Nomadic Odyssey Mongolia Tour

The contrast between ancient traditions and the dawning of a 20th-century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar where traditional gers (felt tents) and Buddhist monasteries coexist with modern high-rises. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by your Zendmen guide and transferred to a comfortable, centrally located hotel within walking distance of various museums and shops. After a few hours to rest or stretch your legs, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant..

You will drive to the north west through great variety of geological formations includes rocky mountains with wooded areas. The ancient dormant volcano Tulga on your way. Enjoy the dramatic scenery and silence of Mongolian Countryside.

After breakfast, drive to Muron the capital of Hovsgol province with the lunch stop near beautiful Ikh Uul Mountain. You can also visit a local nomadic family on your way. Encountering with nomadic people and learning from their cultures is always one of the higlights of our previous clients. You will have adventurous days with light walking and boating on the crystal clear Lake Hovsgol. A length of 136 km and a width of 36 km makes it the second largest lake in Mongolia. Known as the deepest lake (262m) in Central Asia, Lake Hovsgol has an interseting legend. ‘A very long time ago an old woman lived with her two daughters on the side of a deep valley in the mountains of northern Mongolia. She tended goats, and every day her two daughters took the goats down to a spring in the valley, opened the lid covering the spring to let the water flow out so the goats could drink, and then returned the lid. One day, the daughters forgot to close the lid and the spring ran all night long. Then lake Hovsgol has formed’. During your stay, meals are served in the warm and comfortable restaurant of the ger camp.

Continue activities from Day 3

A relatively long drive to Terhiin Tsagaan Nuur in Northern Mongolia. The journey involves driving through lush pine forest with meandering rivers. Mesmerize in the stunning landscapes. We will drive across stunning mountain landscapes and along the coast of the Lake Terhiin Tsagaan. There was a recent discovery of a mummified Buddhist monk in deep meditation posture near the area in 2015. This signifies the importance of the area for Mongolian Buddhists tradition.

Another fascinating lake awaits you. The area is famous for its beauty, particularly a dormant volcano Horgo that is the largest volcanic crater in the country with 200 m diameter and 100 m depth. Lake White has been created by volcanic eruption followed by the lava blockage of Terh river. A picturesque canyon of Chuluut River is your lunch stop.

A mysterious giant rock in the vast valley of Tamir river is your next exploration. Find out the legend of this historic single rock formation where many ancient scripts were drawn down the ages. Optional horse riding opportunities await you here.

Further, you will visit Zayiin Gegee Monastery, preserved as a museum of the province. Discover the hidden treasures and stunning architectures of the monastery. Your journey will continue to Tsenher, a natural hot spring resort in the middle of beautiful alpine meadow. Make yourself at home in a ger camp and relax in a hot spring pool. You will have an optional walking and horse riding day around wooded area.

Explore the mystic Orhon Valley in central Mongolia, a nest of rich historic and cultural sites. The area is full of the history of the ancient statehoods of Central Asia including the first known writing culture of nomadic tribes, Orhon-Enisei scripts and the memorial of Turkic general Tonyukuk and the King Bilge, the 8th century AD. You will see the remarkable archaeological discoveries of the 13th century Kharkhorum, the capital city of the Mongol Empire. Witness the daily chanting of Buddhist Monks in the stunning Erdenezuu Monastery.

Start driving to the Gobi desert with an en-route stopover in the Ongi. A part of your tour aims to connect your creativity to Mongolia’s nature and culture through art and yoga. This is our new initiative to take advantage of nature’s healing power and de-stress lifestyle in modern technology dominated world. You will take an opportunity to paint the landscape that surrounds you in the morning light. In the afternoon, take part into a yoga session with your tour leader in the wilderness. Get the feel of gentle breeze, fresh air and vast steppes of central Mongolia. In the evening you will arrive at the remains of the historic Ongi Monastery where you will overnight in a ger camp.

The Gobi Desert is home to some of the most famous discoveries including the first ever dinosaur eggs and fossils of interlocked dinosaurs in their combat. It is still considered one of the richest and the most well preserved fossil nests because the Gobi Desert is the oldest known dry-land area. Its remote location and awkward terrain keeps it rich and unexplored until today

The singing sand, named for the remarkable, low-pitched groan that it emits when the surface is disturbed. These dunes, reaching upwards of 1400m, are the Gobi’s most magnificent sand dunes. Due to their isolation, the secret of this area’s beauty has been kept safe for thousands of years. Camel riding alongside the singing sand dunes is good experience to grasp an idea of nomadic way of life in the Gobi Desert. You can also explore the sand dunes on feet.

Continue activities from Day 12

Some of the Gobi’s most breathtaking sights await you today. After an early breakfast, drive to Yol Valley in the Govi Gurvan Saihan National Park, cradled between the foothills of the Altai Mountains. An ancient river carved this surprisingly green valley. Now, its remnant streams create ice formations at the base of the valley that sometimes persist as late as July. The National Park is home to many wild species which you may see includes Ibex, Wild Horned Sheep and Lammergear, a bird of prey.

Tsagaan Suvarga has a unique landscape. Different minerals giving rise to different colours form the face of the cliffs. You will be impressed with this beautiful natural features.

Embark on an overland journey to the Gobi Desert. Through the rugged terrain, you will be greeted with stunning landscapes and picturesque sceneries. Ih Gazariin Chuluu is an interesting area where unusual rock formations and granite pinnacles stick out in the middle of the dusty plains. Spend half a day exploring caves and the area before continuing journey southwards towards Tsagaan Suvarga.

A day for sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar and visit the Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist worshipping place in Mongolia. Do not forget to do some shopping. In particular, visiting “Gobi” premier cashmere product stores is always worth to visit. In the evening, enjoy the performance of a folk ensemble- Tumen Eh followed by farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure.