Best of the Gobi by Air: Luxury Exploration with Premium Lodging (MN-07)

Upon your arrival at the airport or train station, you'll be warmly welcomed by your guide and driver. From there, we'll set our course westward towards the HS Khaan Hotel Resort, just a short drive away. This charming resort sits atop a hill, offering panoramic vistas of a vast emerald green valley, where the Naadam Festival's thrilling horse racing event unfolds in July. It serves as a fantastic initial glimpse of this vast and fascinating land. Your accommodations at the resort are unique Mongolian traditional dwellings known as 'gers,' thoughtfully outfitted with modern amenities. What sets them apart is the large window that provides an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape, making it a must for your camera. (D)

Following a hearty breakfast at the hotel resort, we will embark on a journey to the airport for your domestic flight to the Gobi region. Upon arrival, we'll begin our adventure by heading to the enchanting Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes, which extend for a remarkable 180 km at the base of the magnificent Gurvan Saikhan (Three Beauties of the Gobi) Mountain Range. Upon reaching Gobi-Erdene camp, you'll enjoy a delightful lunch. The day will conclude with a dinner and a comfortable night's stay at this welcoming ger camp. Our drive for the day will cover a distance of 260 km (160 miles). (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the ger camp, we'll continue our journey towards the Yol Valley, where a full-day excursion awaits us in Yol Valley National Park. This adventure will encompass picturesque hiking and ample opportunities to capture the stunning landscape through your lens. A delightful picnic lunch will be enjoyed within the park, providing a perfect moment to relish the natural surroundings. The afternoon can be spent either hiking further or simply unwinding. You'll spend the night in the comfort of a luxury ger camp. The day's drive will cover a distance of 220 km (135 miles). (B/L/D)

Following breakfast at the camp, we will venture out to explore the renowned Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag), a site known for its dinosaur fossils and dinosaur eggs. This extraordinary location played a pivotal role in putting Mongolia on the map for explorers, and we will follow in the footsteps of the world-renowned paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews.Later in the day, we'll pay a visit to a local family of camel breeders, providing us with a unique opportunity to experience the warm hospitality of Mongolian nomads. To complete the experience, there will be a short but delightful camel ride. As the day comes to a close, you'll enjoy dinner and settle in for the night at a comfortable ger camp near Flaming Cliffs. The driving distance for the day will be approximately 90 km (55 miles). (B/L/D)

Today we will set off for Dalanzadgad to catch our domestic flight to Ulan Bator. Upon arrival, a brief transfer will take us to Terelj National Park, situated 80 km northeast of the capital, where we will immerse ourselves in the park's captivating scenery. Our tour will feature a visit to the remarkable Turtle Rock, and we'll have the chance to enjoy some horse riding. You'll spend the night at the luxurious five-star Terelj Hotel. The day's drive will cover approximately 120 km (75 miles). (B/L/D)

Upon return to Ulan Bator, we will embark on an extensive city tour, visiting Sukhbaatar Square, the National History Museum, Zaisan Hill, and the Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum. We will also have the opportunity to indulge in a shopping excursion at the State Department Store and Gobi Cashmere Factory Store. In the evening, we will enjoy a delightful farewell dinner at a special restaurant offering a panoramic view of the capital city. You'll spend the night at a luxurious five-star hotel. (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Our driver will meet you at the hotel lobby. Transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B).