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Local herders with their camels on the Mongolian steppe - Mongolia Nomad Explorer with Tim Cope, Mongolia
Local herders with their camels on the Mongolian steppe  | Cam Cope
Our camp on the valley floor after the descent from Tsast Bogd Mountain - Mongolia Nomad Explorer with Tim Cope, Mongolia
Our camp on the valley floor after the descent from Tsast Bogd Mountain  | Tim Cope
Tsast Bogd Mountain trek in Mongolia - Mongolia Nomad Explorer with Tim Cope, Mongolia
Tsast Bogd Mountain trek in Mongolia  | Tim Cope
Our local herders help manage the horses during our trek to Tsast Bogd Mountain - Mongolia Nomad Explorer with Tim Cope, Mongolia
Our local herders help manage the horses during our trek to Tsast Bogd Mountain  | Tim Cope
Descending to the valley floor from Tsast Bogd Mountain - Mongolia Nomad Explorer with Tim Cope, Mongolia
Descending to the valley floor from Tsast Bogd Mountain  | Tim Cope
Trekkers enjoy the sand dunes of Mongol Els, Mongolia - Mongolia Nomad Explorer with Tim Cope, Mongolia
Trekkers enjoy the sand dunes of Mongol Els, Mongolia  | Tim Cope
Camel trek to Durgun Lake, Mongol Els sand dunes - Mongolia Nomad Explorer with Tim Cope, Mongolia
Camel trek to Durgun Lake, Mongol Els sand dunes  | Tim Cope

Mongolia Nomad Explorerwith Tim Cope

Trek remote Western Mongolia with Tim Cope across deserts, mountains and nomadic cultures

Mongolia
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 14 reviews

18 Days from

$6590 USD

Trip Code: TRM
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Hiking poles - Hire
$29 USD
Sleeping pad hire (thermarest type)
$60 USD
Sleeping Bag hire (-10 degrees C)
$180 USD
Horse & Handler Hire (instead of camel ride) Days 12 -14
$270 USD
Single Supplement
$420 USD
Mongolia Nomad Explorer - Horse & Handler Hire Days 5-8
$410 USD
Duration
  • 18 Days
Activities
  • 16 days Adventure touring
  • 4 days trekking
  • 1 day hike
  • 3 days camel riding
Style
  • Classic Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 2 nights hotel
  • 1 night ger
  • 1 night basic hotel
  • 13 nights camping
Meals
  • 17 Dinners
  • 16 Lunches
  • 17 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
5 / 10

Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

32kg of CO2-e PP per day

(545kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Journey with renowned adventurer and author Tim Cope, & Mongolian professor of biology, Khayankhyarvaa Terbish
  • Exploratory-style, off the beaten path journey through diverse landscapes from deserts to vast lakes, steppe & glacier capped peaks
  • Ride camels, horse, or trek with nomads near the border of Siberia through the most northerly sandy desert in the world
  • Visit ancient rock art, burial sites and culturally significant landscapes
  • Learn throat singing traditions in Chandmani village, the spiritual centre of Mongolia’s rich throat singing tradition

Overview

Journey with Tim Cope into the heart of the oldest horseback nomad culture in the world on a tour that will take you from remote desert landscapes, to high glacier capped peaks and into the heart of Mongolia's most ethnically diverse region. Highlights of the journey include a three day trek accompanied by nomads and their animals through the Gobi Altai mountains,a trek through the most northern desert in the world on the border with Siberia, and visiting nomad families to learn of their rich history, culture and traditional lifestyles. We will be visiting ancient rock art sites, lakes rich in wild bird life, and even have the opportunity to learn the basics of throat singing from a people who have mastered the art through millennia.

Tim, who has become an expert on the history and heritage of the Mongols and nomads more broadly will provide a unique, exploratory style journey with a focus on cultural encounters. Tim will be accompanied by experienced Mongolian tour leader- professor of biology, Terbish.

Integral to this tour, is also supporting a local Mongolian charity, Autism Mongolia, a cause close to Tim's heart. $100 of your tour price will be donated to this charity in Ulaanbaatar at a special presentation when we arrive. There will be the opportunity to meet with representatives from the charity and make additional donations.

