How to plan your Great Gobi Desert and Ancient Mongolia 12-day tour in Ulaanbaatar

Mongolia is a land of rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and rugged wilderness. The Great Gobi Desert and Ancient Mongolia 12-day tour is an excellent way to experience the best that Mongolia has to offer. This tour starts and ends in Ulaanbaatar and includes visits to various destinations such as Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, Yolyn Am Canyon, and the ancient city of Karakorum. Here’s how to plan your Great Gobi Desert and Ancient Mongolia 12-day tour in Ulaanbaatar.

Overview of the tour

This 12-day tour of Mongolia takes you on a journey through history and nature. The tour starts in Ulaanbaatar, and you’ll get to visit locations such as Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, Yolyn Am Canyon, Bayanzag or known as the “Flaming Cliffs,” and Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia. During the tour, you will experience traditional Mongolian cuisine, stay in traditional ger camps, and partake in various activities such as hiking and horseback riding.

What’s included in the tour?

The tour includes the following:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Lunch for 10 days
• Breakfast for 11 days
• Entrance fees to all parks and museums
• Accommodation in traditional ger camps or hotels
• English-speaking guide

Meeting and pickup

The tour begins with pickup from your staying hotels, hostels, guest houses, stations, and other locations in Ulaanbaatar, starting at 09:00 AM. The tour operator will provide pickup details upon booking confirmation.

What to expect

You can expect a mix of cultural experiences and outdoor adventures during your 12-day tour of Mongolia. You’ll visit the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, known for its stunning rock formations and wildlife, including the endangered snow leopard. You’ll also get to explore the Yolyn Am Canyon, a deep and narrow gorge with ice that remains throughout the summer.

In the Bayanzag area, you’ll visit the “Flaming Cliffs,” where famous dinosaur fossils have been excavated. You’ll get to ride camels and horses and experience the nomadic way of life. The tour concludes with a visit to the ancient city of Karakorum, the former capital of Mongolia, and the Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in Mongolia.

Additional information

The tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller accessible, with wheelchair-accessible surfaces. However, it is not recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant travelers. Other important things to know include:

• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
• You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
• Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

For more information on cancellation policies, refer to the tour operator’s website.

How to book the tour

To book the Great Gobi Desert and Ancient Mongolia 12-day tour, visit the tour operator’s website on Viator, and select the number of travelers and preferred dates. The price per person depends on the number of travelers, and the tour operator provides confirmation upon booking. You can also find more information about the tour package on the same website.

Conclusion

The Great Gobi Desert and Ancient Mongolia 12-day tour is an excellent way to experience the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of Mongolia. With activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and camel riding, you’ll get to immerse yourself in Mongolia’s stunning wilderness, and visiting ancient cities and monasteries will give you a glimpse into the country’s past. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be on your way to experiencing the best that Mongolia has to offer.

Ulaanbaatar: Answers to the Most Common Questions

Ulaanbaatar is the vibrant capital city of Mongolia, located in the northern part of the country. Despite being a lesser-known destination, tourists worldwide are visiting Ulaanbaatar. Here, we will answer the most commonly asked questions about this beautiful city.

1. What is the Best Time to Visit Ulaanbaatar?

The best time to visit Ulaanbaatar is between June and September when the temperature is pleasant and the city is green. During this time, many festivals take place, making it an excellent time to experience the local culture. However, the winter season (November to February) is also a unique time to visit the city. During this time, Ulaanbaatar is covered in snow, and you can experience winter sports and ice festivals.

2. What is the Currency in Ulaanbaatar?

The official currency of Mongolia is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Ulaanbaatar. However, it’s recommended to carry cash, as credit cards are not widely accepted. ATMs can be found at popular locations, including banks, shopping malls, and airports.

3. What are the Must-Visit Places in Ulaanbaatar?

There are many must-visit places in Ulaanbaatar, including:

a) Gandantegchinlen Monastery

The Gandantegchinlen Monastery is the largest and most important monastery in Mongolia. It is famous for its 26-meter tall statue of Megjid Janraisig, the Buddha of Compassion.

b) The National Museum of Mongolia

The National Museum of Mongolia is located in the city center and houses a wide range of exhibits, including artifacts from Mongolia’s history, culture, and traditions.

c) Sukhbaatar Square

Sukhbaatar Square is the main central square in Ulaanbaatar, named after the Mongolian revolutionary leader Damdin Sukhbaatar. The square is surrounded by several prominent buildings, including the Parliament House, the National Museum, and the Government Palace.

d) Zaisan Memorial Hill

The Zaisan Memorial Hill is located south of Ulaanbaatar, and its hilltop offers a panoramic view of the city. The memorial was built in honor of Soviet soldiers killed in World War II.

4. How to Get Around Ulaanbaatar?

The primary mode of transportation in Ulaanbaatar is buses, with a flat rate of 500 MNT per ride. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available, and their rates are negotiable. It is advised to only use licensed taxis, which have a label on the side.

5. What is the Local Food in Ulaanbaatar?

The most famous Mongolian dish is Khorkhog, a traditional meal cooked with lamb or goat meat, vegetables, and hot stones. Another popular dish is Buuz, which are steamed dumplings filled with meat and vegetables.

6. What is the Language Spoken in Ulaanbaatar?

The official language of Mongolia is Mongolian. However, in Ulaanbaatar, English is widely spoken among businesspeople and young people. Russian and Mandarin are also commonly spoken.

7. What are the Customs and Etiquette in Mongolia?

When visiting Mongolia, it is essential to respect their customs and etiquette. Some of the customs include:

• The “snuff bottle” greeting or “aguu.” Drinking and sharing snuff bottles is a traditional way of welcoming visitors in Mongolia.
• Offering food and drinks. Mongolians love hosting guests and offering them traditional Mongolian foods and drinks, including milk tea and airag, fermented mare’s milk.
• Shoes off. When entering a Mongolian ger, a round tent-like dwelling, it is customary to remove shoes as a sign of respect for the home.

Conclusion

Ulaanbaatar is a unique city with a rich history and culture. It offers a variety of must-visit places, delicious local cuisine, and welcoming people. By keeping in mind these commonly asked questions, you can have a memorable and enjoyable trip to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.