Name: Epic Central Mongolia Self Drive Tour 2027 | Amazing 9 Days
Brand: Nomad Trail Mongolia
SKU: NT-CM-ST-9D
Price: 2580 USD
Availability: InStock

Price varies by group size!

From$2,580

2152

Why Choose Nomad Trail?

Experience Mongolia like never before with expertly curated tours from a family-owned company dedicated to culture, nature, and local communities.

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Immersive & Authentic Local Experiences
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Nomad Trail Mongolia

5.0

種村奈純

2 months ago

We had an amazing experience with this tour company. From the beginning, everything was arranged very smoothly, and it was very convenient to be able to stay in contact with them through LINE until the day of our trip. They were also very flexible and quickly responded to all our requests, even changing our itinerary several times. We made a last-minute reservation and had a rather specific request: we wanted to experience authentic Mongolian culture and stay with a local nomadic family. Despite the short notice, they arranged a wonderful experience for us. Having a Japanese-speaking guide was also a big plus and made communication very easy throughout the trip. Although the tour was not the cheapest option, the experience was absolutely worth it, and we were very happy with our decision to choose this company. The nomadic family who hosted us was incredibly warm and welcoming. During our stay, we had so many unforgettable experiences, including horseback riding, seeing various animals, visiting Turtle Rock and Aryabal Meditation Temple, milking cows, making butter, and enjoying delicious homemade food. The beautiful nature, fresh air, and warmth of the Mongolian people left a lasting impression on us. Most of all, our wonderful guide made the trip even more special. The guide taught us many things about Mongolia in Japanese, shared lots of fun conversations with us, taught us traditional Mongolian games, and helped connect us with the nomadic family. We are truly grateful for everything. If we have the chance to visit Mongolia again, we would definitely choose this company again, no matter what kind of itinerary we want. Highly recommended!

新保恵理

3 months ago

I participated in a 6-day tour of Western Mongolia. It's a remote, secluded area where the borders of Kazakhstan, Russia, and China meet. A group of young Mongolians who were with us praised us, saying, "It's brave of you to come all the way to a place like this, where even Mongolians rarely go!" We drove for five hours almost non-stop on off-road terrain where you'd be thrown out of your seat without a seatbelt, and my husband suffered terribly from motion sickness. Even the Toyota Land Cruiser broke down twice along the way. With hardly any other cars passing by and no cell phone reception, the drivers spent five hours repairing it themselves. Whenever we needed to use the toilet during the journey, we'd look out over the grassland, find a small hollow or rocky ledge, and squat down there to relieve ourselves. We'd get grasshoppers hitting our bottoms sometimes. Even for us experienced travelers, these were all experiences we'd never had before. However, the horseback riding amidst breathtaking scenery that words cannot describe, the warmth of the wood-burning stove in the ger, the starry sky that you can never see in Japan, the Mongolians' reverence for horses, their coexistence with animals, the small humans in nature, the harsh yet ingenious lives of the nomadic people, the greatness of Genghis Khan who ruled this vast land, and the simplicity, kindness, and resilience of the young Mongolians I met along the way. Thanks to Essa, our guide who accompanied us throughout the journey, the beautiful mother and kind grandfather who took us to and from the airport, it was a worry-free trip. I am also grateful to President Unur, who provided meticulous replies to all my concerns before the trip. This trip will undoubtedly remain in my heart and be unforgettable. I have fallen in love with Mongolia. Thank you!

3 months ago

I spent time with wonderful people, beautiful scenery, fresh air, and amazing animals. Even though it was only a short three days, it became my favorite memory of this summer. Next time, I'd love to visit the desert and come back in winter. Thank you, Mongolia. 🇲🇳❤️🇯🇵

4 months ago

We had a great trip to Mongolia during the Naadam Festival period. From the moment we landed at the airport till our departure, our very attentive, English speaking, private guide (Unnie) and drivers from Nomad Trail catered to all our needs. Due to a health issue, my husband cannot keep up with the pace of a large group tour. This private tour served us well. When the terrain was bumpy/uneven or stairs were lacking rails, they were right by his side to help him. We appreciate their kindness so much. The tour was tailored to our interests at a relaxed pace. We enjoyed the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival, a city tour of Ulaanbaatar, a trip to Terelj National Park, trying our hands at archery, sampling Mongolian food, etc. I totally recommend Nomad Trail. For hotel accommodations we chose the Shangri-la. I recommend it for those looking for an upscale hotel with impeccable service.

