Morning arrival at the international airport of Ulaanbaatar

A member of our crew will welcome you directly after your arrival. Transfer by Land Cruiser to the city centre.

Check in at Shangri-La 5* Hotel and free time to rest

Visit of the Genghis Khan Square

Genghis Khan Square, previously known as Sükhbaatar Square, is the central square of Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar. The official name was changed in 2013 in honour of the founding father of the Mongolian nation. A large colonnade monument to Genghis Khan dominates the square’s north side directly in front of the Government Palace…The centre of the square features an equestrian statue of Damdin Sükhbaatar, one of the leaders of Mongolia’s 1921 revolution.

Lunch at a restaurant in the city centre

Visit of the National Museum of Mongolian History

This tour is an introduction to travel in the old nomadic empire. Mongolian history from prehistory to nowadays.

Traditional music concert and discovery of the Morin Khuur

A traditional Mongolian bowed stringed instrument. Singers will perform “Long song” in which each syllable of text is extended for a long duration. A four-minute song may only consist of ten words! They often use horses as a symbol or theme repeated throughout the sing.

Dinner of Mongolian’s specialties at a local restaurant

Night at the Shangri-La 5* hotel.

Breakfast at the Shangri-La hotel

Departure to the Gandan monastery in Ulaanbaatar by Land Cruiser

Warm welcome from the Buddhist monks of the monastery during the morning blessing

Gandan is a tibetan-style monastery that was spared during the communist time. It literally means “Great Place of Complete Joy”. Gandan monastery is one of the most astonishing places in the capital with its 26-metre-high statue of Avalokiteśvara. The monastery has over 150 monks in residence that pray every day making their sacred singing resonate in the many temples of the place. Private visit of the library.

Departure to central Mongolia by Land Cruiser

Out of Nowhere’s Geolodge, Sweet Gobi, is located at 4 hours’ drive from Ulaanbaatar, only a few kilometres away from the geographic centre of Mongolia, at the edge of Elsen Tasarkhai sand dune.

Open-air picnic in the steppe on the way to the camp

Welcome & installation at Sweet Gobi lodge

Arrival at the ger camp: Sweet Gobi (managed by Out of NowHere), settled in the magnificent Bayan Gobi. Ideally located in central Mongolia region, close to Khangaï Nuruu nature reserve boundary, Sweet Gobi géolodge introduces you to the wide diversity of Mongolian landscapes, all within easy access: golden sand dunes, huge meadows and stony steppes where ancient granite mountains suddenly emerge wait for you. Central region is a must see thanks to its history but also because it registers the highest density of nomadic herders in Mongolia! A true cradle of the nomadic civilization!

Out of Nowhere team gives you the keys of your room and a personalized map to help you to find your own ger. A geolodge explanation (about Step & Spa service, dry toilets, wood-burner, breakfast schedule…) allows everyone to make themselves at home. This natural and felted camp, at the edge of the Khanghai Nurru national park allows you to experience the nomadic life in the ger.

Double King size bed, duvets, spacious gers decorated with Mongolian warm-coloured furniture, felt carpets, each ger doorstep lies down on the infinite open-spaces of Central Asia.

Immersion in the heart of the last nomadic herders’ civilization of Asia, Attila and Genghis Khan’ heirs

Warm welcome and discovering of the pastoral activities (lighting of the wood-burner, buuz cooking in the ger; milking of the animals with woman and children, herds’ management with the man). You will visit one of the numerous nomadic families around Sweet Gobi geolodge (at 5 to 10 min maximum by car).

Before leaving the camp, guides explain the common customs to observe in the ger.

Back to the camp and free time before the dinner

Each ger has a mini bar. Furthermore, the bar of the restaurant ger welcomes you all day long.

Dinner in the ger restaurant

Buffet dinner in the ger restaurant. On the menu, yak steak with pink salt from Mongolia and wild berries.  Casserole lamb and pinion pine scented with herbs from the steppe. Possibility to define the menu with the customer. Allergies and special diets are taken into account up to a month before the trip.

Peaceful night in a ger at Sweet Gobi

Breakfast at the restaurant ger

Departure for an epic camel ride in the sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai

The camel will be equipped with comfortable saddles and the ride will be led by experienced riders, owners of the animals. The ride starts from Sweet Gobi. You will be equipped with riding hat, gloves and gaiters

Surprise! Refreshment in an Olzii tent

Behind a dune, discover a greenery oasis and a tent decorated with Olzii patterns where refreshments wait for you.The Olzii pattern is a masterpiece of the Mongolian culture. This endless knot represents the eternal movement of the universe and is supposed to bring happiness and longevity.

