Naadam Explorer | Small Group Tour

At a Glance

Dates: June 30 – July 12 2027

Group Size: 2-3

Duration: 13 Days

Trip Style: Small group, road trip, immersive, festival, cultural

Locations: Ulaanbaatar, Kharkhorin & Orkhon River Valley, Khogno Khan & Elsen Tasarkhai Sand dunes, Gobi Desert including Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) Yolyn Am and Khongoryn Els sand dunes

Price: US$ 4,305 – US$ 3,420 depending on the final group size

Key Experiences

State Naadam in Ulaanbaatar — experience the pride, colour, culture, and sportsmanship of Mongolia’s national celebration over three flexible days.
A road journey through the Gobi and central heartland — shaped by distance, changing landscapes, and the rhythm of overland travel.
Stay at small-family run camps camps – connected to our long-standing local partnerships.
Time with the Nergui and Tumee families — spend time with the Nergui family in the desert-steppe and the Tumee family in the Orkhon River Valley, gaining a window into their everyday lives.
Space to pause — time built in across desert, steppe, and river valleys to slow down, look around, and simply be.
An introduction to modern Mongolia — through both rural and urban communities, from Ulaanbaatar to small towns and herding landscapes.

What were the highlights of your trip? 'Staying in family gers, riding a camel in the Gobi, experiencing the wide landscapes, witnessing every day life like collecting water, stopping at small shops. Finished it off with experiencing the activities of the Naadam festival. The guides and drivers went out of their way to make it a memorable experience."

EL guest Colin Loo, Naadam

Nadam Explorer Details

Naadam Explorer Journey Details

The journey begins in Ulaanbaatar, where the pace and complexity of city life provide an important starting point. Spending time in the capital gives contrast to the rest of the journey: how people live and move through the city, and how urban life sits alongside Mongolia’s many other ways of life.

From the capital, the route leads into the Gobi and Mongolia’s central heartland. Road trip days, changing landscapes, quiet pauses, and time to simply sit and be all shape the experience. Along the way, you’ll stay at small, family-run ger camps connected to communities we’ve worked alongside for many years. These stays offer an honest introduction to rural livelihoods and the local relationships that help shape our journeys.

At the heart of the journey is State Naadam, Mongolia’s most significant national celebration. Some describe it as being “for tourists,” but that misses what Naadam means within Mongolia itself. It is vibrant, public, celebratory, and full of national pride — bringing together sport, ceremony, family, identity, and continuity in a way that feels both deeply traditional and firmly part of contemporary Mongolia.

Although compact, time and contrast are built into our Naadam Explorer, allowing space to respond to what unfolds — between the energy of the capital and the openness of the land, Soviet-era towns and centuries-old monasteries, protected landscapes and working pastoral country.

This journey is designed for curious travellers looking for a thoughtful first experience of Mongolia: one shaped by celebration, road travel, landscape, and the everyday lives of the people who call these places home.

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

Spend time in Ulaanbaatar, gaining a sense of the capital beyond the main sights.
Find space among the granite rock formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu.
Experience the contrasts of small-town life in Dalanzadgad, the provincial capital of the South Gobi, including the Gobi Museum of Nature and History.
Walk through Yolyn Am, also known as Eagle Gorge, looking for lammergeiers overhead and Mongolian pika among the rocks.
Climb the singing sand dunes of Khongoryn Els.
Take in the views of the dunes from between the ears of a Bactrian camel.
Walk among the rich fossil landscapes of Bayanzag, the Flaming Cliffs.
Take in the wide Gobi views from the Khavtsgait Petroglyphs.
Stay with the Nergui family in the wide-open desert-steppe horizons of Erdenedalai.
Explore the sacred mountain landscape of Khogno Khan.
Discover the history and culture of Kharkhorin.
Spend time with the Tumee family in the Orkhon River Valley and gain a window into their way of life.
Experience State Naadam alongside Mongolians from across the country and from many walks of life.

Final group size of 2 guests: US$ 4,305 **current group size**
Final group size of 3 guests: US$ 3,420

Map Of Route

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:

We don't offer single supplements on our small-group trips. However, when staying in a hotel, you are welcome to pay the hotel directly for a private room if one is available.

