17 Day Mongolia Winter Expedition
Women Only
Max Group 10
Lifetime Deposit
Solo traveller friendly
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
A FEW WORDS FROM A PATCHIE:
“This trip is meant to be as far removed from your everyday [life] so just embrace it. Drink the milk tea. Eat the horse. Smell like mutton. Wear the same clothes for days on end. Pee in the snow. Embrace it. Definitely one of my most favourite trips ever!” Patchie, Jane S.
MONGOLIA… ‘COLDEST PLACE ON EARTH!’
It takes a special level of ‘crazy’ to travel to a place this cold when you have summer at home – but where else can you go horse sledding? Lake Khovsgol is where it’s at! A frozen river walk on Jargant? If it’s cold enough!
A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS WITH REINDEER HERDERS!
This day will be etched in your heart forever! You’ll spend Christmas with a beautiful Tsaatan family of reindeer herders. Take in some spiritual learnings from the tribe’s local shaman and – a reindeer ride in the snow!
THINK IT CAN’T GET ANY BETTER? WELL…
Spend a life-changing, snowy New Year’s Eve with eagle hunter Shokan and his family. Get cosy in the Ger Camp. Be adventurous in trying out nomadic delicacies. Meet the eagles and see them catch their prey on an adrenaline-filled hunt.
YOU’RE DOING GOOD BY BEING HERE!
Special vibes to the very end – spend time with nomad families’ kids at an Aussie-run NGO, an initiative we love supporting and you’ll see why. A hundred dollars is donated by us in your name and lunch for you all is on us!
Trip Details
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Pricing Details
- $1,900 AUD deposit.
- 2-week cooling-off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available (max 2 spots) for those who would like to pay extra for their own private room.
- Tip Kitty (See FAQs for more information).
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
17 days, 16 nights
Meeting point
Tuushin Hotel, Ulaanbaatar
Ending point
Tuushin Hotel, Ulaanbaatar
Group size
Maximum 10
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section under the Participation Tab.
Included
- Meals: 16 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 13 dinners
- 4 x domestic flights: Ulaanbaatar – Ulgii, Ulaanbaatar – Muron
- Reindeer and horse riding in the North
- Accommodation: 8 nights in hotels, 7 nights in traditional gers, 1 night in wooden hut
- English-speaking tour leader throughout
- Entrance tickets to all sites listed in the itinerary
- Comfortable transport from start to finish
- Water and snacks in the vehicle
- Camping equipment (except sleeping bags)
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Any visas required
- Late check-out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Photography/filming charges at museums and monasteries
- Horseback riding in the West is optional and charged extra – you can decide on the day!
- Tip kitty. Note: as Aussies and Kiwis, we are not used to tipping! However, guide and driver tipping is customary for tours in Mongolia.
- Personal expenditure
Click the tabs to find out more
What our Patchies say
Day 1 – Welcome to Mongolia!
Today is your first day in Mongolia, but also the day when the adventure begins.
You’re in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, so it’s time to bundle up and embrace the cold as you check out the city’s highlights. The Gandan Monastery, the most popular monastery in the city, is a truly extraordinary place – its walls have withstood the test of time, standing tall through Mongolia’s Soviet takeover. Today you’ll get to witness the monastery’s monks take part in a spellbinding ancient ceremony filled with powerful chants and hypnotic music. It’s sure to knock your socks off!
Tonight will be a night to remember! Not only will your taste buds be tantalised by delicious Mongolian cuisine, but you’ll also have the pleasure of enjoying traditional music and dance performances. It’s an evening of toe-tapping, hand-clapping, feel-good fun, and you won’t be able to get enough of it!
Accommodation: Tuushin Hotel
Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 – DELGER RIVER
Today’s the day you leap into an adventure so cool, it’s practically frozen. First up: a quick flight to Muron, your launchpad to the untapped northern wilderness of Mongolia. After a quick stop for snacks at the Muron market, you’ll swap tarmac for snowy tracks on the road to the banks of Delger River. The river here completely freezes over in winter, with ice so thick that even trucks used to drive across it. This is definitely one for the photo books.
Your accommodation tonight is something very different to what you’re used to, but we’re certain you’re going to love it. Do you see those tent-like structures in the distance…? Peek out at them against the starry sky and remember, this is the unbeaten path – and you’re smack in the middle of it! Your host will be your guide and our friend Esse and his family.
