Ultimate China & Mongolia
Shanghai, Xian, Beijing, Ulaanbaatar, Gobi DesertFrom 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 traveler looking for an adventure without forgoing too many home comforts.
At a glance
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
Journey highlights
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Discover two of Asia's most curious destinations, from bustling culture-rich cities to historic wonders of the worlds and spectacular landscapes
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Meet with a local Nomadic family in the Gobi Desert
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Visit the Great Wall of China, one of the seven new wonders of the world
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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
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
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
Shanghai and Eastern China
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 )
Xian & Around
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 )
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 )
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 )
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 )
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
Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: ( based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2023 | $14,300 | $3,600 | plan your trip |
| May 2024 | $14,300 | $3,600 | plan your trip |
| June 2024 | $15,400 | $3,900 | plan your trip |
| July 2024 | $16,600 | $4,100 | plan your trip |
| August 2024 | $16,600 | $4,100 | plan your trip |
| September 2024 | $15,400 | $3,900 | plan your trip |
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October 2023
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$14,300
Deposit from*$3,600
-
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$14,300
Deposit from*$3,600
-
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$15,400
Deposit from*$3,900
-
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$16,600
Deposit from*$4,100
-
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$16,600
Deposit from*$4,100
-
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$15,400
Deposit from*$3,900
- plan your trip
Experiences included in this itinerary
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![Chinggis Khan Statue]()
Read moreChinggis Khaan Statue Complex
Rising like a glimmering monolith from the flat plains of the Mongolian steppes, the Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue is a 250-tonne steel monument, built in honour of the first great Khan of the Mongol empire.
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![Flaming Cliffs]()
Read moreFlaming Cliffs
Travel to the spectacular ‘Flaming Cliffs’ or ‘Bayan Zag’, a vibrant ridge of red-orange sandstone that glows like fire as the sun sets. It was here that the celebrated Dr Roy Chapman Andrews found the first nest of dinosaur eggs the world had ever seen.
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![Dumplings in Beijing]()
Read moreForbidden City and Hutong Family Homemade Lunch
Beijing balances its ancient history with its 21st century lifestyles and this experience is a chance to explore both of these with a visit to the ancient Forbidden City and a chance to meet a local family and join them for lunch in their home.
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![Gobi Desert Sand Dunes]()
Read moreMotlsog Els Sand Dunes
Amongst the rugged rocks and cliffs of the Gobi, Moltsog Els is one of the few areas covered by sand dunes. Explore the shifting sands on foot or more atmospherically, on the back of a Bactrian camel, a unique symbol of the Mongolian desert.
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![Great Wall]()
Read moreMutianyu Great Wall Exploration
Today, visit the restored section of the Great Wall - Mutianyu. Take a cable car ride up and go for an easy walk before riding down on a toboggan!
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![Terracotta Warriors]()
Read moreTerracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty
The Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty was a hugely significant discovery in the 1970s. The warriors are fascinating and well worth exploring with a private guide.
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![Visit Shanghai old town and Yu Garden - Shanghai]()
Read moreVisit Shanghai old town & The Yu Garden
Head to Shanghai's old town, an architectural treasure tucked away from the high rises and bright lights that Shanghai is so famous for. This visit will take you to the traditional part of the city, and to its lilongs, steeped in history.
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![Yol Valley National Park]()
Read moreYol Valley National Park
Explore the remote and beautiful Yol Valley National Park, set at the foothills of the Altai Mountains. Discover a lush valley, often dotted with ice formations even in high summer, and a pristine habitat for fascinating indigenous species.
Your Hotels
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
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.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your vacation.
Why Scott Dunn?
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