Wild Horizons: Central Heartland Mountain Cycling Tour | 10 Days

Price: US$ 3,295pp - US$ 2,460 pp depending on final group size (2-6) | For larger group sizes, get in touch for details | Group of 2 discount 5% each, 3 or more 10% each | Non-riders are welcome at a discounted rate
Available on request
Length: 10 days
Places left: Private Journey | Adaptable
Enquire about this tour:
Mountain Biking Gorkhi Terelj National Park
Explore Mongolia’s Central Heartland by bike on this flexible, team-supported journey through river valleys, open steppe, forested mountains, sand dunes, and hot springs. Wild Horizons: Central Heartland Biking Experience combines independent riding with vehicle support, homestays, and family-run camps — offering a slower, landscape-led way to experience rural Mongolia beyond the obvious highlights.
At a Glance

Dates: Adaptable

Group Size: Priced for 2-6 but get in touch for larger groups

Duration:10 Days

Trip Style: Immersive, cultural, active

Locations: Ulaanbaatar & Central Heartland

Price: Between US$ 3,295  pp – US$ 2,460 pp depending on final group size

Key Experiences

  • Cycle beneath the granite formations of Khogno Khan

  • Explore the dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai by bike and on foot

  • Travel through the cultural landscapes of the Orkhon Valley

  • Cycle to and soak in natural hot springs

  • Cycle to and stay with the Galbadrakh herding family and experience their way of life

  • Balance time on two wheels with walking, visiting communities, a camel ride, and simply being in the landscape

  • Ride independently at your own pace, with full vehicle and logistical support from your EL team

 

'One of best trips so many thanks to you, our guide Aidaa and our driver for making the life long memories. It was a great opportunity to get fully immersed into the local culture and the communities.'

EL guest Julian

Wild Horizons: Central Heartland Cycling Tour Details

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Mongolia’s Central Heartland brings together an extraordinary range of landscapes within a single journey — historic river valleys, rolling green steppe, forested mountains, hot springs, sacred granite outcrops, and the sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai.

For those who enjoy cycling across a mix of terrain — sand, gravel tracks, dirt trails, and open steppe — this region offers both variety and space in equal measure.

Wild Horizons: Central Heartland Biking Experience allows you to move through this landscape in the most immediate way possible — by bike — with the reassurance of a support vehicle travelling alongside. Ride open tracks across the steppe, follow winding valley routes, navigate sandy stretches near the dunes, or climb gently towards mountain views. When the terrain shifts or you’re ready for a pause, the vehicle is there.

This is not a rigid cycling itinerary. It is a landscape-led journey shaped day by day in conversation with your team. You decide how far to ride, when to stop, and how to balance time on two wheels with walking, resting, visiting families, taking a camel ride, or simply sitting within the vastness.

Accommodation reflects this layered experience. A homestay with a local herding family offers insight into daily life in rural Mongolia. Family-run ger camps root you in the landscape. A few nights in smaller standard camps provide the comfort of hot showers and space to reset.

What emerges is a journey that combines movement, culture, and elemental scenery — freedom with structure, independence with support.

This is Mongolia’s heartland experienced at ground level.

You’ll find the key locations below. For the full day-by-day flow (and the why behind it), please email us. We share the detailed itinerary by email so we can explain the pacing, driving days, and options in context. We also keep a few moments back as a quiet surprise.

  • Day One: Welcome to Mongolia and explore Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital city, from a more local perspective.
    Day Two: Drive to Khustai Nuruu National Park before exploring the park by bike, with the chance to look for Mongolia’s wild horses.
    Days Three & Four: Travel to Khogno Khan Sacred Mountain and the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, with a second day shaped around biking, culture, or a combination of both.
    Day Five: Drive into Arkhangai Province, with biking options available depending on the group’s level, before cycling to the welcoming home of the Galbadrakh family.
    Day Six: Enjoy a half-day ride to Tsenkher Hot Springs, with time to relax in the natural thermal waters.
    Days Seven & Eight: Bike through the rolling hills of the Khangai Mountains towards the Orkhon River Valley.
    Day Nine: A flexible day shaped around biking, culture, or a mix of both as you head to Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire.
    Day Ten: A road trip back to Ulaanbaatar.
  • Complimentary Day Tour: Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex and Terelj National Park can be included before or after the main biking journey, depending on your flight schedule.

