Steeped in the rich legacy of Genghis Khan, Mongolia is one of Asia’s most enigmatic and fascinating destinations.
From the vastness of its rich grasslands to the parched deserts of the Gobi, it is a land of staggering contrasts. This stunning 14-day adventure takes you from its bustling capital and out into the heart of its vast wilderness.
Beginning in Ulaanbaatar, you’ll travel deep into the vast steppes of central Mongolia, visiting an array of national parks, World Heritage landscapes and Buddhist temples as you discover the rich variety of the country’s natural and cultural wonders. Continue into the Gobi Desert, where each day reveals another incredible landscape to explore. Spend time with nomadic families, meet an eagle hunter and their majestic bird of prey, and enjoy opportunities to ride horses and camels, hike and raft amid Mongolia’s vast and ever-changing landscapes.
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Signature Tour 
Arriving in the Mongolian capital early today, you’ll transfer to your hotel for a rest before enjoying a sightseeing tour of the city. A visit to the Gandan Monastery affords you the opportunity to see one of the most complete temples in Mongolia, whilst a tour around the National Museum provides a good introduction to the historical traditions and geographical make-up of the country. This evening you’ll watch a traditional folk show, before dinner in a local restaurant. (L,D)
Overnight – Novotel Ulaanbaatar or similar
Depart this morning to drive across the open steppe to the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex (56km, 1hr driving). Standing at 40 metres high, the statue towers over the surrounding landscape and includes an exhibition hall and museum at its base. Once inside the statue, climb to the horse’s head to stand on a viewing platform that offers superb views of the steppe.
Continue to Terelj National Park (24km, 30 min), part of the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park system, covering more than 2,800 square kilometres of alpine meadow and forested hills.The park’s location, some 1,600 metres above sea level, means that the air is cool and the alpine scenery spectacular. Check into your ger camp and have lunch.
At 2pm, depart for a gentle river rafting experience on a local river. You will be rafting for 45 minutes to an hour through a beautiful gorge (easy grading, suitable for beginners). Experience the surrounding wilderness from the water. At the conclusion, return to your ger camp for dinner. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
This morning, enjoy an exclusive encounter with a golden eagle hunter. Meet their majestic eagle up close and gain insight into the ancient tradition of eagle hunting – a practice recognised by UNESCO for its cultural significance.
Next is a chance for a horse ride through the beautiful, forested mountains. The park’s location, some 1,600 metres above sea level, means that the air is cool and the alpine scenery spectacular and you’ll find a number of interesting rock formations dotted across the landscape including Turtle Rock and the Praying Lama Rock. Anyone who prefers not to ride can explore by vehicle instead. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
Enjoy a relaxed morning before departing for Hustai National Park (120km, approx. 2.5hrs), home to the only truly wild horses on earth: the Takhi horse (Przewalksi’s horse). Decades ago, wild horses disappeared from Mongolia due to habitat loss and poaching, though small populations survived in European zoos. Through careful breeding and international cooperation, the wild population has been restored. Hustai now hosts around 250 wild horses, with 130 born in the wild.
In the late afternoon, take a wildlife drive through the park to search for the Takhi as they descend across the steppe to graze in the cooler evening light. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
Today, head to Kharkhorin (260km, approx. 4hrs), the ancient capital of Genghis Khan’s Mongolia in the 13th century. Visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery, constructed in the 16th century using remnants from the ruins of Kharkhorin. Though many parts were destroyed during a communist purge, several main monasteries and Tibetan-style structures remain active today, making it a significant cultural and religious site. Explore the monastery, interact with the monks, and learn about their lifestyle in this remote region. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
Passing herds of grazing goats, sheep and horses, your destination today is the sacred landscapes of the Orkhon Valley (130km, approx 4hrs), once the seat of imperial power on the steppes and today a UNESCO-listed heritage region.