Erin K

4 months ago

Mongolia is special. Nomad Trail helped me fulfil a lifetime dream of visiting the Tsaatan tribe, a beautiful tribe that is numbering only about 300 people and the last nomadic reindeer herders on earth. To reach them is not easy. Nomad Trail provided a driver, Davaanyam, and a translator and cook, Amka. These two men helped me in the most remote regions. To help someone they have never met, and guide them safely, is not easy. To get there took days of extremely difficult driving and horse travel. Both men were extremely professional and allowed me to feel safe in a remote environment where I didn't know where I was and did not speak the language. In addition, I had so much fun! From walking along the shores of Lake Khövsgöl at sunset to music to waking up to the sound of hoofbeats and goats, every moment was filled with pure joy. Amka made sure that I had the opportunity for every experience, pointing me to a magical carpet of flowers or a vulture on the steppes. Davaanyam was careful to make sure to notice the temperature, safety, etc in the car (even when I didn't say anything). Their attentiveness and kindness, as well as ensuring that every moment in Mongolia was special, made it so even now I have tears missing Mongolia. I have been to about 35 countries and Mongolia is my clear favorite. In fact, the steppes are a place that I look forward to hopefully retiring one day. This is 100% thanks to the incredible experience of Nomad Trail. Thank you for everything.

Victoria

4 months ago

Phenomenal adventure and flawless service! If you are planning a trip to Mongolia, look no further than Nomad Trail Mongolia. This was without doubt one of the most awesome travel experiences. The self-drive convoy format is genuinely unique. There is something incredibly special about being behind the wheel of a Land Cruiser navigating the vast Gobi Desert yourself, with the support and expertise of Nomad Trail right alongside you. It gives you the freedom of independent travel with none of the anxiety. Our guide Temka was exceptional from start to finish, nothing was too much trouble and his insights added depth to every site we visited. But the moment that truly took our breath away was driving across the Khongor Sand Dunes and crossing through the dramatic landscapes of the Three Beauties of the Gobi Mountains. There are no words that do it justice. It is the kind of experience you feel in your bones. The itinerary was perfectly paced, hitting all the Gobi's iconic highlights while still feeling unhurried and immersive. The accommodation was a wonderful mix. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a genuinely adventurous travel experience that is completely off the beaten track. We will be back!

W Tan

5 months ago

Our private convoy across the Gobi with Nomad Trail Mongolia was one of the highlights of our travels. We returned home with countless wonderful memories and were fortunate to be looked after by an incredible team: lead driver and captain Bumaa, guide Guyen, and local Gobi legend Uncle Munk. Bumaa was the backbone of the entire expedition. Throughout our journey, he demonstrated exceptional driving skills and navigated the vast Gobi as though he knew every route by heart. More importantly, he quietly took care of countless details behind the scenes. While much of his work may go unnoticed by guests, it was clear to us that he was the brains of the operation, constantly coordinating logistics and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Uncle Munk was a passionate Gobi local who genuinely wanted to share the secrets of his homeland with us. He didn't hesitate to get down on all fours to show us the tiny Goyo vodka plant growing in the desert. What impressed us even more was his generosity. We jokingly mentioned visiting his home in Dalanzadgad, and to our surprise, he warmly opened his doors to us. His wife welcomed us with incredible hospitality, preparing food and even cooking four special eggs after noticing how many eggs we seemed to eat every day! Guyen was the vital link between Bumaa and Uncle Munk. Initially reserved, his personality quickly shone through over the course of the trip. His easy-going nature made us feel comfortable from the start, and we genuinely enjoyed his company. He was always there when needed, and somehow even managed to become part of many of our selfies! Together, the three of them formed a fantastic team. We genuinely could not have asked for better companions for our private convoy across the Gobi.

