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Xian to Ulaanbaatar Overview

    • 41
    • CDOXC
    • Trip Price tool tip
      USD $3,695
      CAD $3,720
      AUD $3,595
      EUR €2,880
      GBP £2,240
      NZD $4,605
      ZAR R28,725
      CHF FR3,335
    • Kitty tool tip
      USD $1,390
      ‡
    • Total price tool tip
      USD $5,085*
      CAD $5,069*
      AUD $4,925*
      EUR €3,850*
      GBP £3,087*
      NZD $6,273*
      ZAR R38,392*
      CHF FR4,434*
      *
    •  
       
       
       
       
    •  
       
       
       
       
    • Overland
    • Basix
Book
‡ As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only - please click here to view the kitty amount for your departure date.

Trip Validity

  • 2012-01-01 - 2013-12-31

Tour China and mysterious Mongolia on a trip from Xi'an to Ulaanbaatar.

Embark on a journey through two of North Asia’s most fascinating countries. From the hustle and bustle of Xi'an to Ulaanbaatar’s laid-back modern vibes, these ancient Asian kingdoms are full of contrasts and surprises. Witness the best of contemporary and classical China and travel across the countryside into Mongolia, a land of rich natural beauty, fascinating nomadic cultures and evolving modernity. Be captivated by the sprawling Gobi Desert, stoic Terracotta Warriors and always-inspiring Great Wall of China on this Overland tour of a lifetime.

  • Visit the tombs of Qing emperors
  • Drink yak butter tea in Mongolia
  • Cycle through charming Chengde
  • Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an
  • Explore the Yungang caves
  • Lose yourself in busy Beijing

Trip Map


Xian to Ulaanbaatar Summary

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Days 1-2 Xi'an

As the start of the ancient trading route the Silk Road and an imperial centre for 2,000 years, Xi'an has a fascinating history and rich cultural sites to discover.

Days 3-4 Yan'An

Yan'An was where Mao's Long March ended in 1935, and was the Communist Party's base until 1948 - it's also filled with cultural sites and nature to enjoy.

Day 5 Lijiashan

With cave dwellings adorning the hills around Lijiashan, this fascinating town is a definite highlight of any trip to China.

Days 6-7 Pingyao

Walking through the beautifully preserved streets of Pingyao is like stepping back into Imperial China with red lanterns lighting streets, imposing city walls and traditional buildings at every turn.

Days 8-9 Wutai Shan

Wutai Shan is also called 'Five Plateau Mountain', and is home to the Bodhisattva of wisdom and harbours some of China's most sacred monasteries and temples.

Days 10-11 Datong

Bordering Inner Mongolia, Datong is a coal rich city that founded in 200BC and is the gateway to the incredible Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery.

Day 12 Jinshanling

Jinshanling is a mountainous area with an attractive section of the Great Wall, which zigzags up the steep terrain and straddles peaks like a suspension bridge.

Days 13-14 Chengde

Sitting pretty in the mountains, Chengde is a breath of fresh air, especially the enchanting Mountain Resort which is a former royal summer residence.

Days 15-17 Beijing

Beijing has a long and colourful history and this rapidly modernising city is an amazing whirl of ancient sites, modern buildings, bicycles, people, shops and eateries.

Day 18 Erlian

The small Chinese border city of Erlian, also known as Erenhot, is home to a number of dinosaur discoveries and is where the Trans-Mongolian train changes its bogies (carriages).

Day 19 Sainshand

Sainshand is a medium-sized town not far from the Chinese border. With friendly people, a semi-nomadic population and oodles of animals, it is a typical Mongolian steppe town.

Day 20 Choir

Visit the friendly Dechinchoinkhorlin Monastery, if time permits, on the long the journey towards Ulaanbaatar. Spend the night camping under Mongolian stars near Choir.

Days 21-22 Ulaanbaatar

This surprising city combines tradition with modern day in a Soviet-style framework. Ulaanbaatar may look grey, but the city's inherent spirit and its colourful people make this a city to remember.

Day 23 Baga Gazryn Chuluu

Located in the heart of the Gobi Desert, Baga Gazryn Chuluu’s intriguing granite rocks are atmospheric and photogenic.

Day 24 South Gobi

The seemingly endless open plains of the South Gobi Desert are anything but barren. Dramatic rocky outcrops, sweeping dunes, shy animals and spectacular sunsets await.

Day 25 Yolin Am (Vulture Canyon)

The desert reveals a shock of ice in the narrow gorge of Yolin Am, named after an Old World vulture called the Lammergeier.

Day 26 Bayan Zag

Bayanzag is called the Flaming Cliffs for the intense orange colour of its rocks. Indescribably beautiful, it is also home to numerous dinosaur fossils.

