Ultimate China & Mongolia

Shanghai, Xian, Beijing, Ulaanbaatar, Gobi Desert
13 nights private tour from GBP £10,000

From the bright lights of Shanghai and Beijing to Mongolia’s remote Gobi Desert, this 13 day itinerary explores two of Asia’s most curious destinations, combining adventure, incredible landscapes, rich cultures and one-of-a-kind luxury accommodation. This itinerary is perfect for the intrepid traveller looking for an adventure without forgoing too many home comforts.

Ultimate China Mongolia
Journey highlights
  • Discover two of Asia's most curious destinations, from bustling culture-rich cities to historic wonders of the worlds and spectacular landscapes

  • Meet with a local Nomadic family in the Gobi Desert

  • Visit the Great Wall of China, one of the seven new wonders of the world

  • Enjoy a three-night stay and Three Camel Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World and one of the most luxurious properties in Mongolia

  • Ultimate itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Ultimate Journeys are designed for the discerning traveller, providing unparalleled insider access and exclusive luxury private experiences
Our tailor made journeys include:
  • Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • Your own private, English-speaking local guides
  • Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
  • Entrance to must-see local sites
  • Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
  • Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support

When to visit

  • J
  • F
  • M
  • A
  • M
  • J
  • J
  • A
  • S
  • O
  • N
  • D
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit

The remote and wild panoramas of Mongolia stretch from the scorching dunes of the Gobi Desert in the south to the frosty reaches of the Siberian taiga in the north. As a rule, Mongolian winters are harsh and long thanks to the high altitude and extreme continental climate, rendering some of the more remote regions impassable during the frigid winter months. The best time of year to visit is during the short summer season of June to August, to take advantage of the best of the weather, whilst May and September also offer pleasant weather alongside fewer tourists. The famous Naadam Festival takes place in July, whilst the Golden Eagle Festival is held in October, at the start of the low season when some of the ger camps start to close.

Itinerary

Fly to Beijing, China
Day 1-3

Shanghai

Your first stop will be Shanghai, a cosmopolitan metropolis where modern skyscrapers intersperse traditional Chinese architecture. Upon arrival into the airport, you will be met by your guide and driver and taken to explore the classic Yu Garden in the heart of Shanghai’s old town. Enjoy a light stroll through the gardens whilst learning about the Chinese art of garden-scaping. The next day, discover Shanghai’s ancient lanes on two wheels, visiting bustling markets and sampling street food, before a private walking tour of the Bund, Shanghai’s waterfront fames for colonial architecture and skyscraper views.

Accommodation: Peninsula Shanghai ( 2 nights )
Day 3-5

Xian

From Shanghai, it is a short flight to Xian, home of the Terracotta Warriors, one of China’s most well known highlights. Later that day, explore Xian’s ancient city wall by bike and enjoy a stroll through Muslim Street with its narrow bazaars and street food stalls. The following day, you will travel to see the Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of history’s most important archaeological finds. You will also make a visit to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a grand Buddhist monument that dominates the local skyline. You will be accompanied by a private guide throughout your time, offering local insights into one of China’s oldest cities.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xian ( 2 nights )
Day 5-8

Beijing

Take a high-speed train from Xian to Beijing, China’s bustling capital city. Explore some of the highlights of this famed city with your guide and driver over the next few days, including the enchanting Summer Palace, the ancient narrow Hutongs and the palaces, manicured gardens and imperial buildings of the Forbidden City not forgetting a trip to Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the new seven wonders of the world. There is also the chance to sample some of Beijing’s local delicacies on an evening foodie tour in the Hutongs.

Accommodation: Peninsula Beijing ( 3 nights )
Day 8-10

Ulaanbaatar

Depart the bustle of Beijing and fly to Mongolia’s capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide and driver and transferred to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. The following day, explore the sights of the city with your guide. Highlights include a private blessing ceremony at the ancient Gandan monastery, a visit to the history and fine art museums for an overview of Mongolian history, art and culture, and a stroll through Sukhbaatar Square to see the Great Khans Memorial. That evening, enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian dance and throat singing followed by dinner at a local fine-dining restaurant.

