Nomadic Mongolia

Our Tour Package Includes:

• 11 night package in first-class “gers” (with en-suite bathrooms), lodges, and local hotels. Although not Western-style, our accommodations are selected for their exceptional quality, location, and character.
• 30 meals – 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners
• Domestic flights within Mongolia
• Transportation and sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
• Arrival and departure transfers between the airports and our group hotels for those arriving on July 1 or June 30 (if pre-night booked by Amazing Journeys)
• English speaking local Tour Guides
• Amazing Journeys Onsite Travel Coordinator
• Shabbat services, Mongolian style!
• All taxes and service charges
• Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, servers at included meals
• Baggage handling throughout (one bag per person)
• Amazing Journeys gift for each participant
• Amazing service throughout

What’s Not Included:

• Optional tours and entrance fees not listed on the itinerary
• International flights
• Travel protection
• Meals or drinks not mentioned on the itinerary
• Arrival or departure airport taxes
• Incidentals
• Visa or passport fees

Tuesday, July 1 – Arrival in Mongolia

Arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, just outside Ulaanbaatar, and travel into the heart of Mongolia’s cosmopolitan capital. Settle into an iconic five-star hotel located directly on Sukhbaatar Square, the city’s central plaza. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers at our Amazing Journeys Welcome Event, followed by a welcome dinner to kick off our Nomadic Mongolian adventure. (D)

Wednesday, July 2 – Ulaanbaatar

This morning, take a walking tour of Mongolia’s capital. Delve into the country’s history at the spectacular Chinggis Khaan National Museum, newly opened in 2022, and marvel at the splendid art and architecture of the Choijin Lama Temple Museum. Continue exploring Ulaanbaatar with a stroll down Peace Avenue, the city’s main shopping street. (B, L)

Thursday, July 3 – Oasis in the Desert

Fly to Dalanzadgad, the capital of South Gobi Province. Visit nearby Three Beauties National Park, named for the Three Beauties Mountains, home to nomadic herders, their herds and myriad of wildlife. Hike through the mountains’ Yolyn Am Canyon. The canyon’s high rock walls, covered in juniper and wild rhubarb, form an oasis home to Lammergeier bearded vultures and Siberian ibex. Then, head out into the vast open desert where you’ll settle into your ger for your first of three nights at the desert’s premier resort. (B, L, D)

Friday, July 4 – Flaming Cliffs

Spend the day exploring the legendary Flaming Cliffs. The red sandstone Flaming Cliffs, rich in dinosaur fossils, are renowned for the world’s first discovery of dinosaur eggs, uncovered in 1923 by an American Museum of Natural History expedition led by zoologist Roy Chapman Andrews. Hike along these cliffs for fabulous views and then visit a nearby “forest” of saksaul, a desert plant, to enjoy panoramic views of the cliffs. Visit a nearby family who raise the Gobi’s most iconic animals, two-humped Bactrian camels. Learn more about these remarkable animals as you embark on a camel ride through the barren desert landscape. Cook and prepare a meal with the family in the desert. Have the unique experience of joining your fellow passengers for our Amazing Journeys Shabbat in the desert. (B, L, D)

Saturday, July 5 – Tugrugiin Shiree

On your final day in the desert, visit the stunning white sandstone outcrops of Tugrugiin Shiree. Nestled into a remote corner of the Gobi, surrounded by small dunes and desert plants, this secluded landmark is the discovery site of the Fighting Dinosaurs, a fossil of two dinosaurs locked in combat. (B, L, D)

Sunday, July 6 – Terelj National Park

Return to Dalanzadgad and fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Travel east to Terelj National Park, a mixed area of steppe, forest and dramatic rock formations. Hike to Ariyabal Meditation Center, perched on a mountainside that offers a stunning view of the valley below. Also see Turtle Rock, the most famous feature of Terelj. Mount one of Mongolia’s famed horses and explore Terelj on horseback. Spend the first of two nights at a ger camp in Terelj. (B, L, D)

Monday, July 7 – Genghis Khan  

Take a day trip to the Thirteenth Century Park. Nestled in the foothills of the Khan Hentii Mountains, this park recreates life at the time of Genghis Khan. Also visit the towering 131-foot tall Genghis Khan Statue, built in 2006 for the 800th anniversary of the Mongol Empire. (B, L, D)

Tuesday, July 8 – Archery

Learn about Mongolia’s storied archery tradition, which you will witness in action during the Naadam Festival. Enjoy a morning visit from a group of archers who will introduce the process of bow-making and teach the basics of the sport. Spend time with them perfecting your bow and arrow skills. Then, travel west onto the vast Mongolian steppe, reaching the beautifully decorated Mongol Nomadic Cultural Heritage Center, and your ger camp home for the next two nights. (B, L, D)