Support

  • Your journey is fully supported by an EL Mongolian team — typically a female trip assistant and an experienced driver. Our 4x4 vehicles travel alongside the route, transferring luggage and equipment, monitoring road and river conditions, and providing vehicle support whenever needed.

  • If at any point you’d prefer four wheels to two — whether due to terrain, weather, or simply energy levels — the option is always there.

Safety

  • Wearing a helmet is compulsory while riding. If you’re using an EL bike, a helmet is provided at no extra cost.

  • Your trip assistant is trained in first aid, and each support vehicle carries a simple medical kit. Walkie-talkies are also used on tours with two vehicles to maintain communication when necessary.

  • That said, independent riding requires personal responsibility. Riders must feel confident managing their own pace, balance, and decision-making on mixed terrain.

Pace & Experience

  • You set your own pace.

  • Daily distances are outlined in the itinerary but remain flexible. This is not a technical mountain biking trip, though experience riding on dirt trails and uneven terrain is an advantage.

  • Depending on the route, there will be climbs — some sustained and physically demanding — balanced by open stretches where rhythm and flow come more easily.

Terrain

  • Expect primarily hard-packed dirt tracks across open steppe and valleys, with sections of loose gravel, sand, occasional rocky descents, and mountain passes. Weather conditions — particularly wind — can influence the difficulty of any given day. Strong headwinds are not uncommon and can slow progress.

  • On some itineraries, there may be river crossings. As always, the support vehicle is available if you prefer not to ride a particular section.

Bikes

  • We use Giant XTC 800 mountain bikes with lightweight alloy frames, Shimano components, and front suspension — well suited to Mongolia’s varied terrain.

Repairs & Maintenance

  • All EL bikes are fully serviced prior to departure.

  • Basic tools and spare parts are carried in the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee replacement parts for every possible issue. 

Map Of Route

Sliding Price Scale: 

Group of 2 discount 5% each, 3 or more 10% each

  • Final group size of 2 guests US$ 3,295pp
  • Final group size of 3-4 guests US$ 2,825 pp
  • Final group size of 5 guests US$ 2,660 pp
  • Final group size of 6 guests US$ 2,460 pp

Non-riders are welcome at a discounted rate

During this journey, you’ll experience a variety of accommodation styles, each offering insight into daily life in Mongolia and shaped by the season and setting:

Kazakh Family Homes

During this experience, you’ll be welcomed into the homes of Kazakh families with whom we’ve developed long-standing, community-based partnerships.

Over the course of the tour, you’ll stay with several different families—including eagle hunters and their households. September is a transitional season, so your accommodation will vary depending on the weather. Some nights will be spent in Mongolian or Kazakh gers, shared as a group, while others will be in traditional, hand-built adobe brick homes at the families' winter encampments.

As a guest, you’ll likely share a private ger or room with fellow group members. Sleeping arrangements are simple and culturally authentic—most families sleep on the floor, and you’ll likely be provided with a comfortable floor mat, in keeping with local traditions.

Facilities are basic: showers are taken at the local public shower house every 2-3 days, and toilets are traditional outdoor short-drop latrines.

Showers

Running water is rare in rural Mongolia, so showers are limited. On this itinerary we use town shower houses—simple cubicles with plenty of hot water, which many travellers describe as a highlight! You will need to bring a towel.

We also provide bowls and soap powder for hand-washing clothes if needed. Just to be clear: there are no washing machines.

Toilets

Think: a loo with a view!

Mongolia has very few public toilets, so on drives it’s a case of finding a private spot in nature (your trip assistant will give what we call “the toilet talk”).

At host family homes, expect Asian-style squat or long-drop toilets.If squatting isn’t second nature, you may want to practice before travelling—several of our guests recommend it.

These toilets aren’t designed to shock you; they’re simply part of everyday rural life. We provide toilet paper (though not the aloe vera variety!).

Ölgii | Khovd

During your first night in  Ölgii, you’ll be hosted by our trusted Kazakh partners, Jako and Bovka, at their family home. Again, this is a shared space, and sleeping arrangements will be on floor mats. Shower access is at the town shower house, and toilets are outdoor sit-down long drops.

