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Mongolia and Tibet Adventure


15 days 14 nights

Code

Category Mongolia Classic Tours

  • Group Size 2-10 Persons
  • Difficulty Level 3
  • Trip Starts From Ulaanbaatar
  • Trip Ends At Lhasa
  • Accommodation Hotels and ger camps
  • Type Tours
  • Season May to August
  • Destination Ulaanbaatar South Gobi Hongoryn Els Bayanzag Gorkhi Terelj National Park, Mongolia Hustai National Park Beijing Lhasa Tsedang Samye
Dates & Prices
Please, contact us for the price and the dates for this trip

Overview

Visit Mongolia and Tibet- two vast lands that share the religion, geographical, and cultural similarities with roots in a nomadic lifestyle. Both Tibet and Mongolia are high plateaus with open steppes and cold, arid climate, and so makes a perfect combination to visit in one trip.

We begin our trip from Ulaanbaatar- the capital city of Mongolia. We spend the first two days, recovering travel fatigue and visiting its attractions that include a Buddhist monastery, a former palace, and the natural history museum. Our next destination is South Gobi and search for the Dinosaur eggs and bones in the Flaming Cliff. We hike the vultures' canyon, climb the world's most massive dune. We will also have the opportunity to visit nomadic families and learn about their lifestyle. The majority of the Mongolian population still lives in ger tent (or yurt) made up of felt. The family will treat you with the fermented milk and Mongolian tea. Here, we can also take an optional camelback ride. Lastly, visit the Hustai National Park renowned for the wild horses, locally called Takhi and also called Przewalski's horses, among other wildlife and birds.

With a night stopover in Beijing, we fly into Lhasa- the capital city of Tibet. We spend the first three days, acclimating and exploring the major Buddhist monasteries, ancient temples, former palaces, and old Tibetan quarters. And then we will travel to Tsedang- the gateway to the Yarlung Valley. We will take a side trip of Yamdrok Tso Lake-one of the holiest lakes of Tibet and a 17th-century Nyingmapa monastery- Midrolling.

In Tsedang, we visit the ancient Tradruk Temple, contemporary to the Jokhang Temple of Lhasa, Yambulakhang Palace- the first Tibetan palace building and Samye Monastery- the first Buddhist monastery of Tibet.

From Tibet, we have options to fly back to Beijing or other Chinese cities or even Kathmandu or Hong Kong or Bangkok via Chengdu.

Note: The trip cost does not include the international airfare and in-tour airfare from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing to Lhasa and onward. Airfare from Ulaanbaatar to Bejing to Lhasa and return to Beijing is estimated at $1100.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01~Arrive in Ulaanbaatar

US citizens don't need a visa for Mongolia for a stay up to 90 days. After clearing immigration and custom, you will meet your guide and driver at the arrival gate, followed by a transfer to your hotel in the city (25 minutes). Check into the hotel, and the balance of the day is at leisure.

 

Overnight: Ramada Hotel or Holiday Inn
Meals : Dinner
Day 02~Sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you for sightseeing of Ulaanbaatar. The first stop will be at the Gandan Monastery that is the largest and most famous functioning monastery in Mongolia. Here you may experience the monks in worship and see the impressive Golden Buddha Statue of Migjid Janraisig.

Next, visit the Chinggis Khan Square, in the central square of the city. The center of the square has an equestrian statue of Damdin Sükhbaatar, one of the leaders of Mongolia's 1921 revolution, and the square was named after him from 2013 to 2016. The place also features monuments of Chinggis Khan, as well as to Ögedei Khan and Kublai Khan in the square's north side and in front of the government palace called Saaral Ordon.

Now, visit the National Museum of Mongolia, located on the west side of the palace. The museum exhibits prehistory, pre-Mongol Empire history, Mongol Empire. It also presents Mongolia during the Qing rule, ethnography and traditional life, and the twentieth-century history of Mongolia.

The other two attractions nearby are Bogd Khan Palace Museum and Zaisan Memorial. The Bogd Khan Palace Museum is one of the few Ulaanbaatar historical attractions not destroyed by the Soviet and Mongolian communists. It used to be a winter residence of the last Bogd Khaan of Mongolia, Javzandamba. Among the museum's exhibits are sculptures by Mongolia's first Bogd Khaan Zanabazar, the famous Taras. The museum has 21 invaluable statues of Taras.

The Zaisan memorial lies in the foothills to the south of Ulaanbaatar. The Russians built the monument to commemorate Soviet soldiers fallen in World War Two. A tiled mural lies within the solid ring, which is raised about 5 m above the ground. Zaisan is a popular tourist attraction and one of the highlights of Ulan Bator due to the fantastic views it offers over the city. 

