Explore iconic landscapes on a true Mongolian road trip – from the dramatic Gobi Desert to the rolling green steppe.
Go beyond the highlights – with meaningful experiences, carefully chosen locations, and genuine local connections.
Embrace a slower, more grounded approach – bringing the essence of Mongolia alive not just in what you see, but in how you experience it.
Stay Local – Rest in small, family-run accommodations supported through our long-term community partnerships, ensuring your stay directly benefits rural families.
Gain cultural insight – Discover rural and urban heritage through genuine connection and lived experiences.
Thoughtful Extras – We add a few gentle surprises—small touches that express our thanks for choosing to travel with us.
Support Responsible Travel – Our journeys put Mongolia first, not profit. When you travel with us, your booking supports ethics, people, and place—and our Impact Report shows the difference it makes.
A Team, Not Freelancers – We share the journey with you as a close-knit team, never freelancers brought in to simply cover a trip.
Break Down Barriers – Travel alongside our intergenerational Mongolian teams—male drivers and our all-female team of trip assistants—helping to create agency, income, and personal growth while challenging societal barriers.
A Thoughtful Itinerary – Personally designed by Jess, our founder, with balance and flow at its heart—not profit.

Our Essence of Mongolia journey distills the spirit of this vast land into an immersive small-group adventure, perfect for first-time visitors. Blending Mongolia’s dramatic natural contrasts with meaningful cultural encounters, it offers more than just the highlights. With a slower pace, family-run stays, and time to simply be in the landscape, this is a road trip that trades the ticklist for connection, meaning, and a sense of place.

Our Essence of Mongolia experience is just that — a journey that captures the spirit of this vast and extraordinary land. Designed with first-time visitors in mind, this small group trip blends Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage with its raw, awe-inspiring beauty. From the dramatic Gobi Desert to the rolling green steppe, you’ll experience the striking contrasts that define the country.

Although the route follows a classic path, the thoughtful balance, meaningful experiences, carefully chosen locations, and genuine local connections lift this far beyond a standard highlights tour.

At its core, this is a road trip — but in Mongolia, road trips are part of the experience. The country is the size of Western Europe, and the landscapes shift constantly. With picnic lunches, accommodation predominantly at smaller family-run camps, and a flexible itinerary, you’ll feel a sense of freedom rather than structure — allowing you to absorb the rhythm of the land and offering a window into contemporary Mongolian life. There’s time built in — time to pause, to talk, to share a meal, or simply to watch the light change across the steppe. It’s this slower, more grounded approach that allows the essence of Mongolia to come through — not just in what you see, but in how you experience it.

Ulaanbaatar

Sept 6th: Final arrival day | "Intro To Ulaanbaatar'
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

Gobi Desert

Sept 7th: Baga Gazriin Chuluu Rock Formations
Travel through the vast open steppe to the dramatic and sacred granite formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu.

Simple guest ger shared as a group at family ger camp | Approx 6-7 hours driving time | B/L/D

Sept 8th: Gobi Oasis Tree Planting Project & Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa Cliffs)
Stop for lunch and an introduction to grassroots conservation at the Gobi Oasis Tree Planting Project, then continue to the dramatic chalk formations of Tsagaan Suvarga—a natural wonder shaped by time and wind.

Simple guest ger shared as a group at family camp | Approx 6-7 hours driving time | B/L/D

Sept 9th: Dalanzadgad & Gobi Museum of Nature and History
Arrive in the provincial capital of the South Gobi. Visit the Gobi Museum of Nature and History for insight into the region’s ecology and prehistoric past.

Twin-share ensuite hotel room | Approx 4-5 hours driving time | B/L/D

Sept 10th: Yolyn Am & Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park Khongoryn Els sand dunes
Explore the dramatic Yolyn Am Canyon, nestled within the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, before heading west to the towering dunes of Khongoryn Els.

Simple guest ger to share as a group at family ger camp | Approx 6-7 hours driving time | B/L/D

Sept 11th: Bayanzag | The Flaming Cliffs
Visit the red sandstone landscapes of Bayanzag, known worldwide as the Flaming Cliffs, where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered—one of the Gobi’s most iconic sights.

