Mongolia Small Group Trips

Our Mongolia small group trips are perfect for those looking to join a small group but who have an issue with organised travel. Our maximum group size is between 4 and 6 depending on the style of trip. This refreshing group size makes  for a much more personal  experience.  It also means we can offer you as much as possible the freedom and flexibility of independent travel. It also helps to limit our impact on the local culture and environment.

But, what’s it actually like to travel with us? Graeme Allen joined us in Mongolia on our 23-day Untamed Mongolia Mongolia small group tour. These are his thoughts. 

The places in Mongolia I loved the most and why…

For me, the constantly changing landscapes gave the most memories.  The place I felt most moved by was the Khongoryn Els sand dunes. I think the evening of song (and vodka!) on the warm sands in the moonlight (full moon rising) with the gigantic sweep of the steppe in the background and the trillions of stars above was one of the most wonderful, atmospheric/romantic evenings I’ve ever had. 

Lake Khovsgol National Park and the great day we spent climbing the mountain beside it into the Khoridol Saridag and looking over the vast sweep of water into Siberia was another.

One of our wild picnics on top of Chuchee Uul in Mongolia’s Khovsgol Nuur National Park. The view really is remarkable!

But there were really so many places.  What variety!  What experiences!

The experiences I loved the most…

As above and building a small ovoo on a rocky outcrop above our last campsite at Khustain Nuruu National Park, and leaving a prayer scarf on it, was moving.  I left a large slice of myself there!! 

The ‘eternal landscape’ view from our campsite at Khustain Nuruu National Park on one of our Mongolia small group tours.

Favourite Mongolian cultural experience?

 My favourite Mongolian cultural experience was probably sharing airag (fermented mare’s milk) in a ger and getting the feel of the life of the herdsman/woman/children at the same time was special.  But all my visits to ger encampments were memorable.

Meeting the network of rural families we work closely with such as the Tomorbat family at Ulaan Tsutgalan and experiencing their way of life is an integral part of our Mongolia small group tours

Would I return to Mongolia?

 There is no “if I returned”.  Let’s be positive and say “when I return…” I’d go back tomorrow if the opportunity arose.  I probably won’t get back but the 23 days I spent with you gave me the greatest life-changing experience I’ve had in my over 70 years.  I’d especially love to see some more of the Altai in the west, and some of the more remote steppe country over that way, too.  

Memorable impressions?

The days in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park gorges stood out.  Seeing the form of an Ibex mountain goat high up on the rocky crags, silhouetted against the evening tones of the sky was special.

The gorges of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park in Mongolia’s southern Gobi are home to Ibex. There is a possibility you may see one up on a mountain ridge but silence is required.

I’d have to say, Jess, that what especially made the experience for me so wonderful was the way we were looked after by you in particular.  It was such a personal trip, not stereotyped and routine as “organised” trips usually are, but giving us a sense of discovery with what often seemed unplanned variations into new areas/experiences.