Mongolia: Nomads, Eagle Hunters, and the Land of Chinggis Khaan

Location: Asia
Duration: 11 Days
Price: From $9,995
Activity Level: Moderate

Mongolia: Nomads, Eagle Hunters, and the Land of Chinggis Khaan

Location: Asia
Duration: 11 Days
Price: From $9,995
Activity Level: Moderate

Overview

Travel to Mongolia, a land where time has stood still with landscapes as they appeared 800 years ago under Chinggis Khaan. Mongolia boasts some of the last true wilderness areas on Earth, including the Gobi Desert’s austere beauty, the oceanic grasslands of the central steppe, and the 14,000-foot Altai Mountains. Experience the traditional lifestyles of nomadic pastoralists, share meals, and sleep in gers. Visit the Gobi Desert’s Flaming Cliffs, renowned for dinosaur fossil discoveries. Witness traditional Mongolian archery and eagle hunting, and explore Ulaanbaatar, where ancient traditions meet modernity. Head west to Tolbo Lake and the Altai Mountains to meet eagle hunters and experience Kazakh culture. Stay in the luxurious Three Camel Lodge, attend Naadam Festival celebrations, and visit Hustain Nuruu National Park to see the rare takhi horses.

Main Attractions

Eagle Hunters

Meet Kazakh eagle hunters in the Altai Mountains to learn about their ancient practice of training and hunting with golden eagles.

Desert Festival

Witness live horseback riding, wrestling, and archery competitions at an authentic local Naadam festival in the Gobi Desert.

Art & Fossils

Spend time with a local nomadic family to see traditional handicraft and felt-making demonstrations, and look for dinosaur fossils at the Flaming Cliffs, a site of major paleontological discoveries.

Map of Mongolia showing flight routes from Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii and Three Camel Lodge. Locations include Tsambagarav Mountain, Yol Valley National Park, and Gobi Desert. Inset map shows Mongolia's location.
Two people in traditional attire stand on grass in a mountainous landscape. One holds a large bird of prey on their arm.
Two people smiling and posing together under a colorful canopy at an outdoor market with tents in the background.
Two people on horseback race across a grassy plain, one raising a whip in the air, with two other riders visible in the distance.
Two people in traditional attire stand on grass in a mountainous landscape. One holds a large bird of prey on their arm.
Two people smiling and posing together under a colorful canopy at an outdoor market with tents in the background.
Two people on horseback race across a grassy plain, one raising a whip in the air, with two other riders visible in the distance.

Itinerary

Cityscape with modern apartment buildings, a river, and green trees in the foreground, set against a backdrop of distant hills and a cloudy sky.

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, where ancient traditions blend with modern life. After being picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel, take the evening to relax and recover from your journey. Meals are on your own as you settle in and prepare for your adventure.

A row of golden prayer wheels under a wooden, green-roofed structure, set against a stone-paved courtyard with a clear blue sky overhead.

Discover Ulaanbaatar’s Cultural Riches

Start your exploration with a visit to Gandan Monastery, Mongolia’s spiritual heart. Witness the daily rituals and hear the low tones of the temple horns. Continue to the Chenrezi and Kalachakra Temples, and marvel at the 82-foot Migjid Janraisig statue. Next, explore the Chinggis Khaan Museum, showcasing Mongolia’s history. After lunch at a local restaurant, tour the Mongolian Art Gallery, featuring modern and traditional works. End the day with a welcome dinner with your group.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Person in traditional attire holding a bow stands in a grassy field, with two saddled horses in the background.

Journey to Tsambagarav Mountain

Fly from Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii, followed by a scenic drive to your camp at the base of Tsambagarav Mountain. After lunch, explore the stunning mountain valleys on foot. Learn about the Uuld people, who live in this rich historical region. Settle into your camp and enjoy a short hike to soak in the surrounding beauty before a hearty dinner.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A person in fur clothing holds a golden eagle, with mountains in the background.

Explore the Altai Mountains

In the Altai Mountains, learn about the Kazakh tradition of eagle hunting. Witness the majestic eagles in action as Kazakh hunters demonstrate their skills. Visit a Kazakh family’s ger, experiencing their unique lifestyle and traditional decorations. After lunch with the family, watch local horsemanship and participate in traditional equestrian games. Return to camp for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Three steamed dumplings in a bamboo steamer basket on a wooden table.

Return to Ulaanbaatar

Fly back to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your hotel. After checking in, enjoy lunch and some free time to relax and explore on your own. This evening, savor dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Meals breakfast, lunch
A narrow mountain valley with green grass and rocky cliffs under a clear blue sky.

Arrival in the Gobi Desert

Fly to the Gobi Desert and drive to Yol Valley National Park, a lush green valley surrounded by the rugged Altai Mountains. Check into the Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia’s premier eco-lodge. Spend the afternoon exploring the valley’s unique ice formations and the lodge’s surroundings. Enjoy a relaxing evening with options for a massage or a drink before dinner.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Two men in traditional attire wrestling outdoors, with a crowd watching in the background under blue skies.

Celebrate at the Naadam Festival

Attend the Naadam Festival, Mongolia’s most celebrated event, featuring traditional wrestling, horse racing, and archery. These ancient sports showcase the strength and skill of Mongolia’s nomads. After lunch, visit Havsgait to see ancient petroglyphs, best viewed in the late afternoon light. Enjoy dinner back at the lodge and reflect on a day filled with cultural excitement.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Interior of a decorated yurt with colorful rugs, patterns on walls, musical instruments, and a low table set for a meal.

