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GOBI & WESTERN MONGOLIA TOUR
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 · 63 reviews on TripAdvisor · 8+ years of authentic Mongolia expeditions
GOBI & WESTERN MONGOLIA TOUR
12 DAYS – 11 NIGHTS (FROM $2400 )
- Duration: 12 days 11 nights
- Price from: 2400 USD
- Arrival: Dalanzadgad, Olgii
- Group size: 2- 10
- Destination: Gobi and Altai Mountains
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Suitable age: 15-70
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OVERVIEW
Where to go? The Gobi Desert or Khuvsgul Lake? Or is it better to visit central or western Mongolia? These are some of the questions that come to mind when people decide which places to visit in Mongolia. To be honest you need a couple of months to visit all the main attractions.
But the Discover Altai team offers you a perfectly planned package that takes 12 days in the Gobi and Western Mongolia. You have the opportunity to enjoy the stunning Gobi desert, visit camel herders and their families, and see the gorgeous Altai Mountains where you can explore more about the eagle hunters.
An unforgettable experience is guaranteed! Please get in touch with us with any questions! Hope to see you soon!
Tour Itinerary
Eleven days linking the Gobi Desert with the western Altai — singing dunes and dinosaur cliffs, then horse trekking and the climb of Malchin Peak.
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DAY1
Day 1DAY 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Welcome to Mongolia. Our Discover Altai team will meet you on your arrival to Chinggis Khaan airport or from any location in the city. We will transfer you to your hotel. After having lunch we will take you on a short city tour which includes visiting the Museum of National History and Central Square. We will have a welcome dinner at a restaurant.
Accommodation: Stay overnight in hotel
Meals: Lunch, Dinner -
DAY2
Day 2DAY 2: Yoliin Am
In the morning we will catch a flight to Southern Mongolia. At the local airport, you will be welcomed by our Discover Altai team which consists of a driver and English-speaking tour guide. We will drive to Yoliin Am which is well known as Vulture Canyon. The valley is truly one of the most beautiful places in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park.
Also, it is registered as part of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. The narrow valley was created by many years of water erosion. In some deep parts of the canyon, no sun appears, and holds ice till August. At the entrance, we will visit the National Museum and learn more about the valley. We will trek through the valley and enjoy the stunning nature.
Accommodation: Stay overnight in ger camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY3
Day 3DAY 3: Khongoriin Els
After having breakfast we will drive to the Khingoriin Els or Khongor Sand Dunes. The sand covers an area that is 180km long and around 20 km wide. The land is famous for gorgeous sunsets and the best spots for a camel ride. We will visit a nomadic camel herder’s family and enjoy a camel ride. In the evening we will climb up to the highest sand dune to enjoy the breathtaking sunset.
Accommodation: Stay overnight with family
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY4
Day 4DAY 4: Bayanzag
Today we will drive to Bayanzag. The land is known as” Rich Saxaul”. Back in the 1920s the American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews discovered dinosaur skeletons and eggs. The finds were carried by 70 camels. The American paleontologist called this place “Flaming Cliffs”. Enjoy stunning nature and the rare plants known as “saxaul”. We will continue hiking and visit a nomadic family.
Accommodation: Stay overnight with a nomadic family.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY5
Day 5DAY 5: Drive back to Dalanzadgad
We will drive back to Dalanzadgad. It is the administrative center of the Umnu-Gobi province. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. We will walk around the center of town and have dinner at a restaurant.
Accommodation: Stay overnight in hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY6
Day 6DAY 6: Fly back to Ulaanbaatar
At the airport you will be welcomed by our city guide. Today we will drive out of the city and visit the world’s biggest horse statue at the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex. Enjoy the beautiful landscape. We will return to the city and have dinner at a restaurant.
Accommodation: Stay overnight in hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY7
Day 7DAY 7: Arrive in Olgii
Welcome to western Mongolia, the land of the magnificent Altai Mountains and nomadic eagle hunters. At the Olgii airport you will be welcomed by your local support team. This includes an English-speaking tour guide, driver, and expedition cook. We will drive to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. We will arrive at the Oigor Valley which is the north entrance of the national park.