Accommodation: Standard Ger, Tultiin Tokhoi
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – USHIGIIN UVER DEERSTONES
Today, you’re hitting the history jackpot with a trip to see Mongolia’s very own Bronze Age monuments – the deer stones at Ushigiin Uver. Think of these as the ancient world’s way of telling stories, with intricate carvings that have stood the test of time.
After soaking in the ancient vibes, you’ll head up to Jankhai pass to spend next two nights with a local family by the Lake Khovsgol. A taste of traditional Mongolian travel. Driving through the wilderness, you’ll feel a link to the nomadic cultures that have roamed these lands for millennia.
Cap off your day with a cozy night of dinner and drinks around an open fire, sharing laughs and stories of the day’s adventures, from triumphs to little mishaps. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a a day of journey that’s been nothing short of spectacular. But don’t get too comfortable – the rest of Mongolia is calling, and there’s so much more to explore!
Accommodation: Shared Ger, Nomadic Family
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
What is a Ger?
You’ve heard of yurts before, but here in Mongolia they’re called gers, and they’re the place to be if you’re hanging out with Mongolian nomadic families. Sure, gers are used for shelter, but they’re far more than just a warm place to rest your head. The ger is a hive of activity, the beating heart of family life.
You’ll be amazed by just how homely a ger can look and feel. This is no simple tent! Inside, every available surface is put to good use, and you’ll find the ger’s shelves and walls adorned with photos, memorabilia, and other keepsakes. Spending the night in a ger is the most authentic Mongolian experience you can get!
But won’t it be freezing cold? Nope! The nomads of Mongolia have been sleeping in gers for as long as anybody can remember. Gers are designed to be toasty and warm – even in the middle of winter! You’ll dive head-first into this style of communal living by sharing a ger with three to five of your fellow Patchies. We’ll provide mattresses and extra blankets to keep you toasty, so all you’ll need to bring with you is a winter sleeping bag!
Day 4 – Horse Sledding
Dashing through the snow, on a one horse open sleigh…
Chances are you sing this every Christmas, and chances are you’ve even dreamed of doing it for yourself! We can do better, though. How about dashing across one of Mongolia’s biggest frozen lakes on a one horse open sleigh? As you race across the frosty countryside, you’ll make memories that will stay with you long after the snow melts. We’ve planned a quick break for lunch so you can catch your breath and really appreciate your mind-bending surroundings of snow-capped mountains and then… it’s back on the sleighs! We’ve done the research for you to ensure we’re supporting a quality operation that has the horse’s welfare as the top priority.
After this heart-pounding journey, you’ll return home for the night to your cosy ger. Settle into your sleeping bag and relax, knowing that after so much fresh winter air you’ll fall asleep in no time!
Accommodation: Shared ger, Nomadic Family
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Jargant River
This morning, you’re setting off on a 5-hour journey that’ll take you through some of the most stunning winter landscapes you can imagine. It’s a long drive, that’s for sure, but with front-row views of Mongolia’s unspoilt frosty wilderness, you’ll wish it was even longer!
Depending on your arrival time and the weather, you have the opportunity to take a walk along the frozen Jargant River. Do you hear that? It’s… absolutely nothing! The silence here is so striking that it feels like the world beyond has been paused, leaving just your group of Patchies and the crunch of snow underfoot.
Rounding off your day at the unbelievably cosy Jargant Lodge, give yourself some time to let the day’s memories settle in. This has got to be the most relaxed you’ve ever felt at Christmas!
Accommodation: Jargant Lodge
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – East Taiga
Say goodbye to this lovely part of the world. You’ll miss it, but we promise what’s next will have you buzzing with excitement: you’re going to live with reindeer herders for a few days! Does it get any more Christmassy than that?
The drive this morning will take around 3 hours, weaving through the untouched wilderness as you venture closer to the remote reaches where the Tsaatan community thrives. Your first waypoint is Tsagaannuur, the village that acts as your gateway to this secluded world and the place where the group will register with the authorities. Then, with the bureaucracy over, it’s time to get this party started!
Pulling into the reindeer herder’s camp, the air crackles with the warmth of the welcome you receive here as you’re introduced to each member of your new Mongolian family. As far as Christmas Eves go, this one has been close to perfect.