Traditional Felt-Making Experience

Spend a day with a local nomadic family learning the traditional art of felt-making. Discover how felt is crafted by hand and used in gers and traditional clothing. Participate in the process, from beating wool to rolling and drying the felt. Return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening, reflecting on your hands-on cultural experience.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Two women are cooking dumplings in a kitchen. One is wearing a white shirt and cap, stirring a pan, while the other in a black apron arranges dumplings on a counter.

Discover the Gobi Desert

Explore Moltsog Els, a region of stunning sand dunes, on foot or atop a Bactrian camel. Visit a camel herding family to experience their hospitality and learn about their lifestyle. Back at the lodge, learn to make Mongolian Buuz (dumplings) and Khuushuur (meat pastries). In the evening, visit the Flaming Cliffs to witness the dramatic red glow at sunset and learn about its significant dinosaur fossil discoveries.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Two performers in traditional, colorful costumes dance outdoors, with blurred figures in the background.

Return to Ulaanbaatar

Fly back to Ulaanbaatar and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Visit MIM — a Mongolian and Irish collaboration that was formed to encourage and empower Mongolian women and their families. With the support from the Irish government and the Dalai Lama, MIM’s hand-crafted products have become identified as the highest quality felt in Mongolia. Learn about traditional felt-making and its role in Mongolian culture. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Mongolian dance and Khoomi throat singing performance. Celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner, reflecting on the incredible experiences shared.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A group of women stand outdoors holding a banner that reads "adventure women." A mountain landscape is visible in the background.

Departure from Ulaanbaatar

Spend your final morning in Ulaanbaatar, savoring the last moments of your adventure. Transfer to the airport for your flight home, saying goodbye to new friends and cherished memories.

Meals breakfast
Yurt settlement on a vast grassy plain under a sunrise sky, with rocky foreground and scattered clouds.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

Cityscape with a tall illuminated building surrounded by shorter structures and distant hills under a dusky sky.

Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel

Centrally located in Ulaanbaatar, the Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel is within walking distance of many of the attractions in the city. The comfortable rooms are an excellent place to relax between forays into the countryside.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, electricity with outlet adapters, Wi-Fi

A group of women stand on grassy terrain holding a blue "adventure women" banner. Tents are pitched in the background under a cloudy sky.

Tent With Sleeping Bag

Your tents are Cabela’s Alaskan walk-in tents. Each tent has a foldable camp cot (two in a double tent and one in a single tent). You will be provided with an inflatable air mattress, and a Creek wenzel sleeping bag with a cotton sleeping bag liner. There are separate toilet (bio-chemical, pump-flush toilet) and shower tents (solar-heated water).

A group of people sits and stands around a table with food, set on green grass among tents and mountains.

Tent With Sleeping Bag

Your tents are Northface VE25 dome tents. Each tent has a vestibule that can be used for dirty boots/other wet gear. You will be provided with a 4” NeoAir Dream mattress by Thermarest (foam+air mattress) and a zero-degree sleeping bag with a cotton sleeping bag liner. There are separate toilet (bio-chemical, pump-flush toilet) and shower tents (solar-heated water).

The interior of a yurt features a bed, chairs, a small table, and a rug. The wooden roof structure is visible, and the doorway opens to a grassy landscape.

Three Camel Lodge

Three Camel Lodge offers a luxurious take on the traditional nomadic lifestyle. Built in the heart of the Gobi Desert according to environmentally and culturally sustainable development guidelines, the Three Camel Lodge offers a blend of adventure and sophistication, combining traditional style with superb service to create the ultimate expedition experience.

AMENITIES: private bathroom with walk-in shower, bathrobe

What People Are Saying

Camping in the Altai Mountains and visiting the local nomadic families was amazing. It was such an amazing opportunity to hear a woman speak about the lives of Mongolians and the history of the culture’s evolution.

What People Are Saying

This trip to Mongolia was nothing short of spectacular! From the vibrant cultural experiences in Ulaanbaatar to the breathtaking landscapes of the Altai Mountains and Gobi Desert, every moment was a new adventure.

What People Are Saying

Mongolia exceeded all my expectations. The blend of ancient traditions and stunning wilderness was remarkable. The chance to interact with local nomadic families and learn about their crafts was incredibly rewarding.

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Pricing Booking Link
Jun 13 Jun 23
Space Available
$9,995*
Standard Room, Single
$11,695 total, $800 deposit
Standard Room, Double
$9,995 total, $800 deposit

*Additional Pricing Information: 2025 Optional Single Accommodation: $1,700

Arrival: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (UBN) on Day 1. There will be one group transfer provided – exact time to be determined. Private transfers can be purchased for an additional cost.

Departure: Depart Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (UBN) on Day 11 any time after 12 PM. There will be one group transfer provided – exact time to be determined. Private transfers can be purchased for an additional cost.

(note: transfers are planned to avoid rush hour traffic which can triple travel time)

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Soft drinks at meals
  • English-speaking guide(s) throughout the trip
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure
  • All ground transportation
  • Activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Drinking water available in large jugs to refill personal bottles
  • All gratuities except guide and driver
  • Domestic airfare

What's Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Optional activities
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for main guide and driver

FAQs

Absolutely! We happily welcome all women as long as you are physically capable of doing the activities on your chosen trip. Our guests range from 18-85+! It is important to us to talk to each guest to make sure each woman chooses the right trip for her physical ability and interest.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. However, internal flights are included in some itineraries so please read the itinerary carefully.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Moderate: These adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle.
  • Active: Adventures that get you on your feet! You should be in good physical condition where you are comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone streets, biking manicured nature trails or kayaking calm waters.
  • High Energy: These adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on a rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing.
  • Challenging: Adventures that get your heart rate pumping, these are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition, and be able to hike up to 10 miles, in steeper, more rugged terrain.