The Ultimate Adventure Through Mongolia

Mongolia is vast – nearly five times the size of Germany – and trying to cover multiple regions in one itinerary, such as the Southern Gobi and Central Mongolia, or Northern and Central Mongolia, usually means long daily drives of six to seven hours or more, frequent one-night stops and less time spent properly exploring each place. This journey has therefore been intentionally designed to focus only on Central Mongolia: the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley, the semi-desert region of Elsen Tasarkhai (nicknamed 'Mini Gobi') and the remote Eight Lakes region, a true hidden gem. By concentrating on one area, you're able to spend more time outdoors, enjoy some active time, and offer deeper immersion in nomadic culture and landscapes. You won’t simply pass through highlights: you’ll stay in them. The Eight Lakes section in particular is a very special experience, as it's rarely included in standard loop itineraries. Reached only by foot or horseback, this protected volcanic basin sits at over 2400m and offers a true sense of remoteness that isn’t possible on faster, vehicle-heavy routes. If your goal is to see as many regions as possible in one trip, a longer classic 'grand tour' of Mongolia may be a better fit. If you’re looking for meaningful encounters, some active time in the outdoors and a more immersive experience of Mongolia’s nomadic heartland, this itinerary has been designed exactly for that.

Much of this adventure takes place in remote areas where roads are unpaved and conditions can be rough. You’ll travel on a mix of tarmac, dirt tracks and open steppe, and some journeys can be long due to the terrain. All driving distances are listed in the itinerary, though do bear in mind these are estimates that are dependent on the conditions of the terrain at the time of travel. The vehicles used are comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4s (usually Mitsubishi Delicas) and are driven by experienced local drivers. To keep things sociable and comfortable, the group may split between vehicles, and your leader will rotate between them during the journey so everyone has a chance to chat and spend time with the guide.

Throughout the trip you’ll stay in a variety of traditional ger camps. Gers (known as yurts in other parts of world) are circular felt tents which have been used by Mongolian nomadic families for centuries. They are surprisingly spacious and cosy, furnished with real beds and warm bedding. Facilities vary by location; while some camps have shared shower blocks with hot water, other more remote eco-camps operate without running water, providing dry toilets and hot towels instead. There are no ensuite bathrooms. Electricity is often limited or generator-based, therefore device-charging opportunities may be restricted to common areas for a few hours a day. This trip is about immersion in Mongolia’s wild landscapes, so a spirit of adventure and flexibility will help you get the most from the experience.

Yes. For the welfare of the horses, there is a recommended maximum rider weight of approximately 95kg (210lbs, excluding your backpack). If you are close to or above this weight, or if you are taller than 1.90m in height, please let us know in advance so we can assess suitability and discuss alternatives.

Mongolia is vast, wild and weather-dependent, and flexibility is part of travelling here. Road conditions, weather patterns and local factors can occasionally require changes to the itinerary – particularly in remote areas such as the Eight Lakes region. Your experienced local team constantly monitors conditions and will always prioritise safety and the quality of your experience. If adjustments are needed, suitable alternatives will be arranged wherever possible. Again, a flexible mindset and sense of adventure will go a long way on this journey.

For the two-night wilderness camp in the Eight Lakes region, you’ll need to pack a smaller overnight bag with a change of clothes, water bottle and any essential medication. Your main luggage will remain stored securely at the ger camp, so we recommend taking any valuables with you. All camping equipment will be transported separately by the support team, so you’ll only need to carry your overnight pack during the trek or horse ride. For the remainder of the trip, your main luggage or duffel bag will travel with the vehicle, meaning you’ll have access to it each evening.

For the two-night wilderness camp in the Eight Lakes region, you’ll pack a smaller overnight bag. Your main luggage will be transported separately. Even in summer, temperatures at altitude can drop significantly at night, so warm layers are essential.

A full detailed kit list will be communicated by your tour leader, but expect to bring:

• Warm layers for the night
• Waterproof jacket
• Comfortable walking boots
• Head torch
• Personal toiletries (biodegradable products recommended), medication and valuables

Access to clean drinking water is available throughout the trip, but the type of treatment varies depending on location. At ger camps, drinking water is typically boiled and provided for guests. During the wilderness camping section, water is sourced from nearby rivers or natural springs. These are generally clean mountain sources, and the local team is experienced in selecting safe collection points. That said, it is essential that all guests bring a reusable water bottle and their own personal purification method (such as purification tablets, a Steripen, or a lightweight water filter) for additional peace of mind. This provides flexibility and ensures you’re comfortable with your own water treatment preferences, particularly in remote areas. Your guide will advise each day on water refilling points and best practices. For more information, have a read of our article on the best water filters.

At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location and accommodation, and in some places options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully prior to your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.

Once you have booked on your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.

SPECIAL DIETS

Vegetarian
Vegetarian diets can be partially catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance.

Vegan
Vegan diets can be partially catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance.

Please be aware that Mongolian cuisine is traditionally meat-heavy, especially outside of Ulaanbaatar, where many meals consist of meat, dairy and animal fats. At the ger camps and during wilderness camping, meals are hearty and locally prepared, often using ingredients that are readily available in these remote regions. Vegetarian guests can expect simple alternatives such as vegetable soups, salads, rice, noodles, eggs and seasonal vegetables where possible. Vegan diets are more challenging to accommodate consistently in rural Mongolia due to the reliance on dairy products (such as milk, yoghurt and cheese) and limited access to fresh produce in remote areas.

Kosher
Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are rare and usually cannot be guaranteed.

Halal
Certified Halal supply varies by location and cannot be guaranteed on this trip.

INTOLERANCES

Gluten Free (for Coeliac, please see Allergies section below)
Gluten-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. However, please be aware that options are limited, so bringing specific products and supplements from home is highly recommended.

Lactose Free
Lactose-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance.

ALLERGIES

Our host has confirmed that they are able to accommodate mild allergies to the 14 allergens identified by the UK Food Standards Agency, where these are disclosed in advance. However, if you have a severe or life-threatening food allergy, please get in touch with our Customer Experience team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip. This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority. Please note that when travelling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods and labelling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. Whilst your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.

No previous horse riding experience is required. The horses used are accustomed to trekking routes, and local horse wranglers will accompany the group at all times to assist with mounting, dismounting and general support. If you would prefer not to ride, you can hike the same routes instead; please speak to your leader locally so arrangements can be made. The experience is designed to be flexible and inclusive of different comfort levels.

This journey travels through remote parts of Central Mongolia, particularly during the Eight Lakes section, where you will be several hours from the nearest town and medical facilities. Your guides are experienced in operating in these environments and carry communication equipment and first-aid kits. However, access to advanced medical care can be delayed due to distance and terrain.

It is essential that you:

• Have comprehensive travel insurance that covers remote evacuation
• Bring sufficient personal medication for the duration of the trip
• Inform us in advance of any relevant medical conditions

If you have specific concerns about fitness or medical needs, please speak to us before booking.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.