Py Z

5 months ago

We had a 10-day tour with Temka and Bumaa throughout both central and south Mongolia. Through the sun, rain, snow and desert our guides kept us safe and ensured that we had a Онцгой (outstanding) experience. The landscapes, the food, the stories, the moments in the ger — none of it would have felt the same without you guiding us through it with such warmth and knowledge. You made a group of strangers to your country feel completely at home. That’s a rare gift. On behalf of our group, a heartfelt Баярлалаа (thank you) to both of you and would highly recommend this company to others.

Melissa Ong

5 months ago

Hands down the best trip in my life to visit Mongolia and to do so with Nomad Trail, guided by Temka and Bumaa. I had a wonderful experience with our guide drivers who knew the terrain like the back of their hand, which was not only mightily impressive but utmost assuring when several routes are off-road with minimal or no signage. Felt absolutely safe and well taken care of during the trip with Temka and Bumaa, much appreciated. I’m grateful for them sharing with us the “real” Mongolia, would 10/10 recommend Nomad Trail, Temka and Bumaa! We can’t wait to be back to visit other parts of Mongolia very soon!

Wynn Pang

5 months ago

Temka and Bumaa are an exceptional guiding duo — and after 10 days across Mongolia with them, we can say that they made this trip one of the most memorable. What sets them apart is how genuinely attentive they were to every detail of our wellbeing. They read our energy, adjusted the pace, and anticipated our needs. Their skill on the terrain is equally impressive. We hit a sandstorm and unexpected summer snow on the same trip and both Temka and Bumaa handled every curveball with calm confidence and decisive navigation. We always felt safe in their hands. What we’ll remember most, is how they never left our side. Every meal, every stop, every interaction with locals — they were present for all of it. The time we spent with nomadic families was especially meaningful, as they help to bridge the language and cultural gap. If you’re planning a trip to Mongolia book them without hesitation.

Evangeline Teo

5 months ago

Mongolia is one of the most beautiful countries we've ever visited — vast, raw and completely unlike anywhere else. What made this trip so special, though, was how thoughtfully it was put together. The itinerary was a great balance of adventure, nature, culture and comfort, and the pacing never felt rushed. The long drives gave us time to truly appreciate the scale and beauty of the country rather than simply rushing from sight to sight. Some of our biggest highlights were visiting two nomadic families, sharing a traditional Mongolian BBQ, and witnessing our host family's first summer slaughter — a rare and memorable glimpse into a way of life that has remained unchanged for generations. A huge thank you to Temka and Bumaa. Travelling through Mongolia's terrain inevitably comes with surprises, but we always felt completely safe and looked after. Whether it was snow, sand, rough tracks or punctures, they handled everything with calm professionalism. A special mention to Bumaa. His decades of off-road driving experience were obvious every day, but what I'll remember most is his quiet kindness. He always found ways to make us feel cared for and reassured. As someone who gets anxious during certain activities, I especially appreciated the way he would quietly check in on me. It was a lovely reminder that kindness doesn't always need words. We arrived expecting an amazing trip. We left with unforgettable memories and very full hearts.

Private Tour: 9 days 8 nights

Availability : June 1 - September 15

Central Mongolia

Min Age : 8+

Max People : 4 per self-driving vehicle

Overview - Central Mongolia self drive tour

This Central Mongolia self drive tour puts you behind the wheel of your own Land Cruiser for 9 days, in a guided convoy with our guide and support vehicle leading the way. Your Central Mongolia 4×4 tour links Ugii Lake, Khorgo Volcano, Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake and the Tsenkher hot springs, then leaves the asphalt for an Orkhon Valley self-drive into the highlands around Tuvkhun Monastery. The remote Khuisiin Naiman Nuur is the highlight of this Eight Lakes Mongolia tour, before the dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai and the wild horses of Khustai.

About 1,680 km, 420 km of it off-road. Private, up to 4 people per vehicle, age 8+.

New to driving here? Read Driving in Mongolia and our Eight Lakes guide, or compare every route on our 4×4 Mongolia page.