Accommodation: Reindeer Herder Family Stay in a Wooden Hut
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Merry Christmas!
This morning you’ll be unwrapping a gift unlike any other – a full day experiencing the wonders of the Tsaatan way of life with your hosts. Learning the ins-and-outs of reindeer husbandry is an activity that feels like it was made for Christmas morning, so dive in!
The magic of Christmas continues as you pay a visit to the local shaman for a crash course on the spiritual practices and beliefs of the Tsaatan community. Then, it’s time for our Christmas gift to you: the opportunity to ride reindeer in the snow!
As the afternoon light begins to fade, it’s time to head back to the cosy lodge to warm up and dive into a hearty Christmas dinner before tucking up in bed with warm blankets and a full belly. Mulling over today, you realise it’s not just been merry; it’s been legendary.
A Christmas spent riding reindeer and hanging with shamans? This Christmas beats them all!
Accommodation: Jargant Lodge
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Delver River
It’s the lull between Christmas and New Year, so you could spend it sitting around munching on dry leftover turkey at home… OR you could spend it delving deep into the daily lives of the nomads who live in one of the most remote areas of the world. We know which option you’d prefer!
Home tonight is a ger camp with your host Esee and his family. Here, you’ll spend a few days participating in the daily activities of life in a traditional Mongolian village, gaining the opportunity to deepen your appreciation of a lifestyle that’s been part of Mongolia’s story for centuries.
But first, you need to get there, hitting the road for the 9-hour journey. Lucky for you, you’re not driving, so all there is to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy watching the seemingly never-ending snow-dusted landscapes from your window. It’s a tough gig, but hey, somebody’s gotta do it!
Accommodation: Ger Camp, Tultiin Tokhoi
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – ULAANBAATAR
Today’s the day you wave goodbye to the North and its epic landscapes, hopping on your flight back to the buzz of Ulaanbaatar. Touching down, you’ll make your way to your cosy city hotel where a hot bath awaits to melt away the chill of your adventure. After a few nights spent in the wilderness, modern comforts and your own space feel like pure luxury! Ahhh…
Tonight, there’s no schedule, just you, the comfort of your hotel, and perhaps the treat of room service or a quiet evening exploring local restaurants. It’s been a crazy few days, so take this time as a well-earned breather before diving into the next chapter of your Mongolian journey.
Accommodation: Tuushin Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 – ULGII
This morning, you’ll be saying goodbye to Ulaanbaatar, flying to the far west of Mongolia to arrive in Ulgii, an ethnically Kazakh city surrounded by majestic mountains.
There’s no time to waste when you’re in a place as unique as this, so the group will dive right in! Together, you’ll explore Ulgii’s enthralling bazaar, where cultures collide and traditional Kazakh influences still remain strong. From the mind-boggling array of fabrics and patterns covering every surface to the smells of countless new foods you’ve never tried before, your senses will be overwhelmed with excitement. Everywhere you turn there is something new to discover!
Accommodation: Eagle Hunter Homestay
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – BLACK MOUNTAIN
On this morning wake up just as the sun is peeking over the horizon and breathe in the crisp air. From last night’s welcome of delving right into traditional rituals, including sampling local delicacies and getting formal introductions to the family, you’ll get to know your local host family even better over breakfast, and wow, do we have a spectacle in store for you!
These nomads follow an ancient tradition you definitely won’t have seen before – eagle hunting! And nope, they don’t hunt the eagles – they hunt with the eagles. Local eagle hunter extraordinaire Shokan is your host and he and a few of his fellow eagle hunters have lined up some memorable moments for you – but we won’t say more than that… other than you’ll be ending the year with one of the coolest experiences of your life, with one of nature’s most majestic creatures.
If you’re feeling up to it, take a little hike and explore until the sun sets and nighttime descends. Get ready to ring in the new year Mongolian-style, sharing a locally-cooked feast at the ger camp with your fellow Patchies and Shokan’s family. What a way to end of the day!
Accommodation: Eagle Hunter Homestay
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 – BLACK MOUNTAIN
On this morning, wake up just as the sun is peeking over the horizon and breathe in the crisp air.
You can choose to go on an adventure with Shokan for a bit of wildlife spotting if you like! This is also your chance to spend the day like a local by participating in the family’s winter activities, from herding and milking stock to preparing traditional recipes with local ingredients.
