The Gobi to Karakorum: One Week Across Nomad Country
With a full week in Mongolia, you can explore beyond the capital and experience two of the country’s most iconic regions: the Gobi Desert and the Orkhon Valley. This itinerary balances city culture with wilderness adventure — you’ll explore Ulaanbaatar, ride horses in Terelj, witness the flaming cliffs of Bayanzag at sunset, trek camels across the Gobi sand dunes, hike through Yolyn Am canyon, and visit the ancient capital of Karakorum. It’s a well-paced, deeply rewarding introduction to Mongolia’s epic landscapes and rich history. Estimated budget: $900–1300.
7-Day Itinerary Overview
Route: Ulaanbaatar (2) → Fly to Gobi Desert (2) → Orkhon Valley / Karakorum (2) → Ulaanbaatar Departure (1)
Best for: First-time visitors to Mongolia, adventurous couples and solo travellers, travellers wanting both Gobi Desert and cultural Mongolia
Budget: $900–1,300 per person (excluding international flights)
Direction: Loop from Ulaanbaatar — fly south to the Gobi Desert, drive north through the Orkhon Valley, return to UB for departure
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar Arrival & City Orientation
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and settle into your accommodation. Start with the National Museum of Mongolia — the best place to understand Mongolia’s fascinating history from the Hunnu Empire to modern democracy. Visit the Zaisan Memorial, a Soviet-era monument on a hill south of the city, for panoramic views of UB and the surrounding mountains.
Accommodation: UB city centre hotel or guesthouse ($20–50/night).
Entry: National Museum ($5), Zaisan Memorial (free).
Day 2: Terelj National Park Horse Trek Day Trip
A full day in Terelj National Park with a focus on horseback riding. Drive to the park and meet your horse guide. Ride through alpine meadows, past Turtle Rock, and up into the hills for spectacular views. Enjoy a traditional Mongolian lunch at a ger camp — the airag (fermented mare’s milk) is a must-try. Afternoon hike to Aryabal Meditation Temple before returning to UB.
Transport: Private car or tour ($30–50/person).
Activities: Horse riding ($15–20/hr), ger lunch ($8–12).
Day 3: Fly to Gobi – Flaming Cliffs & Khongoryn Els
Morning flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad. Drive to Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) for a late afternoon visit — the red sandstone formations are at their most dramatic in the golden hour light. Continue to Khongoryn Els, the Singing Dunes, and overnight at a ger camp near the dunes.
Transport: Flight ($80–120), 4WD in Gobi.
Accommodation: Gobi ger camp ($25–40/night including meals).
Day 4: Gobi Camel Trek & Yolyn Am Canyon
Start early with a camel trek across the Khongoryn Els dunes — an unforgettable experience. Then drive to Yolyn Am (Lammergeyer Valley), a dramatic ice canyon in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains where ice persists deep into summer. Hike through the narrow gorge, spotting wild ibex on the cliffs above.
Transport: 4WD with driver ($80–120/day).
Entry: Yolyn Am park fee ($3).
Day 5: Gobi to Orkhon Valley
Drive from the Gobi north towards the Orkhon Valley (about 5–6 hours). This scenic drive takes you through the dramatic transition from desert to steppe. Arrive in Kharkhorin (ancient Karakorum) and visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery with its iconic 108 white stupas. Overnight in a ger camp in the Orkhon Valley.
Transport: 4WD with driver.
Accommodation: Orkhon Valley ger camp ($15–25/night).
Day 6: Orkhon Waterfall & Nomad Family Stay
Drive west from Kharkhorin to Orkhon Waterfall (Ulaan Tsutgalan), Mongolia’s tallest waterfall at 24 metres. Hike around the waterfall and swim in the pools below. In the afternoon, visit a local nomadic herder family for an authentic cultural experience — learn about dairy production, try traditional foods, and perhaps go for a short horse ride. Overnight with a nomad family or at a nearby ger camp.
Transport: 4WD with driver.
Activities: Nomad family visit ($10–20 contribution).
Day 7: Return to UB & Departure
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar (about 6 hours). Depending on your flight schedule, stop at the Tuvkhun Hermitage for a final taste of Mongolian spirituality perched on a dramatic hilltop. Arrive in UB and head directly to the airport, or enjoy a farewell lunch before departure.
Transport: Return drive to UB.
Optional: Tuvkhun Hermitage detour (adds 1 hour).
Budget Summary: 7-Day Mongolia Itinerary
Estimated Total: $900–1300 per person
- Accommodation (6 nights): $150–250
- Domestic flights (UB–Gobi return): $160–240
- Terelj day trip: $60–100
- Gobi tour (guide, transport, meals, ger camp 2 nights): $250–350
- Orkhon Valley transport + guide + accommodation (2 days): $150–250
- Meals and incidentals: $80–120
Best Season: June to September
Recommended For: First-time visitors with a full week, travellers wanting both Gobi and cultural Mongolia, adventurous couples and solo travellers
Disclaimer: Prices are estimates and may vary by season. Domestic flights and Gobi tours should be booked in advance. This itinerary is for general reference only.