For the second night in Ölgii and the one ht I Khovd. you'll stay in a twin-share en-suite hotel room.

Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar on September 4th and 15th  is not included although we provide recommendations and can help with booking.

Meals

Each EL team travels with a simple kitchen, and most meals are prepared by your trip assistant. We don’t ask rural families—with limited access to shops—to provide meals, especially given the number of travellers with dietary needs. However, during each trip you’ll also share some meals with host families, stop at guanz (roadside cafés), and eat in local restaurants.

Our trip assistants are not trained chefs, but they know how to keep you well-fed. Meals are based around local, seasonal produce with a focus on food miles. You won’t find elaborate international dishes, but you can rely on hearty, filling food that sustains you. If five portions of fruit a day are a must, you may find this challenging in remote Mongolia.

We can cater for vegetarians, some dietary restrictions, and food allergies—but only with advance notice. Please share your requirements when booking so we can advise what’s possible and set realistic expectations.

Drinks

We provide filtered drinking water, tea, and coffee throughout. Alcohol and soft drinks are not included but can be purchased en route. Choice is limited in the countryside, so if you enjoy a good bottle of wine or whisky, we recommend stocking up in Ulaanbaatar before departure.

Since rural areas lack running water and recycling is minimal, we avoid bottled water. Each team carries large containers and filters water from town stations. Please bring a reusable bottle (a filter bottle is even better). A detailed packing list is provided on booking.

Included in the price

  • All meals outside of the city of Ulaanbaatar unless otherwise stated: These are mainly prepared and cooked by your local team so they are fresh and it means we offer more flexibility for any dietary requirements. We also provide filtered drinking water (not bottled), tea, and instant coffee.
  • You’ll be supported by one of our experienced intergenerational teams—made up of a male Mongolian driver and one of our English-speaking female trip assistants—helping create an immersive and well-supported experience. Jess and Tuya are also available throughout your journey via WhatsApp.
  • Our complimentary 'Intro To Ulaanbaatar' experience including a local lunch and welcome drink
  • Transportation to and from the airport on arrival and departure days
  • Entrance fees to monasteries, temples, and museums are included when you are with the local team. Please note this excludes camera tickets.
  • Festival tickets are provided if listed in the itinerary.
  • Thoughtful Extras – We add a few gentle surprises—small touches that express our thanks for choosing to travel with us.

Not included in the price

  • International airfare to and from Mongolia
  • Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar: Our trip pricing excludes the price of accommodation in UB though. Why?  Everyone is different is the standard of accommodation they prefer at the start and end of a trip. As there is now such a variety of hotels in UB it is easier to exclude this cost. I provide a list of ideas covering varying standards and budgets and I can also help with booking. There’s everything from a homestay through to Airbnb, US$10 guesthouses and the Shangri-La!
  • Passport and visa fees: Let us know your nationality at the time of booking and we’ll confirm whether you need to apply for a Mongolian visa. It is a relatively easy process depending on your nationality and we can help with some of the formalities.
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Gratuities: Each member of the local team receives a responsible but fair salary and none have to rely on receiving gratuities to supplement their income.  In addition, we make sure that everyone who works with us or helps us is fairly rewarded for their work and the service they provide. At the end of the tour, if you wish to make a gratuity to the local team then thank you – it is not compulsory but it is appreciated when given. We give detailed information on booking.
  • Personal Expenses: We provide detailed guidance on booking
  • Alcohol: Alcohol is available to buy in shops and supermarkets throughout your trip, and your team will make regular stops.
  • Horseback or camel rides (please note, riding helmets are not provided)

Travelling With Our Team

Every journey you take with us is guided by one of our intergenerational Mongolian teams — a female trip assistant and a male driver — who support the day-to-day flow of the trip while sharing insight, conversation, and good company along the way. Our teams use tourism to build more secure, confident futures for themselves and their families, and our female trip assistants — women from backgrounds often overlooked by mainstream tourism — sit at the heart of this work. As our guest, you become part of their personal and professional growth, not just a bystander to it.

Throughout your journey, you’ll be accompanied by one of our intergenerational Mongolian teams, where different ages and life experiences come together. This structure helps navigate social and cultural barriers — from gender roles to expectations around age and authority — softening social boundaries, encouraging shared decision-making, and creating a more open, supportive environment.