In the evening, enjoy local cultural dances.

Overnight: Ramada Hotel or Holiday Inn
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03~Yol Valley and the Gurvansaikhan National Park

(1.5 hours flight, approximately 2 hours driving).
This morning you fly over the vast steppe to the Gobi Desert, Mongolia’s southernmost province of semi-arid desert. Meet your local guide and driver upon arrival and then transfer by a 4WD vehicle to the Yol Valley in Gurvansaikhan National Park, situated in the lap of the Altai Mountains. On the way to the lodge, you will stop to visit the local Natural History Museum for an insight into flora and fauna of the area.

Check into your ger tent accommodation. Today and the next two days, we will spend exploring the vast Gobi. It is the habitat of the Bactrian Camels, Argali mountain sheep, Golden Eagles, Jerboas- which resembles the Kangaroo rats, Saker Falcons, and more. You may also take a scenic hike through the valley to discover the habitat of the indigenous vulture-like Lammergeyers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks, and Argali mountain sheep. This valley is nestled deep within the hills and is a haven to get away from the desert heat. Some areas of the valley are in the shade and don't receive the sunlight directly; thus, the ice-blocks take time to melt away and some time till late summer. It is extensive at the entrance and narrows gradually into a remarkable gorge. You will get to see wild animals such as ibex and wild sheep and the vulture. You can hike on foot or go horseback or camel riding around the area to the gorge (Horseback ride costs US$ 5-7 with the lead).

Overnight: Gobi Oasis Ger Camp
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04~Hongryn Els-The Singing Sand Dunes

After breakfast, we proceed on a scenic drive to Khongoryn Els (125 miles, four hours) with an occasional stop for photography.

You will have time to settle into your yurt and take rest before you proceed for the exploration of the dunes. If you are not exhausted from a long drive, you can attempt climbing the dune wall. The view from the top is rewarding!

Khongoryn Els or Khongor Sand Dunes are some of the largest and most spectacular dunes in Mongolia. Also known as the Duut Mankhan (Singing Dunes – from the sound they make when the wind moves the sand ), they are up to 984 ft high 7.5 miles wide and about 62.5 long. The largest dune is at the northwestern corner of the range. From afar, the dunes look painted on the southern horizon in front of those gorgeous granite mountains. There is also a beautiful green oasis known as Seruun Bulag near the Khongor River.

Next, we visit a nearby nomadic family and take a look inside their traditional dwelling. The family treats us with camel cheese and yak milk tea. You can rent a camel and explore the area around it. Each summer, they bring their livestock to graze on a pasture close to the Khongoryn River and offer camel rides. Visiting such a family provides unique insights into the local way of life. (Camel ride costs $7 or $8, not included in the trip cost).

Overnight: Gobi Erdene Ger Camp
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05~Bayanzag-The Flaming Cliffs

After breakfast, we leave Hongoryn Els for Bayanzag. It's a long day drive today and can take up to 5 hours, but it's a scenic drive through the vast land. We will occasionally stop for photography and to watch the birds and the animals of the area.

We check in our camp, wash, and change, and after lunch, we drive to visit the Flaming Cliff. The place was named as 'Flaming Cliffs' by Roy Chapman Andrews, an American explorer who searched throughout the Mongolian Gobi Desert and found dinosaur skeleton and eggs for the first time in Asia. The red cliff gleams with sunlight and is visible from far away. We will take a short walk on the ridge of the cliff and look for the pieces of Dinosaur Bones. We will drive a little further to see the saxaul trees that contributed to the name Bayanzag. Bayanzag means rich in saxaul.

 

Overnight: Gobi Mirage Ger Camp
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06~Gorkhi Terelj National Park

Early morning breakfast, and your driver will see you off at Dalanzadgad Airport. Upon arrival at the Ulaanbaatar airport, meet your driver and then proceed to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. This unforgettable excursion will take you to features such as unique rock formations, scenic valleys, a winding river, and quiet groves of trees. Many nomads live in the park itself, where they find lush grazing land for their animals. You will take a tour in the park and visit the notable rocks called "The Turtle rock," and "Monk reading a book." You will visit the Aryabal meditation center located inside the mountains to learn more about Mongolian Buddhism.

Check into your ger camp and tour to Terelj National park on foot or rent a horse that costs less than $10/hour. 

Overnight: Terelj Lodge Camp
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07~Hustai National Park

After a leisurely morning breakfast, we retrace our drive back to UB and continue further to Hustai National Park, renowned for the successful reintroduction of the wild horse. 

