Travel east from Ulaanbaatar on the Trans-Mongolian railway to Sainshand.
Spend time at Khamariin Khiid, one of Mongolia's energy centres
Stay with rangers in Ikh Nart Nature Reserve and take a wildlife safari with them - hopefully seeing Lammergeiers, Ibex and Argali sheep
Walk among the remarkable granite formations of Ikh Gazriin Chuluu.
Find time to pause in Mongolia’s vast landscapes, beneath some of the clearest night skies on earth.
Experience the everyday life of the Nergui family - a nomadic family who make their home in the desert steppe

Our Gobi: East & Middle journey offers a different way to understand the Gobi — beginning by train and continuing west across the middle Gobi’s granite outcrops, desert steppe and working landscapes shaped by people, weather and geology.

The Gobi stretches across five of Mongolia’s provinces, and this journey focuses on two of the less visited. The postcard image of vast sand dunes so often associated with the Gobi actually represents only a small part of this region. Mongolians speak of the Gobi as having 33 different desert types, and this trip centres on the granite belt — an important part of the Gobi and a landscape of sacred rock formations, desert steppe, open horizons and pastoral life.

For those who like to see a country differently, this is not a journey about rushing between highlights. It allows time with the people who live and work here — including rangers, monks and herders — letting the landscapes and everyday life of the eastern and middle Gobi unfold through exploration and lived connection.

Duration: 8 Days but can be shortened or extended to suit you.
Trip Style : Book as-is or customise based on your preferences.
Locations: Ulaanbaatar, Ikh Nart, Ikh Gazriin Chukuu, Erdenedalai, Khamriin Khiid Energy Centre
End of Trip: Concludes on Day 8 on transfer to your accommodation in Ulaanbaatar
Including: arrival and departure transfers
Complimentary: Day tour to the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue & Terelj NP
Who it’s for: This journey is designed for curious, open-minded travellers of all ages. You don’t need to be especially fit—while the trip isn’t physically demanding, you should enjoy road journeys. What matters most is being comfortable with the realities of simple local accommodation, and basic facilities (think squat toilets and showers every 2–4 days). Above all, a flexible attitude, a sense of adventure, and a genuine enjoyment of life on the road are essential.
Your Local Team: Throughout your journey, you’ll be supported by one of our inter-generational Mongolian teams—a male driver and a female trip assistant—who not only handle the logistics but also offer genuine warmth and insight along the way. Founder Jess and office manager Tuya are available throughout your trip via WhatsApp for any questions or additional support.

You’ll find the key locations below. For the full day-by-day flow (and the why behind it), please email us. We share the detailed itinerary by email so we can explain the pacing, driving days, and options in context. We also keep a few moments back as a quiet surprise.

Ulaanbaatar
Khamariin Khiid Energy Centre
Ikh Nartiin Chuluu
Ikh Gazriin Chuluu
Erdenedalai

Map Of Route

Click on the link below to access the map

During this journey, you’ll experience a variety of accommodation styles, each offering insight into daily life in Mongolia and shaped by the season and setting.

The current accommodation focuses on supporting our long-term local community partners but if you would like to upgrade, this is possible for an additional cost.

Mongolian Family Ger Camps

Throughout the experience you’ll stay in a traditional Mongolian gers provided by our partnering families. Each family typically sets up 4–5 guest gers, thoughtfully adapted for the season. While the setup is simple, you’ll always have your own bed and a comfortable personal space.

Facilities: Showers are available every 2–3 days at the local public shower house. Toilets are traditional outdoor short-drop latrines.

Mongolian Style Hotel

You’ll also spend a night in a simple Mongolian-style hotel, typically in a twin-share room. Rooms are en-suite, though please note that hot water cannot always be guaranteed.

Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar on Day One & Seven is not included although we provide recommendations and can help with booking.