Join Tim for the trip of a lifetime.

Itinerary

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Join the trip in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel before an orientation tour of the city. The day includes visits to the National Museum and a traditional Mongolian concert. Ulaanbaatar serves as Mongolia’s capital and cultural centre, providing context for the journey ahead. The day concludes with a group dinner and briefing. Included in the tour price is a $100 donation for Autism Mongolia. We will be joined at dinner by a representative of this organisation. Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel or similar

Meals: D

Fly to Western Mongolia and continue by road towards Lake Tolboo where camp is established. The journey introduces remote landscapes and the ethnically diverse communities of the region. Time allowing, we aim to visit a Kazakh family in the nearby village to learn from them about the unique history and culture of their people who form a majority in Bayan Olgiy. Kazakh families have lived here since the 19th century, maintaining strong cultural traditions. The day ends at a tented camp near the lake. Accommodation: Tented camp Note the destination today is dependent on the domestic airline schedule which varies from year to year. It is possible we will fly to Khovd and if this is the case, some amendments to travel timing will be necessary.

Meals: B,L,D

Travel by vehicle through mountain terrain and steppe towards the Baatarin Nuruu range. The route passes Khar Us Lake, a Ramsar-listed wetland rich in birdlife and fed by glacial systems. Along the way we visit ancient petroglyph sites dating back several thousand years. The day ends at camp where nomads are met and preparations begin for trekking. Accommodation: Tented camp

Meals: B,L,D

Begin trekking into the Baatarin Nuruu mountains guided by local nomads and supported by pack camels. The route follows traditional migration paths and crosses a high pass before descending into a mountain basin. These mountains are central to the cultural identity and traditions of the Zakhchin people. Return to camp in a natural amphitheatre for the night. Our setting this evening is spectacular. Towering over camp are the cliffs of ‘Red Stupa’ mountain (3235m), and the terminal moraine of a glacier (that has long since retreated). Beyond this we can glimpse some of the higher ridges and peaks of the range. The local people (known as the Zakhchin, a subgroup of the ‘Oirat Mongol’ people) are immensely proud of the nature here that has formed the core of not only their way of life, but their song, stories, and beliefs. Camped in this natural mountain ampitheatre it is not hard to understand why. We will be based at this campsite for two nights. Camp is at 2734m. Total ascent: 858 metres / 2,815 feet Overnight: Tented camp

Meals: B,L,D

A day hike leads towards a high mountain pass with views across surrounding ranges and valleys. The terrain includes glacial moraine and alpine features shaped by past ice movement. The landscape reflects the geological history of the Altai region. Camp is re-established at the same site for the evening. Accommodation: Tented camp

Meals: B,L,D

The day begins with a gradual climb from camp to Shilin Davaa (2841 m / 9318 ft), where an ovoo marks a traditional place of mountain veneration. From the pass, the route descends along the Shilin River, following a spring-fed valley that cuts deeply through the Baatarin Nuruu range and supports seasonal nomadic grazing. After lunch beside the stream, the valley narrows into a gorge with cascades, requiring a climb to Nuurst Khotol where nomads guide camels across steep traverses. The route then descends back to the Kharzin River valley, with camp set at a lower elevation depending on conditions. Camp is at 2256m / 7,400ft or similar depending on conditions Accommodation: Tented camp

Meals: B,L,D

In the morning for those who would like to have a chance at viewing Ibex, it is best to be up at dawn/sunrise. Usually ibex can be viewed from camp through binoculars. Our route today continues to follow the Kharzin along the ‘Canyon Valley,’ until it empties into an elevated lake known as Khavtslin Lake (canyon lake). This lake was actually formed behind an ancient terminal moraine and prevents the river from spilling beyond the mountains. From the lake there is a steep descent down the ancient terminal moraine that prevents any mechanized transport from entering the mountains. This is where we trek down and exit the mountains. This is locally known as the ‘Threshold Gorge.’ Here we meet the drivers and farewell our local nomads and their animals. We will continue our journey by car and to overnight accommodation in Zereg Soum. Overnight: Regional hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Travel by vehicle continues across valleys towards Chandmani village. The route passes mountain ranges and open steppe landscapes. Chandmani is recognised for its strong tradition of throat singing. Camp is established near the village. Accommodation: Tented camp Drive: 200km, 5hrs Overnight: Tented camp

