Discover Mongolia’s vast landscapes and enduring nomadic culture with MIR Corporation’s new Overland Mongolia Expedition: Across the Land of the Nomads. Set between Russia and China, Mongolia is often associated with Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire, but this tour reveals much more: sweeping steppes, remote lakes, desert vistas and centuries-old Buddhist traditions. The expedition runs June 30–July 14 and begins in Ulaanbaatar, offering time to explore the capital and its Buddhist heritage before venturing into the countryside.
The journey continues north to Lake Hovsgol, a pristine freshwater lake ringed by pine forests and alpine meadows. Here travelers stay in traditional gers, gain hands-on experience of nomadic life, and enjoy hikes and horseback rides through terrain inhabited by reindeer and yak. The region’s scenery—clear lakes, rolling tundra and distant mountain ridges—creates an ideal backdrop for photography and cultural encounters with local herders.
Further highlights include a visit to the ancient site of Karakorum, once the capital of the Mongol Empire and the power base of Genghis Khan. From there the tour travels to Hustai National Park, home to the endangered Przewalski’s horse, a species successfully reintroduced to the wild after near extinction. Erdene Zuu Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site built from the stones of Karakorum’s ruins, showcases centuries of Buddhist architecture and religious art.
The expedition also crosses the Gobi Desert, revealing contrasting landscapes from wind-sculpted dunes to rugged canyons. Key stops in the Gobi include the Flaming Cliffs, famed for their red sandstone and fossil discoveries, and Yolyn Am (Vulture’s Mouth) Canyon, a dramatic valley carved into the mountains. These remote places emphasize Mongolia’s geological diversity and the survival skills of its nomadic populations.
The trip culminates at Mongolia’s Naadam Festival, a vibrant national celebration that highlights the traditional “three games of men”: wrestling, horse racing and archery, alongside displays of throat singing, folk music and handicrafts. Naadam provides a memorable cultural finale where visitors can witness centuries-old customs performed with energy and pride.
Prices for the Overland Mongolia Expedition start at $7,695 per person, based on shared accommodations and not including international airfare. The itinerary blends immersive cultural experiences, wildlife viewing and varied landscapes—ideal for travelers seeking an active, informative adventure through one of Asia’s most sparsely populated and culturally rich countries.