MONGOLIA
Mongolia Road Trip – A Two Week Guided Itinerary
June – July 2019
Explore the Gobi Desert, Yoliin Am, Flaming Cliffs, Orkhon Valley & Western Mongolia
Mongolia is one of the last places on earth where vast landscapes still dominate over human presence. With a territory the size of Western Europe and a population of just three million people, it offers an experience of scale and solitude that is increasingly rare.
In June and July 2019, we set out on a two week guided Mongolia road trip across the Gobi Desert and into the remote western regions of the country. What followed was an overland journey through dramatic desert canyons, ancient monasteries, rolling steppe, volcanic landscapes and some of Mongolia’s most spectacular lakes.
This was not a conventional sightseeing trip. It was a carefully planned expedition across rough terrain, remote wilderness and nomadic heartland — guided by local expertise and powered by a rugged Russian 4WD minibus built for Mongolia’s unforgiving roads.
Highlights of Our Mongolia Road Trip
A curated visual selection from across the journey — from the Gobi Desert to the lakes of western Mongolia.
Destinations on This Mongolia Road Trip
Over the course of seventeen days, our route connected some of southern and western Mongolia’s most iconic landscapes. From the towering dunes of Khongoryn Els to the wetlands of Khar Us Lake and the remote frontier town of Khovd, each destination offered a distinct experience shaped by geography, climate and culture.
Explore each location below to read the full story and view dedicated galleries from every stop along the journey.
Yoliin Am
Khongoryn Els & Gobi Desert
Bayan-Zag: Flaming Cliffs
Ongiin Khiid
Orkhon Valley
Tsenkher Hot Springs
Khorgo Volcano & Great White Lake
Telmen Lake
Khyargas Lake
Khar Us Lake
Khovd
How We Organized Our Mongolia Road Trip
I was initially thinking of renting a car and self-drive. I’m glad I realised that Mongolia is not a self-drive destination though, unless you’re a real off-road enthusiast. And then only when you are with people who speak Mongolian and, more important, who know how to fix a car.
So we ended up renting a Russian 4-wheel drive minibus, which used to be used by the Russian army in remote areas of the former Soviet Union. With the minibus came an extremely skilled driver and mechanic, Mr. Patah. And he looks after his car with heart and soul!
Most Mongolian drivers do not speak any English. So we decided to take a guide along, who could also cook. And how fortunate we were with Vampi! She was not only a fantastic guide with a deep knowledge and respect for the local culture. She was also a gifted cook who managed to impress us with almost every single meal, no matter how few ingredients were available… In the most remote corners of this earth where the nearest shop or fridge is at least half a day away we have truly had some memorable meals!
Detailed 17-Day Mongolia Itinerary
Below is the complete route of our two week Mongolia road trip, including overnight stays and transport logistics. Distances in Mongolia can be deceptive — what appears short on a map often translates into long, rugged travel days across unpaved terrain.
This itinerary reflects a guided overland journey designed to balance exploration, comfort and remote wilderness experience.
Day 1: Flight Bali – Hong Kong – Ulaanbaatar (stay in hotel)
Day 2: Ulaanbaatar – Tsagaan Suvarga (stay in local ger)
Day 3: Tsagaan Suvarga – Yoliin Am (stay in local ger)
Day 4: Yoliin Am – Khongoryn Els & Gobi Desert (stay in local ger)
Day 5: Khongoryn Els Gobi Desert sand dunes (wild camping)
Day 6: Khongoryn Els – Bayan-Zag Flaming Cliffs (stay in tourist ger camp)
Day 7: Bayan-Zag – Ongiin Khiid (stay in local ger)
Day 8: Ongiin Khiid – Orkhon Valley (stay in local ger)
Day 9: Orkhon Valley (stay in local ger)
Day 10: Orkhon Valley – Tsenkher hot springs (stay in tourist ger camp)
Day 11: Tsenkher – Khorgo Volcano – Great White Lake (stay in local ger)
Day 12: Great White Lake – Telmen Lake (wild camping)
Day 13: Telmen Lake – Khyargas Lake (stay in local guesthouse)
Day 14: Khyargas Lake – Khar Us Lake (wild camping)
Day 15: Khar Us Lake – Khovd (stay in hotel)
Day 16: Flight Khovd – Ulaanbaatar (stay in hotel)
Day 17: Flight Ulaanbaatar – Hong Kong – Bali
Dreaming of Your Own Mongolia Road Trip?
Mongolia is not a destination you simply tick off a list. It’s a journey into vast landscapes, nomadic culture and true remoteness — and it deserves to be experienced well.
I occasionally design and lead small, private road trips for travelers who want to experience a country in a deeper and more personal way. If that kind of journey resonates with you, I’d be glad to explore the possibility of accompanying you and shaping the adventure together.
For those who prefer to travel independently, I can also share contact details of the trusted local team we worked with.
If this resonates, feel free to reach out and we can explore the possibilities.
This two week Mongolia road trip through the Gobi Desert and western Mongolia remains one of our most memorable overland journeys — combining vast desert landscapes, remote lakes, traditional nomadic culture and the profound silence of open steppe.
For those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure, Mongolia delivers an experience that is both humbling and unforgettable.