Meals: B,L,D

Chandmani village, perched at the intersection of Jargalant Mountain, the sprawling Mongol Els desert, and the Great Lakes depression is renowned as having a rich and ancient tradition of throat singing – also known in Mongolian as Khöömei. This morning we will visit Tseren Davaa – a nomad who, inspired by the natural world and his life as a nomad, became a world renowned throat singer. We will spend time with Tseren Davaa in his home and learn about his life journey, and the art of throat singing, as well as the traditional instruments he uses. You will have the chance to learn some of the basics yourself. To summarise Khöömei, the performer imitates sounds of nature, simultaneously emitting two distinct vocal sounds along with a continuous drone, the singer produces a melody of harmonics. This singing style is believed to have been learned from birds, whose spirits are central to shamanic practices. Khöömei is performed by Mongolian nomads in a variety of social occasions, from grand state ceremonies to festive household events. It is also sung during herding, and inside the yurt to lull babies to sleep. Traditionally, the art is transmitted orally from bearer to learner, or via master-to-apprentice. After lunch we aim to begin our drive across the steppe towards the Mongol Els dunes. Along the way, we will pass through some particularly open steppe land that is home to Mongolia’s last population of Saiga Antelope (Saiga Tatarica). These fascinating antelope once roamed the Eurasian steppe from as far as Romania to China. Nowadays there scattered populations in Kazakhstan (they can migrate south for winter to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan), and Kalmykia and Astrakhan Oblast in Russia. Mongolia’s Saiga are actually a subspecies known as S. t. Mongolica and are only found in this region. By early evening we aim to reach the edge of the Mongol Els dune system and make camp at Gun Nuur – a spring fed lake nestled into the side of the dunes. Camp elevation: 1303 m / 4275 ft Overnight: Tented tent

Meals: B,L,D

Today we will spend most of the day on a day walk into the Mongol Els dune system – the largest dune system in Mongolia that stretches some 300km long. The route will take us up and over some of the larger dunes near Gun Nuur lake, before circling back to camp. Gun Nuur is a watering point for herds of horses and other animals in the region and from camp we may witness the daily pilgrimage for water. This evening our camelers for our desert camel trek will reach camp and we will have the opportunity to meet with them. Nomads in this region winter over in the dunes, and then move out to the flats nearby when the snow has melted in late spring. The swings of temperature in this region are extreme with summers reaching over 40 degrees, yet winters sometimes dropping to -50 degrees Celsius and below. Accommodation: Tented camp

Meals: B,L,D

Today we begin our camel trek along the Mongol Els Dunes. Our aim is travel north west along the dunes towards Durgan Lake (which is connected to Khar Us in the Great Lakes Depression). Riding Bactrian camels can be challenging at first, but offer a unique vantage point for viewing the land. In this region camels are still used widely by nomads who live in the sands for most of the year. Our vehicles will go ahead each day and set up camp for us. Our first day will take us out of the dunes and across a salt flat before climbing up a spectacular desert escarpment known as Nisdeg Ereg (the ‘flying coast.’) Lunch will be had at the top by a waymarker known as an Ovoo. The afternoon takes us across a vast sandy plain, and into a small rocky mountain system laden with sand. Our camp will be at Bayan Khuduk – ‘Rich Spring.’ Accommodation: Tented camp

Meals: B,L,D

Travel continues by camel through dunes and rocky ranges known as the Shelustei Range. Elevated viewpoints from a sandy saddle where we will be able to have a spectacular vantage point of the greater Mongol Els dune system to the north west, and also to Durgan lake and the tall snow capped peaks of Jargalant beyond.Camp is set within the dunes. Accommodation: Tented camp Camp elevation: 1266 m / 4154 ft

Meals: B,L,D

Today we will make our way along the thin green line that is the edge of the dune system and the beginning of flats that are important grazing lands for nomads. This will eventually lead us to Tsokhoo Nuur – a small brackish lake with reed beds that is known for its birdlife. The water here abuts tall dunes in a spectacular intersection of ecological systems. Our camp will be made in a grassy valley between dunes. This night we will say farewell to our nomad camel guides and their animals. Camp elevation: 1131 m / 3711 ft Accommodation: Tented camp Day 15 is a contingency day to allow for uncontrollable changes in the itinerary due to local flight schedules, weather conditions and other unforeseeable changes that may be required. If possible we may use this to extend the length of our trek in the Baatarin Nuruu by one day.

