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Trip type
Mongolia 360: From Gobi Sands to Nomad Lands
10 days •
9 nights
Itinerary
Step into a land where the sky stretches endlessly and the spirit of the nomad lives on. This 9-day overland journey through Mongolia will be an experience to a world untouched by time, a landscape of golden dunes, sacred mountains, and wide, open steppe. From the capital Ulaanbaatar, we’ll journey into the heart of the Gobi Desert, following ancient trade routes, canyon trails, and river valleys steeped in legend.
We'll ride camels across the Khongoryn Els dunes, hike the icy gorge of Yolyn Am, and stand on the windswept ridges of the Flaming Cliffs, where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered. Along the way, we’ll also stay with nomadic families, sleep in traditional gers, and share meals, stories, and customs that have remained unchanged for generations. In the green expanse of the Orkhon Valley, we’ll saddle up for a horseback ride to Mongolia’s largest waterfall, and explore the sacred ruins of Karakorum, the ancient seat of the Mongol Empire. This is a journey for those who seek authentic connection, natural wonder, and the joy of exploring by road, by hoof, and by heart. Let’s chase sunsets, share laughter around campfires, and feel the rhythm of life where the Earth still breathes freedom.
Day 1
City of the Eternal Blue Sky
Ulaanbaatar, the Capital
Welcome to Mongolia. Our journey begins in Ulaanbaatar, a city where glass towers rise beside ancient temples. After settling in, we’ll visit the peaceful Gandan Monastery, where golden Buddhas tower above prayer wheels. We’ll walk through Sukhbaatar Square, the historic heart of the city, before exploring the National Museum of Mongolian History to uncover the story of the Mongol Empire. In the evening, a traditional folk performance offers our first taste of throat singing, horse-head fiddle music, and the art of contortion. The adventure begins.
Day 2
Into the Steppe, Tsagaan Suvarga
From Ulaanbaatar to Tsagaan Suvarga
We leave the city behind and head south, where the horizon stretches endlessly and the land begins to breathe. The landscape transforms as we cross into the desert steppe, arriving by late afternoon at the surreal limestone formations of Tsagaan Suvarga, or “White Stupa.” These windswept cliffs glow in soft orange light as the sun sets, casting long shadows over a landscape that feels otherworldly. Tonight, we settle into our first ger camp, far from noise and light, where the stars greet us in silence.
Day 3
Canyon of Ice: Yolyn Am
Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park
Today we enter Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park and hike through Yolyn Am, the “Vulture Valley.” Despite its desert setting, this deep gorge is often filled with ice until midsummer. Surrounded by high rock walls and home to rare wildlife, it feels like a hidden world. The air is crisp, the silence humbling. We'll also visit a small natural history museum before continuing deeper into the Gobi. Our next ger camp offers sweeping desert views and a warm Mongolian welcome.
Day 4
The Sands that Sing, Khongoryn Els
Dunes, dunes, dunes
This is the heart of the Gobi. We drive across dry riverbeds and wind-carved hills to reach Khongoryn Els, the tallest dunes in Mongolia. Rising like mountains from the flat plain, they hum with sound as the wind moves their golden ridges, earning the name “Singing Dunes.” We’ll visit a local camel-herding family and try riding a Bactrian camel, a timeless way to travel in this region. As the sun sets, let’s climb the dunes for one of the most unforgettable views of the journey.
Day 5
Cliffs of Fire
Bayanzag and Ongi Monastery
We head east to Bayanzag, the legendary Flaming Cliffs where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered. These rust-red formations glow at midday, with ancient secrets hidden in the stone. Later, we continue to the quiet banks of the Ongi River, where the ruins of Ongi Monastery lie scattered like bones. Once one of Mongolia’s largest monastic complexes, it was destroyed during Soviet purges. The atmosphere is calm and reflective, a sacred place slowly returning to life.