On the way, we will stop to visit the giant statue of Chinggis Khan, which stands 40 m high. The icon is the landmark of the area and is visible from far away. Next is the 13th Century Camp- a living museum that gives you a glimpse of life as an ancient Mongol during the time of Chinggis Khan. It has into six camps, each showcasing critical cultural aspects of 13th Century life in Mongolia.

Upon arrival in Hustai, we check in our ger camp. After wash and change, we will take the jeep ride in the park. Usually, we can see the herds of wild horses grazing in the grasslands of the parks and other wild animals.

Overnight: Moltsog Ger Camp
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08~Drive back to Ulaabaatar

We will have more time to explore the park before we head back to Ulaanbaatar. This afternoon is free for you to take rest or go shopping.

 

Overnight: Ramada Hotel or Holiday Inn
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 09~Flight from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Beijing. Upon arrival at Beijing international airport, complete your immigration and customs formalities and take the shuttle van to the hotel.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport
Meals : Breakfast
Day 10~Flight from Beijing to Lhasa

Take the hotel shuttle van to the airport in time for the flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival at Lhasa Gongar Airport, meet your Tibetan Guide and transfer to the hotel in the city.
Today, take complete rest for acclimatization. Drink plenty of water and liquid food in meals.

Overnight: Dekhang Hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 11~Lhasa: Visit Drepung Monastery, Norbulingkha Palace, Jorkhang Temple and Barkhor Street

Following breakfast, set out with your guide and driver to explore the attractions of Lhasa. First, we drive about 5 miles in the outskirt of the city to visit Drepung Monastery- the most extensive, wealthiest, and the most powerful of the three major "Yellow Hat" Sect monasteries of Tibet. Drepung commanded the administration of Tibet before Potala Palace rose as the power center. At Drepung, we visit the Ganden Palace, the main Assembly Hall, and some of the colleges of Buddhist studies. Drepung Monastery also commands a breathtaking view of the city.

From here, we head to Norbulinkha Gardens to see the summer palaces of the Dalai Lama. Of all the castles, the palace of the 14th Dalai Lama (the current Dalai Lama) is a major attraction. We visit his private chambers and audience hall.

In the afternoon, we head to Barkhor- the old Tibetan town where we will have a lunch break (lunch not provided). After lunch, we visit the ancient Jokhang Temple- built by King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century to house the image of Buddha. This image was brought to Tibet by his Nepalese wife Bhrikuti as part of the dowry. After that, we will take a relaxed stroll on the pilgrimage path of Barkhor that goes around the Jokhang Temple. Barkhor area has authentic Tibetan characteristics with Tibetan shops lining up on either side of the street. We will see devout Tibetans walking and spinning the prayer wheels or counting the holy beads and uttering the sacred Buddhist mantras-'Om Mane Padme Hum!'

Overnight: Dekhang Hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 12~Lhasa: Visit Potala Palace and Sera Monastery

Today, we visit Potala Palace- which is undoubtedly the principal attraction of Lhasa. The massive architecture, situated atop the red hill in the city center, served as the residence of Dalai Lama and hence was the power center of Tibet until he fled to India in 1959. The original palace was believed to have been built by King Songtsen Gampo of the 7th century, but the current structure dates back to the mid-17th century. The castle has two parts- the Red Palace and White Palace. The Red Palace is for the religious purpose that enshrines the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas, the monks' assembly hall, numerous chapels and shrines, and libraries for Buddhist Scriptures. The White Palace is for the administrative purpose containing living quarters, offices, the seminary, and the printing house.

Our next destination is the Sera Monastery- other major Gelugpa monasteries of Lhasa. If you are hiking enthusiast and well acclimated, you can join the local pilgrims on an hour-long hike on the pilgrimage path, known as "kora" (pilgrimage that goes around the monastery). Along the trail, we will see the rock paintings and hermitages of Tsongkhapa (Founder of Gelugpa sect).

As we conclude the kora hiking, we enter the monastery and visit its main assembly hall and some of its several Buddhist colleges. We will also take a chance to attend the debating session of the monks. We also have the option of hiking to Pabonka Monastery, which takes about one hour from Sera. Pabonka is one of the most ancient Buddhist sites in the Lhasa region and unfrequented by tourists.

Overnight: Dekhang Hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 13~Travel to Tsedang with detour of Kambala Pass

 (183km/122miles, 4 hrs. drive).

After breakfast, leave for Tsedang- the capital of ancient Yarlung Valley. The Yarlung Valley is referenced as the cradle of Tibetan civilization, and it was in Yarlung that early Tibetan Kings unified Tibet in the 7th century. On the way, we will take a detour of Kambala Pass (15, 915 ft) for the views of Yamdrok Tso Lake. The  Kambala Pass (15, 915 ft.) offers spectacular views of Yamdrok Tso Lake-which is among the holiest lakes of Tibet and the vast Tibetan plateau and Himalayan mountains.