We work with and support our team year-round, rather than through short-term or seasonal contracts. These long-standing relationships are built on trust, shared experience, and mutual care. That continuity matters — and it shapes how your journey unfolds on the road.

Our female trip assistants are central to this approach. For many, tourism provides an opportunity to support their families while developing confidence and professional skills over time. They are not performing a role; they are growing into it, alongside us, and shaping their own futures through the work they do.

You’ll also be welcomed by local families with whom we’ve built enduring community partnerships. Their hospitality comes from familiarity and friendship, forming a quiet but meaningful part of your experience.

Behind the scenes, Jess & Turuu (Founders) and Tuya (Office Manager) remain closely involved throughout your journey, offering coordination and support — so even in Mongolia’s most remote places, you are never far from help.

FAQs

We have a detailed FAQ page covering everything from packing lists to payments.Below are answers to the most common questions our guests tend to have at this stage.

 

Deposit

  • Deposit of US$ 600 pp with flexible payment options for the remaining balance

Booking Conditions

Our booking terms and conditions cover payments, cancellations, and other key details. You can read them here.

  • If you decide to cancel your trip, by choice or necessity, up to 10 weeks before departure, we will fully refund your deposit (and balance if paid). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.
  • If you decide to cancel between 10 and 31 days before departure, we will fully refund your balance (if paid), and your deposit will be held as credit to be used on a different trip instead (with no cut off date. This can be transferred to a friend or family member). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.
  • If you cancel within 30 days of departure, we will retain the following percentage of your deposit and balance.
  • 30 days before departure – 50% of holiday cost
  • 29 – 15 days before departure – 90% of holiday cost
  • Less than 15 days before departure – 100% of holiday cost

Notes

  • There is no time limit on when you may use your deposit credit, but it is non-refundable if you decide to cancel in future.
  • Failure to join the tour will also mean you forfeit the tour cost. We will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.
Who This Cycling Journey Is For
  • Riders with experience cycling on mixed terrain — sand, gravel, dirt tracks

  • Those with a good base level of cycling fitness who can enjoy sustained days in the saddle

  • Travellers open to a mix of accommodation — from family-hosted gers to standard tourist camps

  • People comfortable with flexibility — understanding that weather, terrain, and local rhythms may shape the day

  • Those riding for the joy of movement and landscape — not to tick off distances or collect achievements

  • Travellers looking to combine cycling with culture — experiencing modern Mongolia alongside time on two wheels
Who This Cycling Journey Is Not For
  • Riders seeking a fully guided, technical mountain biking holiday with a cycling guide leading every mile

  • Those expecting luxury expedition-style logistics with chefs and high-production camp setups

  • Travellers uncomfortable with shared facilities or simple rural accommodation

  • Anyone wanting a rigid, fixed itinerary with guaranteed daily distances

  • Cyclists focused primarily on performance metrics or completing a challenge as an accomplishment

Accessibility Considerations

Our cycling journeys are shaped around specific travel routes. As a result, experiences may or may not be suitable depending on individual accessibility needs. We encourage travellers to review our Accessibility Information page for further detail and to get in touch with us directly with any questions — we’re always happy to talk through what’s possible and help you decide whether a particular trip is the right fit.

Visas

Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend checking evisa.mn. If you need guidance, we’re happy to help once your booking is confirmed.

International Flights

All international flights arrive at Ulaanbaatar’s Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN). We don’t book international flights, but we can advise on routes and airlines. Most travellers connect via Korea, Turkey, China, or Japan.

Airport transfers are typically included unless your journey begins in Ölgii, Mörön, or the Gobi but do check with Jess. 

Domestic Flights

Some experiences include domestic flights within Mongolia, typically operated by MIAT or Hunnu Air. These are small aircraft, and schedules are subject to weather and operational changes, so flexibility is essential.

Domestic flights are excluded unless stated otherwise, as fares fluctuate. Keeping flights separate helps keep overall trip costs lower for you, but we handle all domestic flight bookings on your behalf.