Day 6
Steppe to Soul, Orkhon Valley
Orkhon Valley, experiencing the nomadic life
Leaving the desert behind, we rise into greener land. By late afternoon, we arrive in the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site where nomadic culture thrives. Our host family welcomes us into their traditional ger, and we settle in beside the river. This is the Mongolia of stories, mountains, herds, and big skies. The pace slows, the connection deepens. Tonight, we eat home-cooked food, warm ourselves by the stove, and share in the quiet rhythm of nomadic life.
Day 7
Horses and Waterfalls
Horse riding through waterfalls
Today we embrace the nomadic spirit fully. After breakfast, we ride Mongolian horses across open valleys to the roaring Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfall. The journey is peaceful, following rivers and grassy trails. For those not riding, yak carts offer a comfortable way to travel. After lunch near the falls, we return to help our host family with daily chores, perhaps milking yaks, making dairy snacks, or chopping wood. It’s a day of simplicity, connection, and shared smiles beneath the sky.
Day 8
Echoes of Empire, Karakorum
Former Capital of the Mongol Empire
We travel west to the legendary site of Karakorum, once the capital of the Mongol Empire. Here we explore the vast walls and white stupas of Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s first Buddhist temple, built from the ruins of the former city. The nearby museum reveals how this valley once ruled half the known world. As we stroll the quiet streets and temples, we reflect on Mongolia’s imperial past, and how its spirit still lives on in the horses, the herders, and the hills.
Day 9
Elsen Tasarkhai
Homeward Bound
On our final day, we begin the return to Ulaanbaatar. Along the way, we stop at Elsen Tasarkhai, the "Mini Gobi," where desert dunes meet grassy hills. Time permitting, we may meet a local camel herder or visit Khustai National Park, home to the wild Przewalski’s horse. As we roll into the capital in the afternoon, the journey’s memories linger, the silence of the steppe, the warmth of the gers, the friendships forged under the stars. Mongolia has left its mark.
Day 10
Farewell, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar
A relaxed final morning in Ulaanbaatar gives us time to reflect on the journey we've just shared. Sip a last coffee, watch the city come to life, or take a peaceful stroll through the National Amusement Park or along the riverside paths near the city center. For those craving a final taste of culture, optional visits to the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum or the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan offer a deeper look into Mongolia’s artistic and royal heritage. You might also browse for antique horse gear, Buddhist relics, or felt crafts at the Narantuul Market or the boutique shops around Chinggis Square.
With your backpack in hand and Mongolia in your heart, we’ll say goodbye to a trip filled with windswept dunes, warm fires, endless horizons, and connections that will linger long after you return home. Until the next adventure.
What's included
Accommodations, including comfortable hotels and traditional ger camps in scenic locations
All breakfasts
Experience at a family-run nomadic ger
3x traditional dinners, featuring regional Mongolian cuisine
Professional private transportation for all travel days, including fuel and tolls
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
Roundtrip flight to/from destination
- Food and beverages when not specified
- All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Money pot
The Money Pot is only used for all the extra activities (not included in the tour package) that ALL members of the group agree to do. It will also cover the coordinator`s fee for these extra activities. The Money Pot is approximately £130/€150 and is collected on-site by the Travel Coordinator. The amount of the Money Pot will vary based on the number of activities and extras that the group decides to do. Any leftover money will be returned at the end of the trip to participants and don't worry, our Travel Coordinators always try and haggle a deal!
- Coordinator's money pot share
- All extra activities that each member of the group agree on doing and the coordinator's fee as well
Additional info
Learn more about accommodation, transport, and other useful travel information.
Please note that accommodation at the ger camps will be in tented shared camps, and that a private room is not available.
Private Room Option Show all details
Why WeRoad
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Small groups, on average 11 people
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Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
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Book with a £/€100 deposit
The travel coordinators
Our travel coordinators are chosen because they are people like you. Not only are they the best travel buddy you could hope for, but they're trained professionals guaranteed to show you a travel experience like never before
Find your flight
For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.
Arrival
Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport
Return
Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport
This is a WeRoadX
A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
About this trip
What are the meeting and departure details for this trip?