Simple guest ger to share as a group at family ger camp | Approx 4 hours driving time | B/L/D

Sept 12th & 13th: Erdenedalai herders homestay
Travel north 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 guest ger shared as a group alongside Nergui herding family | Sept 13 Approx 6-7 hours driving time | B/L/D

Central Heartland

Sept 14th & 15th: Khogno Khan & Elsen Tasarkhai
Drive to and explore the striking contrasts of this sacred granite mountain, where open steppe meets golden sand dunes. Walk, relax, take a camel ride, or visit the beautifully situated Erdene Khambiin Khiid temple.

Simple guest ger shared as a group at Davaasuren family ger camp | Aug 31: Approx 4-5 hours driving time | B/L/D

Sept 16th & 17th: Kharkhorin & Orkhon River Valley
Spend two immersive days exploring the cultural and natural heritage of Kharkhorin and the surrounding Orkhon River Valley—a UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights include Erdene Zuu Monastery, the Kharkhorin Museum and the fabulous calligraphy centre.

Simple guest ger shared as a group alongside Tumee herding family | Sept 16: Approx 2-3 hours driving time | B/L/D

Sept 18th: 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 guest ger shared as a group alongside Batchuluun herding family | Approx 7 hours driving time | B/L/D

Sept 19th: 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 3-4 hours driving time | B/L

Start Date: September 6th 2026

Duration: 14 Days

Maximum Group Size: 6 which is refreshingly small by tourism industry standards—and we see that as a strength. Our small group sizes allow for more respectful, low-impact experiences with the host families we’ve built long-term community partnerships with. You’ll be one of few, not one of many, which creates a more genuine connection and a deeper, more personal insight into daily life. It also gives us the flexibility to adapt as we go, meaning no two journeys are ever exactly the same.

Your Local Team: Throughout your journey, you’ll be supported by our trusted Mongolian team—typically a male driver and a female trip assistant—who not only handle the logistics but also offer genuine warmth and insight along the way. You’ll also experience the hospitality and friendship of the local families we’ve built long-standing partnerships with. Jess and Tuya are available throughout your trip via WhatsApp for any questions or additional support.

FAQs: We’re a small company, but when you book with us, you can do so with flexibility & confidence

All images used throughout our website were taken either by EL guests or members of the EL team. This is the Mongolia that you will also experience.

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.

Rustic Ger Camp

In Kharkhorin, we stay in a ger camp that provides access to modern facilities, including warm showers and flush toilets. Accommodation is in twin-share gers, with the facilities located in a separate block just a short walk away.

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 September 6th and 19th are not included although we provide recommendations and can help with booking.

Map Of Route

Click on the link below to access the map

Final group size of 2-4 guests USD 4300 pp *current group size*
Final group size of 5 guests USD 3860 pp
Final group size of 6 guests USD 3515 pp

Where Does Your Payment Go?

We understand that budget is a personal decision, and every traveller has different priorities. While our rates may be higher than some other agencies, it’s not because we offer luxury experiences—but because we’re committed to a form of tourism that is ethical, fair, and genuinely impactful.

As a small-scale company, we intentionally limit our operations to around 150–200 travellers per year. This allows us to focus on delivering personalised, meaningful journeys, rather than generic, checklist-style tours.

We published our first Impact Report in 2025, offering transparency around how your payment supports the people and places you visit. Here’s an overview of where your tour funds go:

Commitment to Mongolia: We’re a registered Mongolian business, meaning your payment directly supports the local economy through taxes, employment, and social security contributions. Your money stays in Mongolia, helping to fund local initiatives and foster economic resilience.

Empowering Employment Opportunities: We provide long-term employment to individuals often overlooked by mainstream tour companies. Our team includes female Mongolian trip assistants, who are breaking barriers and paving the way for more women to thrive in tourism-related roles. We also work with older, experienced male drivers, many of whom face limited employment opportunities due to age or traditional backgrounds. By offering stable, respectful work, we help address both high unemployment and the effects of toxic masculinity.These cross-generational teams form the heart of our operations and reflect the rural and urban communities we’re proud to work alongside. Learn more about our initiatives: Empowering Mongolian Women and Supporting Male Drivers.

