Eastern Landscapes & Gobi Experience | Mongolia tailor made tour | 23 Days

• Explore On our Wild Tracks Road Trip – Part of our signature series of exploratory journeys, designed for slow travel and deeper connections with people and place.

• Contrasting Landscapes – From the arid beauty of the eastern Gobi, including sunrise from sacred Shiliin Bogd, to the vast eastern steppes and sunset at Buir Nuur.

• Pioneer-Style Adventure – For those drawn to new horizons, ready for the challenges of remote travel, unpredictable terrain, and the freedom of the open road.

• Khentii Province – Explore the historic birthplace of Chinggis Khaan.

• Granite Formations of the Gobi – Visit striking sites such as Ikh Gazriin Chuluu and Ikh Nart Chuluu

• Wild Camping – Sleep under the stars in some of Mongolia’s most iconic landscapes.

• Family Homestay – Sleep in a traditional Mongolian ger and spend time with one of our long-term local partner families who warmly share their homes and way of life.

• Gain cultural insight – discover rural and urban heritage through genuine connection and shared experience.

Part of our Wild Tracks road trip series, the *Eastern Landscapes & Gobi* experience invites you to slow down and venture off the beaten path into some of Mongolia’s lesser-visited protected areas. Traversing the stark beauty of the eastern Gobi and the vast eastern steppes, this pioneer-style journey offers a chance to connect with Mongolia’s diverse landscapes and communities far from the typical tourist trail.

Key Facts

• • Tour Dates: To suit you although late August/early September works best
  • Duration: 23 days but can be shortened or extended
  • Group Size: Flexible although currently priced up to six
  • Altitude: Between 700 m to around 1,770 m
  • Trip Style: Tailor-made, immersive road trip
  • 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 long road journeys. What matters most is being comfortable with the realities of tent camping, 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.

Eastern Landscapes & Gobi In Detail

As part of our Wild Tracks series of road trips, the Eastern Landscapes & Gobi experience embraces the spirit of slow travel—encouraging you to linger longer, explore more deeply, and connect meaningfully with the landscapes and communities you encounter.

Roughly 20% of Mongolia’s landmass is currently under some form of national environmental protection, with ambitions to increase this to 30% by 2030. A further 10% holds local protected area status. This journey offers a rare opportunity to explore some of Mongolia’s lesser-visited protected regions, far from the usual tourist routes.

Traveling through two contrasting and rarely combined regions—the arid beauty of the eastern Gobi and the sweeping, untamed eastern steppes—you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Mongolia’s remarkable ecological and cultural diversity.

This is very much a pioneer-style trip—perfect for those drawn to new horizons, and who are prepared for the challenges that come with remote locations, unpredictable terrain, and the adventure of the open road.

Ulaanbaatar

• Day 1: Final Arrival Day   "Intro To Ulaanbaatar'

Welcome to Mongolia! Enjoy a complimentary 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 | Complimentary transfer | Local lunch & welcome drink 

* Day 2: Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue | Gun Galuut community protected reserve

Start the journey at the towering 131ft Chinggis Khaan Statue before heading east to the peaceful, community-run Gun Galuut Reserve along the Kherlen River.

• Simple private ger provided by local family or Steppe Nomads ger camp * depending on the season you visit | Approx 3-4  hours driving time | B/L/D

Eastern Landscapes

* Day 3: Khar Zurkhnii Khokh Nuur

A scenic lake with deep historical meaning—believed to be where Chinggis Khaan was crowned as leader.

• Tent Camp |   Approx 4-5 hours driving time | B/L/D

* Day 4 & 5: Baldan Bereeven Khiid | Öglögchiin Wall

Discover this remote monastery with its striking architecture and meditation path, then puzzle over the mysterious “Almsgiver’s Wall.” Two of our favourite wild camping nights.

• Tent Camp | Day 4 - Approx 4/5 hours driving time | Day 6 -Approx 4/5 hours driving time | B/L/D

* Day 6 & 7: Dadal

In northern Khentii’s Buriad community, explore sites linked to the legacy of Chinggis Khaan and experience daily life—don’t miss the chance to try fresh Buriad bread.

