Gobi Desert & Horse Trekking to 8 Lakes

Gobi Desert & Horse Trekking to 8 Lakes

(1 reviews)

Tour Overview

Duration13 Days
Group SizeMax 16
Activity Levelmoderate

Gobi desert is the most visited place by tourists and Khuisiin 8 lakes is perfect for horse trekking or hiking and for those who love camping and staying out in nature.

Horse trekking

Cultural Context

The Gobi Desert of Mongolia is more than a vast landscape of sand and stone—it is the heartland of nomadic culture that has endured for centuries. Families still move with the seasons, living in traditional gers and relying on herds of camels, goats, and horses just as their ancestors did. Hospitality is a sacred custom; a visitor is welcomed with warm milk tea and dried curds, symbols of respect in the steppe. Ancient caravan routes once crossed the Gobi, linking Mongolia to the Silk Road and carrying stories, songs, and beliefs between civilizations. Sacred mountains, ovoo stone cairns, and shamanic traditions remind travelers that the desert is not empty, but a living cultural landscape shaped by resilience, spirituality, and deep connection to nature.
Cultural Context

Special Event Details

Naadam Festival is included in this tour

Exclusive to this departure date

Daily Itinerary

Ulaanbaatar city tour

Day 1:Ulaanbaatar city tour

Capital city of Mongolia Ulaanbaatar was founded in 1639 as a buddhist monastic center known as Orgoo. it took 29 different locations before it settled where it is now. During this city tour we will be visiting Gandantegchileng monastery, Chinggis Khaan Museum and the main square.

breakfast, lunch, dinner
Elsen Tasarkhai - Semi gobi

Day 2:Elsen Tasarkhai - Semi gobi

Elsen Tasarkhai, often referred to as the "Mini-Gobi," is a unique region of sand dunes located in the central part of Mongolia. Stretching over 80 kilometers, these golden dunes are surrounded by grasslands and mountains, creating a striking contrast in the landscape. Visitors can explore Uvgun Hiid(Temple), historical place where monks were hiding from Soviets at the time.

breakfast, lunch, dinner
Naadam Festival at Kharkhorin and ErdeneZuu Monastery

Day 3:Naadam Festival at Kharkhorin and ErdeneZuu Monastery

Erdene Zuu monastery was constructed in 15th century by Abtai Sain Khan using construction materials and stones from former imperial capital Karakorum. Visitors can explore temples, relics, and traditional architecture. This historical site is one of Mongolia's important cultural heritage and listed in UNESCO.

breakfast, lunch, dinner
Orkhon valley - Orkhon Waterfall

Day 4:Orkhon valley - Orkhon Waterfall

On the second day here we will do horse riding and hiking through the valley. We learn more about nomadic tradition and their lifestyle.

Orkhon Valley - Horse back riding

Day 5:Orkhon Valley - Horse back riding

We spend another day here riding horse and hike through the valley.

breakfast, lunch, dinner
8 Lakes, Shurankh lake, Horse herder family

Day 6:8 Lakes, Shurankh lake, Horse herder family

Horse riding or trekking is the only option to go through these mountains. Shurank is one of the 8 lakes, we will be camping next to this beautiful sight.

breakfast, lunch, dinner
Khuisiin 8 lakes

Day 7:Khuisiin 8 lakes

The Khuisiin Eight Lakes are a remote group of interconnected lakes in the central Mongolia. Formed by volcanic activity, they are surrounded by forests and alpine scenery. Accessible only by horseback or trekking, the area remains pristine. Visitors can hike, camp, and interact with local herders. This destination is ideal for off-the-beaten-path nature tours in Mongolia.

breakfast, lunch, dinner
8 lakes, Shireet lake and Uvurkhangai province

Day 8:8 lakes, Shireet lake and Uvurkhangai province

These lakes are the home to many species of bird and other wild animals like deer, bear, wolf and marmot.

breakfast, lunch, dinner
Ongi Monastery

Day 9:Ongi Monastery

Ongi Monastery is a peaceful and atmospheric ruin set along the Ongi River in Mongolia’s central Gobi steppe. Once one of the country’s largest Buddhist centers, it now offers visitors a glimpse into Mongolia’s spiritual history amid wide desert landscapes. Travelers can explore the monastery ruins, visit the small restored temple and museum, enjoy quiet walks along the river, and stay in nearby ger camps.

