Ulaanbaatar

Arrive in Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a walk with your guide to Sukhbaatar Square, the heart of the city. Named after a revolutionary hero, the square is home to key landmarks like the National Museum of Mongolia, government buildings, and a statue of Genghis Khan. It’s a great place to start understanding Mongolia’s modern identity and its deep historical roots. Exploring the area also offers a glimpse into local life, with opportunities to visit traditional markets and the local museum, experiencing the vibrant daily activities and cultural interactions of the city.

Hotel Options:

Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar

The Blue Sky Hotel

WHY WE LOVE THIS HOTEL

Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar offers an architectural marvel blending contemporary elegance with Mongolian influences. Its façade mirrors the city's juxtaposition of modernity and tradition, with sleek lines softened by subtle nods to local design motifs. Inside, the décor seamlessly marries opulence and cultural authenticity. Mongolian artistry, from intricate woodwork to vibrant textiles, imbues every corner with a sense of place, while luxurious furnishings invite guests to indulge in comfort.

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Modern

WHY WE LOVE THIS HOTEL

Nestled in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, The Blue Sky Hotel stands as a beacon of contemporary elegance against the city's bustling backdrop. Architecturally striking, its sleek glass façade reflects the endless Mongolian skies, while the interior harmonizes modern design with local influences. The lobby welcomes guests with a fusion of minimalist décor and traditional Mongolian motifs, creating an ambiance of sophistication and cultural richness.

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Modern

Ulaanbaatar

Start the day with a visit to Gandan Lamasery, Mongolia’s only active monastery. You'll see monks in red robes and Tibetan-Chinese-style architecture. Continue to the Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs, which displays fossils once taken overseas and now returned. After lunch, explore the Bogd Khan Winter Palace, once the home of Mongolia’s spiritual leader until 1924. When he died, Mongolia’s new Bolshevik government ended the tradition of reincarnated rulers, marking a major shift in the country's political and religious history.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ulaanbaatar

Khovd

Fly west to Khovd, a city known for its natural beauty and diverse cultures. After checking in, enjoy free time to explore. Khovd is rich in history and makes a perfect base to experience the surrounding region and its Naadam celebrations. Whether strolling through the streets or relaxing at your hotel, take this day to adjust to the slower pace and get ready for the rural festivals ahead.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Khovd

Head out of Khovd to nearby villages like Buyant or Chandman to witness traditional Naadam Games. Locals gather in colourful dress for this summer celebration. You’ll see wrestling, horse racing, and archery—skills passed down for generations. Local nomads actively participate in the festivities, highlighting their deep-rooted cultural connection to the Naadam festival. Children under 12 race horses trained by their elders. Pride and prestige are at stake in these lively events. The festive atmosphere reflects the close-knit nature of these rural communities and their strong connection to tradition.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Khovd

Spend the day in Khovd city, where people of different ethnic backgrounds live together, including Halkh Mongols, Myangads, and Kazakhs. You’ll notice the cultural mix, with mosques standing beside Buddhist temples. Today’s Naadam events in the city centre bring more skilled athletes and entertainers, such as throat singers and musicians playing the morin khuur, or horsehead fiddle. The celebrations link modern Mongolia with its medieval past and nomadic legacy.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Khovd

Take a full-day excursion to West Gobi and Khar Us Nuur National Park. Visit the Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain area, perfect for scenic hikes. Look out for rare wildlife like bearded vultures, gazelles, and the endangered saiga antelope. The contrast between desert and lake creates a unique habitat, attracting migratory birds from across Eurasia. The lakes, fed by Altai glacial meltwater, form rich reed beds and marshes in the middle of the arid steppe. Return to Khovd for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Deluun

Travel from Khovd to Deluun, a small Kazakh village in the Bayan-Ölgii province. The four-hour drive offers scenic views, especially of Dööröö Lake with Sair Mountain in the distance. Arrive in Deluun, near Hökh Serkhiin Nuruu National Park, where you’ll stay in a private ger camp. Your accommodation may be along the peaceful Buyant River or by the shore of Chigertei Lake, offering a quiet base for exploring Kazakh culture and wildlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Deluun

This morning, hike into the Ikh Yamaat Valley, home to wildlife like the Siberian ibex and, if you're lucky, argali sheep. In July, these plains are filled with ewes and lambs. Snow leopards are rarely seen but roam these mountains. Visit the Altai Research Institute to learn about ongoing conservation work. In the afternoon, there’s a chance to meet eagle hunters, a proud tradition among local Kazakhs who raise golden eagles for hunting in the harsh winters.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Deluun

Travel further along the Buyant and Chigertei Rivers to the high pastures of the Kazakh nomads. This remote area sits near the Chinese border and remains steeped in traditional ways. Here, families herd livestock and continue the ancient practice of eagle hunting. The land is also rich in biodiversity, monitored with camera traps capturing images of wolverines, wolves, and rare cats. Nearby are archaeological sites left by the Scythians, ancient warriors who once roamed Central Asia. Among these sites are ancient deer stones, which are significant monuments reflecting the cultural heritage of the region and its nomadic peoples.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bayan Olgii

Drive northwest for four hours to reach Ölgii, the capital of Bayan-Ölgii province. After settling in, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant. Spend the afternoon exploring the small town’s highlights, including its lively bazaar, mosque, museum, and shops selling traditional Kazakh crafts. The town’s residents are mostly ethnic Kazakhs, giving it a distinct cultural feel within Mongolia.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bayan Olgii

Hustai National Park

Fly from Ölgii back to Ulaanbaatar, then drive one hour west to Hui Doloon Hudag Plains. These grasslands are known for their horse racing each July. Check into your modernised ger camp and take time to unwind. If you prefer, go for a short guided walk through the surrounding countryside. The peaceful steppe landscape offers a great contrast to the festival crowds of previous days.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hotel Options:

HS Khaan Resort

WHY WE LOVE THIS HOTEL

HS Khaan Resort in Mongolia is a masterpiece of architectural design that harmoniously blends traditional Mongolian aesthetics with modern luxury. The resort's architecture is inspired by traditional Mongolian gers (yurts), offering a unique and authentic experience. Each structure is meticulously crafted with natural materials, featuring spacious interiors and large windows that provide stunning views of the surrounding steppe. The design seamlessly integrates with the landscape, creating a serene and immersive environment.

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Nature Retreat

Hustai National Park

Spend your last full day visiting Hustai National Park. After a traditional lunch with local herders, explore the park to spot wild animals. Look for wapiti deer and the famous Przewalski’s horses, which once went extinct in Mongolia but have been successfully reintroduced. Known as takhi in Mongolian, these horses now thrive in the wild again. Today offers a chance to reflect on Mongolia’s deep relationship with nature and conservation.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hustai National Park

Ulaanbaatar

Leave the Hui Doloon Hudag Plains and return to Ulaanbaatar, about two hours away, for your onward flight. Your journey through Mongolia’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and traditions comes to an end. To mark the conclusion of your trip, enjoy a farewell dinner in a traditional setting, offering a final opportunity to reflect on your experiences and celebrate with your fellow travellers.

Meals Included: Breakfast