Price Includes

A fully private tour experience for you and your chosen companions
Airport pickup and drop-off (arrival and departure)
Hotel pickup/drop-off
Self-Driving 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles with fuel expenseToyota Land Cruiser 200/300 series with vehicle insurance
Support convoy vehicle with experienced driver with fuel expense
English-speaking guide at all times
Accommodation: 5 nights ger camp, 1 night with a nomad family(tents on request, same price)
Necessary kitchen equipment, tent, and camping setup
All meals are provided as stated in the itinerary
All Entrance Fees: Sightseeing as per itinerary
Horse and camel riding fees
Purified bottled water daily

Price Excludes

International airfare or train tickets, airport taxes, excess baggage charges
Travel insurance, medical insurance
Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar
Alcoholic beverages

Tour Highlights

🚙 Drive your own Land Cruiser in a guided convoy, about 1,680 km

🏜️ Khorgo Volcano crater and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, A soak in the Tsenkher hot springs

🧭 Off-road through the Orkhon Valley highlands to Tuvkhun Monastery, with a night at a nomad family’s ger nearby

The remote Eight Lakes (Khuisiin Naiman Nuur)

🍽️ All meals included – no logistics, no stress

🐎 🐪 Camel ride at Elsen Tasarkhai and wild Przewalski’s horses at Khustai

🐴 Visit Khustai National Park, home of the rare Przewalski’s horse

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, where your guide will warmly welcome you. Transfer to your hotel in Ulaanbaatar and enjoy a relaxing evening. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the city on your own or rest after your flight.

Overnight: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar (not included)

Day 2Ulaanbaatar → Ugii Lake (347 km / 215 miles)

After hotel pickup, our team drives you through Ulaanbaatar’s traffic to the edge of the city, where you take the wheel of your Land Cruiser and fall in behind your guide’s lead vehicle. The paved road rolls west across open steppe dotted with herds and white gers, before a last stretch of dirt track brings you to the reed-fringed shore of Ugii Lake, where the birdlife is busy and the sunsets are huge.

Drive: 347 km (about 47 km off-road), 4 to 5 hours
Activities: Guided self-drive, Ugii Lake
Overnight: Ger camp (tent on request)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 3Ugii Lake → Khorgo Volcano and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake ( 300km / 187 miles)

Head west toward the Khangai Mountains, where the last 40 km leave the asphalt for open steppe tracks. Climb the rim of the extinct Khorgo Volcano for a view into its crater and across the black lava fields, then drive down to Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur, the “Great White Lake”, for a swim* or a quiet walk along the shore before dinner.

Drive: 300 km (40 km off-road), 3 to 4 hours
Activities: Guided self-drive, Khorgo Volcano hike, Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
Overnight: Ger camp by the lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake → Tsenkher Hot Springs (220km / 136 miles)

A shorter driving day takes you east through forested valleys, mostly on paved road, with a final 40 km of dirt track into the Tsenkher valley. The afternoon is yours: soak in the natural hot springs while the evening air cools around you, a well-earned rest after three days on the road.

Drive: 220 km (40 km off-road), 2 to 3 hours
Activities: Guided self-drive, hot spring soak
Overnight: Ger camp at the hot springs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Tsenkher → Tuvkhun Monastery (100km / 60 miles)

Today is all off-road: 100 km of mountain tracks, river fords and forest climbs into the Orkhon Valley highlands. Ride a horse up to Tuvkhun Monastery, a hilltop hermitage where the scholar-monk Zanabazar once worked, then spend the night with a nomad family, helping with the evening milking and sharing dinner in their ger.

Drive: 100 km (all off-road), about 2 hours
Ride: 2 hours to Tuvkhun Monastery
Activities: Guided self-drive, Tuvkhun Monastery, nomad family stay
Overnight: Nomad family ger
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6Tuvkhun → the Eight Lakes (Khuisiin Naiman Nuur) (140km / 87 miles)

Say goodbye to your hosts and take on the most remote stretch of the trip: 120 km of rough tracks over high passes to Khuisiin Naiman Nuur, eight volcanic lakes hidden among larch forest. Few travelers make it this far, so the lakeshore is usually yours alone, perfect for an evening walk or a night in a tent under the stars.

Drive: 140 km (120 km off-road), 2 to 3 hours
Activities: Guided self-drive, Eight Lakes
Overnight: Ger camp (tent on request)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7Eight Lakes → Khustai National Park, via Elsen Tasarkhai

The longest day of the trip: after 70 km of tracks back to the paved road, cruise east to the sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai, the “Mini Gobi”, for photos and a camel ride. Continue to Khustai National Park in time for an evening drive to look for the wild Przewalski’s horses that graze its hills at dusk.

