The plains of Eastern Mongolia are a sea of lush grassland, a mass of steppes that stretch unmarred by modern times, a protected ecosystem that provides a sanctuary to Mongolia’s herds of thousands of white-tailed gazelles, one of the largest grazing grounds on the planet. Twenty-five species of mammals roam the endless verdant plains that combine with Mongolia’s landscape of mountains, sand dunes, lakes and springs to form a land of unparalleled beauty at peace with nature. Over a hundred species of birds call these plains home, such as eagles, buzzards, harriers and the endangered great bustard.

The Sukhbaatar and Dornod provinces that encompass the eastern plains are also home for the Dariganga people, known for their handicrafts, silversmiths and folk songs. Mongols live closely intertwined with their natural environment, a spiritual existence between land and man. Buddhist temples and rock statues of local nobility, dating back to the 10th through the 13th centuries, can be seen throughout this magnificent part of Mongolia.

Day 1 - 2
Ulaanbaatar, Hustain Nuruu National Reserve

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar; take a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit the Hustain Nuruu National Reserve and observe Przewalski wild horses, recently re-introduced back into Mongolia.

Day 3 – 5
Karakorum, Bayangobi

Transport to Karakorum, the capital of the 13th century Mongol Empire. Tour of the famous Erdene Zuu monastery. Drive to the Bayangobi, a unique area combining steppe, forested mountains and desert-type landscapes. Visit a horse-breeder's camp to explore the lifestyle of nomads and see the making of airag, the Mongolian national drink of fermented mare's milk. There will be horseback riding opportunities using traditional Mongolian wooden saddles. Return to Ulaanbaatar.

Day 6 – 14
Eastern Plains of Mongolia

Transport to Baruun Urt, the center of the Sukhbaatar province. Travel to Dariganga, famous for its golden sand dunes, lakes, mineral springs, and mountains, which include several ‘sacred peaks’. Visit the sacred mountains of Altan Ovoo and Shiliin Bogd. Explore Talyn Agui, one of Mongolia's largest caves, and witness rock carvings of ancestors dating from the 11th century. Discover the traditional folk songs, gold and silver handicrafts of the local people.

Explore Ganga Lake and Bichigtiin Shakhaa Canyon. Centuries ago, hunters drove animals into the box canyon to trap them, hence the name Shakhaa (drive). This canyon contains many rock inscriptions. Camp at the Hargiltai River. Here there will be an ideal opportunity for photographing herds of thousands of gazelles and other species. Spend a night in the Lhachinvandad National Reserve.

Day 15 – 17
Gorkhi Terelj National Park, Ulaanbaatar

Return to Ulaanbaatar. Spend a night at Terelj National Park, famous for its alpine scenery and granite rock formations. Transfer to the airport for your departure home on day 17.