We will also stop at Mindrolling Monastery- a 17th-century temple which is one of the six major monasteries of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. We arrive in Tsedang late afternoon. Check into the hotel and take rest for the balance of the day.

Overnight: Tsedang Hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 14~Explore Tsedang and Samye Monastery

Today, we explore the historical and cultural sights of the Yarlung Valley. Visit the ancient Tradruk Temple (7 km or 4.5 miles), which is one of the earliest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. It is contemporary in comparison to the Jokhang and Ramoche of Lhasa. At Tradruk, visit the courtyard area, ringed by sanctuaries, the main chapel with statues of Tara or Drolma, the 5 Dhyani Buddhas, and the famous Thangka painting of the Drolma in the chapel upstairs.

From Tradruk, you head south to Yumbulgang Palace (6km or 1.8 miles), which is a beautiful tapering finger of a structure that pops up from a rocky ridge overlooking the patchwork of fields of the Yarlung Valley. Visit the ground floor chapel consecrated to the ancient kings of Tibet and the upper floor chapel with an image of Chenresig (Avalokityaswora) and also see some excellent murals depicting the descent of Nyentri Tsenpo from heaven to Yumbulagang. Walk up along the ridge above the building to enjoy fabulous views of the Yarlung Valley.

In the afternoon, we visit Samye Monastery- the first Buddhist Monastery in Tibet. The monastery is famous for its sacred mandala design: the central temple symbolizes the legendary Mount Meru, the center of the universe. It is a renowned pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists, some of who travel on foot for weeks to reach this holy shrine.

Overnight: Tsedang Hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 15~Depart

(120km/7.5miles, 1.5 hrs. drive)
The trip concludes today. After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for a flight to your next destination. You have options to fly to Chengdu, Beijing, or other mainland Chinese cities as well as Kathmandu, Nepal.

Meals : Breakfast

Trip Map

Trip Info

Trip Includes

  • Accommodation on double occupancy basis in the listed hotels and ger camps.
  • Meals: Three meals a day in Mongolia and breakfast only in Beijing and Tibet.
  • All entrance fees.
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary.
  • Transportation by a 4WD vehicle in Mongolia and by a minivan in Tibet.
  • Domestic flight within Mongolia.
  • English speaking tour guide.
  • Daily supply of bottled water.

The trip does not Include

  • International airfare
  • In-tour airfare Ulaanbaatar-Beijing-Lhasa and return (Estimated $1100-$1200).
  • Travel insurance.
  • Personal expenses such as phone, drinks, tipping, laundry, etc.
  • Optional additional activity cost.
  • Excess baggage charge, airport taxes, and fees.
  • Single room supplement.

Trip Difficulty Level

Although no extreme adventures are involved, this is also not the trip for luxury and leisure seekers. You should be willing to walk and hike, in addition to the long day drives on dirt and rocky roads. Outside Ulaanbaatar, roads are unpaved, so they are bumpy and can be dusty as well. Please bring the pollution mask to protect your nose and mouth to avoid inhaling the dust. This trip requires some degree of physical fitness. The more physically fit you are, the more you will be able to enjoy the journey. If you do not lead an active life, please start soft training two or three months before the trip. Engage yourself in hiking, jogging, swimming, cycling, or aerobics for 25-30 minutes a day. Avoid using elevators or use bicycles instead of a car if it's a short ride.

We use 4WD Mitsubishi Delica van, which is right in Mongolian terrain. There will be a maximum of four passengers per vehicle.
While in Mongolia, you have options for camel riding, horseback riding, dune hiking.
Roads in Tibet are well paved. The main concern in Tibet is altitude-related issues. All travelers, regardless of age, are likely to experience some discomfort in the first couple of days. The symptoms should go away in a day or two. However, travelers with heart and lung issues must consult with their physician before they sign up for the trip.
In Mongolian rural areas, your accommodation will be in a yurt, locally known as a 'ger.' The toilet and shower are in a separate building. The camps usually have few en suite gers that you can book on an additional cost.

What is it like staying in a Ger Camp?