Mongolian Family Ger Camps

Throughout the experience you’ll stay in a traditional Mongolian gers provided by our partnering families. Each family typically sets up 4–5 guest gers, thoughtfully adapted for the season.

Each ger accommodates 3–4 group members, but you’ll always have your own bed and personal space.

A sleeping bag is required at the family accommodation: We provide a free rental service but our bags are not temperature rated.

Facilities:

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!).

Provincial Hotel

In provincial towns, we use modern local hotels, usually on a twin-share basis with another traveller of the same sex. Rooms typically have an en-suite bathroom with a shower, although hot water is never fully guaranteed in Mongolia, regardless of the hotel standard. Your team will always do what they can to help make it happen. Towels are usually provided, though they can be small, and rooms often have a kettle. Wi-Fi may be available in some hotels, but it can be slow or inconsistent.

Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar on June 30, and July 10th - 12th is not included although we provide recommendations and can help with booking.

Meals

Each EL team travels with a simple mobile kitchen, and most meals outside Ulaanbaatar are either prepared by your trip assistant or eaten in local restaurants along the way. We also stop at guanz — local roadside cafés — and, where appropriate, share meals with the families we stay with.

We deliberately don't expect rural families to provide meals for our guests. Access to shops and fresh supplies can be limited, and dietary requirements have become increasingly varied. Preparing much of the food ourselves gives our host families less work and gives us more flexibility over what we can provide.

Our trip assistants are not trained chefs, but they cook for their own families and know how to keep you well fed on the road. Food is simple, filling and based around ingredients we can realistically buy as we travel. We grocery shop every few days in towns along the route, which helps us keep supplies fresh while also giving you a glimpse into everyday life in Mongolia.

Fresh fruit and vegetables can be limited outside Ulaanbaatar and larger towns, particularly in more remote areas and depending on the season. If five portions of fruit and vegetables every day are essential to you, rural Mongolia may be challenging.

We can usually accommodate vegetarians and a range of dietary requirements, including vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free diets, but please speak with us before booking. Choice can be limited and meals may become repetitive — there may be rather more boiled rice than you are used to! We would much rather explain the realities beforehand than promise a level of variety that isn't always possible once you are on the road.

In Ulaanbaatar, meals are generally not included unless specifically shown in the itinerary. On this journey, the included UB meal is lunch during your Intro to Ulaanbaatar day.

Vegetarian Options in Mongolia

Drinks & Drinking Water

We provide drinking water throughout the journey, collected from the water stations found in towns along our route. Rather than routinely buying single-use bottles, each team carries larger reusable water containers.

We recommend bringing a filtered reusable water bottle. We can provide a 15% discount, with details sent when you book and linked below. Alternatively, bring a standard reusable bottle and some Aqua Tablets for additional water purification.

If you would prefer bottled water, you can buy it yourself in shops along the way.

As well as drinking water, we provide tea and coffee with meals and at various times throughout the day.

Soft drinks such as juice and fizzy drinks are not included but are widely available. Alcohol is also excluded apart from the welcome drink during your Intro to Ulaanbaatar day. Beer, vodka and other drinks can be bought in shops and supermarkets along the route, although the choice becomes more limited in rural areas. Your team makes regular shopping stops during the journey.

Why We Ask Travellers to Bring a Reusable Water Bottle to Mongolia

Transport

Our driving team is made up of experienced Mongolian men we know personally and have worked with for many years. Their English is limited, but their driving knowledge is exceptional — from navigating rough terrain to mongolchlokh, improvising the Mongolian way when a tyre bursts or a vehicle breaks down.

And breakdowns can happen. Mongolia is hard on vehicles, particularly away from paved roads. What matters to us is having drivers who know their vehicles, understand the terrain and can usually deal with problems as they arise.

Each driver owns his own vehicle. Depending on the journey, this may include a UAZ Furgon 4×4 van, Hyundai Starex or Mitsubishi Delica. Because the vehicles are individually owned, interiors and seating layouts vary, including forward- and rear-facing seats. Vehicles are fitted with either lap belts or standard seat belts.

