Mongolia Heartland

August 7-18, 2026

It’s the roadtrip of a lifetime

Bar graph showing increasing bars with difficulty level 2 out of 5

This adventure is rated 2 out of 5 difficulty level. Moderate level activities (i.e. short to medium hikes up to 5 miles, some elevation, intro to new skill/activity that is guided by 3rd party like mountain biking, climbing, rafting, etc.). Activities are included, but optional if outside of your comfort zone.

Our journey through the heartland of Mongolia is a true off-the-grid road trip, designed for those who crave raw landscapes and real connection. We’ll travel by vehicle across vast open steppe, winding dirt roads, and wide-open horizons, staying in traditional gers and local family homestays along the way. Days are spent exploring remote corners of the countryside, learning from nomadic families, and soaking in a way of life that has changed very little over centuries.

This trip is for the adventurous at heart - women who are comfortable leaning into the unknown and embracing experiences that don’t come with polished edges. Comfort looks different here: shared spaces, simple amenities, long drives, and plans that may shift with weather or road conditions. In return, you’ll gain something far richer, a deep cultural immersion, unforgettable scenery, and the kind of memories that come from stepping far outside your comfort zone and discovering just how capable you are.

Booking Deadline: July 1, 2026. All reservations much be secured by this date. After the deadline, availability cannot be guaranteed and pricing is subject to change. We strongly recommend finalizing your booking well in advance of the deadline to ensure your spot on this trip.

A wide view of a grassy field with white tents and a few structures, mountains in the background, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Two people riding horses on a grassy field with mountains in the background and a clear blue sky.
Inside a vehicle traveling through a rural landscape with fields and a blue sky, a person drives while the dashboard contains various items and the rearview mirror reflects part of the windshield.
A person riding a brown horse and a white horse moving across a sandy desert landscape at sunset, with a sky filled with clouds and distant mountains.
Rock formations and ancient structures in a desert landscape under a blue sky with clouds.
Interior of a yurt with a red wooden sofa, cushions, and a small green cabinet. The ceiling is curved with wooden poles and a central skylight, with sunlight coming through.
A woman with black hair in a ponytail, wearing a black jacket, is leaning over a table and practicing calligraphy with a brush on a piece of paper with blue border.
Night sky filled with stars over camping tents and a dark green vehicle parked on grassy ground.

ITINERARY

    • After you arrive at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport , your local driver will be
      waiting to transport you to the group hotel. The transfer can take 1-2 hours depending
      on your arrival time.

    • For those already in the city, we’ll meet in the afternoon (time TBC) for a walk across
      central Sukhbatar Square before heading to the Tumen Ekh Cultural Show.

    • Welcome dinner

    • Meals: Dinner

    • Often overlooked in favour of the more famous southern Gobi, Baga Gazriin Chuluu is a
      striking la      ndscape defined by dramatic granite formations — its name translates as “Small
      Land Rocks.” Scattered elm-lined riverbeds, fed by underground springs, thread through
      the area. These water sources have long sustained both wildlife and Mongolia’s herding
      communities, and they lend the region a quiet vitality.

    • A highlight of your visit will be Chuluun Sum, the “Rock Temple.” Although the temple was
      destroy      ed during the political purges of the 1930s, the site remains a peaceful and
      evocative place to explore. We’ll plan a 2–3 hour walk here, allowing you to experience both
      the area’s natural beauty and its Buddhist heritage.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch ad dinner

    • Having explored Baga Gazriin Chuluu in the morning, you’ll transfer to Erdenedalai after lunch. This name means “Jewel of the Ocean” which will seem odd until you see the sweeping views and the ‘ocean’ of rolling landscapes that surround it.

    • On arrival, you’ll stay with the Nergui herding family, whose home lies around 14 km from
      Erdenedalai’s centre. The focus here is on family life, sharing dinner, conversation, and the
      simple rhythm of daily routines in this immense landscape.

    • By now, you’ll probably be ready for a shower! We will stop by the public shower house in Erdenedalai.

    • During your visit to the public shower
      house, you might also stop by Dambadarjaalin Khiid (also known as Gimpil Darjaalan Khiid) — a functioning monastery with deep historical and cultural roots.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • Leave the Middle Gobi behind as you journey to the Khogno Khan Nature Reserve. The small yet crucial Tarna River also flows through the reserve, serving as a vital water source for local herders.