Wednesday, July 9 – Wild Horses

Take a day trip to Hustai National Park, home to the world’s last wild horses. See Przewalski’s horses, formerly extinct from the wild, but reintroduced to Hustai in the 1990s through an international conservation effort.  Join the family that runs our resort in a demonstration of steppe nomadic traditions, sharing games, food and music. (B, L, D)

Thursday, July 10 – Naadam Festival: Horse Racing

Begin celebrating the annual Naadam Festival with a Naadam horse race, featuring children racing bareback across the steppe on Mongolia’s legendary steeds. Return to Ulaanbaatar and attend a performance of folk music, dance and throat singing by the renowned Tumen Ekh Ensemble. (B, L)

Friday, July 11 – Naadam Festival: Wrestling and Archery

Naadam, the annual festival of the Three Manly Sports: wrestling, archery and horse racing, officially begins with the pageantry, music and dancing of the Naadam Opening Ceremony at Ulaanbaatar’s Naadam Stadium. After the ceremony, have the chance to watch wrestling, archery and anklebone shooting tournaments.  Tonight, join your fellow passengers for our Amazing Journeys Shabbat and Farewell, followed by our Farewell Dinner. (B, L, D)

Saturday, July 12 – International Departure

This morning, head back home with memories of our amazing journey. (B)

Your Itinerary at a Glance

Nights 1-2       Blue Sky Hotel
Nights 3-5       Dream Gobi Lodge
Nights 6-7       Terelj Hills Lodge
Nights 8-9       Mongol Nomadic Cultural Heritage Center
Nights 10-11    Blue Sky Hotel

Please note:
– Alternate properties may be used
– The order of the tour may be changed
– Some activities are weather dependent
– Highest elevation is approximately 5000 feet
– Air schedules are subject to change

A deposit of $950 is due with your reservation.

Full payment is due on March 4, 2025. Rates listed are for final payments made by check.  After the initial deposit, all payments made by credit card will have a 3.5% credit card fee.

*Amazing Journeys does not offer roommate matching but we may be able to help! If you would like to be connected with others who are looking for a roommate, please send an email to info@amazingjourneys.net  We can put you in touch with others who may have expressed interest so that you can discuss amongst yourselves.  Please note – Amazing Journeys takes no responsibility for roommate matching and is unable to step in to settle disputes or disagreements that may arise.  When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel their reservation before the trip, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation.  Please understand that the list of those looking for a roommate may be very limited.

Pre-Night Stay: We have a limited number of rooms for pre-tour overnights in Ulaanbaatar. Rates include breakfast and taxes. There will be no Amazing Journeys staff or planned Amazing Journeys activities on pre-night stays.

Ulaanbaatar (June 30) 
Twin* – $125 per person
Single – $200

Rates are subject to change based on availability.

These rates are based on an all-inclusive, custom-designed package that differs from offerings seen in public advertising. We are unable to make any of our package components available to anyone who is not part of our Amazing Journeys group.

Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website. All rooms are non-smoking.

Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until September 4, 2024, the cancellation penalty is $250. From September 5, 2024 – March 3, 2025, the cancellation penalty is $950. From March 4 – 24, 2025 the cancellation penalty is 50% of the cost of the tour and pre-nights. From March 25 – April 9, 2025 the cancellation penalty is 75% of the cost of the tour and pre-nights. From April 10, 2025 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the cost of the tour and pre-nights.  Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund.  There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey. Your decision not to participate on the tour due to State Department advisories, fear of travel, illness or any other reason will be deemed a cancellation.

Travel Protection: Your trip includes a medical evacuation policy covering up to $200,000 for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, $5,000 for accident and sickness medical expenses and $5,000 for accidental death and dismemberment. Coverage will begin on the first day for which accommodations or services are booked through Amazing Journeys and will end on the final day for which such services or accommodations are booked. The traveler is responsible for purchasing additional medical insurance and ensuring that s/he is adequately covered while in Mongolia. Amazing Journeys highly recommends purchasing travel insurance in case you need to cancel your trip, your trip is interrupted or you have lost luggage.

This trip is for you if: This trip has an activity rating of “Active Lite.”  Travelers should be in good health and prepare properly. This trip is for you if you’re an on-the-go traveler and you don’t want to miss a thing. Hiking, walking and standing for 2-3 hours isn’t a big deal, and you’re able to walk independently at a moderate pace including hills, stairs and uneven surfaces. Walking four miles throughout the day is very doable. You can climb up and onto various modes of transportation including raised jeeps, horses and camels. You can handle changes in elevation as high as approximately 5,000 feet.  You can expect several early mornings and some longer days, balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure.