Baggage allowance on domestic flights:

  • 15kg checked luggage

  • 5kg hand luggage

Excess baggage on domestic flights:

Usually USD $1–3 per kilo paid at check-in  (not always applied)

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for all travellers. While emergencies are rare, your insurance needs to work if something does go wrong. Arranging appropriate coverage is your responsibility.

What this means in practice

If you travel without insurance, you will be personally responsible for any costs arising while you’re away — including medical treatment, evacuation, delays, or other unexpected issues. You may also lose money if you need to cancel your trip and are unable to recover costs.

We provide guidance and links to suitable insurance options once you book.

Explore The Places You’ll Visit Through Our Journal
The town of Kharkhorin in central Mongolia with snow on the hilltops
Kharkhorin - Mongolia
Located in Ovorkhangai Aimag in central Mongolia, Kharkhorin may not seem impressive at first glance....
Khogno Khan Nature Reserve Mongolia
Mongolia's Khögnö Khan Nature Reserve
Mongolia’s Khögnö Khan Nature Reserve Often described by tour companies as the ‘mini-Gobi,’...
A harem of wild Takhi / Przewalski horse (Equus przewalskii) grazing at Khustain Nuruu National Park in central Mongolia
Khustain Nuruu National Park - Mongolia
Khustain Nuruu National Park is one of three locations chosen for the re-introduction of the endemic...
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debsi0108
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Absolutely best trip ever That was one of my best trips ever. I went on a 19 days tour to the northern part of Mongolia and everything was so well organized. We were only 2 in the group and had an awesome guide plus a driver only for us. The tour gave me very deep and authentic insights to the country and I loved every part of it. Jess the owner of the company is super lovely and very helpful. I can recommend this company 100% to everyone!!!
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LavenderFive
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Amazing October trip We traveled to Mongolia in October with a group of friends and had an incredible experience with Jess and her team at Eternal Landscapes. Jess's suggested itinerary was perfect for us, and we felt we really got off the beaten path. Staying with local families in ghers, biking and riding horses and camels, being outside and exploring the local countryside and culture: all days were incredible. Our drivers and guides were friendly, helpful and wonderful, as were our host families. We felt so welcome throughout our time. We were lucky to meet Jess one night at a homestay and she is absolutely delightful with a vision for offering authentic experiences in Mongolia. I highly, highly recommend connecting with Jess if you'd like a unique and exciting itinerary for your time in Mongolia.
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Dr Jeanette Aditi Holden
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+5
I have travelled my entire life, and when I was younger, always on a shoestring. I have always avoided ‘tours’, unless I was volunteering or directly connected with a local organization. I was so deeply grateful to find Eternal Landscapes Mongolia, and so proud to be a part of what they are doing… which is everything right with regards to healthy and ethical ‘tourism’. It is a relief to know how much care and awareness they put into their work. I highly recommend this experience, that allows you to be a part of Mongolian families lives, in a way that is reciprocal & authentic, and based on all the beautiful relationships Eternal Landscapes has created over the years, and work to maintain ! Thank you so much!!
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Zoe C
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Amazing experience I DEEPLY recommend Eternal Landscape to all people willing to explore Mongolia. They accompanied me and other four friends in a 6 days tour in the Gobi desert in August 2017. The thing I appreciated the most was to feel treated as a valuable PERSON, not as a mere source of money, as it happened very often in the tourist sector. I've always felt Eternal Landscape staff’s first objective was to let us get to know and appreciate beautiful Mongolia and have very good vibes about it. I could really feel their love and passion for this country since the very beginning. That impression was proved by little gestures during our stay in Mongolia, such as a free tour in Ulaanbaatar after the tour and some nice souvenirs we received from them. I was impressed by how the director of the agency, Jessica Brook, was responsive to all our requests and needs during the organisational phase before our departure. We had very specific requests about the itinerary and a quite complicated logistics, since part of our group came from China and the other from Ulaanbaatar. All the other agencies we contacted told us they were not able to deal with it, while Eternal Landscapes was and managed to organise a tailor made tour. Before our departure we were able to communicate with Jessica almost on a daily basis to organise the tour in details and ask all the questions we had in mind about operative details and Mongolia more in general. She even helped us booking our train tickets from China to Mongolia and from Mongolia to Russia (two of us went to the Baikal lake after Mongolia). During the tour everything went just perfect. Since everything had been arranged in details, we complied with the planning. Our guides were experienced, so we always felt safe. And this is very important in the desolate lands of Mongolia! They were also friendly, responsive to our requests and sensitive about our needs (including food requirements). To sum up I could not recommend Eternal Landscape enough. You can contact me, should you are not convinced and want to know more about our experience with Eternal Landscapes!!!
