Custom travel to Mongolia

Mongolia is one of the world's last wild destinations — landlocked country between Russia and China, immense (1,564,000 km², 3 times France) for only 3.4 million inhabitants — world's lowest density (2 inhabitants/km²). 30% of the population still lives in nomadic ger (yurt), raising five mui (horses, sheep, goats, camels, cattle) following thousand-year-old traditions inherited from Genghis Khan (1162-1227, founder of history's largest continental empire). Ulaanbaatar (capital, 1.5 million inhabitants — half the country — one of the world's most polluted capitals in winter). Gobi Desert (1.3 million km², one of the world's largest deserts, 300-m Khongoryn Els 'singing dunes', Bayanzag 'dinosaur cemetery' red cliffs, Yolyn Am gorge with summer ice). Khövsgöl Lake ('Blue Sea', Central Asia's 2nd largest lake, 1% of world's freshwater, sacred for Tsaatan reindeer-herder people). Orkhon Valley (UNESCO 2004, former Karakorum capital 1235, Erdene Zuu monastery). Naadam Festival (in July, 'the three manly games' — wrestling, archery, horse racing, UNESCO-listed). Altai Kazakh eagle hunters (golden eagle hunting, October festival). 12-15 days to combine desert, steppes, and nomads. A timeless destination for demanding adventurers.

Highlights

  • Gobi Desert: Khongoryn Els and Bayanzag
  • Khövsgöl Lake: sacred 'Blue Sea'
  • UNESCO Orkhon Valley and Karakorum
  • Naadam Festival (July, UNESCO)
  • Night in a yurt with nomads
  • Altai Kazakh eagle hunters (October)

Frequently asked questions

When?

June-September (steppe summer). July for Naadam. October for Kazakh eagle hunters. Avoid November-May (-30 to -40 °C).

How long?

12 days minimum for Gobi + Karakorum + Khövsgöl. 16 days to add Naadam or Altai.

Budget?

€3,200-€4,500 per person for 12 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €4,800-€7,000. Flights: €800-€1,400.

Visa?

No for French citizens < 30 days.

Family?

From age 12 (long 4×4 trips, rustic yurt conditions). Suitable for adventurous teens.

How to get around?

Private 4×4 with experienced driver essential. MIAT domestic flights for Gobi/Altai/Khövsgöl. 80% tracks outside cities.

Yurts: comfort?

Tourist yurt camps: beds, central bathroom, good meals. Nomadic family yurts: rustic but authentic (floor bed, outdoor latrines).

Safety?

Generally safe. Vigilance in Ulaanbaatar (pickpockets). No problems in steppe.

Combine?

Yes: Mongolia + Russia (Lake Baikal by Trans-Siberian), Mongolia + China (Beijing 2-h flight), Mongolia + Japan.

Tips?

Appreciated for 4×4 driver ($5-$10/day) and guide ($10-$15/day). Gifts for nomadic families rather than tips.