Crusade across Central Mongolia: Ancient Heartland of Enchanting Nomads and Epic Nature
This video is a brief representation of Central Mongolia and does not represent the exact itinerary that is stated in the sign up article below
Nestled in Mongolia's heart, Central Mongolia is a cradle of nomadic culture and pristine natural wonders. Vast steppe landscapes, rolling hills, oases, and ancient volcanic formations define this region. Nomadic traditions thrive here, pulsating with the spirit of the land.
Explore Arkhangai Province's captivating landscapes and nomadic life, visit the breathtaking Orkhon Waterfall, and journey to the tranquil White Lake, Terkiin Tsagaan Nuur. This region is Mongolia's geographical and cultural epicenter, encapsulating the country's raw beauty, resilient people, and enduring traditions.
Join us on an extraordinary journey through Central Mongolia to explore and cherish this ancient and living culture, where every moment is a brushstroke on a captivating canvas.
Day 1: Welcome to Mongolia
Sain uu! (Hello!) You’ll land in the capital city, Ulaanbaatar, a dense urban centre home to more than half of Mongolia’s population of 3 million. In the city centre, glittering buildings rise alongside bold Soviet-era architecture and charming yurt-inspired structures. Cars rush through busy streets while cattle amble alongside in a bizarrely delightful mix of the traditional and modern.
“The arrangements made were fantastic, the city and expedition guides were friendly and always listened to us and understood our needs throughout the whole journey. Mongolia had always been at the back of my mind. I was curious about their nomadic lifestyle, culture and heritage. Beyond Expeditions opened up the opportunity for me to experience all this.
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Day 2: Meditating in Wilderness
As we explore Terelj’s mighty landscapes, we’ll also visit the Aryabal meditation temple. Perched on top of a mountain, this little temple is known for its peaceful meditative atmosphere and stunning views of the national park. For the history buffs, we’ll continue on to the 108 Monks Cave, where 108 Mongolian monks fled, in hiding from Russian troops during the Stalinist purge in the 1930s.
Day 3: Commune with Camels
Roam the breathtaking Mongol Sand Dunes on the back of your trusty camel. With the boundless sky above, and the endless plains all around you, lose yourself in the vastness of the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky. Thirsty? Try some sweet and salty camel milk, still warm from the desert heat.
Meet the Desert Dwellers
Camel nomads have lived in the Great Gobi Desert for thousands of years, withstanding the planet at its most extreme. In summer, temperatures can reach more than 50 degrees with limited water and barely any vegetation. Despite these harsh conditions, the nomads are a free-spirited, warm-hearted and joyful people. They move with the seasons and will go above and beyond to make you feel at home as you share in their nomadic culture and lifestyle.
“I have never been to the real wilderness before - the closest was probably random road trips but it was nothing like Mongolia. The ambience and the experience are so raw! I’ve never understood what freedom is, until I watched how the nomads live. I felt like I’ve went on a self-discovery trip. I managed to experience new things that I may not get the chance to. I learned that the world is so beautiful and amazing in all ways, Mongolia I’ll definitely come back for you!!!”
Day 4: Sparkling Waters of Orkhon
Your journey across vast Mongolian landscapes continues with an adventure at the mystical Orkhon Waterfall. Torrents of water thunder down a black stone cliff, framed by light pine trees, to flow into the enchanting Orkhon River. Orkhon River, winding amid grasslands, is Mongolia’s longest flowing river. You’ll explore this rich and vibrant oasis on the back of a horse.
Ride Horses Across Orkhon
Thunder across the endless plains like a Mongol conqueror in full control of your steed, surrendering only to wild and windy exhilaration. Then canter meditatively along the breathtaking Orkhon River. Refreshed by the spray of the waterfall and the beauty of the land, you feel completely at one with your horse and the natural world.
“The 13 days (we had a 33 hour flight delay due to adverse weather) flew by and there weren’t any dull periods. I’m not sure if it’s the same for the other groups but the 3 of us (unlikely trio of solo travellers) shared countless laughs and inside jokes that we hold dear. Have an open mind and heart, and give yourselves the chance of a life-changing experience. And perhaps like me, you may realise we are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for”
Day 5: Finding Healing in Hot Springs
Experience the wonderful Tsenher hot springs, powered by natural heat that streams forth from the volcanoes in the region. Cosily surrounded by majestic mountains and endless plains, take in these once-in-a-lifetime views as you soak in the steamy water and loosen your tired muscles. Relax… and feel all the stresses and burdens of modern life melt away. It’s a rejuvenating, life-changing experience.
Spend your night in a ‘Billion Star’ Hotel
Step into a free spirit’s life for an evening as you overnight with a nomadic horse family. They’ll warmly welcome you into the family ger, where you can swap stories and share food and drink till late. At night, sit out a while with a cup of hot tea and gaze into a sky bright with stars. You don’t have to think about work, what’s happening back home, or anything else… this moment is yours.