If you are expecting a luxury or high-end 4×4, that is not our style of travel. We choose our drivers first for their experience, reliability and knowledge, and then for the vehicle they own. Using driver-owned vehicles also helps provide long-term work and income for experienced local drivers and their families.

We contribute towards vehicle maintenance, and the vehicles used for our journeys undergo the required annual inspections and licensing for tourism use in Mongolia.

Learn more about our drivers and their tour vehicles here.

Travel Times

Road travel is a central part of experiencing Mongolia. It is a vast country, and getting from one place to another is very much part of the journey.

The daily travel times shown in the itinerary are estimates rather than promises. We deliberately allow generous timings because road surfaces, weather, traffic, river levels and occasional vehicle issues can all affect progress.

Average speeds are usually around 30–65 km/h, depending on conditions. On unpaved routes, the road may vary from relatively smooth gravel to corrugated tracks, rocky sections, mud, sand or uneven ground, sometimes all within the same day.

You really do need to be comfortable with road travel to enjoy this style of journey.

Drinking Water | Tea & Coffee

We provide drinking water collected from the water stations found in towns along the route. We recommend bringing a filtered reusable water bottle — we can provide a 15% discount, with details sent on booking. Alternatively, bring a standard reusable bottle and some Aqua Tablets for additional purification.Bottled water can also be purchased along the way if you prefer.As well as drinking water, we provide tea and coffee with meals and at various times throughout the day.

Meals

Meals are included as outlined in the itinerary, with most prepared by the EL team or eaten in local restaurants along the way. In Ulaanbaatar, the only included meal is lunch during your Intro to Ulaanbaatar day.If you are vegan, gluten-free, lactose intolerant, or have any other dietary requirements, please speak with us before booking. We can usually accommodate dietary restrictions, but food choices outside Ulaanbaatar can be limited and repetitive — so be prepared for plenty of boiled rice!

Entrance Fees

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.

Accommodation Outside Ulaanbaatar

Please read the itinerary carefully so you understand the style of accommodation used throughout the journey, including where you will be expected to share as a group and the standard and style of toilets and showers available. We embrace using the local town shower houses so you'll have to forgo your power shower for a few days/weeks.We don't offer single supplements on our small-group trips. However, when staying in a hotel, you are welcome to pay the hotel directly for a private room if one is available.

Support From The EL Team

You'll travel with one of our intergenerational EL teams: an experienced male Mongolian driver and a female English-speaking trip assistant who acts as an informal cultural bridge throughout the journey. Jess and Tuya are also available via WhatsApp while you are travelling.Our complimentary 'Intro To Ulaanbaatar' experience:including a local lunch and welcome drink

Transportation to and from the airport or train station: on arrival and departure days

Our complimentary 'Intro To Ulaanbaatar' experience: including a local lunch and welcome drink

What’s Not Included & Other Costs to Consider

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory. We provide detailed guidance on what your policy should cover when you book.

International Flights & Train Travel

International flights are not included and we do not book these on your behalf. The following links may be useful:

Routes into Ulaanbaatar: FlightConnections
Ulaanbaatar International Airport: Airport Website
Airport code: UBN

If you are planning to travel to or from Mongolia by train, train tickets are also excluded. Let us know, however, as we can provide advice and help with booking.

Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar is not included in the trip price. Why? Everyone has different preferences when it comes to the standard and style of accommodation they want at the beginning and end of a journey.

UB now has a huge range of options, from homestays, guesthouses and apartments through to boutique and international hotels. By keeping this cost separate, you can choose what best suits your budget and travel style. Once you book, we provide a list of recommended options across a range of prices and can also help with reservations.

Bedding

Bedding is provided when staying in hotels and standard tourist ger camps. However, when staying in homestays or family-run camps, you will need to bring your own sleep kit from home: • a sleeping bag • a sleeping pad/mat • a travel pillow (optional, but recommended) We do have a small number of sleeping bags available for guests to borrow for free. But, they are purchased in Mongolia and are not expedition style and not temperature-rated.

Horse & Camel Riding

Where optional horse or camel riding is mentioned in the itinerary, the cost is not included because not everyone wishes to take part.

