Highlights
Visit Terelj National Park
See the Chinggis (Genghis) Khan Statue Complex
Visit the Three Beauties Mountain range
Visit a Mongolian family to learn about their lifestyle and taste Mongolian dairy products
Explore Khongoryn Els, Mongolia’s largest sand dunes
Visit the Gobi Dinosaurs Cemetery
Visit the Ongiin Khiid Monastery complex
Visit the ancient Mongolian capital of Kharkhorin
Explore Khustai National Park
Join the celebrations of National Costume Day in Ulaanbaatar
Attend the Opening Ceremony of the Naadam Festival
See the thrilling cross-country horse racing at the Naadam Festival
Inclusions
Personally escorted from Melbourne by a Sisterhood Tour Hostess who is on hand to ensure your tour is a memorable one (other departure cities on request)
Return economy airfares from Melbourne, including taxes (upgrades available on request)
All accommodation as specified in the itinerary (Ulaanbaatar is Hotel 4* or countryside is a Ger. For examples of Ger accommodation, click here)
Meals as listed on the itinerary
All transportation, daily tours, and entrance fees to scenic attractions (not camera fees) as per the itinerary. Countryside by a chauffeur–driven (Land Cruiser 200) vehicle (3 people in 1 vehicle)
English Speaking Guide at all times
Internal Flight – Gobi Desert & Ulaanbaatar City (15kg baggage allowance)
Naadam festival opening ceremony ticket
Park Entrance Fees
1 litre of drinking water per day / per person
All tipping
** This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner, Wendy Wu Tours **
Notice
**Single Room Option**
You will be in a single room in Ulaanbaatar 4 star hotel for 6 nights and a twin share Ger for 10 nights. For examples of Ger accommodation, click here
Fitness Level required for this trip:
To travel on this tour requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights. ‘Mongolia & the Naadam Festival’ will require a good level of fitness, as you need to be comfortable walking for 2-3 hours and covering longer distances. As a whole, this itinerary requires a high level of fitness involving hiking and travelling to remote areas where tourist facilities are less developed. You’ll be getting on and off coaches, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.
Travelling in Mongolia is both rewarding and challenging because of the lack of basic infrastructure, such as roads or a transportation system. This tour covers a vast distance and reaching the sites involves travelling through areas of Mongolia which are barren, remote and without any modern facilities. There will be long periods of walking whilst sightseeing, often on steep or uneven ground.
There are hiking opportunities in Khongoryn Els sand dunes, Gorkhi Terelj National Park, which normally involve approximately 2 hours on foot. There will not be sealed paths or stairs built in these areas. You do not need to train or be fit for this itinerary, but you will need to be able to complete these activities independently.
There are long days of driving on rough, unsealed roads or tracks, and a few days will involve driving for over 8 hours.
Outside of Ulaanbaatar, your accommodation will be in Ger Camps. Of course, the National Escorts travelling with us and local guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.
Australian tourists can enter Mongolia for stays of up to 30 days without a visa.
For Australian Government advice about travelling to Mongolia, CLICK HERE
For additional information about this trip, CLICK HERE.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Saturday 27 June 2026
Melbourne to Ulaanbaatar (in-flight meals)
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel.
Your tour hostess and fellow travellers will meet you at the designated departure point at Melbourne Airport for your flight to Ulaanbaatar.
Sit back, relax and enjoy your flight.
Day 2 - Sunday 28 June 2026
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Arrive in Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar!
Upon arrival, we will be met with our local guide from Juulchin at Ulaanbaatar airport in the arrivals hall and then transferred to our hotel.
This evening, there will be a tour introduction at the hotel. It is simply an opportunity for our group to meet and learn more about travelling in Mongolia.
Ulaanbaatar city: Occupying one-third of the country’s population, Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, is also the largest city. It was built along the Tuul Gol River and is surrounded by picturesque mountains, with the center of the city largely occupied with Soviet-style high-rise apartments. The majority of the population still lives on the outskirts of the city in the traditional Ger (circular felt tent), which happens to be the most identifiable symbol of the country.
Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel, Ulaanbaatar or similar
Day 3 - Monday 29 June 2026
Chingis Khan Statue Complex – Terelj National Park (B, L, D)
This morning, travel to Terelj National Park, stopping on route to visit the Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex.
Spend the afternoon exploring the area, enjoying the alpine scenery and seeing Turtle Rock. From here, hike over steep and uneven ground to Aryabal Temple. Sightseeing today involves around 2-3 hours on foot.
Stay overnight at a Ger camp. Chinggis Khan Statue Complex Standing 43m tall, the statue was erected of Genghis Khaan sitting on a horse, it is said to be pointed in the direction of his birthplace. Haver lunch in the restaurant.
Later, visit local business women who make handicrafts, later continue driving to Terelj National Park to Explore Turtle Rock.
Accommodation: Juulchin Terelj Resort (Lux Ger) or similar
Day 4 - Tuesday 30 June 2026
Gobi Desert – Dalanzadgad – Yolyn Am (B, L, D)
This morning, we'll fly around 1 ½ hours to Dalanzadgad, located on the edge of the Gobi Desert.
First, we'll visit the local market and dinosaur garden and afterwards, have lunch at a local restaurant and have another visit to a self-employed business woman in Dalanzadgad before transferring around 1 hour in 4WD vehicles to the Ger camp near Gurvansaikhan (Three Beauty) National Park.
After lunch in the Ger camp, we'll drive to the Three Beauties Mountain range and spend the day exploring Vulture Valley, viewing the incredible sharp mountains and vast sand dunes. We will also have the opportunity to view the stunning scenery of the famed Eagle's Gorge, or Yolyn Am, which is the native name.
Later, we'll drive back to the camp and visit a Mongolian family nearby to learn about their lifestyle and taste Mongolian dairy products. Between the steep walls of the 2km long Yolyn Am Canyon, there is a stream which freezes in winter, and it is possible to walk along the ice. At this time of year, the ice will be melting and we will need to take care when undertaking this activity. The hike into the Yolyn Am canyon takes 2-3 hours return. There will be an opportunity for the early risers to go into the park earlier this morning to see the multitude of wildlife in this section of the Gobi, including the mountain ibex, argali, and many birds of prey.
Accommodation: Khanbogd Tourist Camp (Standard Ger) or similar
Day 5 - Wednesday 1 July 2026
Yolyn Am – the Vulture Valley (B, L, D)
Today, we'll spend a leisurely day at Yol Valley, enjoying the serene beauty of the dramatic landscape.
This is a perfect opportunity for us to relax, take in the tranquility of the Gobi Desert, and explore the area at their own pace. You may choose to go for optional hikes, photograph the spectacular mountain scenery, or simply unwind at the camp. Those interested can venture back into the gorge for a morning or afternoon walk to spot local wildlife, such as mountain ibex, argali sheep, and various birds of prey. For photography enthusiasts, the shifting light over the valley and surrounding peaks offers excellent conditions for capturing memorable images. This unstructured day allows us to experience the magic of the Gobi at our own rhythm.
Accommodation: Khanbogd Tourist Camp (Standard Ger) or similar
Day 6 - Thursday 2 July 2026
Khongoryn Els – Singing Sand Dune (B, L, D)
After an early breakfast, travel by 4WD for 4-5 hours to Khongoryn Els, the location of Mongolia’s largest sand dunes. Witness the remarkable desert landscapes and explore the sand dunes both by 4WD and on foot. The hike will take at least 2 hours return.
For the more adventurous, climb to the top for fantastic views.
Accommodation: Gobi Erdene Tourist Camp (Standard Ger) or similar
Day 7 - Friday 3 July 2026
Bayanzag – Flaming cliffs (B, L, D)
This morning we're free to continue our exploration of the Gobi Desert and the sand dunes.
After lunch, we'll travel by 4WD for approximately 3-4 hours to Bayanzag, more commonly known as the ‘Flaming Cliffs’. Byanzag is a traditional desert made up of peaks and canyons in a striking, fiery red and orange sandstone. It is known worldwide for the number of dinosaur fossils found in the area. The first excavation was in 1922 by palaeontologist Roy Chapman Andrews.