If you’re feeling up to it, take a little hike and explore until the sun sets and nighttime descends.
Accommodation: Eagle Hunter Homestay
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 – Black Mountain
The best way to walk into the new year is by immersing yourself in the age-old customs of the Black Mountain nomads. You can choose to go on an adventure with Shokan for a bit of wildlife spotting if you like! This is also your chance to spend the day like a local by participating in the family’s winter activities, from herding and milking stock to preparing traditional recipes with local ingredients. New Year’s Eve is here!
It’s been a busy few days, so this afternoon you’ll have some free time to wander around and take plenty of photos.
Get ready to ring in the new year Mongolian-style, sharing a locally-cooked feast at the ger camp with your fellow Patchies and Shokan’s family. What a way to end 2024!
Accommodation: Eagle Hunter Homestay
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 – Black Mountain
Sadly, today you’ll be saying a reluctant goodbye to Shokan and his family. After breakfast you have a drive back to Ulgi and then a plane to catch – it’s back to Ulaanbaatar. No doubt, the events of the last couple of days will be playing around in your mind as you vividly remember the eagle hunt and the otherworldly landscape you’ve just left behind, knowing these memories will stay with you for a very long time.
Once you arrive back at the hotel, the evening is yours. Maybe you feel like getting out for a brisk winter walk in the city? Or just relax and decompress in your room. Whatever it is, go for it!
Accommodation: Tuushin Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15 – Lotus children’s centre
We bet you didn’t expect to find an Aussie-owned charity in Mongolia, but at the Lotus Children’s Centre, that’s exactly what you’ll find! The founder, Didi Ananda Kalika, set up this charity to provide a safe-haven for vulnerable Mongolian children. On today’s visit, you’ll learn just how transformative her work has been.
At Patch, we believe in the power of giving back when travelling! To show our support for Didi’s incredible mission, we’re donating $100AUD on behalf of each Patchie on the tour. We’ll also cover the lunch bill for everybody – Patchies and kids!
Since it’s the last night in Mongolia together, it goes without saying that a
farewell dinner is on the cards. Gather together one last time as a group to
share some of your favourite Mongolian dishes. You won’t be able to resist
reminiscing on your fondest memories of the trip – from the eagle hunters, to getting cosy in a ger… and everything in between! Of course, it would be impossible to forget that first glimpse of snow on Christmas day too!
Accommodation: Tuushin Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 – Free Day
Today’s your free pass to do, well, absolutely nothing… or everything! Fancy a lie-in? Go for it. Your laundry’s giving you the eye? Today’s the day to show it who’s boss. Or maybe you’re itching to stretch those legs? Ulaanbaatar’s got you covered.
If you feel like embracing your inner tourist, Sükhbaatar Square’s the place to start. Here, you’ll find the statue of Damdin Sükhbaatar, the Mongolian revolutionary hero and one of the top photo spots in the city. For a dash of history, go ahead and sneak a peek at the National Museum. Or, if art is more your thing, the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum will have you lighting up like a Christmas tree.
It’s all about you-time, so sip that coffee a little slower, watch the world go by, and revel in the joy of a totally clear itinerary because tomorrow, the adventure gears up again!
Accommodation: Tuushin Hotel
Included: Breakfast
Day 17 – Farewell Friends
Today is the day you’ve been dreading – it’s the end of the adventure! Fear not, though, because after such an incredible experience we’re sure we’ll see you again on another Patch tour.
After breakfast, we’ll drop you off at the airport for a hassle-free departure. See you next time!
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Good to Know
ACCOMMODATION HIGHLIGHTS:
Traditional Gers
Ger Camps
WHAT ABOUT FOOD?
Mongolian food is simple and hearty. While there is a lot of meat, milk and cheese in Mongolian cuisine, we can cater for most dietary needs including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free.
We guarantee that you will be pleasantly surprised by the food available in Mongolia. This is partly because your expectations will below (!), but also because, contrary to popular belief, dietary options are not just limited to mutton and fat. In Ulaanbaatar, there is a range of great local and international restaurants, and although in the countryside the choice and ingredients are more limited, there are some traditional culinary specialities to enjoy and savour.
We like to vary meals during a trip – lunch may be with a nomadic family, or at a roadside cafe, or a picnic. Sadly, we cannot cater to those with severe nut allergies. In all of our homestays, you’re welcome to participate and learn, as much or as little as you like. It’s a great way to spend extended time with local Mongolian women, who traditionally occupy this role.
