Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar, Sand Dunes & Terelj National Park

Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar, Sand Dunes & Terelj National Park

• Trip code: 455X007
• Dauer: 8
• Stil: Classic

Mongolia doesn't do subtle. On this 8-day adventure, start in Ulaanbaatar before the steppe opens up and the landscape gets stranger and more spectacular with every kilometre. Golden dunes rise from rolling grasslands at Khugnu Khan, sculpted granite formations fill Terelj National Park, and the towering Genghis Khan Statue delivers a finale as vast as the country itself.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (3 nts), ger camps (4 nts)

Checklist

Cold weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Light Hiking:
• Hiking boots
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
• Walking poles

Warm weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 12

Highlights

Explore Ulaanbaatar's spiritual heart at Gandan Monastery and Bogd Khan Palace, Hike golden sand dunes and sleep in a traditional ger camp at Khugnu Khan, Trek through Terelj National Park past Turtle Rock and Aryaval Monastery, Take in sweeping steppe views from the base of the iconic Genghis Khan Statue

Meal Budget

Optional Activities

Gorkhi Terelj National Park
- Afternoon Hike in the National Park

Start / Finish

von Ulaanbaatar

Transport

Private vehicle, walking

What's Included

Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group, Ulaanbaatar
Dein Foodie-Moment: Nomadic Family Visit with Mongolian Dumpling Making, Elsen Tasarkhai. Guided tour of Gandan Monastery. Visit to Zaisan Hill. Visit to Bogd Khan Winter & Summer Palace. Explore and hike the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes. Traditional Mongolian barbecue dinner. Hike to Khugnu Khan Mountain. Visit to Uvgun Monastery. Visit to a nomadic family. Mongolian dumpling-making experience. Lunch shared with a nomadic family. Dinners at ger camps. Visit to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Visit to Turtle Rock. Visit to Aryaval Meditation Monastery. Archery session. Hiking in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Visit to Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Meals Included

7 Frühstück, 2 Mittagessen, 4 Abendessen

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Mongolia

Welcome to Mongolia! Arrive in Ulaanbaatar at any time and make your own way to the hotel to check in and settle in after your journey. As one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, Mongolia is known for its vast open landscapes and rich nomadic heritage—an incredible setting for the adventure ahead. This evening, meet your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and fellow travelers at a welcome briefing, where you’ll get an overview of the journey. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed evening with the option to join your group for dinner at a local spot, a perfect opportunity to connect and kick off your time together

Day 2 Explore Ulaanbaatar

Start your first full day in Ulaanbaatar with a guided tour exploring the cultural and historical highlights of Mongolia’s capital. Begin at the revered Gandan Monastery, one of the country’s most important Buddhist sites, where you’ll encounter the impressive 26-metre gold-leafed statue of Migjid Janraisig, a powerful symbol of Mongolia’s spiritual heritage. Continue on to Zaisan Hill, climbing to the summit for sweeping panoramic views over the city, along with a striking Soviet-era memorial that reflects Mongolia’s complex 20th-century history. After some free time for lunch, visit the Bogd Khan Winter and Summer Palace, once home to Mongolia’s last king. Here, you’ll gain insight into the country’s royal past as you explore a fascinating collection of Buddhist artworks, royal treasures, and unique historical artifacts. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon, with the rest of the day at leisure to relax or continue exploring at your own pace

Day 3 Journey from Ulaanbaatar to Mini Gobi

Leave the city behind this morning and journey west across Mongolia’s vast steppe, where endless grasslands stretch to the horizon—a reminder that Mongolia is one of the least densely populated countries on Earth. Arrive at Elsen Tasarkhai, often referred to as the “Mini Gobi,” a unique landscape where sweeping sand dunes rise from the surrounding plains. Spend the afternoon exploring and hiking through this remarkable stretch of desert. Continue on to your ger camp, where you’ll settle into your traditional accommodation, an authentic way nomadic families have lived for centuries. This evening, enjoy a hearty Mongolian barbecue dinner before unwinding under the wide-open sky and taking in the peaceful beauty of the steppe

Day 4 Escape to Terelj National Park

Begin the day with breakfast at your ger camp before heading into the rugged landscapes surrounding Khugnu Khan Mountain. Set out on a scenic hike through pine forests and rocky ridgelines, taking in sweeping views across the Mongolian steppe, before visiting the atmospheric ruins of Övgön Khiid Monastery, a centuries-old monastery built into the mountainside. Later, enjoy an authentic cultural experience with a local nomadic family, learning to make traditional Mongolian dumplings together inside their working ger before sharing a home-cooked lunch. Spend the afternoon gaining insight into daily nomadic life, with the chance to experience and observe traditional activities that form part of the family’s everyday routine before returning to camp for free time and dinner under the vast Mongolian skies

Day 5 Elsen Tasarkhai/Gorkhi Terelj National Park

Travel east today toward the stunning landscapes of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Known for its dramatic granite rock formations, forested hills, and winding river valleys, Terelj offers a striking contrast to the open steppe you’ve explored so far. Arrive at your ger camp and take some time to relax and soak in the peaceful surroundings. If you’re feeling active, head out on an optional short hike to get your first taste of the park’s unique terrain. This evening, enjoy dinner at camp and settle in for another night in a traditional ger

Day 6 Explore Terelj National Park

Spend a full day exploring the natural and cultural highlights of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, one of Mongolia’s most beautiful protected areas, known for its dramatic rock formations and serene alpine landscapes just outside the capital. Begin with a visit to Turtle Rock, a striking natural formation shaped like a giant turtle and considered a symbol of longevity in Mongolian culture. Continue on to the Aryaval Meditation Monastery, reached by a scenic hillside climb lined with carved Buddhist mantras, offering panoramic views over the valley and a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. Return to camp for lunch before trying your hand at traditional Mongolian archery, one of the historic sports of Naadam. In the afternoon, head out for a guided hike through the surrounding river valleys and forested hills, home to wildlife such as marmots and birds of prey. After a full day in nature and culture combined, return to camp for dinner and a relaxed evening in the peaceful surroundings of the park

Day 7 Return to Ulaanbaatar

Return to Ulaanbaatar today after your time in the wilderness, travelling back through the sweeping steppe landscapes of central Mongolia. Along the way, stop at one of the country’s most iconic landmarks, the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex. Standing at an incredible 40 metres tall, this stainless steel monument honours Mongolia’s most legendary historical figure and offers panoramic views over the surrounding plains from the horse’s head. Continue onward into the capital and arrive back at your hotel in the early afternoon to check in and refresh. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore Ulaanbaatar further and in the evening, choose to join your group for an optional farewell dinner, marking the end of your journey through Mongolia

Day 8 Farewell to Mongolia

Conclude your Mongolia journey today and depart at your convenience before check-out. As your time in Mongolia comes to an end, reflect on the landscapes, nomadic culture, and wide-open spaces that define this remarkable country

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Mongolia

Day 2 Explore Ulaanbaatar

Day 3 Journey from Ulaanbaatar to Mini Gobi

Day 4 Escape to Terelj National Park

Day 5 Elsen Tasarkhai/Gorkhi Terelj National Park

Day 6 Explore Terelj National Park

Day 7 Return to Ulaanbaatar

Day 8 Farewell to Mongolia