If you are considering horse riding, we highly recommend having previous riding experience, as Mongolian horses can be strong and independent. Riding helmets are not normally provided, so please also check that horse riding is covered by your travel insurance.

If you would like to ride, let us know and we can give you an approximate cost. Payment is made locally, in Mongolian currency, directly to the herder with whom we arrange the ride.

Passport & Visa Fees

Let us know your nationality when booking and we will confirm whether you currently need a visa for Mongolia. Where a visa is required, the process is generally straightforward depending on nationality, and we can help with some of the formalities.

Any passport, visa, registration or related fees are not included in the trip price.

Personal Expenses

There is no food or tipping kitty on our trips.

We provide detailed guidance on likely personal spending when you book. Typical personal expenses include souvenirs, additional drinks and any optional horse or camel riding you choose to do.

Soft Drinks & Alcohol

Soft drinks such as juice and fizzy drinks are not included but are widely available.

Alcohol is also excluded, apart from the welcome drink included during your Intro to Ulaanbaatar day. Alcohol can be purchased in shops and supermarkets along the route, and your team will make regular shopping stops during the journey.

Tips & Gratuities

Every member of the EL team receives a fair salary and does not rely on gratuities to supplement their income. We also make sure that the people who work with us or provide services during our journeys are fairly paid for their time and work.

If, at the end of your journey, you would like to give a gratuity to the team, thank you. It is entirely optional but always appreciated. We provide more detailed guidance when you book.

Camera Tickets

Some locations, particularly the interiors of monasteries and museums, charge an additional fee for permission to take photographs. These fees vary by location and are not included in the trip price.

Lost Luggage

If your luggage does not arrive with you, don't panic. We can help with the retrieval process.

However, if you ask one of our drivers to make a separate journey to the airport to collect delayed luggage, an additional charge will apply. Ulaanbaatar's international airport is around 50 km from the city, so this involves additional driver time and fuel.

Wi-Fi & Mobile Data

Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés, hotels and other locations in Ulaanbaatar, although speeds and reliability vary. Outside the city, Wi-Fi is much more limited.

If you would like more regular access to the internet during your journey, we recommend buying a Mongolian SIM card with mobile data. These are usually available at the airport or once you arrive in Ulaanbaatar.

Travelling With Our Team

FAQs

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

What are your booking conditions and insurance requirements?

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.

Travel Insurance — Required For All Journeys

We ask all travellers joining an Eternal Landscapes journey to have comprehensive travel insurance in place before they travel.

Mongolia is a vast country, and many of our journeys spend time in remote areas. Good travel insurance is part of travelling responsibly including for your own peace of mind.

We provide travel insurance guidance on booking, but it is your responsibility to choose a policy that meets your needs and covers the activities included in your journey.

Your policy should include cover for:

emergency medical treatment
medical evacuation and repatriation
trip cancellation or curtailment
personal injury

If your journey includes horse riding, please check that this is specifically covered, as some standard policies exclude it.

Before your trip begins, we ask you to send us a digital copy of your insurance certificate.

Please check your policy carefully before travelling and speak directly with your insurer if you are unsure about any aspect of your cover.

Who is this experience for?

This Is Right For You If…

What matters most is an open mind, patience, respect for the people you travel with, a willingness to see Mongolia beyond social media, and an understanding that delays, irritations, and changes are part of experiencing the country on its own terms.

You’re curious, open-minded, and interested in Mongolia as it is lived — with its vast landscapes, everyday realities, road journeys, and occasional unpredictability.

You’re comfortable travelling as part of a small group, sharing space with people from different backgrounds, nationalities, ages, and ways of seeing the world.

You understand that these are shared journeys, shaped by the rhythm of the road and the country itself. Plans may shift, weather may change, and the day may unfold differently from what was expected — with thoughtful alternatives considered along the way.

You’re comfortable with Mongolia’s practical realities, including long drives, simple accommodation, shared gers with other group members, outdoor pit toilets, limited washing facilities, and occasional inconsistencies with hot water, electricity, maintenance, or service.

You don’t need to be especially fit, but you are reasonably active and comfortable spending time outdoors. Depending on the journey, this may include day hikes, walking on uneven ground, and getting in and out of vehicles regularly.