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PortlyPenguin
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Expect the Unexpected and Leave your world behind Favorite part(s)... first and foremost meeting the people of Mongolia. They are happy to see you and say 'hello'... I got to hold an eagle!!! I got to eat horsemeat!! (HIGHLY recommend!!)... clean air.. wide open spaces.. 2 Eagle festivals were both uniquely different and such an experience!Recommendations- they will provide you with a "suggested" list of things to bring. READ IT! Highly highly recommend 2 things- earplugs and a good inflatable mattress for back support. Also leave your "that's not how we do it where i'm from" attitude at home.. immerse yourself and just take a deep breath and, like my group did when we hit a moment of "irritations and difficulties on the tour" and say to yourself, "i'm in f**king Mongolia!!!!"
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Maiju V
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Experiencing the authentic Mongolia I joined the amazing Khovsgol trails tour by Eternal Landscapes, and it was definitely worth it. The trip was well organized, and the trip assistants, guides and drivers were professional, warm and knowledgeable. It was clear that they love their country and culture, and always walk the extra mile to ensure that the guests are happy. Their impressive cooking, driving and organizational skills as well as brilliant sense of humour elevate the whole experience to a new level. Many thanks! 😊 The trip itself was nicely paced – it was not too rushed, but during these two weeks we got to experience a lot. In some occasions, the original plans had to be changed, but the team always managed to rearrange the schedules and make everything work. Mongolia might not be an easy destination, but it is a fascinating country to visit. There will be long drives, changes in plans and waiting around, but that’s how the country works – in return, we got to see the authentic herder lifestyle, untouched nature and amazing landscapes and experience the friendly and welcoming Mongolian culture. It was magical to stand on top of a hill in the morning sun, observe the serene view to a valley and hear a shaman drum from the distance. In the bigger picture, getting to know the Mongolian way of life gave me new perspectives to our western society and values. I warmly recommend to experience this unique country with a reliable, professional company with strong ethical principles. Eternal Landscapes is definitely a five star partner for the adventure in Mongolia and I can wholeheartedly recommend them.
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Kelly G
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Superb Staff Travelled to Ulaanbattar and onto the Gobi and back. Jess helped the group of five plan a great ten day trip. Weather turned bad on the way to the Gobi and one of the vans got stuck in the snow. This was no problem for the drivers and the the Russian vans. The guides surprised me with a no bake bday cake on the last night. Excellent!
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Cherilyn M
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Amazing window onto life in Mongolia. This is a review of my two trips with EL, in June 2015 and March 2017.Our first trip with Eternal Landscapes was the first time I had ever travelled outside North America or Europe. I considered a number of travel companies, but Jess’s promptness of response and warmth at the outset, answering all my questions and putting together a plan that made sense for our family (parents and two teenagers) was quickly the deciding factor in favor of going with Eternal Landscapes. Our actual trip was about two weeks long, featuring lots of walking, driving, camping, and a bit of horseback riding. We had a guide and driver, and our family travelled in a Russian furgon, which is kind of like a 4WD VW bus on steroids. Highlights included visiting with a local family in the Orkhon river valley, finding wild peonies, riding camels in the Gobi desert, and the amazing feeling of being able to walk cross country without a path and camping in beautiful spots. Jess even set up a private concert for us featuring local folk musicians. I was so overwhelmed by the whole experience that even now I have a hard time putting it into words. At the same time, the price tag was moderate compared to other choices. The style of travel was very basic, but this certainly wasn’t an issue, and allowed us to get a taste of life more similar to what people who live there experience.Two years later, I went back alone, and joined a small group travelling to Western Mongolia. This trip was led by Jess directly, and was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life. For one thing it was in the winter (spring really, encompassing the Nauryz festival in Ulgii), and we stayed almost exclusively in people’s homes. We stayed in the homes of several eagle hunters, met their families, shared meals, played games. This involved lots of sleeping on the floor, sometimes in a room containing