Active components of this trip include:

• Walking a few miles through the city
• 4-mile hike.  This hike is out-and-back so you don’t have to complete the entire hike.  At a certain point you will hop across a small stream a few times while stepping on small, wet rocks
• Walk 1 mile to the end of cliffs on uneven ground
• Climb a dune
• Short hike up to the Meditation Center which is mostly stairs
• Walk a stretch of narrow stairs with no banister
• 1 hour horse ride (walking pace)
• 1 hour camel ride (walking pace)

If you decide that any of these don’t appeal to you, you can opt not to do it but please keep in mind that this tour is designed for travelers who are adventurous and excited about the activity level.  If more than one of these does not seem possible for you, we recommend beginning to train now or reconsider your participation on this trip.  This trip is not a fit for those who require assistance with walking, use a cane/walking stick or who travel on mobility devices.

Travel to Mongolia requires flexibility and a sense of adventure. Service is not always up to Western standards, and disruptions to the country’s infrastructure can necessitate changes to our itinerary. Please note that much of the transportation will be by jeep, and road conditions can be very rough.

Flights: It is important that you do not purchase flights until you receive a Confirmation Letter from Amazing Journeys. For this itinerary, flight parameters are as follows:
Arrive into Ulaanbaatar – land in Ulaanbaatar (airport code UBN) before 1:00pm on July 1^st.  Our first program will begin on the evening of July 1^st.
Return from Ulaanbaatar – depart from Ulaanbaatar (airport code UBN) any time today.

Transfers: Transfers between the airports and hotels are included in your tour package.  They are also included for those arriving one day early into Ulaanbaatar if you have booked the hotel through Amazing Journeys.

Twin Accommodations: Amazing Journeys does not offer roommate matching but we may be able to help! If you would like to be connected with others who are looking for a roommate, please send an email to info@amazingjourneys.net  We can put you in touch with others who may have expressed interest so that you can discuss amongst yourselves.  Please note – Amazing Journeys takes no responsibility for roommate matching and is unable to step in to settle disputes or disagreements that may arise.  When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel their reservation before the trip, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation.  Please understand that the list of those looking for a roommate may be very limited.

Meals: For this tour, you will have two meal options: meat or vegetarian. You must choose one option for the entire tour and this cannot change during the tour. If you have a severe food allergy we will ask you for this information in advance.

Passports & Visas: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary.  It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. If you are arriving from the US, Canada, Australia, UK, no visas are necessary at this time.  Please note that visa requirements can change at any time and it is up to the traveler to be aware of visa requirements.

Credit Card Payments: Rates listed are for final payments made by check. After the initial deposit, all payments made by credit card will have a 3.5% credit card fee.

Baggage: Regardless of what your international air carrier permits, you are limited to one checked bag and one soft-sided carry-on bag (no large or rolling carry-ons) for this trip.  For our flight to Dalanzadgad (3-night stay), each traveler will be limited to one checked suitcase and one carry-on totaling a maximum of 33 lbs. As an option, you may bring a smaller bag with you to Dalanzadgad and leave your larger suitcase at the hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

Fuel Surcharges: Should oil costs go above $65 a barrel and our tour operators adjust the rate of the tours cost accordingly, we reserve the right to adjust the cost of the tour.

Exchange Rate: In the case of currency fluctuations greater than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing accordingly in order that we may be able to operate the tours effectively.

Taxes & Gratuities: Gratuities have been included on this tour and include tips for the local guides, drivers, luggage porters and staff at included meals. Gratuities are not included for housekeeping staff in the hotels and tipping is at your discretion. Taxes, surcharges, and government fees are subject to change.

Vaccines & Precautions: At this time there are no specific vaccinations required for international travelers. We recommend you visit a travel clinic or see your health professional to be sure you are up to date on vaccinations needed for international travel. Requirements can change at any time. You can get more information at the following web site: Center for Disease Control. Please note that our Amazing Journeys staff are not medical professionals and can therefore give you no further information on what vaccinations or medications you may need for this or any other tour.

Arrival: Hotel check-in time is 2:00pm.  If you arrive at the hotel earlier than 2:00pm, the front desk can hold your luggage until your room is ready.  If you arrive in the morning and the hotel has a room available, they may be able to make the room available for an early entry fee that you would pay directly to the hotel.

Imagery: Photos used on this website are copyrighted by Blue Silk Travel.

Tour Operation: This tour is operated by Blue Silk Travel.  We must have a minimum of 16 participants in order to operate this tour. You will be required to sign a separate Terms & Conditions Agreement after your initial reservation. Your confirmation letter will not be sent until the Terms & Conditions Agreement is signed and returned. This tour is limited to a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 24 participants.