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love travelling and enjoying most of your time in a country.
You don’t like being rushed or herded around B-grade attractions, but you also understand that some places are worth the wait in line.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. Even in the best restaurants, the service sometimes is a little slow. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also know that a ‘great trip’ doesn’t have to mean sprinting from place to place. The best moments so often come when you hit the pause button, sit still, and just take it all in.
You’re young enough at heart to know that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’re least expecting it. You understand that doing things right doesn’t always mean following a strict routine.
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that involves trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
Does that sound like you? We’d love to invite you to travel with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD:0.65 USD.
A deposit of $1,900 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets, or any variation of the above. However, you have to keep in mind that your choices will be very limited considering the remoteness of the destinations. Please let us know about your dietary requirements in advance. If you have any other medical requirements, please advise.
Mongolian food is simple and hearty. While there is a lot of meat, milk and cheese in the cuisine, we can cater for most dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free – though the choice may be limited.
We guarantee that you will be pleasantly surprised by the food available in Mongolia. This is partly because your expectations will be low (!) but also because, contrary to popular belief, dietary options are not just limited to mutton and fat. In Ulaanbaatar, there is a range of great local and international restaurants. However, in the countryside, the choice and ingredients are limited.
We like to vary meals during a trip – lunch may be with a nomadic family, at a simple roadside local restaurant, or a picnic. Sadly, we cannot cater to those with severe nut allergies. In all of our homestays, you’re welcome to participate and learn as much or as little as you like. It’s a great way to spend extended time with local women who traditionally occupy this role.
This trip will be difficult for people with specific dietary requirements because Mongolians are not well versed in that. Our ground team will always do their best to educate the accommodations we are working with on your diet requirements.
Be ready for an adventure and last minute changes!
In Mongolia, sometimes last-minute changes to the itinerary are simply part of the adventure! The rugged nature of travel here means that adjustments can be needed, and occasionally, events may get rescheduled by organizers or even the government for various reasons. So, we ask you to come with an open mind and a spirit for adventure!
Rest assured, if plans shift, we’ll always do our best to replace any missed experiences with ones that are just as amazing.
Mongolia has dropped its visa requirements for all Australian and NZ citizens.
Travelling in Mongolia is as unique as the country itself – endless stretches of rugged countryside, winding tracks, and the friendly smiles of locals greet you in the most unexpected remote places. But Mongolia has its own rhythm, and there are a few things that make it quite different from other popular travel destinations.
With a short travel season, remote camp locations, and a dependence on food and goods imports, ger camp accommodation is pricier than you might expect for its simple setup. Since these camps run on a limited four-month season (compared to the seven- to twelve-month tourist seasons in many other countries), we hope you understand the imbalance between cost and quality.
And it’s not just the accommodation that’s pricey – transport, fuel and staffing costs have increased too, since the influx of post-covid travellers – including from close-neighbouring countries like South Korea.
Mongolia has only recently moved away from its Soviet-influenced past, and their service culture is still evolving. Thirty years of democracy have brought change, but it’s been a slow journey. They are still finding their own path in tourism and service standards, so please be patient.
Some visitors try to compare Mongolia to travelling in parts of SE Asia, but in truth, there’s nothing like it anywhere else in the world! The landscapes, the nomadic way of life, and the genuine charm of its people who have lived this way for centuries, are all unique. Come prepared to embrace the adventure, and you’ll be awed!
Airfares are not included.
Solo travellers will be matched with a room-mate. Of course, if you prefer to have your own space, you can reserve the private room supplement.
Note: In the home stays/ger camps, the private supplement is not available.
It is not recommended to bring the Mongolian Togrog currency to Ulaanbaatar, as you can obtain it easily at money changers and ATMs. In countryside towns, you can obtain money but it’s best not to rely on changers or ATMs available. Your expenses during the trip will be minimal and mostly confined to the alcohol you buy at ger camps. Bringing gifts for your host families is also highly encouraged. Aussie-themed gifts and clothing are highly welcomed as are toys for the kids. Fabric, scarves, warm socks, and gloves are also very welcome.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
Due to the unique nature of this trip, there are A LOT of people involved in making sure your Winter Adventure is as awesome as you imagine! That includes mushers, drivers, horse guides, regional guides, cooks, camp assistants and host families.