This journey begins at Ulaanbaatar. On the first day, we meet at 18:00.
Your Coordinator will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.
It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.
This journey ends at Ulaanbaatar. On the last day, you are free to leave at any time, so whether you need to book a flight, a train, or wish to continue the journey on your own, you can organize your return as you prefer.
What kind of luggage can I bring with me on this trip?
For this itinerary, you can choose the type of luggage you prefer – we always recommend a backpack, but you can also travel with a duffel bag, a holdall, or (it breaks our heart to say it) a cabin trolley case or a checked suitcase, as long as it’s moderate in size. Our Travel Coordinator will suggest the ideal luggage before departure in the WhatsApp group!
About Mongolia
What's the time zone in Mongolia?
Mongolia follows Mongolia Standard Time, which is 8 hours ahead of GMT. So, if it's 12pm in the UK, it will be 8pm in Mongolia. If you're in the Eastern Time Zone in the USA, 12pm there would be 1am the next day in Mongolia. Mongolia does not observe daylight saving time, so this difference remains consistent throughout the year.
Which currency is used in Mongolia?
Mongolia uses the Mongolian Tögrög (MNT) as its official currency. The exchange rates can vary, but as a rough guide:
- 1 GBP is approximately 4,200 MNT
- 1 USD is around 3,400 MNT
- 1 EUR is about 3,800 MNT
You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, or some hotels in major cities like Ulaanbaatar.
How can I pay in Mongolia?
Credit cards and cash are the main methods of payment in Mongolia. Major cities and tourist areas often accept credit cards, but it's a good idea to carry cash for smaller towns and markets. ATMs are available in urban areas for withdrawing the local currency, the Mongolian Tugrik. Remember to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.
Do I need to tip in Mongolia?
Tipping in Mongolia is not a common practice, but it's becoming more appreciated, especially in urban areas and tourist spots. In restaurants, leaving a 5 to 10 percent tip for good service is generous. In hotels, you might consider tipping porters and housekeeping a small amount. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. Always carry some small bills with you, as it can be handy for these situations.
What's the internet like in Mongolia? Should I buy a SIM card? How available is Wi-Fi?
In Mongolia, Wi-Fi is available in most urban areas, especially in Ulaanbaatar, where you can find it in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. However, if you plan to explore rural areas, Wi-Fi access might be limited. We recommend you buy a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan for better connectivity on the go.
Popular providers in Mongolia include:
- Mobicom
- Unitel
- G-Mobile
You can purchase SIM cards at the airport or in major cities. This will ensure you stay connected during your travels, especially in areas with less reliable Wi-Fi.
What language do they speak in Mongolia?
In Mongolia, the official language is Mongolian. It's useful to know some common phrases when traveling:
- Hello: Сайн байна уу (Sain baina uu)
- Thank you: Баярлалаа (Bayarlalaa)
- Yes: Тийм (Tiim)
- No: Үгүй (Ugüi)
- Excuse me/Sorry: Уучлаарай (Uuchlaarai)
These phrases can be handy in everyday interactions!
What kind of plugs are used in Mongolia?
In Mongolia, you'll find Type C and Type E plugs, similar to those used in many European countries. The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. If your devices use a different plug type, we suggest bringing a universal adapter to ensure compatibility. This way, you can keep all your gadgets charged and ready during your travels.
What’s the main religion in Mongolia?
The main religion in Mongolia is Tibetan Buddhism, which is practiced by a majority of the population. There are also smaller communities of Muslims, primarily among the Kazakh ethnic group, as well as Christians and practitioners of traditional Mongolian shamanism.
Important religious holidays include:
- Tsagaan Sar, the Mongolian Lunar New Year
- Naadam, which is both a cultural and religious festival
Remember to respect local customs and traditions when visiting religious sites.
What should I pack for Mongolia?