• Please be prepared to be flexible! It could be a tent, a local hotel or ger camp accommodation depending on the season you visit | Day 6:  Approx 6 hours driving time | B/L/D

* Day 8: Toson Khulstai Nature Reserve

Drive to Toson Khulstai, part of the vast protected Menen Steppe and one of Mongolia’s finest grassland habitats.

• Tent Camp  |  Approx 5-6  hours driving time | B/L/D

* Day  9:  Choilbasan

A road trip across the eastern steppes to Choibalsan, a provincial capital that feels far from anywhere, with time in the evening to explore local town life.

• Simple room at local hotel, room might not be en-suite |   Approx 5-6 hours driving time | B/L * Dinner independently or with team, your choice

* Day 10 & 11: Buir Nuur

After a long driving day, relax by the shores of Buir Nuur, a vast border lake with views of China and remarkable sunsets.

• Tent camp or local family operated ger camp depending on the season you visit | Day 10: Approx 7-8 hours driving time | B/L/D

* Day 12: Khalkh Gol | Ikh Burkhant

Explore Khalkh Gol, a key 1938 WWII battlefield, and the remarkable Buddhist site of Ikh Burkhant.

• Tent Camp and/or very basic local hotel | Approx 3 hours driving time | B/L/D

Gobi Desert

* Day 13: Erdene Tsagaan |

A full road trip day—take off your watch and take in the changing landscapes. Tonight’s stop has a raw border-town feel, complete with karaoke bars, offering a very real slice of Mongolia.

• Tent Camp and/or very basic local hotel | Approx 8-9 hours driving time | B/L/D

* Day 14 & 15: Shiliin Bogd | Ganga Nuur |

Drive to and wild camp at the base of sacred Shiliin Bogd, one of 200 cinder cones where Gobi and steppe meet. Continue on to spend a night beside the small lake of Ganga Nuur.

• Tent Camp and/or simple ger at local ger camp | Day 15 - Approx 3 hours driving time | Day 14 - Approx 2/3 hours driving time | B/L/D

* Day 16 & 17: Sainshand | Khamariin Khiid

Travel to Sainshand, a town shaped by its position on the Trans-Mongolian railway. Visit Khamariin Khiid monastery, regarded as an important energy centre in Mongolia.

•  En-suite room in local hotel | Day 17 - Approx 8- 9  hours driving time |  Day 16 - Approx 1 hours driving time each way | B/L * Dinner independently or with team, your choice

* Day 18 & 19: Ikh Nart  Nature Reserve

Discover dramatic rock formations and explore one of Mongolia’s best habitats for Argali sheep and Siberian ibex.

• Tent Camp | Day 18 - Approx 6-7 hours driving time | B/L/D

* Day 20: Ikh Gazriin Chuluu

End the journey among the striking granite formations of Ikh Gazriin Chuluu—known as “Big Land Rock”—and see for yourself how it earned its name.

• Tent Camp | Approx 4-5 hours driving time | B/L/D

* Day 21 & 22: Erdenedalai Homestay

Travel into the wide, open landscapes of the Middle Gobi and the rural community of Erdenedalai, where you’ll be hosted by the Nergui herding family.

• Simple shared  guest ger alongside Nergui herding family | Outside squat toilet & no showers | Day 21: Approx 6  hours driving time | B/L/D

Ulaanbaatar

* Day 23: Return Ulaanbaatar  

A full day's 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 6-7 hours driving time | B/L

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 Gers 

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.

You’ll also stay in gers at smaller standard tourist camps, which typically provide twin-bed gers.

Facilities: Warm showers and flush toilets are available in shared blocks (typically single-sex), usually a short walk—around 50 metres—from the gers.

You'll also stay in gers provided by more standard ger camps. These are larger camps usually with twin-bed gers and typically have a restaurant on site.

Facilities: Warm showers and flush toilets are available  in a separate block (typically single sex) around 50 metre walk from the gers.

Tent Camp

During the road trip, you’ll sleep in camping tents These camps are intentionally simple—offering a minimalist and close-to-nature experience in the heart of the wild.

Mongolian Style Hotel

You’ll also spend two or three nights 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 & Twenty Three  are not included although we provide recommendations and can help with booking.

Your Local Team

Throughout your journey, you’ll be supported by one of our intergenerational Mongolian teams — a male driver and a female trip assistant — who not only manage the logistics but also bring genuine warmth, insight, and companionship along the way.

