Modern Spring Nomads | Small Group Tour | 9 Days

• Travel in spring – a season that is deeply significant for Mongolia’s herding families.
• Experience authenticity – an immersive journey far from mass tourism, rooted in cultural traditions and daily life.
• Explore iconic landscapes – from the vast steppe to rolling sand dunes and a historic river valley.
• Meet four local families – long-term community partners who open their homes and share their hospitality.
• Gain cultural insight – discover rural heritage through direct connection and lived experience.
• Intimate small group of a maximum of six  – travel in a way that fosters genuine encounters and meaningful connections.
• Travel with one of our intergenerational Mongolian teams — a skilled male driver and a female trip assistant — who feel less like guides and more like friends you’re joining for an adventure.
• Discover Ulaanbaatar through a local lens - gaining a real perspective of Mongolia’s capital.
• Enjoy a complimentary day trip - to the iconic Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue and the dramatic landscapes of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.
• Time to Pause – Find stillness and space for reflection in Mongolia’s vast landscapes, beneath some of the clearest night skies on earth.

Spring in Mongolia offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to witness the raw beauty of the steppe while connecting with  families who share their traditions, daily lives, and warm hospitality.

Key Facts

• Tour Dates: April 25 - May 3, 2026 (earliest date departure May 4)
• Duration: 9 days
• Group Size: 2–6 (larger private groups possible)
• Maximum Altitude: From around 1,350m - 1,600m
• Trip Style: Small group, immersive, community-based, cultural
• Who it’s for: This journey is created for curious, open-minded travellers of all ages – whether you’re joining solo, with a partner, or with friends. It isn’t physically demanding, so you don’t need to be especially fit. What matters most is a willingness to be flexible, to embrace the weather in all its forms, and to step into daily life as it naturally unfolds. Accommodation is simple and shared, with outside squat or long-drop toilets and showers available every two to four days. If you’re content living without modern conveniences, and excited by the chance to connect meaningfully with local families in an authentic way, this experience is a perfect fit.
• 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.

Modern Spring Nomads In Detail

Spring in Mongolia may not be the most commonly promoted season by tour companies, but it holds immense significance for Mongolia’s herders and offers a fascinating, genuine, and immersive experience, allowing you to witness the country’s raw beauty and cultural authenticity firsthand.

This small group journey  allows you to explore and discover three of Mongolia's most iconic landscapes: the expansive open steppe, sand dunes, and a historical river valley, all while immersing yourself in the daily life of Mongolia’s families.

Our adventure takes you to the heart of the central region, where you will be welcomed by four diverse families that we work in , each offering a unique lens into their rural existence. These families, with whom we have nurtured long-term local community partnerships, invite you to experience their warm hospitality and gain a connection to their way of life and an understanding of their rural heritage.

Uaanbaatar

• April 25: Final Arrival Day   "Intro To Ulaanbaatar'

Welcome to Mongolia! Enjoy a free transfer from the airport to your chosen accommodation. Join us for an informal introduction to Mongolia’s capital through local eyes, a local-style lunch, and a welcome drink'

Your own choice of accommodation | Free transfer | Local lunch & welcome drink 

Central Heartland 

• April 26 & 27: Khogno Khan Nature Reserve & Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes

Drive to and explore the striking contrasts of this sacred granite mountain, where open steppe meets golden sand dunes.

Simple shared  guest ger at  family camp | Outside squat toilet & no showers | April 26 - Approx 6-7 hours driving time | B/L/D

• April 28  & 29: Tsenkher  

Spend two days immersed in the rhythms and warm hospitality of a yak-herding family in the rolling Khangai Mountains.

Simple shared  guest ger provided by herding family | Outside squat toilet & no showers | April 28 - Approx 6-7 hours driving time | B/L/D

• April 30 & May 1:   Kharkhorin & Orkhon River Valley

Spend two immersive days exploring the cultural and natural heritage of Kharkhorin —a UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights include Erdene Zuu Monastery, the Kharkhorin Museum and the fabulous calligraphy centre.

