Trans-Mongolian Railway & the Gobi Desert

Early this morning, you will be met at your Beijing hotel and transferred to the railway station for your 31-hour journey to Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar. As the train departs the city, watch the landscape transform from China’s bustling urban sprawl to rolling farmland, dramatic mountain ranges, and the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert.

Wake up aboard the train to ever-changing scenery outside your window, from wide-open steppe to desert plains. Along the journey, glimpse remote villages, camel herders, and endless horizons. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar in the early afternoon, you'll be met by your local guide for an afternoon walking tour taking in the vibrant Central Square and the National Museum of Mongolia, where you'll gain insight into the country's rich history and nomadic heritage. Check into your Ulaanbaatar hotel.

After breakfast, visit the Gandan Monastery, the country’s largest Buddhist centre, before travelling to Terelj National Park. En route, stop to marvel at the 46-metre-tall Genghis Khan Statue, one of Mongolia’s most striking modern monuments. After lunch, explore the park’s most famous landmarks — Big Turtle Rock and the tranquil Meditation Temple — before returning to Ulaanbaatar.

Take a short flight to the South Gobi and visit the Gobi Museum before exploring Yoliin Am Gorge on foot. This dramatic canyon, often filled with glistening ice even in summer, offers the chance to spot wild sheep, ibex, and birds of prey. After lunch, continue to the towering Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes, Mongolia’s largest and most impressive dunes. You may wish to climb the dunes as the sun sets, before dinner at your cosy Ger camp with private ensuite.

Enjoy a relaxed morning amid the dunes before travelling to the Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs, made famous by the discovery of the world’s first dinosaur eggs. Explore the striking red sandstone formations, walk among ancient saxaul trees, and visit a local nomadic family to learn about their way of life and get hands-on preparing a traditional Mongolian dish for dinner. Later, witness the cliffs glow in shades of gold and crimson at sunset, then return to your camp for a peaceful night beneath the desert sky.

Fly back to Ulaanbaatar this morning and visit the Bogd Khan’s Winter Palace and the Zaisan Memorial Hill for panoramic city views. In the evening, enjoy a captivating Mongolian folklore concert featuring traditional throat singing, music, and dance, followed by a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Late checkout is not included.