    • Since today is a travel day, we keep the plan flexible upon arrival, adapting to your arrival time.

    • On arrival, we will settle in to our accommodation.

    • While dinner is being prepared, we encourage you to make the most of your surroundings and explore the area!

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • We will wake up to a breakfast cooked by our guides. After this, there are a few options for various adventures depending on your interests!

    • The sand dunes are an easy walk from our accommodation. You can take a leisurely walk or enjoy a camel ride. You can opt for a 2 hour or half day excursion.

    • You can explore the sacred granite mountain including Erdene Khambiin Khid, a small temple, nestled within the Khögno Khan mountains.

    • We can do the the Övgön Khiid Walk! This can be a 45 minute walk OR a longer 2-3 hour hike into the nearby mountains. Both of these require a guide to go along so we can arrange this the night before as a group.

    • You can also choose to spend time with your hosts in their home and take part in an
      informal cookery lesson, gaining insight into traditional Mongolian cuisine.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • Your journey today takes you to the district of Tsenkher in Arkhangai Province. Today’s drive will be about 6 hours.

    • En route, you’ll travel through the provincial capital, Tsetserleg.

    • Today you’ll have options! We can explore local culture, take time to wander the local market

    • Because it’s a longer travel day, we’ll have some easy options! Explore local culture, take some time to wander through the town market, grab a coffee at one of the many cafes or take a local walk to enjoy the scenery.

    • Tonight we’ll be staying with the Galbadrakh family.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • Today we have no agenda set! The Galbadrakh family are our hosts and excited share their day with us.

    • We get to learn more about their livestock - sheep, goats, and yaks -and the vital role each plays in their daily lives. You may also have the chance to participate in daily chores, offering a hands-on understanding of the delicate balance between work and family life.

    • Alternatively, you’re free to explore the rolling hills surrounding Galbadrakh’s summer pasture. There are no designated trails, but we are free to explore the surrounding area.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • The journey continues to Kharkhorin and the Orkhon River
      Valley, one       of Mongolia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today’s activities depend on our final drive time. In true Mongolian fashion, it’s VERY changeable!

    • Once we arrive at our ger camp, we highly recommend taking a walk around the area. There’s a nearby river and hill to climb for epic views.

    • We may have the opportunity to organize a sunset horseback ride for those that are experienced riders.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

    • We have many options today. Depending on how soon we get our day started, we can do just one or all of the activities!

    • Erdene Zuu Khiid: Mongolia’s oldest monastery, Erdene Zuu is not just a spiritual center
      but also an architectural and historical gem.

    • Kharkhorin Museum: This excellent museum provides clear and well-curated exhibits that
      enrich your understanding of the Orkhon River Valley’s historical significance.

    • Experience Erdenesiinn Khuree: A non-profit centre dedicated to Mongolian art and
      calligraphy. Here, we can even arrange a hands-on calligraphy lesson

    • For dinner, we will travel to the home of Tumee and Jargaa, a local herding
      family. Our the team will
      prepare one of Mongolia’s most beloved dishes: khorkhog, a traditional barbecue cooked with hot stones.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • This morning, we will start the drive to Khustain Nuruu National Park, one of Mongolia’s conservation success stories and noted for its successful reintroduction of the endemic Przewalski horse.

    • You’ll be staying with
      the Batchuluun family, located in the south of the park.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • After breakfast, we’ll head straight to Khustain Nuruu National Park.

    • We’ll stop at the information center first and then we’ll get to head into the park for a short tour with a biologist. While the main draw are the horses, there is plenty of wildlife to see in this park so it’s always exciting!

    • After lunch, we’ll begin our drive back to Ulaanbaatar, arriving early to mid afternoon.

    • You’ll get checked in to your hotel and have the rest of the day for last minute souvenir shopping or backing up to head home tomorrow.

    • We’ll enjoy our last dinner together in downtown Ulaanbaatar!

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • Breakfast is at the hotel.

    • Airport transfers are available for any flight time. Checkout of the hotel is 10am though so we recommend not too late in the day.

    • We hate saying good-bye, but it’s not the end of our adventures! We hope to see you on another trip sometime soon!

