Mongolia
Mongolia: The Land of Genghis Khan
Program No. 22965RJ
Mongolia is a must for the intrepid explorer. Admire its limitless beauty as you discover ancient ruins, growing cities and the incredible Gobi Desert.
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15 days
14 nights
33 meals
12B 11L 10D
1
Depart North America
In Flight
2
In Transit to Destination
In Flight
5
Hustai National Park, Neolithic Ongot Monuments
Hustai National Park
6
Kara Korum, Ger Set-up Demonstration
Kara Korum
8
Nomadic Family Visit
Ongi Monastery ruins
9
Ongi Monastery Ruins, Flaming Cliffs
Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
10
Khongoryn Els, Seruun Bulag Cold Spring
Khongoryn Els
11
Nomadic Family, Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes, Camel Ride
Khongoryn Els
12
Gobi Gurvansaikhan Park, Yolyn Am Canyon
Yolyn Am Canyon
At a Glance
Nearly 800 years ago, Genghis Khan (properly pronounced Chinggis Khaan) powerfully made Mongolia the largest contiguous empire that the world has ever known. Today, a gentler Mongolia’s breathtaking wilderness and growing cities are ample reason to explore this fascinating country that embraces both its nomadic traditions and its path into modern culture. Experience the mysteries of Mongolia as you explore its capital city, Ulaanbaatar, meet local nomadic families, and stay in ger camps amid the vast beauty of the Gobi Desert.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking on pavement and dirt paths; hiking on sand dunes, riding camels; extensive travel by four-wheel-drive vehicle on some days.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Discover UlaanBaatar - Mongolia's capital city - as you explore its museums, monasteries and public courtyards.
- Admire the luminous Flaming Cliffs in the Gobi Desert, where paleontologists discovered the world's first dinosaur eggs.
- Explore the ruins of Kara Korum, Genghis Khan's 13th-century capital city.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Suggested Reading List
(20 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Mongolia: The Land of Genghis Khan
Program Number: 22965
Birds of Mongolia
This first modern field guide to the diverse birds of Mongolia features 83 color plates, species descriptions, and maps.
Moving With The Seasons
Writer and photographer Carter collaborated with a Mongolian family in making this book, an intimate season-by-season account of nomadic Mongolian life on the steppe. Carter’s personable prose and excellent photography capture the people’s daily lives, in many ways still untouched by modernity.
Dinosaurs of the Flaming Cliffs
Novacek pens an amazing tale of discovery in the Gobi Desert that captures the thrill of exploration and the challenges of field work as well as the story of paleontology and travel in the footsteps of the legendary Roy Chapman Andrews.
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World
Weatherford interweaves his own travels and field work on the Central Asian steppe, much of it on horseback, with a lively portrait of Genghis Khan and the world of the medieval Mongols.
Mongolia Map
This attractive map (1:2,500,000) includes a small street plan of Ulaanbaatar.
Lonely Planet Mongolia
A comprehensive guide in the Lonely Planet style featuring 46 maps, background detail on the country and culture and practical information for the traveler.
Modern Mongolia, Reclaiming Genghis Khan
This slim primer, richly illustrated with 120 color photographs, covers the sweep and excitement of 20th-century Mongolian history, the country's nomadic heritage and the legacy of Genghis Khan.
Eagle Dreams, Searching for Legends in Wild Mongolia
Charmed from a young age with Kazakh nomads, Stephen Bodio travels to Mongolia, circa 1990. The country has just celebrated its independence, but Bodio is more interested in traditional life as he explores the birthplace of falconry and observes the time-honored traditions that have survived the ages.
Lonely Planet Mongolian Phrasebook
A handy pocket guide to Khalkh Mongolian, the language spoken in Mongolia and surrounding parts of Russia and China.
Genghis Khan and the Quest for God
With compelling evidence, top-notch historian Jack Weatherford argues that Genghis Khan used religious tolerance to offset fanaticism and hold his disparate territories together.
On the Trail of Genghis Khan, An Epic Journey Through the Land of the Nomads
Inspired by the nomadic tradition, award-winning adventurer Tim Cope travels by horseback across the entire length of the Eurasian steppe from Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia, through Kazakhstan, Russia, Crimea and Ukraine, to the Danube in Hungary, documenting the unbounded hospitality of the people of the steppe.
Wild East, The New Mongolia
Lawless captures the startling contrasts of emerging technologies, MTV culture and crumbling Soviet heritage on the wide, open plains in this entertaining tale of life in modern Mongolia.
The Blue Sky
Set in the Altai Mountains of northern Mongolia, this novel confronts the clashes between the nomadic Tuvan people's ancient way of life and the pervasive influence of modern society. First of a trilogy that includes MGL78 and MGL77.
Genghis Khan, His Conquests, His Empire, His Legacy
In this astute biography, McLynn measures the deeds of Genghis Khan against the conclusions of history. Although Khan and his Mongol hordes have the historic ill repute of being a bunch of criminals and thugs, McLynn captures Khan’s genius as an empire-builder and innovator.