all of us plus the entire family, but the privilege of having this kind of a window onto people’s daily lives is still astonishing to me. Also on this trip, I was able to spend a bit more time in Ulaan Baatar, visiting a family in a ger district and a felt-making workshop, and these were also highlights of the trip. Both trips were well organized and we were comfortable and well fed. The activities tended to be low key and unscheduled -- walking, driving, visiting, having tea, waiting around for a parade to start, but this felt natural, and by the same token it was easy to find time to explore on our own a little, which generally took the form of walking up the nearest hillside. The guides, aka “trip advisors” were kind, helpful, and responsible, and although occasionally language issues emerged, they would be on the phone to Jess sorting things out satisfactorily. There is very little good that can be said about driving in Mongolia, but the drivers were experienced and responsible and we felt safe. They were also excellent ad hoc mechanics, constantly taking care of the beast (and fixing a flat on the way to the Gobi, where not a single car came by during the two hours we were stopped on the road).Anyway I can’t say enough good things about Jess and Eternal Landscapes, if you are looking for a window onto real life in Mongolia. This is not a luxury outfit, and you’ll go longer than you ever thought possible without indoor plumbing, but you gain far more than you give up travelling with EL.
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Dunja R
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Amazing Mongolia Amazing snapshot of Mongolia ! Amarra and Nyemka were best team and went above and beyond for all of us.Can’t fault this trip.Amarra , our tour leader was great and made everything so easy and enjoyable!The itinerary was spot on, we enjoyed every stop, and all activities were amazing too. This trip provides the most authentic Experience possible! I would highly recommend if you Are someone who loves am adventure. I especially loved the geir home stay and my tour group .
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David Salmanowitz
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A top notch extremely well run operation, had the trip of a lifetime on so many levels. Highly recommended!
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craj11_11
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Small personalised perfect tours for travellers I found Jess on Tripadvisor Forum and I am so grateful to travellers who post there, as the recommendations were found to be spot on. I was looking for a small private tour rather than joining a large group organised by large international tourist companies, and especially I did not want to share a ger or tent with 5 strangers. Having found Jess I set about inviting friends to join me. I had a ger to myself and the other three couples had a ger each. Jess was organised and sufficiently prompt in responding to queries for me to have complete faith in her suggestions. And the tour was very good value. The trip assistants, who were also our wonderful cooks learned on our first trip to the supermarket (also fascinating) that everyone wanted healthy food, and so rather than the predicted daily boiled mutton we had lots of salads, vegetable and noodle soup (with some mutton), pesto pasta as well as traditional Mongolian foods. Whilst in the early days we offered to help chopping vegetables, the assistants were so amazingly efficient that we found we were more likely to get in their way. And we also had restaurant meals when we were in a town or city. Every day of the tour provided new surprises; one of the benefits of a private tour is that the keen photographers on our tour could ask the driver to stop the vehicles to capture the special moments. Our two drivers were great and also very handy, able to fix any car issue as well as stopping to help other stranded tour groups!Eternal Landscapes also has a social responsibility approach to travel which was admirable. The big highlight was of course Naadam, which provided extraordinary photographic opportunities.Other hightlights: - We had a wonderful unmissable and unforgettable night with a goat herder nomad family – a priceless experience that was completely Mongolian. (The seven of us shared one of the family’s gers on this occasion).- We covered a large variety of landscapes and Jess incorporated walks into the tour on many days so that we could be IN the landscape. - And we were able to interact with Mongolian people who came to visit us at our lunch stops, teach us archery and about archery competition, play musical instruments/ throat sing, in the arena at Naadam as well as to our times shopping for our meals.I have no hesitation in recommending Eternal Landscapes. We had a truly wonderful trip.
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alex d
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Phenomenal Trip of a Lifetime I was lucky enough to spend a week with the Eternal landscapes team, more specifically with Khisgee my trip assistant and Sandag our driver as I cycled through parts of the Gobi desert and Western Mongolia. I can honestly say, I've never met a team who are so passionate and caring about what they do, but also who believe so strongly in the principles of real authentic tourism. Both Sandag and Khisgee were great entertainment as I worked on my Mongolian throughout the trip, but also chuckled at me several times hurtling on my bicycle through the desert. The eternal landscapes team have a great reputation amongst the Mongolian countryside and the people here, which is such an important aspect of choosing a tour group, as they'll drive you deep into remote areas of Mongolia and you'll be welcome with open arms to catch and sheer sheep, ride camels and horses and use slingshots with the kids. I couldn't recommend this team any more, and don't hesistate in using them.
