Asia · Mongolia
An itinerary that traverses the heart of Mongolia, departing from the capital Ulaanbaatar to venture into the vast reaches of the Gobi Desert.
An itinerary that traverses the heart of Mongolia, departing from the capital Ulaanbaatar to venture into the vast reaches of the Gobi Desert. The route winds through sacred granite formations, mountain gorges where ice lingers even in summer, and the spectacular sand dunes of Khongryn Els, offering a comprehensive panorama of the geological contrasts of this land.
The experience blends immersion in the wild with the discovery of the Mongol Empire's millenary history, from the paleontological sites of Bayanzag to the ancient capital of Kharakorum. Encounters with nomadic families and visits to Buddhist monasteries provide a deep understanding of the traditions and spirituality that continue to define the identity of the Mongolian people today.
The journey features travel by 4x4 vehicles and accommodation that alternates between 4 star hotels in Ulaanbaatar and exclusive gher, the traditional dwellings, ensuring an authentic connection with the territory without compromising on comfort. The presence of a local Italian speaking guide ensures constant cultural mediation throughout the expedition.
9 days in the programme
Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, a welcome service provides transfer to the hotel with the possibility of early check-in to refresh Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, a welcome service provides transfer to the hotel with the possibility of early check-in to refresh. In the afternoon, the programme begins with a visit to the National Museum of History and Genghis Khan Square, the heart of the capital and a symbol of national pride. The day concludes with dinner at the hotel.
A morning departure towards the Gobi Desert, crossing steppes populated by nomadic camps A morning departure towards the Gobi Desert, crossing steppes populated by nomadic camps. After lunch at a gher camp, you will explore Baga Gazryn Chuluu, a sacred mountain characterised by unique granite rock formations. You then reach the Sum Khukh Burd reserve, where a lake and the ruins of an ancient castle create an atmosphere suspended in time.
The journey continues towards the southern Gobi to visit the Valley of the Vultures (Yolyn Am) The journey continues towards the southern Gobi to visit the Valley of the Vultures (Yolyn Am). This deep gorge is famous for its cliffs that protect perennial ice formations, visible even in summer. A picnic lunch is planned amidst the natural scenery of the valley before reaching your accommodation.
A day dedicated to the majestic Khongryn Els dunes, known as the "Singing Dunes" due to the sounds produced by the wind A day dedicated to the majestic Khongryn Els dunes, known as the "Singing Dunes" due to the sounds produced by the wind. These sandy formations reach heights of 300 metres and can be explored on foot by following the ridge until reaching the oasis located at their edge.
A visit to Bayanzag, an iconic site known as the "Flaming Cliffs" for the intense red colour of the rock at sunset A visit to Bayanzag, an iconic site known as the "Flaming Cliffs" for the intense red colour of the rock at sunset. The site is of fundamental paleontological importance due to the discovery of dinosaur fossils and eggs. The itinerary also includes a stop in the nearby saxaul forest, a characteristic desert plant.
Transfer to the Ongi temple, once one of the most significant religious centres in Mongolia Transfer to the Ongi temple, once one of the most significant religious centres in Mongolia. You will visit the partially restored complex, situated in a striking location that invites reflection on the country's monastic history.
Reach Kharakorum, the site of the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire Reach Kharakorum, the site of the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Here you will visit the magnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first permanent Buddhist centre in Mongolia, surrounded by a wall embellished with 108 stupas.
The day includes a meeting with a nomadic family to learn about their lifestyle first hand and experience an authentic cultural exchange The day includes a meeting with a nomadic family to learn about their lifestyle first hand and experience an authentic cultural exchange. You then return to Ulaanbaatar to attend an evening performance of Mongolian folklore, featuring traditional local music and dance.
After breakfast, the journey concludes with an escort to the airport for your return flight.
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