Join us for this adventure of a lifetime, especially designed for Her on a Hill by Jess from Eternal Landscapes. The trip concentrates on experiencing Mongolia in a truly authentic way. We stay with local herding or eagle hunting families and meet local women in their true home or work environments. The holiday strays well off the beaten track and is all the better for it.  This is not your average “tourist” experience so come prepared to visit the real Mongolia and all that that entails.

The second part of the trip takes us to the remote Gobi Desert, a vast landscape of extremes. Within its immense expanse lie granite and limestone outcrops, endless gravel plains, towering sand dunes, 2,800-metre peaks, dramatic gorges and canyons, and the rare Saxaul forest. It is a demanding and challenging environment where life – whether human, wildlife, or livestock – exists on the edge, shaped daily by the forces of climate and change.

Itinerary (subject to change):

Day 1: Depart on overnight flight to Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar.

Day 2: Ulaanbaatar Arrive in the morning and take a private transfer to the hotel in the centre of the city. Leaving our bags at the accommodation, we head out with our local city guide to explore Ulaanbaatar. Among other things, we visit Gandan Monastery and a community project in the ger district. Hotel, L (lunch), 1.5 hours driving

Day 3: Fly Ulgii | Drive Altai | Kazakh Eagle Hunter Homestay: Today we fly west and are met by Jako and her husband Bouka. After enjoying a refreshing drink at their home, we continue our journey by road to the summer encampment of Mongol Kazakh herder Asker and his wife Aghul, immersing ourselves in their way of life and rich cultural traditions. Although Asker is an eagle hunter, his predominant work is as a herder looking after his livestock. On arrival, we will be shown to our traditional ger accommodation and have time to settle in before dinner.  While we stay with Asker, there are no showers and the toilets are simple outdoor short-drop facilities. Ger, B/D 1 – 2 hours driving to airport and 4 – 5 hours driving to Altai.

Day 4 and 5: The next two days are purposefully kept flexible, allowing us to immerse ourselves in daily life with the family, experience their warm hospitality, and explore the fascinating traditions and culture of the Kazakh herders. We’ll have the option to enjoy activities such as day hikes, or informal cooking lessons. Aghul, like many Kazakh women, is a skilled embroiderer, and if you’re interested, she will gladly invite you to join her and try your hand at embroidery. We will also have the chance to see the family’s eagles up close and even hold one if you wish. Ger B/L/D

Day 6: Tsengel Khairkhan We return by road to Ulgii and have a break there before heading on to the majestic Tsengel Khairkhan in the Sagsai district of Bayan Ulgii Province, where you’ll find the summer pasture of Mongol Kazakh eagle hunter Bekbolat, his wife Maria, their adult son Esentai, and his young family. The rest of the day remains flexible, depending on your arrival time. Ger B/L/D 4 hours driving to Ulgili and 4 hours to Tsengel Khairkhan

Day 7: Tsengel Khairkhan Prepare to dive deep into the traditional lifestyle of this eagle hunter family as we spend the day in this stunning location. The family relocates twice a year, moving with their livestock, and during the summer months, they reside near the snow-capped Tsengel Khairkhan Mountain. Standing at an elevation of 3,943 meters, it is one of the highest glacier mountains in the Mongol-Altai range, offering an awe inspiring backdrop. We’ll have the opportunity to live alongside the family, enjoying their hospitality and gaining insight into the traditions and culture of their way of life as Kazakh eagle hunters. During our stay, we can enjoy a scenic day hike, or engage in informal cooking lessons, all at our own pace. Ger B/L/D

Day 8 and 9: Ulgili Today we head to Ulgii, a predominantly Kazakh city, characterized by a prevalent Muslim influence that permeates various aspects of daily life, from street signs to clothing and cuisine. This cultural diversity contributes to the town’s unique atmosphere. We will take in the highlights of this provincial capital with possible visits to the bustling market, the local museum, the eagle hunter centre and to Halmira, a very talented Kazakh embroiderer.  Hotel B/L/D 4 hours driving

Day 10: Ulaanbaatar We return to the capital today and depending on the flight time, will have time to either further explore Ulgili or take in more of the bustling capital of Ulaanbaatar. Hotel B/D Short transfer in Ulgili. 1 – 2 hours from airport to hotel.

Day 11:Tsagaan Suvraga in Mongolia’s middle Gobi. A full day’s drive from Ulaanbaatar, Tsagaan Suvraga translates as White Stupa and is named for the unique colour of the area as well as the extraordinary shapes. This open expanse consists of sun-scorched rock, scrub, 30m high limestone formations and emptiness. We stay at a family run ger camp. Ger B/L/D 7 – 8 hours driving

Day 12: Dalanzadgad Today we explore the provincial capital of the southern Gobi. This small town offers a glimpse into everyday life in Mongolia, where tradition blends with the rhythm of modern change. We will take time to visti the Gobi Museum of Nature and History and a tree planting project. Hotel B/L 2 – 3 hours driving

Day 13:Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park and Khongoryn Els We drive to Mongolia’s largest national park, where mountainous terrain ascends dramatically from the vast desert plains. We then visit Yolyn Am (Vultures Gorge), named after the bearded vultures that often glide on the thermals above. We then continue on to Khongoryn Els, Mongolia’s highest sand dunes where we can opt to watch the sun set from the top. Ger B/L/D 6 – 7 hours driving

Day 14: Bayanzag | The Flaming Cliffs Today we head to yet another spectacular location. Bayanzag, often referred to as the Flaming Cliffs, due to its striking red sandstone formations, is a key archaeological site in Mongolia, renowned for its rich deposits of dinosaur fossils. Ger B/L/D 4 – 5 hours driving

Day 15:Erdenedalai Homestay Your day will be spent travelling through Mongolia’s landscapes to the small community of Erdenedalai. Its name ‘Jewel Ocean’ may seem a misnomer given its location far from any sea. However, the expansive views and the metaphorical ‘ocean’ of rolling landscapes contribute to its name. Staying within this close-knit and traditional community provides an authentic glimpse into everyday life in Mongolia, far from the typical tourist paths. Ger B/L/D 6 hours driving

Day 16: Ulaanbaatar Embark on a full-day journey back to Ulaanbaatar where we can take time to refresh before our farewell dinner. Hotel B/ L 6 – 7 hours driving

Day 17: Return Transfer Today we head home. A private transfer is provided for selected flights.

For a full itinerary please contact Her on a Hill using Mongolia and Gobi Desert 2026 as the subject.

Please note: For the Gobi extension, the trip can run on a minimum of 2 people. For the eagle hunter element, the minimum number is 5.

Feedback from a similar trip The Essence of Mongolia:
“The trip to Mongolia was a wonderful experience and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the 3 families which gave us insight into their daily way of living. It is a remarkable place and very expansive. Loved soaking in the atmosphere and the beautiful views. It is clear there is a lot being invested in the country to develop it further. If you want a true experience of Mongolian life living in a ger and being with herders this is the holiday for you. The guides were informative and cooked lovely meals which included vegetarian.” Izzy

“I thought the trip overall was great. It was wonderful to see the beautiful countryside and a privilege to experience just a taste of such a different lifestyle. The itinerary was very well planned with a good variety of experiences.
All our time with the local families was extraordinary, and I felt I learned the most from our day with the yak herders.
The accommodation was as I expected it to be from the descriptions, and in fact the gers were more comfortable than I had thought they would be. Thanks very much for running the trip – I would never have gone to Mongolia otherwise.” Cathie