You enjoy travelling with a Mongolian team who feel more like colleagues and hosts than polished service staff. Our drivers and trip assistants bring warmth, local knowledge, humour, care, and practical experience, but this is not a formal guiding style built around fluent professional English, scripted commentary, or frequent briefings.

You enjoy unstructured time — space to read, wander, look out across the landscape, share a mug of tea, or simply let the day unfold naturally.

More than anything, you bring a flexible mindset: patience, interest, thoughtfulness, and the ability to find value in the quiet moments as well as the planned experiences.

This May Not Be The Right Fit For You If…

You prefer luxury accommodation, frequent hot showers, and a high level of comfort throughout.
You feel uncomfortable with basic rural facilities, including outdoor toilets, limited washing facilities, or occasional shared accommodation.
You expect fixed schedules, tightly planned days, and every moment to be managed.
You’re looking for staged cultural performances or carefully curated moments designed mainly for social media or photography
You expect fluent professional English from every member of the field team, regular formal briefings, scripted cultural interpretation, or a highly polished tour-leader style throughout.

Accessibility Considerations

Our small-group journeys are shaped by rural environments, local accommodation, and specific travel routes. This means suitability can vary depending on the journey and on individual access needs.
We encourage travellers to read our Accessibility Information page for more detail and to contact us directly with any questions. We’re always happy to talk through what is realistically possible and help you decide whether a particular trip is the right fit.

Can this journey be adapted as a tailor-made trip?

If our travel philosophy resonates with you but you’d prefer a private trip or some flexibility around the itinerary, we can tailor elements of this trip to suit your needs. This might include upgrading some accommodation, adjusting travel dates, or extending or shortening the journey. Get in touch to talk through the options and see what’s possible.

Do I need to know anything about Mongolian cultural etiquette?

You don’t need to arrive in Mongolia knowing every custom. On booking, we provide all our guests with an introduction to Mongolian culture, traditions, and customs. Once you arrive, your trip assistant will also help guide you informally through everyday etiquette as you travel.

If you’re interested in learning more now though explore our Journal here.

What matters most is travelling with awareness and respect. In Mongolia, small gestures can carry meaning — stepping over rather than on the ger threshold, accepting tea or food with your right hand, being mindful of where you point your feet, and showing care around the stove, family altar, and central supports inside a ger.

Please don’t worry about getting everything right. Mongolians are generous hosts, and visitors are not expected to know every custom. A willingness to listen, observe, and follow gentle guidance goes a long way.

What should I pack?

Mongolia’s weather, road conditions, and accommodation styles vary widely by season and region, so packing well makes a real difference to your comfort.

We send all guests detailed packing information on booking, but you can also use our seasonal guides as a starting point. For summer journeys, see our Mongolia summer packing list. For colder months, see our Mongolia winter packing list.

Explore The Festival And The Places You’ll Visit Through Our Journal

Discover Mongolia's Middle Gobi

While guidebooks and tour operators typically highlight only one or two sites within Mongolia's Middle...

Mongolia's Khögnö Khan Nature Reserve

Mongolia’s Khögnö Khan Nature Reserve Often described by tour companies as the ‘mini-Gobi,’...

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....

Mongolian children on their horses at the start line of a Naadam Festival horse race

Mongolia's Naadam Festival

Each July, Mongolia pauses for Naadam – a nationwide celebration that blends sport, history, and a powerful...

Guest Reviews

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      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   debsi0108 
 
 
 Verified 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!!!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   LavenderFive 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Dr Jeanette Aditi Holden 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +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!!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Zoe C 
 
 
 Verified 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!!!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   PortlyPenguin 
 
 
 Verified 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!!!!"
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Maiju V 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Kelly G 
 
 
 Verified 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!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cherilyn M 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Dunja R 
 
 
 Verified 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 .
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   David Salmanowitz 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A top notch extremely well run operation, had the trip of a lifetime on so many levels. Highly recommended!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   craj11_11 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   alex d 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   livinglifetothefull1 
 
 
 Verified 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!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Peter M 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   IvanaParty 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jeanne W 
 
 
 Verified 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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Naadam Explorer | Small Group Tour | 13 Days | June 30 2027

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