Eastern Landscapes & Gobi Experience | Mongolia small group tour | Aug 22 – Sept 13 2026

• Explore On our Wild Tracks Road Trip – Part of our signature series of exploratory journeys, designed for those who value slow travel and genuine 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.

• Micro-Group Travel – With a maximum of six guests, enjoy the intimacy of private travel combined with the energy of a small group.

• Discover Ulaanbaatar through a local lens - gaining a real perspective of Mongolia’s capital.

• Time to Pause – Find stillness and space for reflection in Mongolia’s vast winter landscapes, beneath some of the clearest night skies on earth.

As part of our Wild Tracks series of road trips, the Eastern Landscapes & Gobi journey is about travelling with patience — taking time to move through places, to enjoy the long roads, the quiet spaces, and the small connections that shape the experience.

Mongolia’s eastern landscapes are often overlooked, yet they hold a sense of openness that feels endless. This route links two contrasting worlds — the dry, stony reaches of the eastern Gobi and the rolling grasslands of the steppe, combined with the history and home landscapes of Chinggis Khaan. It’s a journey that reveals how people have adapted to live within such extremes, and how daily life continues to unfold in these remote regions.

This isn’t a trip for those chasing landmarks. It’s for those who find meaning in the road itself — in the conversations, the dust, the changing light, and the feeling of travelling through places where few others go.

More than anything, it’s a pioneer-style journey for the curious — those drawn to new horizons and ready for the challenges that come with remote locations, unpredictable terrain, and the quiet adventure of the open road.

Key Facts

• Tour Dates: August 22 - September 13 2026
• Duration: 23 days
• Group Size: 2-6
• Altitude: Between 700 m to around 1,770 m
• Trip Style: Small group, 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.

Ulaanbaatar

August 22: 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 

August 23: 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

August 24: 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

August 25 & 26: 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 | Aug 25 - Approx 4/5 hours driving time | Aug 26 -Approx 4/5 hours driving time | B/L/D

August 27 & 28: 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 | Aug 27:  Approx 6 hours driving time | B/L/D

August 29: 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

August 30:  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

August 31 & Sept 1: 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 | Aug 31: Approx 7-8 hours driving time | B/L/D

September 2: 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

September 3: 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

September 4 & 5: 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 | Sept 4 - Approx 2/3 hours driving time | B/L/D

September 6 & 7: 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 | Sept 6 - Approx 8- 9  hours driving time |  Sept 7 - Approx 1 hours driving time each way | B/L * Dinner independently or with team, your choice

September 8 & 9: Ikh Nart  Nature Reserve

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

Tent Camp | Sept 8 - Approx 6-7 hours driving time | B/L/D

September 10: 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

September 11 & 12: 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 | Sept 11: Approx 6  hours driving time | B/L/D

Ulaanbaatar

September 13: 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:

• 2-5 Guests: US$ 6315 pp US$ 5685 pp *current group size
• 6 Guests US$ 5785 pp US$ 5210 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 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.