Days 27-28 Khongorin Els

Stretching as far as the eye can see, the Khongorin Els sand dunes are extraordinary, especially when they sing in the wind.

Day 29 South Gobi

A number of dinosaur fossils and eggs have been found in the South Gobi Desert, a place of immense beauty despite its harsh exterior.

Day 30 Arvaikheer/Bush Camp

Located in the centre of Mongolia, Arvaikheer is a small, traditional city home to friendly people well known for their crafts and love of horses.

Days 31-32 The Orkhon Valley

Because the Orkhon Valley was of strategic and divine importance to the Turks, it is now full of fascinating ruins, some dating back to the 8th century.

Days 33-34 Tsenkher Hot Springs

Tsenkher is renowned for its delightful hot springs and is set amongst remote yet beautiful open scenery.

Day 35 Karakorum

Built by Genghis Khan in the 13th century, the ancient capital of Karakorum houses Mongolia's first Buddhist centre and impressive ruins.

Day 36 Ugii Lake

Often so still that the clouds are mirrored as they roll across the sky, lovely Lake Ugii is home to a diverse range of birds and fish.

Day 37 Khustain National Park

The impressive Khustain Nuruu National Park is blessed with an incredible array of plant, bird and animal species.

Days 38-39 Terelj National Park

There is an abundance of activities to enjoy in Terelj National Park, with the Tuul River, rocky outcrops, walking trails and a glacial lake to enjoy.

Days 40-41 Ulaanbaatar

Called UB by locals, the endearing Ulaanbaatar is surrounded by green hills and is a curious mix of Soviet buildings and ger districts.
View full itinerary

What's included in this trip

  • Start:

    Xi'an, China

  • Finish:

    Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

  • Group size:

    Min 4 , Max 19

  • Ages:

    Min 18

  • Meals:

    All meals when camping

  • Accommodation:

    Bush camp (no facilities) (3 nts), Camping (with facilities) (10 nts), Cave house (1 nt), Hotel (20 nts), Yurt (6 nts)

  • Transport:

    Overland vehicle

  • Included activities:

    Bisu Shanzhuang, Black Dragon Temple, Chinggis Khan Monument, Erdene Zuu Monastery Entrance, Forbidden City Tour, Great Wall, Entrance, Jinshanling section, Beijing, Guided Tour of Terracotta Warriors, Hanging Monastery, Entrance, Datong, Hike to Tuvkhon Monastery, Kultigen monument, Ongii Monastery Ruins, Puning Temple, entrance,, Revolution Museum & Headquarters site, Taihui Temple Cluster, Turkish Museum, Visit Baga Gazryn Chuluu, Visit Bayan Zag, Visit to old city ruins, Visit to the Takhi (wild horse) reintroduction project, Visit to waterfalls, Visit to Yolin Am Ice Canyon, Yunguang Grottos, Entrance, Datong

  • Carbon emissions offset:

    1681kg pp per trip

  • Notes:

    Please note that this trip requires minimum numbers to depart, and may be cancelled up until 56 days prior to departure. The places showing on the dates and availability page are an indication only so please contact Intrepid to check if your preferred date will depart before making any final arrangements, such as booking non-changeable flights.

  • Trip price from

    USD $3,695
    CAD $3,720
    AUD $3,595
    EUR €2,880
    GBP £2,240
    NZD $4,605
    ZAR R28,725
    CHF FR3,335
    Price information
  • +

    Kitty

    USD $1,390
    ‡ Price information

  • Total price from

    USD $5,085*
    CAD $5,069*
    AUD $4,925*
    EUR €3,850*
    GBP £3,087*
    NZD $6,273*
    ZAR R38,392*
    CHF FR4,434*
    *     Price information
  • * Refer to booking conditions
  • ‡ As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only - please click here to view the kitty amount for your departure date.

  • Per day from:

    USD $124
    CAD $123
    AUD $120
    EUR €93
    GBP £75
    NZD $153
    ZAR R936
    CHF FR108
Book

About China , Mongolia

    • 41
    • CDOXC
    • Trip Price tool tip
      USD $3,695
      CAD $3,720
      AUD $3,595
      EUR €2,880
      GBP £2,240
      NZD $4,605
      ZAR R28,725
      CHF FR3,335
    • Kitty tool tip
      USD $1,390
      ‡
    • Total price tool tip
      USD $5,085*
      CAD $5,069*
      AUD $4,925*
      EUR €3,850*
      GBP £3,087*
      NZD $6,273*
      ZAR R38,392*
      CHF FR4,434*
      *
    •  
       
       
       
       
    •  
       
       
       
       
    • Overland
    • Basix
Book
‡ As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only - please click here to view the kitty amount for your departure date.

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