Famed grasslands, nomad life, sweeping deserts and the Naadam Festival form the ultimate Mongolian journey. Join us as we take you into the heart and soul of nomad country and introduce you to some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes and one of the richest cultural festivals on the planet.
The Naadam Festival is truly one of the world’s most exciting and colourful traditional festivals. Taking place across the country, these traditional games are so unique, that they are listed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Crooked Compass offers a more intimate encounter by venturing to a remote town in the country’s north, to embrace the Naadam festivities. Uncrowded and authentic, this immersive experience is the perfect event encompassing sport, tradition and history alongside the locals.
Dating back to when Mongolia was ruled by warlords and emperors like Genghis Khan (and prior to that!), the event officially celebrates the Mongolian revolution and independence. Experience one of Mongolia’s oldest spectacles focused on skill and strength whilst exploring the remote and dramatic lands.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Signature Tour 
Welcome to Mongolia! Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, following lunch, you will set out to explore the city. Start with the city square, a short distance from your hotel. You will also visit the National Museum of Mongolia, where you can learn about the history of this fascinating country through a collection of artefacts from Mongolia and Central Asia, dating from the Stone Age to the present day.
This evening, enjoy a traditional art performance and welcome dinner where you can get to know your fellow travellers. (L,D)
Overnight – Novotel Ulaanbaatar or similar
Following breakfast, depart for Mongol Nomadic Camp. This camp introduces you to the traditional way of life for Mongolian nomads. Witness how they live with and breed five kinds of livestock and how they move continuously from one place to another using ox, yak, camel, and horse carts. You’ll also learn about the process of building a traditional ger and see antiques, furniture, pots, and clothing reflecting the Central Khalkha from the early 20th century. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
After breakfast, drive to Hustai National Park (30km on dirt road + 40km on tarmac road -approx. 1.5-2 hours), home to the only truly wild horses on earth: the Takhi 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. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
After breakfast, drive to Mongolia’s remarkable sand dunes (158km, 3.5 hours), an 80km stretch uniquely blending mountains, forests, and a Gobi-like landscape. Known as Elsen Tasarkhai, meaning “an isolated piece of sand,” this area feels like a mini Gobi Desert set amidst the green steppe. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as Maral stag, wolves, deer, and foxes. For the adventurous, time permitting, you may climb the dunes, try a camel ride, or spend time with a local nomadic family. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
Today, head to Kharkhorin (90km), 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
It’s an early start this morning as you set off for Arvaikheer. Today is pre-Naadam Day in town, and you’ll visit the local horse trainers’ camping area, where jockeys and trainers prepare for tomorrow’s races. Experience the excitement building up and immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the Naadam Festival. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Local hotel
Today marks the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival, beginning with a grand parade. The vibrant colours, energy, and skill on display will captivate you for hours. Enjoy watching traditional Mongolian sports, including archery and ankle bone shooting, where the locals’ precision is astounding.
Throughout the day, folk music and dance performances bring the festival to life, along with rounds of traditional Mongolian wrestling—a unique form of the sport. Later, visit the horse racing field to witness exhilarating races, equestrian competitions, and other horse-related activities. Mingle with locals to hear stories and learn about their beliefs surrounding this historic celebration. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Local hotel
Today, you will drive to Ongi Monastery 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
This morning, drive to Khongor Sand Dunes, some of the largest and most impressive white sand dunes in Mongolia. Khongor Sand Dunes stretch over 180 km (112 miles) and reach majestic heights of 15-30 m, with the largest dunes located northwest of the range, soaring up to 300 metres high. From the top of the dunes, the view of the desert is incredible, and you can also see the Khongoryn River flowing through the desert, feeding the nearby oases. Enjoy a camel ride before returning to camp. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
It is a lovely relaxing day spent in the Gobi. Did you know that the name “Khongor” means palomino horse in Mongolian? Enjoy walks near the camp and visit the sand dunes. The dunes produce a sound like a plane engine on a windy day, which is why they have also been named the “Singing Dunes.” (B,L,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
This morning, head south to Dalanzadgad, the provincial capital of South Gobi. Continue your drive to Mukhar Shivert Gorge (approx. 92km/1.5 hours), adjacent to Yol Gorge. Here you will find a valley nestled deep within the hills and an oasis to get away from the desert heat. Some areas of the valley are continually sheltered from the hot sun and house huge blocks of ice that gradually melt away during the summer. It is very wide at the entrance and narrows gradually into a remarkable gorge.
Enjoy a hike through Mukhar Shivert Gorge where you will be able to observe the Lammergeier vulture or ‘bearded vulture’, a scavenger bird of prey whose diet is 80% bones and marrow. Keep your eyes peeled for other wild animals such as ibex and wild sheep. You will hike for 40 minutes to a waterfall, and return after a short rest stop (approx. 70-80 min total hiking). Have dinner and the evening at leisure. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
After breakfast, drive through the Gobi to Tsagaan Suvarga (185km, 4-5 hours). Tsagaan Suvarga (or White Stupa), also known as the mini–Grand Canyon, is a sheer slope that was an ancient seabed. Over millions of years, various changes in the environment have produced its famous-coloured layers. The formation is over 50 metres at its highest point and appears as a sheer slope that, from a distance, resembles the ruins of an ancient city. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
This morning, you return to Ulaanbaatar (425km/6-7 hrs) and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, there will be an opportunity for last-minute shopping and time at leisure before our farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Novotel Ulaanbaatar or similar
Today is yours at leisure until it is time to depart for the airport for your flight to your onward destination. (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.
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. Some gers may have earthen floors.
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.
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.
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