Unlike many companies, we don’t bring in freelancers just for the high season. Instead, we invest in our team year-round, building a strong culture of trust and collaboration that we share with you on the road.

You’ll also be welcomed by the local families with whom we’ve built long-standing partnerships — their hospitality and friendship are at the heart of this experience.

And behind the scenes, Jess (founder) and Tuya (office manager) are always just a WhatsApp message away for any questions or additional support.

Meals

Each EL team travels with a simple kitchen, and most meals are prepared by your trip assistant. We don’t ask rural families—with limited access to shops—to provide meals, especially given the number of travellers with dietary needs. However, during each trip you’ll also share some meals with host families, stop at guanz (roadside cafés), and eat in local restaurants.

Our trip assistants are not trained chefs, but they know how to keep you well-fed. Meals are based around local, seasonal produce with a focus on food miles. You won’t find elaborate international dishes, but you can rely on hearty, filling food that sustains you. If five portions of fruit a day are a must, you may find this challenging in remote Mongolia.

We can cater for vegetarians, some dietary restrictions, and food allergies—but only with advance notice. Please share your requirements when booking so we can advise what’s possible and set realistic expectations.

Drinks

We provide filtered drinking water, tea, and coffee throughout. Alcohol and soft drinks are not included but can be purchased en route. Choice is limited in the countryside, so if you enjoy a good bottle of wine or whisky, we recommend stocking up in Ulaanbaatar before departure.

Since rural areas lack running water and recycling is minimal, we avoid bottled water. Each team carries large containers and filters water from town stations. Please bring a reusable bottle (a filter bottle is even better). A detailed packing list is provided on booking.

Showers

Running water is rare in rural Mongolia, so showers are limited. On this itinerary we use town shower houses—simple cubicles with plenty of hot water, which many travellers describe as a highlight! You will need to bring a towel.

We also provide bowls and soap powder for hand-washing clothes if needed. Just to be clear: there are no washing machines.

Toilets

Think: a loo with a view!

Mongolia has very few public toilets, so on drives it’s a case of finding a private spot in nature (your trip assistant will give what we call “the toilet talk”).

At host family homes, expect Asian-style squat or long-drop toilets.If squatting isn’t second nature, you may want to practice before travelling—several of our guests recommend it.

These toilets aren’t designed to shock you; they’re simply part of everyday rural life. We provide toilet paper (though not the aloe vera variety!).

Transport

Our driving team is made up of men we know personally and have worked with for years. Their English is limited, but their road skills are unmatched—whether navigating tough terrain or practicing mongolchlokh (improvising the Mongolian way) when a tyre bursts or a vehicle breaks down. And yes, breakdowns do happen—this is Mongolia, after all. By travelling with us, you’re supporting the long-term employment of experienced, traditional men who use their income to provide for extended families.

Each driver owns their own vehicle, which include Furgon 4×4 vans, Toyota Land Cruisers and Lexus models, Hyundai Starex, or Mitsubishi Delicas. Because they’re driver-owned, interiors and seating layouts vary, and each vehicle is fitted with either lap or seat belts.

We assist with maintenance fees, and all vehicles undergo:

• Annual assessments by the Mongolian Government for tourism standards
• Standard MOT checks
• Licensing for tourism use

Click on the link to explore the route

Group Size & Pricing

We price our tailor made journeys up to six but can run this experience for larger groups.

Sliding Price Scale

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

• 2 Guests US$ 5775 pp
• 3-4 Guests US$ 5515 pp
• 5 Guests US$ 5000 pp
• 6 Guests US$ 4240 pp

We know your holiday funds are precious. This sliding scale keeps our trips personal and immersive, while making them more affordable when shared — so if you know someone who might like to join, invite them along and enjoy the savings together.

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
*If you are travelling by domestic flight, the schedule and cost of the domestic flights have not yet been determined by the Mongolian airlines. Once you have booked this trip, you will be notified directly by us as soon as that info becomes available. Reservations and payment arrangements for any domestic flight will be coordinated by us.

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. If you would like to provide a tip, a tip for the drivers would be roughly equal to what you would give to the tour guides – anything from $20 (USD) per member of staff (driver & tour guide) is a good minimum guide.