Meals: B,L,D

Today we will drive to Khovd or Olgii depending on the flight schedules. There will be time for some sightseeing in the town before gathering for a farewell dinner for local staff at the hotel. Accommodation: Local hotel

Meals: B,L,D

A return flight brings the group back to Ulaanbaatar. Time is available to explore the city independently or visit additional sites. The capital reflects both modern development and traditional culture. The day concludes with a group dinner. Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Trip concludes after breakfast. Transfers will be organised to take you to the airport.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

2 scheduled departures between 18 Sep 2026 and 19 Sep 2027.

  • Departs 18 Sep 2026 – ends 5 Oct 2026 (18 days)
  • Departs 19 Sep 2027 – ends 6 Oct 2027 (18 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Internal flights Ulaanbaatar–Olgiy and Khovd–Ulaanbaatar
  • All meals as specified in the itinerary: 17 breakfasts, 16 lunches and 17 dinners
  • Accompanied by Tim Cope, Australian Geographic Adventurer of the Year
  • Accommodation in fully supported camping on a twin share basis
  • Ger accommodation on a multi share basis or basic hotel
  • Private transportation in quality 4WD vehicles
  • Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 18
  • Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in the itinerary
  • Pack animal support during the trek (20kg allowance)
  • Expert bilingual local guide and Medical kit
  • AUD$100 donation to Autism Mongolia
  • Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag

Not included

  • International flights
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals not listed as included
  • Personal expenses such as phone calls and laundry
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any items not listed as included

About your guide

In 2004, Tim Cope embarked on an ambitious journey to ride his horse from Mongolia to Hungary along the trail of nomads, a route that was travelled by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. His epic expedition took three years to complete, and during this time he developed an intimate knowledge of the Mongolian steppe and its nomadic population.

With a 10,000km cycle ride across Russia to Mongolia, an award winning book and film about his odyssey across the steppe, and numerous return trips to the place that has won his heart, Tim’s deep knowledge of nomad life and the wilder landscapes of Mongolia has made him one of our most popular leaders.

Tim has been a passionate advocate for travellers to visit Mongolia. In 2015 the Mongolia Government made him an honorary ambassador for tourism and in 2016 he was awarded the nairamdal (friendship medal) from the president of Mongolia in recognition for his work celebrating Mongolian nomad culture.

Tim’s vast experiences have offered him valuable and rare insights into Mongolia which he shares with our travellers on his unique journeys to this fascinating country.

Tim Cope's Mongolia
Tim Cope's Mongolia
In the steppes of Mongolian nomads: trekking to the end of the Earth
Mongolia In the Footsteps of the Nomad with Tim Cope - by Maria Visconti

Reviews (14)

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This trip met all our expectations and more. Travelling with Tim who provided exceptional support, made this probably the best adventure we have ever had! It was not a tourist trip, it was a travellers experience of real culture and landscape. It was great not to encounter any other tourists!!

Valerie|TAS, Australia
28 Oct 2025
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Great trip, a small taster of the "real Mongolia" very remote, well organised, quality equipment ie tents saddles, vehicles, remarkable effort with the meals heated dining tent and expertly led by Tim COPE who is the "guru/master" for Mongolia

Joy (Joss)|NSW, Australia
28 Oct 2025
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A wonderful glimpse of life in the part of Mongolia we visited. Fantastic scenery and wonderful interaction with local families.

Stephen|United Kingdom
28 Oct 2025
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This was my second trip to Mongolia with World Expeditions .I had always dreamed of a trip with Tim Cope after reading his book and seeing his documentary of his trip .Tim took us on an adventure where few have travelled it was an outstanding adventure and life experience.Mongolia is amazing country with beautiful people and diverse landscapes . Tim made it an experience l will never forget .