Simple shared  guest alongside herding family | Outside squat toilet & warm shower at local town shower house | April 30 - Approx 4-5 hours driving time | B/L/D

• May 2: Khustain Nuruu National Park

Drive to and explore Khustain Nuruu’s wildlife and steppe environment, home to Mongolia’s wild takhi (Przewalski’s horse)

Simple shared  guest alongside herding family | Outside squat toilet | Approx 7 hours driving time | B/L/D

• May 3: Return Ulaanbaatar  

A short drive returns you to Mongolia’s capital, where your journey concludes with a transfer to your chosen accommodation. The EL team remains on hand to offer advice and assistance, and we include a complimentary departure transfer for your convenience.

Your own choice of accommodation| Approx 2-3 hours driving time | B/L

• Day To Suit You - Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue and Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

As part of your welcome to Mongolia, we include a complimentary day trip with lunch to the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue and to Turtle Rock and Aryabal Temple in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, either before or after your journey to western Mongolia.

Your own choice of accommodation / Local lunch / Approx 1-1.5 hours driving time each way

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:

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.

Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar on April 26 and May 4  are not included although we provide recommendations and can help with booking.

Click on the link below to access the map of the route.

Group Size & Pricing

Our journeys are designed for small groups of 2–6 travellers. Solo travellers are always welcome, with a surcharge to cover the costs of private travel.

Sliding Price Scale

The more people who travel together, the lower the cost per person — so everyone benefits:

• Final group size of 2 guests: US$ 3045 pp  **current group size**
• Final group size of 3-4  guests: US$ 2880  pp
• Final group size of 5  guests: US$ 2645 pp
• Final group size of 6  guests: US$ 2415 pp

Why Travel with Us?

We know budget is personal, and every traveller has different priorities. Our prices may be higher than those of larger or budget-focused operators, but here’s what your payment supports:

• Small-scale, ethical tourism – we welcome just 100–150 travellers a year, keeping experiences personal and meaningful.
• Fair group sizes – groups of 2–6, giving you the flexibility of a private trip with the social feel of a small group.
• Thoughtfully designed itineraries – crafted by our founder, Jess, with an emphasis on flow, balance, and season rather than profit.
• Long-term partnerships – we invest in our local team and host families, rather than hiring freelancers seasonally or arriving unannounced.
• Positive impact – your payment supports local employment, community initiatives, and responsible travel practices.
• Not luxury, but genuine – we prioritise authenticity, fairness, and connection over fancy extras.

Curious where your money goes? See the breakdown on our Positive Impact tab.

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
• Transportation to and from the airport or train station on arrival and departure days
• 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 or horseback rides (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
• 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.

No domestic flights. Emissions per km for domestic flights are high because a large proportion of the flight is spent taking off and landing. As we are serious about tackling the carbon footprint of the trips we offer, we try that a majority of our experiences don’t include domestic flights.

We only offer a very limited number of departures for this experience. Although we all love spending time in nature, we need to strike a balance. By having a limited number of departures each year we’re not creating a tourism circuit.

The maximum group size is six which is refreshingly small for the travel industry and allows us to manage our impact.

The experience has been built with a focus on Mongolian culture and on creating local benefits for local people & communities including families we work in long-term local community partnership with – helping to supplement their income to help prevent urban migration, face the challenges of climate change and allowing them to maintain their fragile herding lifestyle. More about who we work with.

Our team of female Mongolian trip assistants is breaking down barriers in tourism and leading the way for other Mongolian women from a diverse range of backgrounds to work in and be supported by tourism. Mongolia’s growing economy has not directly translated into better employment opportunities for women and by choosing to travel with us you’re helping us to create long-term development and employment opportunities for our brilliant trip assistants.

High unemployment rates and toxic masculinity are two very real issues faced by older more traditional men in Mongolia. By choosing to travel with us you’re helping us to provide long-term employment for our team of older, more traditional male drivers who have experience and accumulated knowledge but who would otherwise struggle to find employment and provide for their extended families.

We are in the process of measuring the carbon footprint of each experience we offer and balancing the footprint through the Mongolian Nomad Carbon Project. We wanted a high-standard project local to Mongolia where the local community had a positive say in the scheme and its impact. It’s the first project of its kind in Mongolia.

A donation is made to the Mongolian projects we support and that you will visit such as the Uuliin Nuur Community Project in Ulaanbaatar.