Culture Smart! Mongolia
A concise, no-nonsense guide to local customs, etiquette and culture with a short overview of the land and people along with practical travel advice.
The Mongols, A Very Short Introduction
Rossabi, a leading historian, revises the popular perception of the Mongols as savage conquerors to show them as wise rulers who adopted shrewd economic policies, patronized the arts and helped foster peace in the lands they controlled.
Hunting With Eagles, The Kazakh Eagle-hunters of Mongolia
In this collection of 90 dramatic images, award-winning photographer Palani Mohan celebrates the world of Mongolia’s Kazakh tribes, nomadic peoples who hunt on horseback with golden eagles. His duotone photographs and explanatory text show a way of life that is rapidly changing.
The Secret History of the Mongol Queens
Weatherford (Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World) turns to the wives and daughters of the great medieval leader in this bold history of the women of the Silk Road.
Walking the Gobi
Thayer weaves her experiences on a camel trek with a portrait of the region's nomadic cultures and natural history.
Odyssey Guide Mongolia
For this comprehensive illustrated guide, Robinson incorporates contributions from friends and colleagues, including American Museum of Natural History paleontologist Mark Norrell and Smithsonian ethnographer William Fitzhugh.
Meals
33 Meals
12 Breakfasts
11 Lunches
10 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
- Aug 13, 2024 - Aug 27, 2024
- Jun 18, 2024 - Jul 02, 2024
- Jul 16, 2024 - Jul 30, 2024
- Aug 13, 2024 - Aug 27, 2024
- Jun 17, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025
- Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025
- Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025
4 nights
UlaanBaatar
Located in the center of town near Sukhbaatar Square
Mongol Nomadic Ger Camp
1 night
Tuv Province
Private en suite gers are available, while other gers are furnished with four beds and shared toilet and shower facilities.
2 nights
Kara Korum
The Blue Sky Ger Camp near Erdene Zhu features electricity, hot water and Internet access. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
Secret of Ongi Ger Camp
1 night
Ongi
The award-winning Secret of Ongi Ger Camp is located near the Ongi Temple ruins, and consists of a number of comfortable gers, as well as a restaurant serving Mongolian and international cuisine, and there are separate showers and toilets. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
Gobi Mirage Lodge
2 nights
Umnugovi Province
Gobi Mirage ger camp was established in 2005 by a local couple and expanded into an award-winning complex of 30 gers, a restaurant, and shower/toilet facilities. Recent additions include deluxe gers with en suite private bathrooms including a toilet, sink and mirror, and shower. The interior of each ger is beautifully adorned with wooden lattice work and custom made wood furniture.
Gobi Erdene Ger Camp
2 nights
Khongoryn Els
Located near Khongoryn Els sand dunes, the modest but comfortable Gobi Erdene Ger Camp features 2-bed gers with toilet and shower in a separate building. Meals are served in the on-site restaurant. Electricity is on only from 7PM to 11PM. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
4 nights
UlaanBaatar
Located in the center of town near Sukhbaatar Square
Mongol Nomadic Ger Camp
1 night
Tuv Province
Private en suite gers are available, while other gers are furnished with four beds and shared toilet and shower facilities.
2 nights
Kara Korum
The Blue Sky Ger Camp near Erdene Zhu features electricity, hot water and Internet access. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
Secret of Ongi Ger Camp
1 night
Ongi
The award-winning Secret of Ongi Ger Camp is located near the Ongi Temple ruins, and consists of a number of comfortable gers, as well as a restaurant serving Mongolian and international cuisine, and there are separate showers and toilets. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
Gobi Mirage Lodge
2 nights
Umnugovi Province
Gobi Mirage ger camp was established in 2005 by a local couple and expanded into an award-winning complex of 30 gers, a restaurant, and shower/toilet facilities. Recent additions include deluxe gers with en suite private bathrooms including a toilet, sink and mirror, and shower. The interior of each ger is beautifully adorned with wooden lattice work and custom made wood furniture.
Gobi Erdene Ger Camp
2 nights
Khongoryn Els
Located near Khongoryn Els sand dunes, the modest but comfortable Gobi Erdene Ger Camp features 2-bed gers with toilet and shower in a separate building. Meals are served in the on-site restaurant. Electricity is on only from 7PM to 11PM. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
4 nights
UlaanBaatar
Located in the center of town near Sukhbaatar Square
Mongol Nomadic Ger Camp
1 night
Tuv Province
Private en suite gers are available, while other gers are furnished with four beds and shared toilet and shower facilities.
2 nights
Kara Korum
The Blue Sky Ger Camp near Erdene Zhu features electricity, hot water and Internet access. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
Secret of Ongi Ger Camp
1 night
Ongi
The award-winning Secret of Ongi Ger Camp is located near the Ongi Temple ruins, and consists of a number of comfortable gers, as well as a restaurant serving Mongolian and international cuisine, and there are separate showers and toilets. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
Gobi Mirage Lodge
2 nights
Umnugovi Province
Gobi Mirage ger camp was established in 2005 by a local couple and expanded into an award-winning complex of 30 gers, a restaurant, and shower/toilet facilities. Recent additions include deluxe gers with en suite private bathrooms including a toilet, sink and mirror, and shower. The interior of each ger is beautifully adorned with wooden lattice work and custom made wood furniture.
