Expedition to Mongolia with Calypso: Gobi legends and Orkhon Valley

Morning arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to the hotel and time to rest. After lunch, we set off for our first walk through the capital of Mongolia. In the evening — a welcome dinner in a friendly atmosphere.

In the morning, we depart Ulaanbaatar and head toward the awe-inspiring statue of Genghis Khan — the largest of its kind in the world. We then continue to Terelj National Park to visit the serene Aryabal Temple and the iconic Turtle Rock. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and take in the majestic scenery of Mongolia.

We begin the day with a bit of rest at our cozy lodge before heading back to Ulaanbaatar airport. Today marks the beginning of our true expedition into the heart of Mongolia! In the evening, we take a domestic flight to the South Gobi region (over 600 km). Upon landing in Dalanzadgad, we transfer to 4x4 vehicles and drive to a comfortable tourist camp near the scenic Yol Valley National Park.

Today we journey across the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert toward one of Mongolia’s natural wonders — the Khongoryn Els, also known as the Singing Dunes. These are the largest sand dunes in the country, stretching up to 100 km in length and 20 km in width. The Khongoryn River runs alongside the dunes, creating pockets of lush green oases. Throughout the day, the dunes change color — from golden yellow to silvery white and reddish hues at sunrise. On windy days, the shifting sands emit a deep humming sound, like an aircraft engine, which is why they are called the “Singing Dunes.”

In the South Gobi region, we’ll get a taste of real nomadic life. We’ll experience the warm hospitality of herder families, learn about their traditional lifestyle — from milking goats or camels, and making dairy products, to riding Bactrian camels. We'll also witness how a ger (yurt) is set up, how camel wool is spun into thread, and many other daily rituals of Mongolia’s nomadic culture.

After breakfast, we head to Bayanzag — a legendary paleontological site where fossilized dinosaur eggs were discovered for the first time in history. This area was once the seabed of an ancient ocean that existed 60–70 million years ago.

Bayanzag is also known as the "Flaming Cliffs", a name given by American explorer Roy Andrew Chapman during his expedition in the 1920s. Over the course of two years, he discovered remains of 10 dinosaur species, 8 of which were previously unknown to science. He transported his findings on 70 camels and donated one of the largest skeletons to Mongolia, now displayed in the Museum of Natural History in Ulaanbaatar.

We then continue to Saikhan-Ovoo via the Ongii River to explore the ruins of Ongiin Khiid — once one of Mongolia’s largest monastic complexes, founded in 1660. The monastery consisted of two main sections on both sides of the river. Sadly, it was completely destroyed in the 1930s during communist purges, with over 200 monks executed.

In the 1990s, after Mongolia’s democratic transition, former monks — many of whom began their Buddhist education here as children — returned to restore what was lost. Today, Ongiin Khiid stands as a peaceful and spiritual place, echoing with the legacy of resilience and faith.

After breakfast, we’ll head to our guesthouse nestled in the heart of the ancient nomadic lands. Upon arrival, we’ll settle in and enjoy a traditional lunch. The rest of the day is free to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s adventure — a visit to the iconic Orkhon Waterfall, one of Mongolia’s natural landmarks.

Today’s journey will be filled with discovery, as we visit the Tuvkhun Monastery and the majestic Orkhon Waterfall, with stops at Uurtiin Tokhoi and the ancient burial site of Temeen Chuluu.

Tuvkhun Monastery was founded in 1654 by Zanabazar — a revered Buddhist leader and artist of Mongolia. At just 14 years old, he chose this secluded mountaintop at the border of the Uvurkhangai and Arkhangai provinces to build one of Mongolia’s most scenic and spiritual monasteries. Though destroyed in 1688, it was lovingly restored in 1773 and remains a serene retreat surrounded by forest and cliffs.

We then stop at Uurtiin Tokhoi, a dramatic cliff formation at a sharp bend in the Orkhon River, located 1,630 meters above sea level. The viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas over the Orkhon Valley.

Next, we visit Temeen Chuluu — a Bronze Age burial site near the Talbiun ger camp. This area is scattered with ancient graves and stone markers, whispering stories from deep in the past.

The day culminates with a visit to the awe-inspiring Orkhon Waterfall (Ulaan Tsutgalan), which plunges 26 meters into a volcanic canyon. Formed over 20,000 years ago by powerful earthquakes and eruptions, the waterfall is a crown jewel of the Orkhon Valley — Mongolia’s longest river. It’s a place where nature’s timeless beauty is on full display.

We set off for Kharakhorum — the ancient capital of the great Mongol Empire, founded in 1220. The city served as Mongolia’s capital for 140 years and was the imperial capital for 32 years.

Key attractions include the Erdene Zuu Monastery and the ruins of Kharakhorum, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1996. Visitors can explore the newly built Kharakhorum Museum, open-air archaeological exhibits, and a unique mosaic map depicting Genghis Khan’s vast empire.

We head towards Ulaanbaatar, but along the way, we’ll stop at the Mongol Nomadic ger camp. This will be our final encounter with the Gobi Desert and the breathtaking dune landscapes before returning to the capital. At the Nomadic camp, we’ll enjoy an exciting Mongolian nomad show, offering a vivid glimpse into the traditional nomadic lifestyle.

We return to the capital to rest after our journey, and in the evening, we head out for a farewell dinner featuring live traditional music at a local restaurant.

Shopping and departure.