Return to Sweet Gobi and lunch at the restaurant ger

In the middle of the afternoon, departure by Land Cruiser to Khogno Khan sacred mount. You will walk to the Khogno Khan sacred moutain and discover its lunar landscape made of granite rocks. 

Visit of Erdene Hambiin Hiid monastery on the slopes of Khogno Khan Mountain

This monastery was rebuilt during the 90’s after its destruction during the soviet purges. The ruins of Ovgon Hiid monastery lie at the foot of the mountain. It was devastated during a great battle bewteen Khalkha and Oirad tribes.

Tea with shamanic herbs

According to the rites of the silver bowl ceremony, you will be welcomed with hot shaman herbs tea in a beautiful lunar landscape at sunset.

Meditative walking in the middle of this lunar landscape at sunset

Return to the geolodge and dinner in the restaurant ger

Peaceful night in a ger at Sweet Gobi

Breakfast at the restaurant ger

Departure to the Orkhon Valley

The 121,967-ha Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape encompasses an extensive area of pastureland on both banks of the Orkhon River and includes numerous archaeological remains dating back to the 6th century. This valley is considered as a paradise for the yak herders and has been designated as World Heritage by UNESCO in 2004.

On the way to the Orkhon Valley, visit of the Shankh Monastery

One of Mongolia’s oldest and most historically significant monasteries originally founded in 1647 by Zanabazar.

Option: Blessing of the trip by the Lama

Participation in a ceremony with the monks, giving of prayer scarves and blessed incense

This blessing is made with donations for the conservation of cultural heritage

Arrival at the Orkhon Valley and meeting with the yak herders

Warm welcome and discovering of the pastoral activities (lighting of the wood-burner, buuz cooking in the ger; milking of the animals with women and children, herd management with the men).

Traditional lunch in the ger with the herders

You will taste khuushuur, one of the typical Mongolian dishes. It is a kind of meat pastry or dumpling. The meat, either beef or mutton is ground up and mixed with onion, garlic, salt and other spices. Once the pockets are made, the cook fries it. The Khuushuur is then served hot, and can be eaten by hand.

Special moment! Dairy products tasting

You will taste aïrak, the national beverage made of mare fermented milk. Mongolian process the milk of the animals they are raising (sheep, goats, cows, yaks, camels and mares) in many products which can be stored and thus sustain them during the long and cold Mongolian winter.

Exchange with the herders

An opportunity to learn more about the lifestyle of Genghis Khan’s inheritors.

By late afternoon, departure to Ursa Major 

Settled in the majestic valley of the Orkhon and located about 30 minutes from the yak herders.

Check-in at Ursa Major, a charming lodge

Out of Nowhere team gives you the keys of your room and a personalized map to help you find your own ger. A geolodge explanation (about Step & Spa service, dry toilets, wood-burner, breakfast schedule…) allows everyone to make themselves at home.

This natural and felted camp allows you to experience the nomadic life in the ger.

Double king size bed, duvets, spacious gers decorated with Mongolian warm-coloured furniture, felt carpets, each ger doorstep lies down on the infinite open-spaces of Central Asia.

Dinner by candlelight in the restaurant ger

Observation of the moon and stars at nightfall

Reach the stars under one of the starriest skies in the world. A unique experience, lost in the outer space.

Silent night in a ger at Ursa MajorOrkhon valley – Tovkhon Monastery

Breakfast at the restaurant ger

Departure to one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Mongolia: ZANABAZAR retreat, true jewel of the Buddhist architecture

Zanabazar is an important figure of the history of Buddhism in Mongolia. In 1640 he was recognized by the Panchen Lama and the Dalai Lama as being a “reincarnated lama”, and he received his seat at Örgöö, 400 miles from the present site of Ulaanbaatar, as head of the Gelug tradition in Mongolia. He was the first Buddhism leader in Mongolia.

Open-air lunch

Hikking through a conifer forest to reach the monastery located on the heights of the Orkhon Valley

Tovkhon Khiid Monastery lies at 2.300m. It was built in 1654, and had 14 temples. It was in this monastery that Zanabazar created the Soyombo alphabet to write Mongolian. It can also be used to write Tibetan and Sanskrit.  A special character of the script, the Soyombo symbol, became a national symbol of Mongolia, and has appeared on the national flag since 1921, and on the Emblem of Mongolia since 1960, as well as money, stamps, etc.

This hike requires a normal physical condition. 1:30 Rise

Visit of sacred trees, Oovoo, meditation cave, footprints in the stone Zanabazar and 360 ° view on a clear day of three regions of the country!

A high place of spirituality.

Return to Ursa Major  

Dinner of Mongolian specialties.

Observation of the moon and stars at nightfall

Reach the stars under one of the starriest skies in the world. A unique experience, lost in outer space.