You have hotel accommodations in Ulaanbaatar, Beijing, and Tibet, but in South Gobi and other areas of Mongolia, you will sleep in a yurt, locally called Ger. A Ger is a tent made of latticed wood and covered with insulated felt and canvas layers. The Gers are simple, cozy, and comfortable and usually have two or three or four wooden beds with bedding, side tables, chairs, and flasks of hot water. Each ger has a central wood-burning stove to heat the space in the evening and morning. The dining hall and kitchen are in the main building or a large tent. The toilet and shower block will be in a convenient location within the camp. Most toilets have western-style flush toilets, but water speed is slow. Some camps also have a few en suite gers that you can request for an additional fee. Most camps have 24-hours electricity, and the generators support some. However, power fluctuation is very common. The main building has charge stations for phone and camera batteries.
Staying in ger camps gives an experience of the lifestyle of Mongolian nomadic culture.

Transportation:

All ground transportation will be by 4WD vehicles while in Mongolia and a regular van or coach while in Tibet, as all road conditions are generally good.

Guides:

Our tours are led by experienced local guides who are proficient in English and have good knowledge of history, culture, and religion of Mongolia. Guides in different cities can be different persons.

Best Time To Visit Mongolia and Tibet in One Trip

June to September is the best time to travel to Mongolia and Tibet. The weather is mild, generally dry throughout the central and southern areas. The temperature in the steppe averages around 66°F, and may fall to 50°F, or below, at night. In the Gobi, temperatures in summer average 85-95°F; however, the nights can get quite cold. July and August receive some rain it doesn't affect the tours.
The winter begins in October and lasts through April and is not the best time to travel to these countries.

Passport and Visa:

The remaining validity of your passport must be at least six months on the last day of the tour. Please, also make sure you are not running out of blank visa pages for entry and departure seals. US citizens don't need a visa for Mongolia for up to 30 days.
For Tibet, you need a Chinese visa and Tibetan permits. You need to obtain a Chinese visa on your own, and we arrange a Tibetan permit for you.

Booking and payment schedule

We request a deposit of US$ 300 along with a completed application and a passport scan to secure your place on the trip. You can pay the deposit by check or credit card. The balance payment is due 90 days before departure. The payment schedule may vary with customized and private trips on case to case basis. Balance payment by credit card attracts an additional 3 to 3.5% fee. A credit card holder also must be the traveler.

Cancellation and refund

If you need to withdraw from the trip, please, notify us in writing by email or fax. Below is the cancellation policy of Far & High. 

Ninety days before departure: US$ 150 (Administrative Fee).

Sixty-Eighty-nine days before departure: US$ 250 or 25% of the land cost whichever is higher.

Forty-five days to Fifty-nine days prior departure: US$ 450 or 50% of the land cost whichever is higher.

Thirty days to Forty-four days before departure: US$ 600 or 75% of the land cost whichever is higher.

Less than Thirty days: 100%.

The airfare cancellation fee is subject to the airline policies plus $25 per ticket by the consolidator.

Accomodation

Accommodation

You have a mix of three and four-star hotels in the cities with adequate amenities. In Mongolia, once outside the city, the accommodations are in nomadic style ger camps. The gers or yurts are portable round felt houses perfectly suited to the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle. The GER consists of a wooden frame carrying a felt cover. Traditionally furnished with beautifully painted wood-framed beds and furniture, the lodge is built in a traditional architectural style. There will be 2-3 twin-size beds, provided with foam or futon style mattresses and blankets or quilts. They also provide towels but limited and so you may want to bring your own. The bed sheets and blankets are generally clean but as they are hand-washed in cold water, sometime we can see stains. Some travelers bring their own sleeping bag and bed sheets but not required. Some travelers said the mattresses were hard and also the pillows. So, please consider bringing an air pillow.

There will be a fireplace with a chimney in the center of the ger. If it rains, the nights can be cold and you may want to request firewood for the evening and morning.

There will be 4-5 toilets and shower rooms in the camp which you share with other guests. They are located in a convenient location outside your ger. It's very important that you bring a flashlight with spare batteries as you may need them to walk to the bathroom at dark.  The water in the shower is solar heated. If it's a cloudy and rainy day, water may not be warm enough and we request your understanding.

Some camps have a few en suite gers (yurts) which can be booked for an additional $50 to $100 per person, but sometimes it's not worth as due to harsh climate conditions and poor maintenance, they may not be in the best condition and may have plumbing issues.

Ramada Hotel, Ulaanbaatar (four-star)

  • Ramada Hotel, Ulaabaatar
  • Ramada Hotel Room
  • Ramada Hotel

Ger Camp Accommodations in Monoglia

  • Ger Camp
  • A typical Mongolian Ger
  • Ger accommodation

Dekang Hotel, Lhasa, Tibet (three-star)

  • dekang hotel lhasa
  • four points lhasa room1
  • four points sheraton

Tsedang Hotel, Tibet (four-star)

  • tsedang hotel blg
  • tsedang hotel room1
  • tsedang hotel room2

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 1 612 869 8502

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