Ride past singing sand dunes, sleep in a traditional ger and meet Kazakh eagle hunters on a Mongolia tour built around the country's last untouched corners.
Gifts Experience
in Asia
MAKE IT A GIFT
What Makes a Mongolia Tour Different
Mongolia tours cover more empty space than almost anywhere else in Asia, and that is the point. Between the Gobi Desert's dunes and dinosaur cliffs and the glacier-fed valleys of the Altai Mountains, days are shaped by landscape and encounters with nomadic families rather than a checklist of sights.Our Mongolia tours are built around small groups or private travel, with local guides who know which family will welcome you for salty milk tea and which valley to reach before the light changes.
Gobi Desert Tours and Beyond
A Gobi Desert tour typically covers the singing dunes of Khongoryn Els, the Bayanzag cliffs where the first dinosaur fossils were found, and the Yol Valley, where ice survives in a gorge despite the desert heat around it. Further west, the Altai Mountains bring a different Mongolia into view, with Kazakh eagle hunters, Tavan Bogd National Park and glacial lakes below 4,000-meter peaks.Most Mongolia tours combine both regions over 10 to 14 days, though shorter Gobi-only itineraries are available for travelers with less time.
Life With Nomadic Families
Staying in a traditional ger and sharing meals with a nomadic family is usually the part of a Mongolia tour guests remember most. It is also the most practical way to travel through a country where infrastructure thins out fast beyond the capital.Our concierge team arranges these stays through trusted local partners, balancing authentic contact with each traveler's comfort level. Mongolia also works well as one stop on a wider Asia travel itinerary, paired with Taiwan or Indochina. Speak to our concierge about planning your Mongolia tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year for a Mongolia tour?
June through September is the main season for Mongolia tours, with warm days, accessible roads and the best chance of clear skies over the Gobi and Altai. July and August are busiest and coincide with the Naadam festival, while June and September offer a quieter trip with slightly cooler evenings. Winter travel is possible but limited to specialist itineraries due to extreme cold.How many days do I need for a Gobi Desert tour?
A focused Gobi Desert tour needs at least 5 to 6 days to cover the main sites, including the Khongoryn Els dunes, Bayanzag cliffs and Yol Valley, given the distances involved. Travelers who want to add the Altai Mountains and eagle hunter encounters should plan for 10 to 14 days total. Shorter 3-day options exist but cover less ground.What is a ger and will I be comfortable staying in one?
A ger is the traditional round felt tent used by Mongolian nomadic families, typically fitted with beds, a central stove and simple furnishings. Most travelers find gers surprisingly comfortable, and Secret Retreats selects camps and family stays with clean bedding and reliable heating for cooler nights. It remains a simpler style of accommodation than a hotel, which is part of the experience.How difficult is travel in Mongolia?
Mongolia tours involve long drives across unpaved roads, since much of the country outside Ulaanbaatar has limited infrastructure. Vehicles are 4x4s driven by experienced local guides, and daily distances are planned with rest stops in mind. Travelers in reasonable health with no major mobility issues generally manage the trip comfortably.Can I see the Naadam Festival on a Mongolia tour?
Yes, Naadam takes place every July and can be included in a Mongolia tour timed for that window. The festival features Mongolia's three traditional sports of wrestling, archery and horse racing, along with celebrations in Ulaanbaatar and smaller local versions in the countryside. Let your concierge know if you want your trip to coincide with Naadam when planning your dates.
Travel Asia with Secret Retreats
Secret Retreats is a curated community of independent boutique hotel, villas, yachts and river boats keen to share their Asian Homes with travelers, sustainably and responsibly.
Conservation of the environment, culture and traditions of Asia is of paramount importance to all in Secret Retreats.
A community of like-minded hospitality professionals, we offer our guests authentic travel experiences that go beyond typical offerings to unveil the essence of Asia. Supporting the Asia based hoteliers and hospitality professionals and providing incredible holidays in Asia and tailor-made Asia travel itineraries direct to public ad travel agents.
Get inspired and make savings!
By booking direct with Secret Retreats and enjoy peace of mind from our full on the ground support. Contact our concierge and plan then book your Asia holiday now!
Over 100,000 subscriptions and counting, don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter an discover Asia with Secret Retreats