    • Meals included: Breakfast

A wide landscape view of tents set up on grassy terrain under a blue sky with scattered white clouds.
Panoramic view of a dry river valley with sparse trees, rocky terrain, and small traditional buildings, surrounded by mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A green van parked on a vast, open desert landscape with mountains in the background and a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A person wearing a green hat riding a camel across a desert landscape with scattered trees and a cloudy sky.
Traditional Asian temple complex with ornate rooftops, brick walls, and stone pathway, under cloudy sky.
A white yurt on a grassy plain under a cloudy sky with distant snow-capped mountains.

Early Arrival Add-On: August 6-7, 2026

August 6: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar! Depending on arrival times, we can visit the Gandan Monastery, visit the Uuliin Nuur Community Project, learn how to felt at the Tsagaan Alt shop or visit a museum. You can also choose to arrive and just relax at the hotel. Dinner is on your own and there are plenty of restaurants within easy walking distance of the hotel.

August 7: Get breakfast at the hotel and then we’ll head to the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex & Gorkhi Terelj National Park. We’ll grab lunch while we are there and then head back to Ulaanbaatar. After we’re back in the city, we will meet up with the rest of the guests arriving today and continue with activies organized for the day.

A large metallic statue of a man on horseback, located on a round building with snow on the ground and a clear blue sky.

QUESTIONS: PLEASE REACH OUT TO INFO@WOMENWHOEXPLORE.COM

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  • $4,995 USD shared occupancy.

    $795 USD early arrival.

    Accommodations are a variety of hotel stays, tourist gers and homestays. Homestay gers are very rustic and should be thought of as camping.

    Showers and flushing toilets will not be available at every location and there may be days between shower facilities. Homestay ger toilets are drop toilets (shielded pit in ground with wooden slats).

    If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned a roommate upon request. Rooms are assigned on a first come basis.

    A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.

    • 12 days/11 nights stay in Mongolia ranging from hotels to homestay gers. The homestay gers accommodate between 4-8 people depending on size.

    • All airport transfers on arrival and departure dates.

    • Local in country transportation. These are 4×4 vehicles and made for dirt roads.

    • Local Mongolian, English speaking guide for the duration of the trip. This may not include the early arrival.

    • All meals as outlined in the itinerary. 11 breakfast, 10 lunches, 11 dinners.

    • One camel or horse ride at Khogno Khan or Orkhon River.

    • Tumen Ekh Culutral
      Show

    • Baga Gazriin Chuluu
      rock formations

    • Khogno Khan Nature
      Reserve park fees

    • Erdenesiinn Khuree Mongolian entrance fee and calligraphy lesson

    • Felt making lesson with
      host

    • Khustain Nuruu National Park fees

    • Kharkhorin Museum entrance fee

    • Erdene Zuu Khiid entrance fee

    • Guide, driver, homestay and support staff tips. Guests are always welcome to tip above and beyond.

    • Trip checklists, detailed packing list, training guide, and pre-travel support provided in a private Facebook and/or WhatsApp group.

    • Pre-trip Q&A Zoom call to meet your fellow travelers, trip host and ask any questions.

    • Small group; maximum of 12 women + your WWE trip host and local guide. There will also be drivers and support staff once we leave Ulaanbaatar.

    • Early arrival add-on inclusions: airport transfer, an activity on day 1, Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex admission and lunch on day 2.

    • International flights to the Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN)

    • Airport transfers outside of designated arrival and departure dates

    • Local transportation outside of times designated for excursions and tours.

    • Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks, and meals as noted.

    • Any additional excursions or activities not included in the above itinerary.

    • Visa and entry requirements as applicable and any pre-travel medical expenses such as immunizations or required Covid-19 testing .

    • Travelers insurance (proof of insurance required).

    • Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, meals, souvenirs, etc.

  • All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.

    • All meals as outlined in the itinerary. 11 breakfast, 10 lunches, 11 dinners.

  • This trip requires a minimum number of women to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).

  • Please see our Terms of Service.

    All deposits are non-refundable at the time of booking, but may be transferable if done so within the timeframe outlined in the Terms of Service.

    Once a trip has been confirmed (no matter the booking or trip timeline), the deposit is both non-refundable and non-transferable. Please make sure you are purchasing adequate travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in case you need to cancel.

    Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description. Please make sure to refer to the full Terms of Service to make sure you understand fully the Cancellation Policy of each trip.

  • Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.

    For recommended travel insurance providers click here.

  • Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.