Gobi Erdene Ger Camp
2 nights
Khongoryn Els
Located near Khongoryn Els sand dunes, the modest but comfortable Gobi Erdene Ger Camp features 2-bed gers with toilet and shower in a separate building. Meals are served in the on-site restaurant. Electricity is on only from 7PM to 11PM. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
4 nights
UlaanBaatar
Located in the center of town near Sukhbaatar Square
Mongol Nomadic Ger Camp
1 night
Tuv Province
Private en suite gers are available, while other gers are furnished with four beds and shared toilet and shower facilities.
2 nights
Kara Korum
The Blue Sky Ger Camp near Erdene Zhu features electricity, hot water and Internet access. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
Secret of Ongi Ger Camp
1 night
Ongi
The award-winning Secret of Ongi Ger Camp is located near the Ongi Temple ruins, and consists of a number of comfortable gers, as well as a restaurant serving Mongolian and international cuisine, and there are separate showers and toilets. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
Gobi Mirage Lodge
2 nights
Umnugovi Province
Gobi Mirage ger camp was established in 2005 by a local couple and expanded into an award-winning complex of 30 gers, a restaurant, and shower/toilet facilities. Recent additions include deluxe gers with en suite private bathrooms including a toilet, sink and mirror, and shower. The interior of each ger is beautifully adorned with wooden lattice work and custom made wood furniture.
Gobi Erdene Ger Camp
2 nights
Khongoryn Els
Located near Khongoryn Els sand dunes, the modest but comfortable Gobi Erdene Ger Camp features 2-bed gers with toilet and shower in a separate building. Meals are served in the on-site restaurant. Electricity is on only from 7PM to 11PM. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
4 nights
UlaanBaatar
Located in the center of town near Sukhbaatar Square
Mongol Nomadic Ger Camp
1 night
Tuv Province
Private en suite gers are available, while other gers are furnished with four beds and shared toilet and shower facilities.
2 nights
Kara Korum
The Blue Sky Ger Camp near Erdene Zhu features electricity, hot water and Internet access. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
Secret of Ongi Ger Camp
1 night
Ongi
The award-winning Secret of Ongi Ger Camp is located near the Ongi Temple ruins, and consists of a number of comfortable gers, as well as a restaurant serving Mongolian and international cuisine, and there are separate showers and toilets. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
Gobi Mirage Lodge
2 nights
Umnugovi Province
Gobi Mirage ger camp was established in 2005 by a local couple and expanded into an award-winning complex of 30 gers, a restaurant, and shower/toilet facilities. Recent additions include deluxe gers with en suite private bathrooms including a toilet, sink and mirror, and shower. The interior of each ger is beautifully adorned with wooden lattice work and custom made wood furniture.
Gobi Erdene Ger Camp
2 nights
Khongoryn Els
Located near Khongoryn Els sand dunes, the modest but comfortable Gobi Erdene Ger Camp features 2-bed gers with toilet and shower in a separate building. Meals are served in the on-site restaurant. Electricity is on only from 7PM to 11PM. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
4 nights
UlaanBaatar
Located in the center of town near Sukhbaatar Square
Mongol Nomadic Ger Camp
1 night
Tuv Province
Private en suite gers are available, while other gers are furnished with four beds and shared toilet and shower facilities.
2 nights
Kara Korum
The Blue Sky Ger Camp near Erdene Zhu features electricity, hot water and Internet access. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
Secret of Ongi Ger Camp
1 night
Ongi
The award-winning Secret of Ongi Ger Camp is located near the Ongi Temple ruins, and consists of a number of comfortable gers, as well as a restaurant serving Mongolian and international cuisine, and there are separate showers and toilets. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
Gobi Mirage Lodge
2 nights
Umnugovi Province
Gobi Mirage ger camp was established in 2005 by a local couple and expanded into an award-winning complex of 30 gers, a restaurant, and shower/toilet facilities. Recent additions include deluxe gers with en suite private bathrooms including a toilet, sink and mirror, and shower. The interior of each ger is beautifully adorned with wooden lattice work and custom made wood furniture.
Gobi Erdene Ger Camp
2 nights
Khongoryn Els
Located near Khongoryn Els sand dunes, the modest but comfortable Gobi Erdene Ger Camp features 2-bed gers with toilet and shower in a separate building. Meals are served in the on-site restaurant. Electricity is on only from 7PM to 11PM. Most Mongolian ger camps are small, rustic encampments of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Modern gers may be covered with canvas rather than the traditional felted wool. The walls of a ger are typically made of sections of birch or willow lattice formed into a circle and secured with leather straps. In the center of the ceiling is a hole which allows smoke to escape and fresh air and light to enter. The bottom of the framework’s covering can be raised one foot off the ground in the summertime to allow better ventilation. Gers include wood-framed beds and dressers, and a wood-burning stove. Shower/toilet facilities are located in a separate building.
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