Accommodation: Shangri La Ulaanbaatar ( 2 nights )
Day 10-13

The Gobi Desert and Southern Mongolia

Take a short 1.5 hour flight south to the Gobi Desert, a fascinating and diverse region home to some of our most important palaeontology discoveries of the 20th Cenutury. The next three nights will be spent at Three Camel Lodge, one of Mongolia’s most spectacular and luxurious lodges in the heart of the Gobi. Over the next three days, head out on excursions into your surroundings to inspect dinosaur fossils, explore sand dunes by camel, hike through valleys, and spend time with a local nomadic family in their home. There will also be plenty of time at leisure to soak up the scenery, indulge in treatments in the Massage Ger, unwind in the bar, or try your hand at learning some traditional Mongolian games.

Accommodation: Three Camel Lodge ( 3 nights )
Day 13-14

Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, depart the wilderness of the Gobi for Ulaanbaatar as you catch a flight back to the city for your final night in Mongolia. Spend the rest of the day exploring some final highlights of the city and surrounds including Bogd Khan Palace Museum and the iconic Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue, 250 tonnes of stainless steel that towers of the surrounding hills a short distance from the city. The rest of the evening is at your leisure to enjoy one final night in Mongolia before you are collected and transferred to the airport the following morning in time for your flight home.

Accommodation: Shangri La Ulaanbaatar ( 1 night )
Fly home from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.
Call us on 020 3468 1971 to start planning your holiday.

Price Guide: ( based on double occupancy and includes international flights)

Departing Price from*
  • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
  • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
  • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
Deposit from * Enquire
May 2024 GBP £10,000 GBP £1,500 plan your trip
June 2024 GBP £10,800 GBP £1,600 plan your trip
July 2024 GBP £11,600 GBP £1,700 plan your trip
August 2024 GBP £11,600 GBP £1,700 plan your trip
September 2024 GBP £10,800 GBP £1,600 plan your trip
October 2024 GBP £10,000 GBP £1,500 plan your trip
  • May 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £10,000
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,500
  • June 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £10,800
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,600
  • July 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £11,600
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,700
  • August 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £11,600
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,700
  • September 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £10,800
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,600
  • October 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £10,000
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,500
  • plan your trip

Why Scott Dunn?

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Unique
Unique to You
Unique to you

  • We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are bespoke to you.
  • We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Service
Seamless Service
Seamless Service

  • Global offices in the UK, US, and Singapore for 24/7 seamless service.
  • We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.
     

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Collection
Carefully Curated Collection
Curated Collection

  • We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
  • Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Luxury
Luxury in Every Sense
Luxury in every sense

  • We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
  • Awarded Condé Nast Traveller’s Top Travel Specialists in the World 11 years in a row.
     
     

Plan your trip

Please tell us a few details about your holiday plans and provide your phone number so we can call you back..
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4

When would you like to go?

Please select Enter your departure date*
Please select Year*

Where would you like to go?

Please select Select your interest

How many nights?

How many nights? Drag the slider to select nights
0 21 nights +

Guests*

Number of adults (aged 12+). Minimum 1 adult  
Adults (age 15+)
Children (age 0-15)
Rooms

Select your budget per person

Please select
Budget*

Contact details

Your First name First name*
Your Last name Last name*
Your email address Email address*
Your phone number Phone number*
+44
Tell us about your trip
Let us know if you have fixed dates, who you’re travelling with or if it’s for a special ocassion
Please tick this box to continue  

Unable to submit your request

Unfortunately, we were unable to submit your request. Please try again later or contact us.

You are on our UK website

We noticed that you are in US and recommend that you explore our US website instead.
switch to US website
Or continue to explore our UK website