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livinglifetothefull1
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Attention to Detail was Amazing I found Jess and Eternal Landscapes through a search on tripAdvisor. I wanted a tour that incorporated Nadaam as well as the Gobi desert for myself and my husband. Jess was very prompt to reply and gave us a personal touch in putting together a plan that suited us. I have never received such a high level of personal service when dealing with a travel company.Once in Mongolia everyone that we met from the company were fantastic.Our guide Amaraa couldn't do enough for us and her cooking skills were great - we even had pizza in the Gobi dessert! Bayarra our driver didn't speak much English but that didn't matter as we still played cards and felt very safe with him at all times.The ethics of the company were what really stood out for me - you know that the employees are treated well and I felt I was giving back to the country rather than some large tour group run overseas.Book with this company - you will not regret it!
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Peter M profile picture
Peter M
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Amazing Mongolia with the amazing Eternal Landscapes We travelled with Eternal Landscapes on their 23 day Untamed Mongolia trip. Wow, what a trip!Let's be honest. It's Mongolia, first and foremost, that is the star. Wonderful scenery, fascinating history, a living, breathing culture and big skies. Astounding. Go. You'll love it. And it's uncrowded. But who to go with? Well, in most instances, my wife and I prefer to organise our own itinerary. But Mongolia is big, largely devoid of road signs in its vast landscapes and we felt local knowledge would add greatly to our travel experience. An organised trip seemed to be the best option. We initially chose Eternal Landscapes for their sustainable credentials. We got so much more. Their group size is maximum of 6 (4 guests on our tour), so we never overwhelmed anywhere we stopped. Jess and Turuu, the owners of EL, have searched for the less visited, and rarely visited locations (as well as the big highlights). The mix of private Ger accommodation, camping and regional hotel stays was good. When we camped (my favourite) we were always by ourselves and always in a stunning location. And there were no tourist Ger camps for us, just family run and authentic. Our guides and drivers were knowledgable, enthusiastic and great fun. We visited places other tour groups didn't go, we walked to amazing vistas and historic monasteries. But it was never hurried and there was always time. We laughed, we celebrated and we had, perhaps, our best trip ever. We loved Mongolia and our time with Eternal Landscapes so much we're going back. This time in winter.
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IvanaParty
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Well organised and interactive small group tour to Western Mongolia I joined the Eternal Landscape small group tour Altai and Eagles in September 2018, and it was an amazing experience. The highlight of the tour was the Eagle festival where we had the opportunity to see Eagle hunters we had met and stayed with en route show off their skills, as well as to observe some other local sports (wrestling, archery, wife catching races....).The trip offered the unique experience of traveling through Mongolia in the famous Furgon - each furgon is different and personalised but all are extremely safe and far more reliable than the western 4x4s of which we encountered a number stuck in rivers and on rough dirt roads. The accommodation was mixed - sometimes we stayed in separate visitor gers, other times on the floor of the family ger with the family. However the experience was always wonderful - the families were busy but welcoming, and we had up close encounters with the eagles and hunters we later saw in action at the festival.The EL employees were also very good - diligent in working with the tourists to experience the best of Mongolia, and always respectful and pleasant to the host families.Food was mixed - generally meat heavy so if you’re a vegetarian bring some supplements - but meal times were social and enjoyable. The team even produced a birthday cake one day for one of the group! And there were always tea and biscuits with the host families.This isn’t a luxury holiday so if long drops and sleeping bags on the ground aren’t your thing, this holiday isn’t for you. However if you want to experience the real Mongolia in a unique and respectful way, it is highly recommended.
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Jeanne W profile picture
Jeanne W
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Extremely helpful Jess at Eternal Landscapes was so helpful and patient with all of my questions over email - even though my dates didn't work out and I didn't actually get to go on an EL trip, I would highly recommend EL as a tour group. They were so considerate and supportive and took the time to listen to all my concerns!
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