When packing for Mongolia, it's important to prepare for its diverse climates and terrains. Here's a handy list of what to put in your backpack:
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Clothing:
- Warm layers like thermal shirts and a fleece jacket
- Lightweight, breathable shirts for daytime
- A waterproof jacket
- Comfortable pants and shorts
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Shoes:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Comfortable sneakers
- Flip-flops for relaxing
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Accessories and Technology:
- A hat and sunglasses
- A power bank
- A camera or smartphone for photos
- Universal travel adapter
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Toiletries and Medication:
- Basic toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Basic medication such as pain relievers, antihistamines, and motion sickness tablets
Mongolia's climate can be extreme, so ensure you're well-prepared for both warm days and chilly nights.
What’s the weather like in Mongolia?
Mongolia has a diverse climate, depending on the region, with significant temperature variations.
- Ulaanbaatar and Central Mongolia: Winters are extremely cold, with temperatures dropping to -30°C. Summers are mild, averaging 20°C. Best time to visit is from June to September.
- Gobi Desert: Hot in summer, with temperatures reaching 40°C, and cold winters, around -20°C. Late spring and early autumn are ideal for visiting.
- Northern Mongolia: Cold winters and cool summers, with a lot of rainfall in July and August. Best time to visit is late spring to early autumn.
The best time overall to visit Mongolia is between June and September, when the weather is most favorable for travel.
About WeRoad
Are flights included?
Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.
As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
What does the "Available" status mean?
An "Available" departure means that the trip isn’t confirmed yet and we’re waiting for a few more travellers to sign up… which could be you!
If you book the trip please wait for it to be confirmed before booking your international flights.
What is the Money Pot and how does it work?
The question of all questions! Here’s some more information:
- The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all travellers on the trip and managed by your Travel Coordinator.
- It is used to streamline payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do. This guarantees flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
- It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
- You’ll find the Money Pot amount on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the Money Pot’. To find this look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money Pot? Click here’ and you’ll find the details.
- The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
- It is usually used for group expenses that all travellers decide to take part in, but sometimes if you opt out of an activity it might make more sense for it to come out of the Money Pot. In these cases the Coordinator will return the amount for this activity back to you at the end of the trip.
- It is estimated based on the experience of other groups but can vary depending on what activities your group is keen for. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
- If not all of the Money Pot is spent, the difference will be returned to all travellers at the end of the trip.
- The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the Money Pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
- If you pay in advance for part of the Money Pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded if the trip is cancelled.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer several payment methods to fit every need:
1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.
Can I cancel or modify my booking?
Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation up to 31 days before departure, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.
If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option.
You can do it directly from your personal MyWeRoad account!
Within your booking you will find the "Change Your Trip" section at the bottom right, just underneath your booking details. You will be able to select a different date for the same trip, or a different trip entirely. Whether you are able to change the trip depends on the cancellation terms of your booking. For your original booking if you selected the Private Room, Flexible Cancellation or entered any discount code, gift card or voucher, before confirming the change we will let you know if anything isn't applicable to the new trip and you can decide whether to proceed or not. If you have any issues please do get in touch with the WeRoad team and we'll be able to help.
It's not possible to move to a 'sold out' trip and with any trips that are 'on request' we will need to check availability with our local partners so please do get in touch if you want to move to an 'on request' trip. Please bear in mind that if the trip has the 'final spots' status, there may be no places left in either the male or female room.
How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.
What type of accommodation should I expect on your trips?
For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
Can I find out my travel groups' flights?
Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking.
1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously.
2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!
3. If the Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. Click 'Ask the Coordinator' and follow the link here.
How is a group made up in average?
Our groups usually consist of 8–12 travellers, with a minimum of 3–4 and a maximum of 15.
Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, with an average age of 34 across all trips.
Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported.
If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700.
Can I see who’s in the group before I book the trip?
Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking.
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked.
Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!
If a location is mentioned, is it guaranteed that we’ll spend the night there?
For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation.
The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!
Who is the Travel Coordinator and what is their role on the trip?
The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too!
The Coordinator will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Will I be sharing a room?
Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout.
Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email [email protected] if you have a preference on this.
How can I be part of the WeRoad community?
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here.
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$ 1,522
$ 1,415