breakfast, lunch, dinner
Bayanzag - Flaming Cliffs

Day 10:Bayanzag - Flaming Cliffs

Bayan Zag, famously known as the Flaming Cliffs, is one of Mongolia’s most important paleontological sites located in the Gobi Desert. Visitors can walk among the cliffs, learn about prehistoric discoveries, and enjoy guided tours explaining the site’s history. Bayan Zag is an essential stop for history lovers and a key destination on Gobi Desert tours.

breakfast, lunch, dinner
Khongor Sand Dunes

Day 11:Khongor Sand Dunes

Khongoryn Els, known as the Singing Sand Dunes, is one of the most iconic attractions in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia. Stretching over 100 kilometers and rising up to 300 meters, these massive dunes dominate the desert landscape. The dunes produce a deep humming sound when sand shifts in the wind, giving them their name. Local legends describe the sound as whispers of desert spirits.

breakfast, lunch, dinner
Yoliin Am - The Yol Valley

Day 12:Yoliin Am - The Yol Valley

Yoliin Am, also known as Vulture Valley, is a spectacular gorge located in Gurvan Saikhan National Park in the Gobi Desert. Despite the arid surroundings, the valley remains cool year-round and often contains ice well into summer.Named after the bearded vultures soaring above its cliffs, Yoliin Am is rich in biodiversity. Wildlife sightings may include ibex, argali sheep, and pikas. The valley has long been considered sacred by local nomads.

breakfast, lunch, dinner
White Stupa - Tsagaan Suvarga

Day 13:White Stupa - Tsagaan Suvarga

Tsagaan Suvarga, meaning “White Stupa,” is one of the most striking natural landmarks in southern Mongolia. Located in Dundgovi Province, these colorful cliffs rise up to 60 meters. The cliffs display changing colors—white, pink, orange, and red—especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset. Fossils of ancient marine life found here indicate the area was once covered by an ocean, making Tsagaan Suvarga important for geological study.

breakfast, lunch, dinner
Baga gazariin Chuluu - Small Stone of Place

Day 14:Baga gazariin Chuluu - Small Stone of Place

On the first day we drive to Baga Gazaryn Chuluu(Small stone )Visitors can explore Uvgun Cave, mineral springs believed to have healing properties which you will find one of them there, and diverse steppe wildlife. Hiking through the rocky terrain and camping under clear starry sky. Baga Gazryn Chuluu is ideal for travelers seeking nature, history, and quiet landscapes.

lunch, dinner
Return to Ulaanbaatar

Day 15:Return to Ulaanbaatar

Hustai National Park is famous for Przewalski horses and many other wild life you might catch a glance at. Przewalski horse is the last wild horse species that lasted from our ancestors and their origin story till now days will shock you.

breakfast, lunch

Price & Options

Price Includes

  • Driver + 4WD vehicle + Gas
  • English speaking tour guide/cook
  • National Park entrance fee
  • Camel and Horse riding for an hour or longer
  • Accommodations
  • All meals(Breakfast, lunch and Dinner)

Price Excludes

  • Accommodations in UB
  • Travel and Medical insurance
  • Personal Items
  • Personal Items
  • Tip money for drivers and guides
  • Visa fee
  • Alcohol and soft drinks

Upcoming Scheduled Departures

Jul 23 - 1970GUARANTEED DEPARTURE
12 spots left
Aug 31 - 1970GUARANTEED DEPARTURE
12 spots left

Private Tour Packages

Choose a package below to request custom dates for your private group.

Budget

Cheapest one available

Daily rate of$115/pp
AccommodationGer
Most Popular

Mid-range

Commonly chosen package

Daily rate of$140/pp
AccommodationGuesthouse

Comfortable

Comfortable experience

Daily rate of$186/pp
AccommodationTourist Camp

Tour Route

Guest Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
Celia S
Celia S5/22/2024 Solo

"Great way to explore Mongolia Apr 2024 • Solo I had a great time exploring Central Mongolia and the Gobi Desert! Jigden was very helpful with all of the planning, and Tsengel and Davka ensured that we got to see some really stunning landscapes and learn a lot both about the history of Mongolia and about the modern lifestyles of nomadic families. I signed up as a solo..."

Read full review