“What I get is experiencing life, what I get is stretching my comfort level, what I get is discovering my own limits, what I get is re-calibrating my boundaries, what I get is reaffirming that having basic needs met is all that matters, what I get is appreciating and making do with whatever I have, what I get is being marvelled by the resiliency, tenacity, creativity, simplicity and humanity of humankind and all these... are priceless.”
Day 6: Swim in the Blue Jewel
Your Mongolia experience continues at the Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur White Lake, a crystal-clear pool of water framed by extinct volcanoes. The jewel of Central Mongolia, Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur and its surrounds are filled with fish and birdlife. Come during the summer and you’ll find the water is warm enough to swim in, with excellent opportunities for bird watching, and fishing pike and perch.
Day 7: Hike a Sleeping Volcano
Close to the White Lake is the famous (and dormant) Khorgo Volcano. Some 8000 years ago, Khorgo’s volcanic lava flooded the nearby valleys, which are covered today with small forests of Siberian larch and an abundance of berries and wildflowers. You’ll hike to Khorgo’s mysterious, gaping crater while enjoying superb views. Near the crater, dozens of small caverns stand with stalactites hanging from their ceiling and walls.
“My sincere advice to anyone planning to take a trip to Mongolia is that you need to keep an open mind and forget about the plan and details. Live in the moment. Take in the rolling green steppes, vast blue skies, endless grasslands dotted with livestocks and ger. Play with the animals, play with the kids. Make the best of each situation. Observe and live like a Mongolian. Get over yourself and do things that you’ve never done before.”
Day 8: Reliving the Great Khan’s Rule
The last leg of your Mongolian adventure involves exploring the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, and experiencing its rich and colourful history. The province of Karakorum, Genghis Khan’s capital during the 1200s, was so perfectly located it forever changed the history of trade across Central Asia, and brought prosperity, peace and stability to the vast territories under Mongol rule.
Day 9: Back to Civilisation
It’s time to head back to Ulaanbaatar and a celebratory dinner with your new-found friends. Is it your last night in Mongolia already? The country, its people and culture had seemed so foreign when you first landed, but having journeyed deep into the wilderness and experienced nomadic culture in full, you feel attached to the country and the people who made your trip so precious.
Day 10: It’s Only the Beginning
Baryatai! (Goodbye!) You’ll fly back to Singapore richer with colourful experiences and new stories to tell. It’s not the end - it’s only the beginning! All travel is inherently transformative. At the end of the trip, maybe you’d like to start smiling hello to strangers. Or maybe you’d like to change jobs. Or fight for a cause.
Whatever it may be, there is a kind of internal shift, a deepening self-awareness. It will follow you and fuel you, changing your life in ways you can’t even imagine.
“Personally, Mongolia encompasses many things: from hospitable locals who take pride in their traditions to experienced drivers with a witty sense of humour, from star-filled skies to the beautiful lakes and plains basking beneath them. It is a place which reminds you of what raw beauty truly looks and feels like - that sometimes, you don’t really need all the excess ‘baggage’ to truly experience happiness. It also reminds you that the world is so much bigger than you think and how important it is to stay curious and inquisitive. I am definitely returning home with more than I had arrived with… it has reinvigorated my interest and curiosity about the world.”
TERMS & CONDITIONS
To secure your spot on the Central Mongolia Group Expedition, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required. The total trip cost is US$4,490 nett, excluding international flights. The remaining 50% balance is due 8 weeks before the trip begins. First-time travelers will enjoy a US$200 welcome voucher, while returning travelers receive US$500 off as a thank-you for joining us again.
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Round-trip airport transfers in Mongolia
All accommodations throughout the journey:
- Twin-sharing 3-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar
- Authentic guesthouses and tourist ger camps
- Traditional gers (yurts) hosted by local nomadic families in the countrysideAll meals as stated in the itinerary; breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day
Private 4x4 all-terrain vehicle with an experienced driver, including fuel
English-speaking local Mongolian guide
Horse and camel riding experience with trusted local handlers
All staff-related costs, including their fees, travel insurance, and expedition equipment
All government and local taxes
Entrance fees to all national parks and protected areas in the itinerary
1.5L bottled water per person, per day
Use of a high-quality 3- to 4-season sleeping bag (no need to bring your own)
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All flights, including any excess baggage charges or hand-carry fees
Any additional costs during flight layovers (meals, airport transfers, accommodations, etc.)
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, or extra services
Gratuities or tips for local guides and crew (completely optional, but always appreciated)
Personal travel insurance (highly recommended for your protection)
Emergency evacuation or rescue flights, if required due to unforeseen circumstances
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