I would highly recommend discovering Mongolia with Tim .

I am looking forward to returning next year .

Karen Beeston|Mittagong, NSW Australia
29 Nov 2024
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A trip I shall remember for the rest of my life.

Astonishing scenery, beautiful people and adventurous.

Sharon Redding|Table Top, NSW Australia
28 Oct 2024
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Amazing trip. All the people were fantastic and I learned a lot about Mongolia it’s people, animals and culture.

Simon Rijs|Kalimna, VIC Australia
25 Oct 2023
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The itinerary was great, but the weather forcing us to throw it out the window ended up making it way better. Embrace the chaos.

Alex Olson-Young|Sydney, NSW Australia
18 Oct 2023
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Tim, the other tour leaders, drivers, cooks, horse handlers and cameleers were all wonderful. Spectacular landscape, delicious food and interaction with locals all made this an incredible trip.

Lou Norton|Dubbo NSW Australia
17 Oct 2023
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We had an amazing trip. Tim was able introduce us to culture that we would have had difficulty accessing on our own. His passion for Mongolia and it's people contributed to a trip of a lifetime. Thank you for a trip to remember.

R. Richardson|Mona Vale, NSW
17 Oct 2017

Responsible Travel

Mongolian kids | Cam Cope
Empowering Students Through Green Learning
 
This project, led by the Center for Citizenship Education in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, establishes school-based greenhouses to provide students with hands-on learning in natural sciences. By training teachers and engaging over 1,200 middle and high school students, the initiative transforms theoretical education into practical experience, enabling students to grow plants, propagate trees, and actively participate in greening their school environment.
 
Set in a ger district facing severe air pollution and limited educational resources, the project addresses both environmental and social challenges. It improves student engagement, builds practical skills, and contributes to healthier school surroundings by planting over 1,000 trees and shrubs annually, fostering a stronger connection between young people, their community, and the natural environment.
 
Support our work
A local eagle hunter, Mongolia | Cam Cope
Visiting a Kazakh Family with Eagle Hunting Heritage
 
World Expeditions offers travellers the opportunity to visit a Kazakh family with an eagle-hunting heritage in a way that is ethical, respectful, and aligned with our Animal Welfare Policy.
 
Eagle hunting is a centuries-old Kazakh tradition - a symbol of identity, pride, and deep connection with nature. Our visits offer a rare insight into this unique human–animal relationship and the passing of cultural knowledge across generations, without compromising animal welfare.
 
How we deliver this responsibly:
 
- No direct involvement or participation in hunting activities
- No staged performances or festival-style displays
- Observational visits only, with a focus on storytelling, learning, and cultural context
- Comparable to visiting a cultural custodian or knowledge holder
 
We work with trusted local partners who meet our Animal Welfare Standards across nutrition, shelter, veterinary care, and natural behaviour. Female eagles are typically released back into the wild at around 5–6 years of age, and no captive breeding is undertaken.
 
Travellers are encouraged to observe quietly, maintain distance, and report any concerns to their guide or travel consultant.

Extra trip info

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings. 

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run. 

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route. 

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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It is a guided trip led by expert local guides and accompanied by Tim Cope.

Accommodation includes hotels, ger accommodation and fully supported camping.

Pack animal support is provided during the trekking stage with a 20kg / 44.1lbs allowance.

September offers stable weather, open landscapes after summer, and active nomadic life before winter conditions begin.

  • Travel with Tim Cope and a Mongolian professor offering cultural and regional insight
  • Follow an exploratory-style itinerary through remote regions of western Mongolia
  • Engage directly with nomadic families and traditional lifestyles
  • Combine trekking, camel travel and 4WD transport across diverse terrain
  • Fully supported journey so you only carry a day pack

Guaranteeing A Great Mongolia Trip

Pioneering World Firsts
Quality equipment
Quality accommodations
Innovative itineraries
Custom built, reliable transport
Our all inclusive approach

Multi Award Winning Adventures

Responsible Travel

Adventure Experts Since 1975

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