🗓 Season & Travel Style

The Big Loop Tour operates from June through mid-September, the most favorable travel months for exploring Mongolia’s full range of landscapes — from the southern Gobi Desert to the northern alpine forests. During this period, most ger camps are open, and temperatures are mild, with long daylight hours that allow extended sightseeing. Travel Buddies’ classic journeys are designed for guests who appreciate comfort blended with authentic local experiences. This 14-day itinerary is a comprehensive route that combines scenic drives (averaging 4–6 hours daily, some longer), easy-to-moderate walks, camel and horse riding, cultural visits, and historical sightseeing. Because Mongolia is vast and sparsely populated, expect a mix of paved and dirt roads, occasional off-road sections, and travel days that can extend up to 7–8 hours, including rest and photo stops. Every long drive rewards you with new landscapes — from desert plains to lush meadows and mountain passes.

🏨 Accommodation: Comfort, Culture & Variety

Hotel in Ulaanbaatar – Comfortable City Stay

Your first and final nights are spent at a 3★ hotel in Ulaanbaatar, carefully selected for comfort, cleanliness, and central location. Rooms include private bathrooms with hot showers, heating or air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and breakfast. Most partner hotels are within walking distance of Sukhbaatar Square, restaurants, and shops. Examples include Premium Hotel, Aurora Hotel, or Millennium Plaza (or similar depending on availability).

Tourist Ger Camps – Reliable Comfort in Nature

Most nights outside the capital are spent in tourist ger camps, which provide a comfortable and authentic way to experience Mongolia’s countryside. Each camp is located close to natural attractions such as dunes, cliffs, lakes, or monasteries and operates from May to early October. Each tourist ger typically includes:

• Private twin beds with linens, blankets, and furniture (extra bed available on request)
• Shared bathrooms and showers with hot water, located in a separate building
• A restaurant ger serving fresh, hearty meals
• Electricity (220V) available in the evenings for lighting and charging
• Heating stove provided in cooler months or high-altitude regions

Please note:

• Ger camps do not provide one-time amenities such as toothbrushes, robes, shampoo, or conditioner (a few upgraded camps may).
• Bring personal toiletries and a towel.
• Some camps have Starlink Wi-Fi, but signal strength and reliability vary.
• Camps are clean, quiet, and well-managed, offering a balance of comfort and nature immersion.

🍽 Meals: Regional Variety, Simple & Satisfying

Meals are included as stated in your itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner). Across the 14 days, you’ll experience a mix of restaurant meals, camp dining, picnic lunches, and home-cooked dishes. Breakfast (usually at camps or hotels):

• Bread, butter, jam, eggs, sausage, or pancakes
• Tea or coffee
• Occasionally yogurt or cereals

Lunch (served in camp dining halls, local cafés, or packed for travel):

• Soup or salad starter
• Main dish: meat (beef, mutton, or chicken) with rice, pasta, or potatoes
• Vegetables or fresh salad
• Dessert or fruit, with tea

Dinner (usually at ger camps):

• Main course such as stir-fried noodles (tsuivan), rice with meat, or dumplings
• Simple dessert (fruit, yogurt, or pastry)
• Tea served afterward (coffee uncommon in rural areas) .

Please note:

• Meat and dairy are central to Mongolian cuisine.
• Vegetarian meals can be arranged with prior notice.
• Gluten-free options are difficult to guarantee in remote areas.
• Bottled water (1.5L per person per day) is provided throughout the journey.

🚙 Transportation & Roads

All Travel Buddies tours use reliable Japanese vans and minivans, such as Mitsubishi Delica, Hyundai Starex, or Grand Starex, equipped with air conditioning and maintained for long-distance travel. Your experienced driver knows Mongolia’s diverse terrain — from paved highways to unmarked dirt tracks — ensuring safe and efficient travel. Road Conditions:

• Main highways between major towns are paved but may have rough patches.
• Access roads to natural attractions (dunes, lakes, volcanoes) are usually dirt or gravel.
• Average daily driving time:5–6 hours
• Longest travel days: up to 7–8 hours (e.g., between regions in the Gobi and Central Mongolia) Regular stops are made for rest, photos, and refreshments.

🕒 Typical Daily Schedule

Our tours maintain a comfortable rhythm that balances travel and sightseeing.

Time	Activity
07:00–08:00	Breakfast at camp or hotel
08:00–09:00	Depart for the day’s destination
12:30–13:30	Lunch stop (ger camp or roadside café)
14:00–17:00	Visits, light hiking, or local experiences
18:00–19:00	Arrive at camp, shower, and relax
19:30–20:00	Dinner followed by free time under the stars

On longer days, driving may continue for 2–3 hours after lunch, followed by a shorter activity or sunset stop before reaching camp.

📶 Connectivity

Internet access outside of Ulaanbaatar is limited but improving.

• Some ger camps now provide Starlink Wi-Fi, though connection strength varies.
• Mobile network coverage is available in most towns and populated valleys.
• A local SIM card is recommended for data coverage during the trip. In remote areas such as the Gobi and Khuvsgul, expect evenings with no connection — a chance to unwind and enjoy Mongolia’s quiet, starry nights.

👩‍💼 Guides

Your tour is accompanied by a professional English-speaking Travel Buddies guide who handles coordination, interpretation, and guest support throughout the trip. All guides are well-trained, experienced in multi-region tours, and familiar with both natural and cultural heritage sites. Guides in German, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese are available upon request. Local wranglers assist during camel and horse riding activities for safety and instruction.

🧭 When to Travel

The best time for the Across Mongolia: Gobi to Khuvsgul is from June to August, when the Gobi is warm and accessible, Central Mongolia is green, and the north is pleasant for outdoor activities.

• Average daytime temperatures: +20°C to +28°C (Gobi) / +18°C to +25°C (Central & North)
• Night temperatures: +8°C to +12°C (can drop to +5°C near Khuvsgul)
• Weather: generally dry, with light winds and occasional summer rain.

May and September are cooler and ideal for photography, with fewer tourists and vibrant landscapes. Bring layered clothing for temperature variation between regions.

💼 What to Expect

The Big Loop Tour is a comprehensive, scenic, and comfortable adventure. Expect a blend of paved and off-road travel, clean accommodations, hearty meals, and authentic encounters with local people. You’ll experience Mongolia’s contrasts — from desert silence to forest lakes — and its cultural depth, from Buddhist monasteries to nomadic hospitality. Every destination is unique, and your local team ensures the journey runs smoothly while giving you flexibility and comfort. It’s more than a sightseeing trip — it’s a full immersion into the Mongolian way of life. Booking & Payment To confirm your booking, a 30% deposit is required, payable via online payment (Visa or Mastercard) or bank transfer. Please note that card payments incur a 3% processing fee, which is borne by the client. Bank transfers do not have any additional charges. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your tour departure. There are no hidden fees beyond the card processing cost. Please review our Terms & Conditions for full details. Kindly note that bookings close one month before the tour departure date. 💛 Come as Guests, Leave as Buddies.