This afternoon, we will visit the Gobi Dinosaurs Cemetery and explore the surrounding landscape.
Our overnight stay here will be in a Ger camp near the Flaming Cliffs.
Accommodation: Gobi Tour Tourist Camp (Standard Ger) or similar
Day 8 - Saturday 4 July 2026
Ongiin Khiid – Ongi River (B, L, D)
Today, we spend the day travelling onwards to the banks of the Ongii River, a journey of approximately 4-5 hours, some of which is on jeep trails over dry plains where there are no direct roads.
On arrival, check into our Ger camp close to the Ongii River and visit the ruins of two famed monasteries, the Barlim Khiid to the north and the Khutagt Khiid to the south. Combined, they form the complex known as Ongiin Khiid Monastery.
Consisting of two monasteries, located on the bend of the Ong River, the first monastery, Barlim Khiid, was built in 1810 on the north bank of the river. The second, Khutagt Khiid, was built in 1970 on the south bank and can only be accessed when the water level of the river is low or iced over. Once the largest monastery and home to a thousand monks, it was destroyed in 1937. Two monks now call the ruins home, after a small temple was constructed in 2004.
Accommodation: Secret of Ongi Tourist Camp (Standard Ger) or similar
Day 9 - Sunday 5 July 2026
Kharkhorin – Ancient Capital of Mongol Empire (B, L, D)
This morning, we'll drive for approximately 2 hours on a fairly good road to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, situated on the Orkhon River.
Once there, we can explore the ancient sites within Kharkhorin and the memorable Erdene Zuu Monastery. This site involves walking over rough, uneven surfaces.
Accommodation: Secret of Silk Road Tourist Camp (Standard Ger) or similar
Day 10 - Monday 6 July 2026
Kharkhorin – Ancient Capital of Mongol Empire (B, L, D)
For our second day at Kharkhorin, we'll enjoy a slow and relaxed morning.
After breakfast, visit the local market to explore stalls selling traditional goods, local produce, and souvenirs. Continue with a visit to a notable statue commemorating the ancient Mongol Empire, offering a great spot for photos and reflection on Mongolia’s rich history.
Return to the camp for a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, pay a visit to a local self-employed businesswoman in Kharkhorin to learn about her work, entrepreneurial journey, and life in this historic region. This personal encounter provides a meaningful glimpse into contemporary Mongolian culture and the resilience of women-led businesses in rural communities.
Accommodation: Secret of Silk Road Tourist Camp (Standard Ger) or similar
Day 11 - Tuesday 7 July 2026
Mt Khogno Khan (B, L, D)
This morning, we depart Kharkhorin and drive approximately an hour to Mt Khogno Khan.
Upon arrival, we will explore the remains of the 17th-century monastery, the Uvgun Khiids, located at the foot of the mountain. Here, we will walk around 45 minutes up a dirt path to the ruins. The monastery offers views of the spectacular scenery.
Enjoy some time to explore the monastery and its surroundings before proceeding to your Ger camp, located near the Mongol Sand Dune.
Accommodation: Bayan Gobi Tourist Camp (Standard Ger) or similar
Day 12 - Wednesday 8 July 2026
Khustai National Park (B, L, D)
After an early breakfast at the camp, we'll depart for Khustai National Park with an approximately 3-hour drive east through beautiful open steppe landscapes. Khustai is internationally renowned as the home of the last truly wild horse species in the world — the Przewalski’s horse, or takhi, once thought extinct in the wild and successfully reintroduced to its native habitat.
Upon arrival, visit the Khustai National Park information center and museum to learn about the history of the park, its wildlife conservation programs, and the reintroduction of the takhi.
In the afternoon, we venture into the park in 4WD vehicles to spot the Przewalski’s horses in their natural environment, alongside other wildlife such as red deer, marmots, and various birds of prey. Enjoy a gentle hike through the rolling hills and valleys of the park for scenic views and photo opportunities.
Return to the Ger camp in the evening for dinner and relaxation under the starry steppe sky.