Community and Herding Family Support: Our trips are thoughtfully designed to support the projects, families, and communities—both rural and urban—with whom we’ve built long-term partnerships. We do this without disrupting their daily lives or livelihoods, ensuring that tourism remains respectful and mutually beneficial.This ongoing support helps communities navigate challenges such as climate change and urban poverty, while also preserving—or in some cases, improving—their quality of life and cultural resilience. Discover more about us.

Climate Emergency Advocacy: We are proud members of Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency and signatories of the Glasgow Declaration. As part of our commitment, we actively seek ways to minimise our environmental footprint while exploring how our small-scale approach to tourism can leave a positive impact—culturally, socially, economically, and environmentally. Learn about our initiatives: Climate Emergency.

Included in the price

All meals outside of the city of Ulaanbaatar: 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 great teams of a Mongolian driver and a female English-speaking trip assistant, ensuring an immersive experience. Jess and Tuya are available throughout via WhatsApp.

Our complimentary 'Intro To Ulaanbaatar' experience including a local lunch and welcome drink

A complimentary day visit to the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex and Terelj National Park, including entrance fees and a local lunch

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.

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.

This 23-day experience promotes staying longer and exploring deeper, thereby making the most of your international flight.

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.

We are members of Tourism Declares A Climate Emergency and a signatory of The Glasgow Declaration which requires us to publish an annual Climate Action Plan. It also means we have essentially signed up to work towards halving our emissions by 2030. We must report publicly on an annual basis on progress against our interim and long-term targets, as well as on actions being taken. We do this in our Climate Action Plan linked above.

One of the five pathways defined in the Glasgow Declaration is ‘measure’ and we have started the process of measuring the carbon footprint of our tours.

We wanted an accurate footprint analysis whilst also keeping the process manageable, achievable, and affordable. Of the limited carbon calculators available to small tourism companies with a restricted budget we have signed up with the carbon calculator tool Carmacal – specifically designed for tour operators and the 2017 winner of the UNWTO Award for Innovation in Research and Technology.
However, there are limitations with this online tool in the fact that – like most online carbon calculators – you can only measure transport and accommodation and a few very specific activities. But, the main contributors to carbon footprints are food, consumption, transportation, and energy, and all are heavily utilised during a tourism experience.
As a result, founder Jess has worked with two postgraduate students from the Responsible Tourism Management Postgraduate Course of Leeds Beckett University in the UK – the only responsible tourism management MSc certified by the UNWTO – looking at how we can measure the carbon emissions of meals on tour as well as the carbon footprint of our office as well as certain tour activities.

Balancing Our Carbon Footprint

We are in the process of measuring the carbon footprint of each of our tours. Once this is complete, we will balance those emissions by purchasing Plan Vivo–certified carbon certificates (environmental service certificates that each represent the reduction or avoidance of one metric tonne of CO₂) through C-Level and the Mongolian Nomad Project, delivered in partnership with the Mongolian Society of Range Management. The Plan Vivo Standard is built on ethical principles that deliver long-term climate, livelihood, and biodiversity benefits.

In the meantime, we have partnered with C-Level to fund a secure carbon calculator (linked below) for our guests. Through this, you can:

Balance the footprint of your flights
Offset a chosen amount of CO₂ (including your annual footprint)
Or make a direct donation to support the project’s work

Each contribution is invested in Plan Vivo Certificates that support the Mongolian Nomad Project

We know this isn’t perfect, but it is a start. As the saying goes: “you can’t manage what you don’t measure.” For us — a small business with limited resources — this approach is both realistic and achievable.

‘From the moment we were taken off the tourist trail of UB to visit the Green Lake community project in the ger district, I knew that I had picked the perfect company to show me Mongolia. It really has been a privilege to visit this extraordinary country and to experience first-hand the day-to-day lives of Mongolians. Every day brought a new and wonderful aspect to the holiday, and I never tired of taking in the landscape and the human presence.’

Dean Andrews, Untamed Mongolia