Gobi Odyssey: From Mongolia’s Desert to China’s Most Beautiful Villages

franceschau
Sep 20
11 min read

Updated: Oct 14

From the sweeping sands of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert to the tranquil villages and coastal charm of China, this journey promises a spectacular blend of adventure, culture, and beauty. In Wuyuan, we’ll wander through ancient villages like Huangling, Likeng, and Wunvzhou; explore the mystical Wangxian Valley; and take in the breathtaking scenery of Lushan Mountain. Then in Xiamen, we’ll marvel at the iconic Tulou Clusters, visit the historic Yuchang Building and picturesque Taxia Village, and stroll through the enchanting Gulangyu Island.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that weaves together untamed landscapes, timeless heritage, and the warmth of two extraordinary worlds — a true celebration of contrast and wonder.

TRAVEL DATE: Thu, 8/28/2026 – Sun, 9/13/2026

PACKAGE PRICE: $6,850

TOUR ROUTE:

Ulaanbaatar –Tsagaan Suvarga – Yol valley – Khongor Sand dunes – Bayanzag – Baga Gazariin Chuluu – Ulaanbaatar – Wuyuan East Route – Wuyan North Route – Xiamen

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHT:

Mongolia – The Gobi Odyssey

Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa Cliffs) – Stand before striking limestone formations sculpted by nature over millennia, glowing in hues of white, pink, and orange—an awe-inspiring panorama of Mongolia’s ancient seabed.
Yol Valley (Eagle Valley) – Journey through a dramatic canyon nestled in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, where icy streams and soaring cliffs offer a refreshing oasis amid the desert’s vast stillness.
Khongor Sand Dunes (Singing Dunes) – Witness the grandeur of Mongolia’s largest sand dunes, where golden waves rise nearly 300 meters high and the wind creates a haunting, melodic hum.
Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) – Step into history at the world-famous fossil site where dinosaur eggs were first discovered, and watch the cliffs ignite in fiery red hues at sunset.
Baga Gazriin Chuluu – Explore a surreal granite rock formation emerging from the steppe, steeped in legends and ancient cave carvings—an enchanting fusion of geology and mysticism.

China – Wuyuan & Xiamen Discovery

Wuyuan – Often called “China’s most beautiful countryside,” this region invites you to wander through postcard-perfect ancient villages—Huangling, Likeng, and Wunvzhou—celebrated for their well-preserved Huizhou architecture and picturesque rural charm.
Wangxian Valley – Step into an ethereal “fairyland” where striking architecture, creative lighting, and dramatic landscapes blend to create an otherworldly and dreamlike atmosphere.
Lushan Mountain – A UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in cultural and spiritual significance. Marvel at its majestic waterfalls and peaks while exploring a sacred land that has inspired Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Christianity.
Tulou Cluster (Xiamen) – Explore the UNESCO-listed round earthen homes of the Hakka people, including the historic Yuchang Building and the charming Taxia Village, offering a glimpse into centuries-old communal living.
Gulangyu Island – A car-free UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with colonial architecture, tranquil gardens, and seaside allure—perfect for a leisurely stroll through history and charm.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE:

Day 1 – 3 (Thu, 8/28 – Sat, 8/30): LAX, USA – Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Day 3 (Sat, 8/30): Welcoming Day (L.D)
Day 4 (Sun, 8/30): Travel to Tsagaan Suvarga (B.L.D)
Day 5 (Mon, 8/31): Travel to Yol valley & hiking (B.L.D)
Day 6 (Tue, 9/1): Travel to Khongor Sand Dunes (B.L.D)
Day 7 (Wed, 9/2): Travel to Bayanzag (B.L.D)
Day 8 (Thu, 9/3): Travel to Baga Gazriin Chuluu (B.L.D)
Day 9 (Fri, 9/4): Travel to Ulaanbaatar (B.L.D)
Day 10 (Sat, 9/5): Ulaanbaatar to Wuyuan, China (B.D)
Day 11 (Sun, 9/6): Wuyuan East Route (B.L.D)
Day 12 (Mon, 9/7): Wuyuan North Route – Wangxian Valley (B.L.D)
Day 13 (Tue, 9/8): Wangxian Valley – Lushan Mountain (B.L.D)
Day 14 (Wed, 9/9): Mount Lu & West Route Touring (B.L.D)
Day 15 (Thu, 9/10): Eastern Route Hiking – Flight to Xiamen (B.L.D)
Day 16 (Fri, 9/11): Nanjing & Yongding Tulou (B.L.D)
Day 17 (Sat, 9/12): Gulangyu Island Half-Day Tour (B)
Day 18 (Sun, 9/13): Xiamen – LAX, USA (B)

PRICE INCLUDES:

International & domestic flights (economy class)
Train ticket (economy class)
4* Hotels & Ger camp with ensuite bathroom
Daily breakfast (B), 13 lunches (L), & 14 dinners (D)
All transportations by private vehicles
Professional English speaking tour guides
Entrance fee, shuttle bus & any other fees of the scenic spots as required
Activities & excursions as listed in the itinerary

PRICE EXCLUDES:

Health & travel insurance
Tipping: $12 person/day for driver(s) and guide(s). To be collected prior to the trip
China Visa

Personal expenses/meals/sightseeing that are not listed in itinerary

MAKING RESERVATION:

Call Catherine at Tarzana Tour and Travel at 626-380-7948
Email a copy of your passport to catherine@tarzanatour.com
By putting your deposit, you have read and agreed to the following:
- Reservation Deadline & Cancellation Policy ($500 deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable)
- Disclaimer / Release of Liability Agreement

IMPORTANT NOTE (Please Read Before Signing Up!):

In the current global climate, we strongly recommend all guests purchase flight and travel insurance to cover all contingencies and nonrefundable deposits and expenses.
Airfares are constantly fluctuating now more than ever, making prices subject to change without prior notice.
A reservation without a deposit does not secure your spot on the trip.
Travel is full of surprises! Some activities may be rearranged to accommodate logistics or weather, but rest assured — every experience mentioned in the itinerary will still be part of our adventure!
In Mongolia, travel involves long drives across breathtaking desert and steppe scenery — it’s part of the true Gobi experience! Please join only if you’re comfortable with long hours on the road.
Domestic Travel in China – In rare cases, domestic flights may be delayed or canceled. If that happens, we’ll travel by train instead, which could mean a longer travel day. Flexibility and a good sense of humor are key!
Chinese Local Food (L.B.D. – Local, Basic, Delicious!) – Expect authentic Chinese meals daily — tasty, local, and sometimes a little adventurous. If you enjoy trying new dishes and embracing local flavors, you’ll fit right in!

ITINERARY DETAILS:

Day 1 – 3 (Thu, 8/28 – Sat, 8/30): LAX, USA – Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Day 3 (Sat, 8/30): Welcoming Day (L.D)

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the vibrant capital of Mongolia. Transfer to the city center and check in to your hotel. Explore the Chinggis Khaan Museum and Sukhbaatar Square, followed by an evening of traditional Mongolian art and music performance. Conclude the day with a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of your journey.

Overnight: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar

Driving distance: 55km/1.5hr from the airport to the city center

Day 4 (Sun, 8/31): Travel to Tsagaan Suvarga (B.L.D)Travel to Tsagaan Suvarga, a stunning area featuring 30-meter-high white limestone cliffs sculpted over thousands of years by natural winds. Enjoy a scenic hike around this remarkable geological wonder.