Accommodation: Stay overnight in a tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. -
DAY8
Day 8DAY 8: Horse trek to base camp
After breakfast, we will migrate to the base camp. It is one of the most popular camping sites in Mongolia. All the baggage will be transported by camels. Also, the local herders will support us with their horses. The horses in this area are well-trained, but you have to be very careful. The tour guide will give you some instructions. At the base camp, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the highest peaks of Mongolia.
Accommodation: Stay overnight in a tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. -
DAY9
Day 9DAY 9: Climb to Malchin Peak
Malchin Peak is located right on the border between Russia and Mongolia. It is the only mountain where it is possible to climb up without any special climbing equipment, except hiking boots. However it is not that easy, some parts of the trail are very steep with big stones, which makes it difficult to climb up. Also, the weather plays a large role.
Our main priority is to be safe. So, our tour guide will lead the group as high as possible depending on how the weather fares. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding nature. As an alternative option, in case of bad weather, we can offer you the chance to explore the Potanin glacier. It is a 16 km long and 4 km wide glacier with a number of deep crevasses. Enjoy your trekking. At the end of the day, we will return to the base camp.
Accommodation: Stay overnight in a tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. -
DAY10
Day 10DAY 10: Horseback to White River valley
We will ride on horseback to the Ranger station. Today we will take a different trail. It is one of the most beautiful valleys of the National Park. Enjoy snow-capped mountains and a stunning white river. The color of the water is milky white because it comes from the glacier and the mineral dust makes the color white. It is not drinkable.
Arrive at the South entrance of the National Park. We will pitch our tents at the camping place. For the evening if you feel up to more hiking we can recommend that you visit Green Lake. It takes a couple of hours to hike up and back in total.
Accommodation: Stay overnight in a tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. -
DAY11
Day 11DAY 11: Drive back to Olgii
Today we will drive back to Olgii, On the way, we will visit a nomadic eagle hunter’s family. Learn more about their way of living and how they train the golden eagles. Today you have an opportunity to have a memorable picture with the eagle landed on your arm. You can have warm discussions with the eagle hunter’s family.
Finally, we will drive back to Olgii. You will be transferred to the hotel. We can walk around in the center of town and have a farewell dinner at a restaurant.
Accommodation: Stay overnight in hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.DAY 12: In the morning, fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Our city guide will pick you up from the airport and drop you off at your hotel. End of the trip. Thank you for coming!
Reserve your spot
11-day Gobi & Western Mongolia tour · small group
Everything You Need To Know
Tour information
Tour Price includes
Tour price excludes
Please Come & Enjoy the Best-planned Mongolian Adventure
More Mongolia Tours
The 12-day Gobi & Western Mongolia Tour is our hybrid combo covering Mongolia’s two iconic regions. If you want to focus on one:
- 🏜 Gobi & Central Mongolia Tour — pure Gobi + Karakorum route
- 🌄 6-Day Best of Altai Tavan Bogd — pure Western Mongolia
- 🦅 8-Day Mongolian Eagle Hunter Homestay — Western Mongolia cultural
- 🥾 11-Day Mongolia Trekking Tour — pure Altai trek
Tour Price & Scheduled dates:
Tour Price
2 PAX – 3200 USD
3 PAX – 2800 USD
4 PAX – 2600 USD
5 PAX – 2500 USD
+6 PAX – 2400 USD
Cancellation Policy:
· Cancellation more than two months fee would be 400 USD
· Cancellation more than 45 days fee would be 500 USD
· Cancellation less than a month before departure will 600 USD
· And rest of the payments will be returned back.
How to BOOK?
- Confirm with our tour itinerary
- Agree with terms and conditions
- Set the tour departure date
- Deposit 600 USD per person
- Send us a copy of your passports
So, Ladies and Gentlemen! The Discover Altai team is looking forward to meeting you and providing unforgettable expeditions to this remote corner of the world!
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us!
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When are the Gobi & Western Mongolia Tour 2026 departures?