1 person: US$ 3,895 pp
2-4 guests: US$ 2,575 pp
5 guests: US$ 2,165 pp
6 guests: US$ 1,980 pp

Included in the price

All meals outside of the city of Ulaanbaatar unless otherwise stated: These are mainly prepared and cooked by your local team so they are fresh and it means we offer more flexibility for any dietary requirements. We also provide filtered drinking water (not bottled), tea, and instant coffee.
You’ll be supported by one of our experienced intergenerational teams—made up of a male Mongolian driver and one of our English-speaking female trip assistants—helping create an immersive and well-supported experience. Jess and Tuya are also available throughout your journey via WhatsApp.
Our complimentary 'Intro To Ulaanbaatar' experience including a local lunch and welcome drink
Entrance fees to monasteries, temples, and museums are included when you are with the local team. Please note this excludes camera tickets.
Festival tickets are provided if listed in the itinerary.
Camel (please note, riding helmets are not provided)
Thoughtful Extras – We add a few gentle surprises—small touches that express our thanks for choosing to travel with us.

Not included in the price

International airfare to and from Mongolia
Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar: Our trip pricing excludes the price of accommodation in UB though. Why? Everyone is different is the standard of accommodation they prefer at the start and end of a trip. As there is now such a variety of hotels in UB it is easier to exclude this cost. I provide a list of ideas covering varying standards and budgets and I can also help with booking. There’s everything from a homestay through to Airbnb, US$10 guesthouses and the Shangri-La!
Domestic flight where/if applicable including any fees for excess luggage
Transfers to/from the airport
Passport and visa fees: Let us know your nationality at the time of booking and we’ll confirm whether you need to apply for a Mongolian visa. It is a relatively easy process depending on your nationality and we can help with some of the formalities.
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Gratuities: Each member of the local team receives a responsible but fair salary and none have to rely on receiving gratuities to supplement their income. In addition, we make sure that everyone who works with us or helps us is fairly rewarded for their work and the service they provide. At the end of the tour, if you wish to make a gratuity to the local team then thank you – it is not compulsory but it is appreciated when given. We give detailed information on booking.
Personal Expenses: We provide detailed guidance on booking
Alcohol: Alcohol is available to buy in shops and supermarkets throughout your trip, and your team will make regular stops.

We have a detailed FAQ page covering everything from packing lists to payments, but here are answers to the most common immediate questions:

Visa

Requirements vary depending on your nationality. You can check the most up-to-date information at evisa.mn. If you need assistance, we’ll help once your booking is confirmed.

International Flights

All international flights arrive at Ulaanbaatar’s Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN). We don’t book flights, but we can advise on routes and airlines. Most travellers fly via Korea, Turkey, China, or Japan. Airport transfers are included in your trip unless your journey begins in Ölgii, Mörön, or the Gobi.

Domestic Flights

Some of our experiences include internal flights within Mongolia, operated by MIAT and Hunnu Air. These are small aircraft, and schedules are subject to weather and operational changes, so flexibility is key. Tickets are excluded unless stated otherwise, but we handle all bookings on your behalf.

Standard allowance: 15kg check-in + 5kg hand luggage
Excess baggage: usually $1–3 per kilo (often not applied)

Packing List

We provide a detailed, tailored packing list when you book your trip. This ensures you bring everything you need for Mongolia’s varied weather and rural conditions, without overpacking.

Booking Conditions

Our booking terms and conditions cover payments, cancellations, and other key details. You can read them here.

If you decide to cancel your trip, by choice or necessity, up to 10 weeks before departure, we will fully refund your deposit (and balance if paid). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.

If you decide to cancel between 10 and 31 days before departure, we will fully refund your balance (if paid), and your deposit will be held as credit to be used on a different trip instead (with no cut off date. This can be transferred to a friend or family member). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.

If you cancel within 30 days of departure, we will retain the following percentage of your deposit and balance.

30 days before departure - 50% of holiday cost

29 – 15 days before departure - 90% of holiday cost

Less than 15 days before departure - 100% of holiday cost

Notes

There is no time limit on when you may use your deposit credit, but it is non-refundable if you decide to cancel in future.

Failure to join the tour will also mean you forfeit the tour cost. We will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.