Across Mongolia’s vast steppe, silence stretches further than the eye can see. Horses thunder across open plains, golden dunes shift with the desert wind, and gers glow softly under skies scattered with stars. This is a land where the rhythm of nomadic life continues, shaped by nature’s extremes and traditions held for centuries.
Mongolia’s landscapes carry many faces: the sweeping Gobi Desert, the glacial peaks of the Altai, the forests around Lake Khövsgöl, and valleys where rivers trace green through rugged mountains. Here, the seasons swing wide, summers are alive with festivals like Naadam, while winters bite with an intensity that shapes daily life.
Travelling with Crooked Compass takes you into the heart of Mongolia’s everyday life. Sit with herders over bowls of milk tea, watch golden eagles take flight with their handlers in the west, or feel the energy of traditional wrestling as the crowd gathers. At night, rest in a ger, warmed by the fire inside and the quiet of the steppe beyond
This is not just a journey through landscapes but an immersion into a way of life that is both enduring and profoundly alive.
Mongolia tours with Crooked Compass combine nomadic ger camp stays, Gobi Desert exploration, horseback riding across the steppe, and participation in local cultural festivals. Small group Mongolia tours offer authentic access to nomadic families and remote landscapes rarely reached by independent travellers.
The best time for Mongolia tours is June to August, when the steppe is lush and major festivals occur. The Naadam Festival (July) — Mongolia’s national celebration of wrestling, archery, and horse racing — and the Golden Eagle Festival (October) are the top cultural drawcards for travellers booking Mongolia tours.
Many nationalities — including Australian, UK, US, and EU passport holders — can visit Mongolia visa-free for up to 30 days. Entry requirements can change, so Crooked Compass provides full pre-departure documentation guidance to ensure you arrive fully prepared for your Mongolia tour.
Mongolia tours with Crooked Compass typically run 10 to 14 days. Shorter tours focus on Ulaanbaatar and the central steppe, while longer Mongolia tours venture into the Gobi Desert, the Mongolian Altai mountains, or the remote northern lake district around Khövsgöl — one of Asia’s most pristine freshwater lakes.
First-time visitors to Mongolia typically choose a classic steppe and Gobi Desert tour, covering nomadic ger camp stays, camel trekking in the Gobi, and time in Ulaanbaatar. Crooked Compass Mongolia tours are designed for curious travellers with no prior Central Asia experience required.
Mongolia tours are extremely popular with solo travellers. Crooked Compass small group tours allow solo adventurers to join like-minded travellers, often without paying a single supplement on most departures. Mongolia’s open steppe and nomadic culture make it one of the most rewarding solo group travel experiences in Asia.
Crooked Compass Mongolia tours typically include accommodation in ger camps and guesthouses, most meals, internal transport by 4WD, expert tour leadership, and cultural activities such as horse riding and nomadic family visits. International flights are generally not included in the Mongolia tour price.
Most Mongolia tours are moderate in physical difficulty, involving 4WD travel across open steppe with short walks. Optional multi-day horse treks are more demanding. Crooked Compass grades each Mongolia tour clearly, helping travellers choose an itinerary that suits their fitness and adventure preferences.
Travelling with no more than 12 people keeps each journey personal. It means sitting with families in their gers, sharing tea, and being welcomed into daily life rather than observing from the outside.
Stay alongside herding families, join in the patterns of pastoral life, and take part in traditions that continue much as they have for generations.
From meeting eagle hunters in the Altai to standing in the silence of the Gobi, our journeys move beyond well-worn routes into places and communities rarely reached by others.
Each journey supports nomadic households and rural communities, helping tourism bring benefit to fragile ways of life and contributing to the protection of Mongolia’s cultural heritage.
Our team provides 24/7 assistance so you can focus fully on the journey; whether trekking through mountain passes, riding across the open steppe, or adapting to Mongolia’s unpredictable conditions.
Travel through Mongolia means preparing for four seasons in a day.
Tip: Mongolia’s climate is extreme. Always pack for contrasts and expect plans to shift with the weather.
Mongolia is a place that stays with you long after you’ve left. The silence of the steppe, the warmth of shared meals, and the strength of traditions lived every day linger as quiet reminders of a land that moves to its own rhythm.
Will you let Mongolia’s spirit guide the way you travel?
📞 Australia: 1300 855 790 📞 International: +61 (0) 2 8089 1370
Note: All prices are in Australian Dollars and may vary with the seasons and local conditions. In Mongolia, the journey flows best with an open spirit and a willingness to follow the land’s rhythm.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
Travel professionals are welcome. For partnerships or agent enquiries, we recommend contacting us directly.
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Back to Asia