Peaceful night in a ger at Ursa Major

Breakfast at the restaurant ger

Horse ride with the nomadic herders along the Orkhon Valley

Escorted by the best riders in the world, you will discover the best friend of the nomadic herders for an unforgettable ride in the Orkhon Valley, home to the graves of thousands of ancient warriors and nomadic ancestors. At gallop or not, depending on experience, they know these animals that have always been at the heart of Mongolian history

The horses will be equipped with comfortable saddles and the ride will be led by experienced riders, owners of the animals. You will be equipped with a riding hat, gloves and gaiters. For those who do not wish to ride, the vehicles are available.

Barbecue lunch at the Orkhon Valley

Exploration of the valley and visit of places full of energy

There are numerous famous steles with deer carving that mark the location of the burial of the ancestors of the Huns!

Meet with an archer!

During the ride, you will stumble across an archer who will introduce teach  you to tick the parabolic arch! The archery is one of the three manly games with Mongolian wrestling and horse racing. This sport is in the spotlight during the Naadam games every July all around the country.

Return to the camp for a dinner in the restaurant ger

Mongolian Games

In the restaurant ger, introduction to Mongolian games: ossicles, Mongolian cards .. A pleasant evening after dinner!

Peaceful night in the ger at Ursa Major

Breakfast at the restaurant ger

Departure to Karakorum, former capital of the Mongolian Empire

This stop directly brings you to the greatest part of the Mongolian history: Karakorum, former capital of the biggest empire the world has ever known. Twice bigger than the Roman Empire at its apogee. 

Crossing next to the stone turtles and to Genghis Khan Monument

These turtle-shaped statues were guarding the entrances of the city. Symbol of longevity for Mongolian people, they represented the great future which had been destined to Karakorum. The monument meanwhile, is much more recent. It was erected in 2006 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Mongolian Empire. It also celebrates Genghis Khan, the Mongolian hero of the whole country.

Visit of the museum of history of the ancient imperial capital

Following the transfer of the capital to Beijing and the fall of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum was abandoned and destroyed by hordes of Manchurian soldiers. All that remained of the town was used to build the monastery of Erdene Zuu during the sixteenth century. It was itself destroyed during the purges of the late 1930s. Today, the museum allows you to see a reconstituted city model, exactly as it was at the time of Genghis Khan. This visit to the museum is also an opportunity to learn more about the tribes of the Orkhon Valley.

Lunch in a guanz, kind of local canteen

Visit of Erdene Zuu monastery

The monastery is surrounded by a wall of 108 stupas, symbol of Buddha, with a circumference of 1,600 meters. Among the 60 temples built during the 16th and 17th century, only twenty remained.

After the visit, departure by Land Cruiser to Sweet Gobi geolodge 

Located in the central region of Mongolia (Bayan Gobi). 1:30 drive.

Free time at the camp

Dinner in the restaurant ger

Peaceful night in the ger at Sweet Gobi

Continental breakfast at the restaurant ger

Option: free morning then departure to Ulaanbaatar after a last lunch at the restaurant ger. Possibility to observe the fauna and flora at the Tara Lake located at only 15min from the camp.

At dawn, departure to observe the Przewalski horses

Departure for the nature reserve of the Przewalski horses, only ancestors of the modern horse and rediscovered during an expedition in Central Asia in the late 19th century. They can also be observed on the cave paintings! This species is now protected and has been reintroduced in Mongolia through several European conservation programs.

Visit of the nature park information center

Excursion in the nature reserve

Departure for a safari with a ranger to observe the wild horses.

Picnic lunch in the nature reserve

Departure by Land Cruiser to Ulaanbaatar

Check-in at the Shangri-La hotel

Dinner at the restaurant

Night at the Shangri-La

Breakfast at the Shangri-La hotel

Free morning

Lunch at Shangri La restaurant or in a city center restaurant

Visit of the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts

One of the essentials of Ulaanbaatar. Perfect place to immerse in the heart of the popular culture of Mongolia. Founded in 1966, the museum has a fine collection of paintings and sculptures from the 18th to the 20th century.

Free time dedicated to shopping

Small watercolors depicting the nomadic life, clothes made of felt or silk (del, khantas) traditional boots (gutal), painted furniture like in the ger, ornate saddles with silver cabochons: the choice is yours! Furthermore, Mongolia is the second largest producer of raw cashmere in the world after China so there’s no better place to buy this extraordinary soft wool!

Goodbye dinner at restaurant

Night at the Shangri-La Hotel

Breakfast at the Shangri-La hotel

Transfer to the Genghis Khan International Airport by 4×4 Land Cruiser for your international flight.