Drive: 475 km (70 km off-road), 5 to 6 hours
Activities: Guided self-drive, Elsen Tasarkhai dunes, camel ride, Przewalski’s horses
Overnight: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8Khustai National Park → Ulaanbaatar

Enjoy a slow last morning in the park, then drive the final stretch toward the capital. At the edge of Ulaanbaatar our team drives you through the city traffic to your hotel, ending a week of lakes, volcanoes, dunes and nomad hospitality.

Drive: about 100 km, 1 to 2 hours depending on city traffic
Activities: Guided self-drive, hotel drop-off
Overnight: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar (not included)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9Departure Day – Transfer to the Airport

Enjoy a relaxed morning before your private transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport. Your guide and chauffeur will assist with check-in and luggage as you prepare for your journey home.
Thank you for choosing Nomad Trail Mongolia—we hope your adventure has been unforgettable, and we warmly look forward to welcoming you back.

Photos

Videos

Central Mongolia Self Drive Tour FAQ

Will I be driving alone?

No. You drive in a guided convoy: our guide’s lead vehicle shows the way and a support vehicle with a driver follows.

Do I need off-road experience?

No. Your guide briefs you each morning and leads you through every river crossing.

Do I drive in Ulaanbaatar?

No. Our team drives you through the city, and you take the wheel at the city edge.

How much do we drive each day?

Between 2 and 6 hours a day, 100 to 475 km, with about 420 km off-road in total.

Where do we sleep?

Five nights in ger camps and one night with a nomad family. Tents are available on Days 2 and 6 at the same price.

What driving licencse do I need?

Your original full driving license from home plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). Bring both on the tour.

Central Mongolia Self Drive Tour – 9-Day Adventure

🎉 Early Bird Offer: Save $200

Mongolia 4x4 Self-Drive Tour

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Overview - Central Mongolia self drive tour

Price Includes

Price Excludes

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Day 2Ulaanbaatar → Ugii Lake (347 km / 215 miles)

Day 3Ugii Lake → Khorgo Volcano and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake ( 300km / 187 miles)

Day 4Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake → Tsenkher Hot Springs (220km / 136 miles)

Day 5 Tsenkher → Tuvkhun Monastery (100km / 60 miles)

Day 6Tuvkhun → the Eight Lakes (Khuisiin Naiman Nuur) (140km / 87 miles)

Day 7Eight Lakes → Khustai National Park, via Elsen Tasarkhai

Day 8Khustai National Park → Ulaanbaatar

Day 9Departure Day – Transfer to the Airport

Photos

Videos

Central Mongolia Self Drive Tour FAQ

Will I be driving alone?

Do I need off-road experience?

Do I drive in Ulaanbaatar?

How much do we drive each day?

Where do we sleep?

What driving licencse do I need?

Central Mongolia Self Drive Tour – 9-Day Adventure

Proceed Booking

🎉 Early Bird Offer: Save $200

Mongolia 4x4 Self-Drive Tour

Why Choose Nomad Trail?

What Our Travelers Say

✨ Customize This Tour

Overview - Central Mongolia self drive tour

Price Includes

Price Excludes

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Day 2Ulaanbaatar → Ugii Lake (347 km / 215 miles)

Day 3Ugii Lake → Khorgo Volcano and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake ( 300km / 187 miles)

Day 4Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake → Tsenkher Hot Springs (220km / 136 miles)

Day 5 Tsenkher → Tuvkhun Monastery (100km / 60 miles)

Day 6Tuvkhun → the Eight Lakes (Khuisiin Naiman Nuur) (140km / 87 miles)

Day 7Eight Lakes → Khustai National Park, via Elsen Tasarkhai

Day 8Khustai National Park → Ulaanbaatar

Day 9Departure Day – Transfer to the Airport

Photos

Videos

Central Mongolia Self Drive Tour FAQ

Will I be driving alone?

Do I need off-road experience?

Do I drive in Ulaanbaatar?

How much do we drive each day?

Where do we sleep?

What driving licencse do I need?

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