Your lead guide, Gantulga will be managing the tip kitty on your behalf, so we ask you to contribute $250 USD per person to him at the welcome dinner on Day 1.
Airport transfers are included. You can plan to arrive at any time, but we recommend arriving in the morning to give yourself time to settle in.
Level 2 or Moderate
You’ll need a moderate level of fitness for this trip. If you can walk 3 – 4 hours – ie 7 to 10 km at an easy pace on undulating terrain, you’ll be fine. There will be days when you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet.
Winter expeditions in Mongolia can be magical, with crisp shimmering frozen landscapes under bright blue skies. Temperatures can plummet as low as -40°C between December and February. Sounds frightening, right? Not as much as you’d think! It is a dry cold with little moisture in the air, so it feels like -15°C at the top of a ski lift in the European Alps in January. There are generally no biting winds or grey skies. Nonetheless, it is still cold, and the weather is unpredictable, so to keep warm, the things to remember are protection (like a balaclava, gloves, and sunglasses) and to layer up.
Due to the nature and remote settings of some accommodations on this trip, there is no capacity for guaranteeing private single rooms at all overnight stays. Private single rooms for single supplement bookings will be provided on The single supplement is not available on 21, 22, 24, 30, 31 Dec & 1 Jan.
Experience the essence of remote living on this journey, where your nights will be spent in the tranquility of ger camps or cozy wooden cabins. In the shared yurts of ger camps, you’ll find a flexible arrangement, typically 4+3+3 or 5+5.
Just a heads up, the accommodations in these remote spots are pretty basic. You won’t find any fancy bathroom facilities or showers. Instead, you’ll get acquainted with the simplicity of an outdoor compost loo. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with warm bowls of water indoors for washing up.
We’re preparing a full pack list which we’ll share with you shortly, but the main message is to layer up. That’s a set of thermal undergarments, a mid-layer, like a fleece jumper and warm pants, and an outer layer like you’re about to go snow skiing. Shoes should be lined with waterproof boots on the outside… and pack plenty of woollen socks!!
If you want to go truly local, you might want to pick up a Mongolian winter Deel (traditional ¾ length wrap-around coat) at the start of your trip for around $200 USD.
Unfortunately, hiring gear in Mongolia is not a real option. And while our sledding team has some gear set aside for unexpected situations while en route, you’ll need to be protected from the cold for the whole trip.
Mongolia is a big and untamed country. The landscape is rugged, with open plains that stretch on for miles and miles. Ulan Baatar (UB) is its only big city and the rest of the country has a small splattering of regional hubs.
Once you leave UB, much of the country is only accessible by makeshift tracks made by vehicles that have travelled before you. So, the journey from one place to the next can be quite long and bumpy. On those long drive days, you’ll be stopping along the way to break it up and have a stretch. By lunchtime, your driver may steer you unexpectedly to an isolated store in the middle of nowhere, make a lunch stop with a welcoming nomadic family, or pull up on the side of the track for you all to share a simple picnic.
Imagine an old Combi van on steroids – That’s what these 4WDs are usually like and your group will travel in a mini convoy of them – with 3 to 4 per van. Think of this trip as a true off-road experience, with 4WD-style rides that make you feel like a real explorer.
Our trusty transport is a UAZ Purgon, comfortable and built to withstand off-road Mongolian driving conditions and harsh winter weather. Our hand-picked local drivers are safe, experienced, and friendly. Reliable private transportation is the key to seeing Mongolia.
Once you’re on the road, you’ll be mostly using either squats toilets, or very basic longdrop squats. Sometimes you may even decide to take a ‘bush wee’- but be warned, bushes are hard to come by out on the steppe and in the Gobi Desert!
In UB your comfortable hotel room has an ensuite. Once you’re on the road, tourist ger camps usually have caravanpark-style toilet blocks. Home stays get even simpler again (remember – many Mongolians still live a nomodic existence, so toilets are usually hand dug drop squats – and sometimes the modesty screens are pretty makeshift!
Meanwhile, Mongolia’s capital is a whole different world, with bustling traffic and little public transport, creating an exciting contrast to the peaceful, open countryside. So, get ready to experience both ends of the spectrum: a lively city with plenty of hustle and wild landscapes that feel like they go on forever.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