Scheduled departures run in the June–August window when both regions are accessible: Gobi Desert temperatures are warm but bearable (25–35°C daytime), Altai mountain passes are snow-free, and river crossings are safe. Outside this window the Gobi can hit 40°C+ in mid-summer or freeze hard in winter. Group size is capped at 10 travelers per departure. Custom private departures on adjacent dates available for 2+ travelers.
How is this combo different from a pure Gobi tour or pure Western Mongolia tour?
We offer three distinct routes: the Gobi & Central Mongolia Tour covers Gobi + Karakorum (no Altai); our pure Western Mongolia tours focus on Altai Tavan Bogd, eagle hunters, or trekking only. This 12-day Gobi & Western Mongolia combo covers both — Gobi Desert highlights (Khongoriin Els sand dunes, Yolyn Am ice valley, Bayanzag flaming cliffs) PLUS the Altai Mountains (Tavan Bogd, Kazakh nomadic culture). It’s the most efficient way to see both Mongolia’s iconic regions in a single trip — best for travelers with limited time who want maximum geographic and cultural variety.
How much does the Gobi & Western Mongolia Tour cost?
Per-person pricing scales with group size: 2 PAX $3,200 each, 3 PAX $2,800 each, 4 PAX $2,600 each, 5 PAX $2,500 each, 6+ PAX $2,400 each. Maximum group size 10 travelers. Deposit: $600 per person, balance due 60 days before departure. Cancellation: $400 fee 60+ days before, $500 if 45+ days, $600 if less than a month.
What’s included in the tour price?
Included: domestic flights Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad (Gobi) and Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii (Western Mongolia) roundtrip, all ground transport in 4×4 vehicles, English-speaking lead guide, expedition cook, all meals, accommodation (mix of ger camp + Kazakh family yurt + 2 nights Ulaanbaatar hotel), all national park permits (Gobi Gurvansaikhan + Altai Tavan Bogd). Excluded: international flights to Mongolia ($800–$2,200), travel insurance, alcohol, optional tips, personal gear.
Where do we go — what’s the route?
The route covers two distinct regions linked by a domestic flight back through Ulaanbaatar. Gobi portion (4–5 days): Dalanzadgad → Yolyn Am ice valley → Khongoriin Els sand dunes → Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) → camel ride with nomadic herder families. Western Mongolia portion (6–7 days): Ölgii → Altai Tavan Bogd National Park → Kazakh eagle hunter family visit → glacial valleys and alpine lakes. The exact daily itinerary flexes with weather and local conditions.
How fit do I need to be?
Moderate fitness is sufficient. Daily activity averages 4–6 hours of mixed walking, 4×4 driving, and short hikes (1–3 hours per day). Some days are mostly drive-time across Gobi steppe; other days include light hiking up sand dunes (challenging but no technical skill needed) or alpine valleys. The tour is suitable for travelers age 15–70 with reasonable mobility. No prior trekking or altitude experience required.
What should I bring for both Gobi and Western Mongolia?
Pack for two climates. Gobi (warm): lightweight hiking pants, breathable shirts, wide-brimmed sun hat, SPF50 sunscreen, sunglasses, sturdy closed-toe shoes (sand can be hot), 2L water capacity. Altai (cool nights): fleece, waterproof shell jacket + pants, thermal base layers (Altai nights drop to 5°C even in July), warm hat. Common: headlamp + spare batteries, soft duffel bag (no rigid suitcases — they don’t fit on pack camels), personal toiletries, basic first-aid. Full packing list emailed 30 days before departure.
How do we travel between Gobi and Western Mongolia?
Gobi (Dalanzadgad) and Western Mongolia (Ölgii) are roughly 1,500 km apart with no direct overland route — driving would take 3+ days each way through difficult terrain. We use a domestic flight via Ulaanbaatar to connect the two regions efficiently: fly Dalanzadgad to Ulaanbaatar, overnight rest, then fly Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii the next day. Both flights are included in the tour price. This adds one transit day to the itinerary but saves 4–5 days of overland driving.