waterfall formed by combination volcanic eruption and earthquakes some 20000 years ago, cascades down from a h 27 meters. Many bigger and smaller rivers flow into the Orkhon waterfall. The Orkhon river has many species of fish like the pike, Siberian grayling, roach, Siberian dace, siluris, carp, and lake layer. After returning to the vehicle, head to tonight’s Ger guesthouse /nomad family/.
Day 7: Orkhon Waterfall, Mongolia to Khuisiin Naiman Lake, Mongolia
Buurug (start horse trip) After breakfast, stay in the family horse guide will prepare horses for us, and we will only ride horses while there. Only horse riding is possible in this valley. We will load our luggage on horses. And then the ride begins! Starting at the magnificent Orkhon waterfall, an exhilarating start to the adventure. We will stop picnic lunch and photos on the way. We can have ride horses total 4-5 hours a day. First stay at night at Buurug, tents on the edge of the forest.
Day 8: Khuisiin Naiman Lake, Mongolia
We start our horse trekking from Buurug. After having breakfast, we will pack our staff on some packing horse. And then the ride begins! We will stop picnic lunch and photos on the way. We can have a riding horse totally of 4-5 hours a day afterward will arrive at Eight Lakes. These include 8 freshwater lakes which were created by volcanic explosion and tectonic faults namely: Shireet, Khaliut, Bugat, Shanaa, Khaya, Baga, Duruu, Shanaga. These lakes are connected to each other by underground channels. Called NAIMAN NUUR (Eight Lakes). We will stay overnight in our tents Shireet lakeside. Shireet Lake is perfect for photo-shooting, a really picturesque area.
Day 9: Khuisiin Naiman Lake, Mongolia to Orkhon Waterfall, Mongolia
Today we ride back to Orkhon waterfall. After having breakfast, we will pack our staff on some packing horse. And then the ride begins! We can have ride horses a totally of 4-6 hours. We will stop picnic lunch and photos on the way. And then arrive in Orkhon waterfall, stay in the horse guide’s family.
Day 10: Orkhon Waterfall, Mongolia to Tsenkheriyn Khaluun Us, Mongolia
After breakfast, we will drive to Tsenher hot spring for 140 km. Arkhangai province is famous for its many old volcanoes. These volcanoes explain the presence of the springs natural hot water that flows all year long at the 1860 meters above the sea level and its water is not mixed with soil waters because it is hot. They transfer the hot water via tubes from and built some pools. Curative water and amazing nature featured by wooden mountains make this an excellent place to relaxing. The night bath is great. Sitting in the pool drinking while seeing stars at the dark sky is one of the favorite activities here. Overnight tourist camp.
Day 11: Tsenkheriyn Khaluun Us, Mongolia to Khorgo Trekhiin Tsagaan Nuur, Mongolia
After breakfast, we will drive to Khorgo & Terkh National Park for 160 km. Around 1hours (40 km) first stopping at the Arkhangai province, we will pass some shops. After shops directly driving towards to Ikh Tamir town, there is a have lunch and then continue for 120 km to the Khorgo & Terkh N.P. This volcano is the youngest volcano in Mongolia. Khorgo volcano is the only one which has no soil somewhere and no water inside the crater because Khorgo exploded much later that those volcanos. Terkh White Lake 16 km long from west to east and 6 km wide from north to south. After returning to the vehicle, head to tonight’s Ger guesthouse /nomad family/.
Day 12: Khorgo Trekhiin Tsagaan Nuur, Mongolia
After breakfast, we will drive to Khorgo & Terkh National Park for 160 km. Around 1hours (40 km) first stopping at the Arkhangai province, we will pass some shops. After shops directly driving towards to Ikh Tamir town, there is a have lunch and then continue for 120 km to the Khorgo & Terkh N.P. This volcano is the youngest volcano in Mongolia. Khorgo volcano is the only one which has no soil somewhere and no water inside the crater because Khorgo exploded much later that those volcanos. Terkh White Lake 16 km long from west to east and 6 km wide from north to south. After returning to the vehicle, head to tonight’s Ger guesthouse /nomad family/.
Day 13: Khorgo Trekhiin Tsagaan Nuur, Mongolia to Kharakhorum Museum, Harhorin, Mongolia
After breakfast, we will drive to Karakorum city & Erdenezuu monastery for 200 km. Have lunch with some local canteen and then toward to our next destination. The most prominent historical site in Orkhon Valley is the Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol empire. The Karakorum, founded in 1220 by Genghis khan, was not only the capital of the vast Mongolian Empire but the epic center of trade along Silk Road. However, the Karakorum of today is a small settlement with little focus on tourism. Upon arrival in the village, we will visit the museum of Karakorum and learn about the beautiful ancient Karakorum. Then we will visit the magnificent and the oldest Buddhist Monastery complex of Erdenezuu, built in the 16th century, with 108 stupas. After returning to the vehicle, head to tonight’s Ger guesthouse.
Day 14: Erdene Zuu, Harhorin, Mongolia to Hustain Nuruu - Biosphere Reserve - Hustai National Park, Mongolia
After breakfast, drive towards Elsen Tasarhai know as well Mongolian Sand Dune for 70 km. On the way, lunch served. The area is surrounded by sand dunes, hills covered with rare bushes, and a small forest near a river. Together this presents a unique combination of Mongolian mountains, forests, and Gobi-type landscape in one location. Overnight Ger guesthouse /nomad family/. Tonight special dinner (Khorkhog is a barbecue dish in Mongolian cuisine).
Day 15: Hustain Nuruu - Biosphere Reserve - Hustai National Park, Mongolia to Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, Mongolia
“Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue ” which is currently the biggest (40m high) equestrian statue in the world. There is a recreation area, restaurants, and souvenir shops occupy the base structure. From here, you can ascend to the head of the horse using an elevator. There you have a good panoramic view of the complex area and the scenery beyond. Have lunch and then driving to Terelj N.P. Terelj is considered one of the most scenic areas in all of Mongolia and is a short drive outside of the capital. It's a rather mountainous area with a beautiful river, forests, and some interestingly shaped rocks and It is a landscape of transition from Siberian taiga forest to grass steppe. Overnight in Ger guesthouse /nomad family/.
Day 16: Gorkhi Terelj National Park, Улаанбаатар, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
After breakfast, we will head to Ulaanbaatar for 280 km. On the way, lunch served. In the evening we will attend the amazing performance at 18:00 pm of Mongolian traditional music and dance. Overnight hotel or guesthouse.
What's included
An English-speaking tour guide at all times (Korean, Chinese languages upon requests) Ger accommodation fees (shower) Meals as a list (breakfast, lunch, dinner) All transports + experienced drivers All sightseeing and entrance fees are mentioned as program Camel and horse riding Complimentary drinks water during the tour Visa invitation letter, if required
Visa fee to Mongolia International and domestic flights & Travels ticket and insurance Check-in and late check-out Ulaanbaatar Tipping and other personal services Camera or video fees Other services not mentioned in it
What to know
HOTEL OR GER CAMP BOOKING SERVICES FOOD AND COOKING SERVICE GUIDE AND DRIVE SERVICE AIRPORT AND TRAIN STATION PICK UP AND DROP OFF MONGOLIAN VISA SUPPORT LETTER CAMPING EQUIPMENT CAR RENTAL DOMESTIC FLIGHT BOOKING SERVICES
Route & locations
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa), Mongolia