East Mongolia — 13 Days

Tour overview

Vast, untouched, and remarkably wild, Eastern Mongolia is one of the country's least-visited regions. Here, endless grasslands stretch to the horizon, ancient volcanic landscapes rise from the steppe, and wildlife roams freely across protected reserves. This journey combines Mongolia's rich historical heritage with spectacular natural scenery, taking you to the birthplace of Genghis Khan, sacred mountains, remote lakes, and some of Asia's most important ecosystems.

From hiking through extinct volcanoes and observing rare wildlife to meeting nomadic families and exploring landscapes that have remained unchanged for centuries, this itinerary offers an authentic adventure far from the usual tourist routes.

Tour facts

• Duration: 13 days / 12 nights

• Start / End: Ulaanbaatar / Ulaanbaatar

• Travel style: Private overland journey with guide & driver

• Accommodation: Ger camps, nomadic family stays, guesthouses, and tented camping

• Pace: Moderate (longer driving days balanced with exploration)

• Highlights: Khan Khentii National Park • Birthplace of Genghis Khan • Binder • Baldan Bereeven Monastery • Buir Lake • Menen Steppe • Khukh Lake • extinct volcanoes • wildlife and nomadic culture

• Best season: June–September

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Day-by-day program

Day 1 — Into the forests of Khan Khentii National Park

Leave Ulaanbaatar and travel northeast towards the pristine wilderness of Khan Khentii National Park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protects one of Mongolia's most important forest and mountain ecosystems, home to diverse wildlife, crystal-clear rivers, and landscapes closely connected to the early life of Genghis Khan.

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Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tented camping

Day 2 — The birthplace of Genghis Khan

Today's journey takes you to Deluun Boldog, traditionally recognised as the birthplace of Genghis Khan. Surrounded by peaceful steppe and forest, this historic site offers insight into the early years of the man who would go on to establish the largest contiguous empire in history. Continue through beautiful countryside towards Binder.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 3 — Baldan Bereeven Monastery

Visit the remarkable ruins of Baldan Bereeven Monastery, one of Mongolia's most important Buddhist monasteries before its destruction during the political purges of the 1930s. Nestled against dramatic granite cliffs, the monastery has become both a place of pilgrimage and one of the country's most atmospheric historical sites.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tented camping

Day 4 — Through the endless eastern steppe

Continue east across Mongolia's vast grasslands, where the landscapes become increasingly open and untouched. This region is famous for its immense skies, abundant wildlife, and traditional nomadic culture, offering a true sense of Mongolia's extraordinary scale.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Nomadic family stay

Day 5 — Buir Lake

Arrive at the beautiful Buir Lake, one of Mongolia's largest freshwater lakes near the Chinese border. Surrounded by wetlands and open grasslands, the lake supports an impressive variety of migratory birds and provides a peaceful setting for walking along the shoreline and enjoying the remote landscape.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tented camping

Day 6 — Discovering the lakeshore

Spend a full day exploring the surroundings of Buir Lake. Depending on the season and weather, there is time for birdwatching, hiking, photography, or simply relaxing while taking in one of Mongolia's most tranquil natural environments.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tented camping

Day 7 — Across the Menen Steppe

Travel through the legendary Menen Steppe, one of the largest intact temperate grassland ecosystems in the world. These seemingly endless plains support large populations of gazelles, birds of prey, and other wildlife, creating one of Asia's most remarkable natural landscapes.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Nomadic family stay

Day 8 — Khukh Lake

Continue to the peaceful shores of Khukh Lake, a scenic freshwater lake surrounded by rolling hills and open grasslands. The quiet setting offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy Mongolia's wilderness, with time for short walks and relaxing beside the water.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tented camping

Day 9 — Volcanic landscapes

Today's journey leads through fascinating volcanic terrain shaped by ancient eruptions. Explore extinct volcanic formations, lava fields, and rugged hills that contrast beautifully with the surrounding grasslands, revealing another side of Eastern Mongolia's surprisingly diverse geology.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tented camping

Day 10 — Nomadic life on the eastern plains

Spend the day with a local nomadic family, gaining insight into the traditions and lifestyle that have shaped Mongolia for centuries. Share meals, observe daily routines, and enjoy genuine hospitality while surrounded by the vast openness of the eastern steppe.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Nomadic family stay

Day 11 — Wildlife and protected landscapes

Explore one of Eastern Mongolia's protected natural areas, where opportunities abound to spot Mongolian gazelles, marmots, birds of prey, and other native wildlife. The immense open plains create ideal conditions for observing nature in its purest form.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tented camping

Day 12 — Return towards Central Mongolia

Begin the journey back west through changing landscapes, stopping along the way for scenic viewpoints and short walks. Enjoy a final evening in the countryside reflecting on the extraordinary wilderness and history of Eastern Mongolia.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 13 — Return to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, continue the final drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Arriving in the capital, you'll leave with unforgettable memories of Mongolia's hidden east—a region of immense grasslands, ancient history, remarkable wildlife, and authentic nomadic culture.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Not included (end of tour)

Included

• Private transportation with experienced driver

• English-speaking guide

• Meals as listed day by day

• Accommodation as listed in the itinerary

• Entrance fees to parks and historical sites included in the program

• Activities described in the itinerary

Not included

• International flights

• Travel insurance

• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks

• Snacks and personal purchases

• Tips/gratuities (optional)

Upgrade option

A deluxe upgrade (higher-end accommodation and selected upgraded services) is available upon booking — just ask and we'll tailor the comfort level to your preferences.