Accommodation: Molor Erdene Tourist Camp (Standard Ger) or similar
Day 13 - Thursday 9 July 2026
Ulaanbaatar City (B, L, D)
After breakfast at the camp, we depart Khustai National Park and drive approximately 3 hours back to Ulaanbaatar.
Upon arrival, check into our hotel for a 4-night stay and freshen up after the journey. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the city and in the afternoon, we'll join the vibrant celebrations of National Costume Day, a special event held annually as part of the Naadam Festival lead-up. On this day, locals dress in their finest traditional Mongolian garments, or deel, and fill Sukhbaatar Square and the streets of Ulaanbaatar with color and culture.
We’ll have the opportunity to visit the square, mingle with residents in their national dress, and witness the rich heritage of Mongolia come alive through costumes, folk performances, and informal gatherings. Those who wish can rent a deel for photos and fully immerse themselves in this lively, festive atmosphere. The evening is ours to relax at the hotel or explore the city at our leisure.
Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel, Ulaanbaatar or similar
Day 14 - Friday 10 July 2026
Naadam Eve – Ulaanbaatar City (B, L, D)
In the morning, we drive to the Mongol Nomadic Show place to see the way of living as nomads.
We'll have lunch in the camp and return to Ulaanbaatar city for Naadam Eve as well as visit Central Square, where we can view the Naadam Mongol costumes on display.
The rest of the day will be free at leisure.
Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel, Ulaanbaatar or similar
Day 15 - Saturday 11 July 2026
Naadam Festival – Ulaanbaatar City (B, L, D)
One of the special features we will encounter over the next 2 days is experiencing first-hand the annual Naadam Festival.
The highlight of our journey begins as we mix with locals and nomads alike to witness the Opening Ceremony of the Naadam Festival, at Central Stadium. Here we can see featured events that include wrestling, horse racing and archery. We will have the chance to view the procession of the athletes, officials and monks, as the first round of competition in the wrestling tournament begins. Tickets to all arenas are allocated by the local Government tourist authority in the weeks leading up to the opening ceremony; therefore, the exact program for the festival cannot be given until during our trip.
After the grand Opening Ceremony, the first round of wrestling and archery is held in the afternoon at Naadam Stadium. Please prepare your bag each day to contain everything you may need for the day – sun hat, sunscreen, drinking water and plenty of camera memory etc. at a minimum. It is usually hot at this time of year, and the seats are not under cover, so we will be exposed to the sun all day. Valuables must be kept in the hotel safe or under your clothes in a money belt as we will be walking through huge crowds on our way in and out of the stadium stands. Lunch during this time will usually be a boxed lunch organized by the hotel, so that we can enjoy it ‘picnic style’ without leaving the excitement of the festival.
In the evening Naadam Gala dinner.
Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel, Ulaanbaatar or similar
Day 16 - Sunday 12 July 2026
Horse Race - Naadam Festival second day (B, L, D)
Today, we'll travel approximately 50km outside the city to enjoy the second day of the Naadam festival.
A thrilling day unfolds as we view the cross-country horse racing. Also known as ‘tumnii ekh’ (leader of ten thousand), this certainly is sought after amongst the younger competitors. Cheer along with the locals as the athletes compete and be enthralled in the carnival-like atmosphere. Boxed meals will be provided for lunch.
Accommodation: TBA
Day 17 - Monday 13 July 2026
Ulaanbaatar City (B, L, D)
Today will be free for leisure.
In the evening, enjoy a Mongolian traditional performance followed by a farewell dinner with our national guide and drivers of our entire journey.
Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel, Ulaanbaatar or similar
Day 18 - Tuesday 14 July 2026
Depart Ulaanbaatar (B, in-flight meals)
Today we will have some time at leisure and later, we will be transferred from our hotel to the airport.
Board our flight for the trip home.
Enjoy the Premium Plaza Lounge Hong Kong for our transit stop.
Day 19 - Wednesday 15 July 2026
Welcome home
Welcome home!
Thank you for joining us for our latest adventure.
We look forward to welcoming you back.