Visit a local horse herding family to learn about the deep connection between Mongolians and their horses. Horses remain essential to daily life across the steppe, used for transport, herding livestock, and cultural traditions. During your visit, observe aspects of rural life including horse breeding and the seasonal practice of mare milking, which produces airag, Mongolia’s traditional fermented mare’s milk. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
A drive this morning brings you to the beautiful Orkhon Waterfall (Ulaan Tsutgalan). After heavy rains this is one of the most spectacular sights in the country, especially around late July, and August. Just downstream from the falls, a short walk will bring you to a 22-metre-deep gorge. After a stop for a swim in the natural pools, you’ll then head back to your ger camp in time for dinner. (B,Packed Lunch,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
Today, you will drive to Ongi Monastery (320km, approx 6hrs) and your next ger camp. Ongi Monastery encompasses the ruins of two monasteries located on opposite banks of the Ongi River in the Saikhan-Ovoo district of Dundgovi Province. The Barlim Monastery is situated on the north bank, while the Khutagt Monastery is on the south bank. Both complexes were completely destroyed in 1939 during anti-religious purges, resulting in the deaths of over 200 monks, with many survivors imprisoned or conscripted into the Communist army. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
Depart Ongii Monastery and travel south toward the vast landscapes of the Gobi Desert.The Gobi, one of the world’s largest deserts, offers a landscape of stark beauty that goes beyond rolling sand dunes.
Arrive in the afternoon to Bayanzag (150km, approx 3hrs), also known as the Flaming Cliffs, a site famous for its significant paleontological discoveries. Named by American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews during his 1922 expedition, this area became renowned when he uncovered the first dinosaur fossils and eggs, measuring 10-15 cm, ever found on such a scale in the world. These discoveries cemented the Flaming Cliffs as one of the most important fossil sites globally.
In the late afternoon, embark on a scenic walk around the stunning Flaming Cliffs. The sunsets over the Gobi are particularly spectacular in this area and you will witness this before returning to your ger camp for a relaxing dinner. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
This morning, travel to Moltsog Sand Dunes (45km, approx 1.5hrs), a striking system of sand dunes rising from the desert steppe. Visit a local camel herding family, where you will get an insight into daily life in the Gobi Desert. Camel herding remains an important livelihood in this region, and meeting a local family provides insight into how nomadic communities adapt to the desert environment.
Camels are the traditional form of transport used across the desert trade routes, and camel herding remains an important livelihood to this day. Enjoy a camel ride across the dunes, experiencing the slow, swaying rhythm of the camels offers a peaceful way to take in the surrounding landscape. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
This morning, travel to Moltsog Sand Dunes (45km, approx 1.5hrs), a striking system of sand dunes rising from the desert steppe. Visit a local camel herding family, where you will get an insight into daily life in the Gobi Desert. Camel herding remains an important livelihood in this region, and meeting a local family provides insight into how nomadic communities adapt to the desert environment.
Camels are the traditional form of transport used across the desert trade routes, and camel herding remains an important livelihood to this day. Enjoy a camel ride across the dunes, experiencing the slow, swaying rhythm of the camels offers a peaceful way to take in the surrounding landscape. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
Depart this morning to drive to Tsagaan Suvarga (250km, 4-5 hrs driving). Also known as White Stupa, Tsagaan Suvarga is a prominent stretch of cliffs rising up to 50 metres off the steppe, whose distinctive shape almost resembles the ruins of a fortress. Exposed layers of various colours chart the origins of these dramatic cliffs that were once part of a prehistoric seabed. The shapes and colours change throughout the day as light moves across the landscape, making this a particularly photogenic part of the Gobi Desert.
Enjoy a final night in the Gobi at your ger camp.
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
This morning, continue driving north as you make your way back to Ulaanbaatar (440km, 6-7 hours driving)
Arrive at Ulaanbaatar and have the remainder of the day at leisure. Your may wish to spend a little more time exploring at your own pace or enjoy some last-minute shopping.(B)
Overnight – Novotel Ulaanbaatar or similar
Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
Staying in ger camps is a key part of the Mongolian experience, offering an authentic connection to the land and its enduring traditions. All ger camps are multi-share. Single supplements and guaranteed double rooms apply to hotels only; Couples may need to share gers with others of the same gender.
Standard Ger Camp
Standard ger camps offer a semi-nomadic experience with limited electricity, and generally 3-4 beds, around a central stove. Shared bathrooms include flushing toilets and showers, though hot water and Wi-Fi availability may vary.
Before embarking on an adventure to Mongolia, it’s important to know if this unique, rugged travel experience suits your travel style. To help guide your decision, here are some aspects of travelling in Mongolia that past travellers have faced—are you ready for the adventure? Click here to read the full blog.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
Please note that the single supplement is only available for hotel stays and not applicable to ger camps.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
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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.
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