The Essence of Mongolia, Xinjiang & the Silk Road of China

Travel Date: AUG 21, 2025 – SEP 7, 2025

Our journey across Mongolia and China’s Silk Road was a profound exploration of ancient cultures, vast landscapes, and living traditions that bridge East and West. Beginning in Ulaanbaatar, we immersed ourselves in Mongolia’s nomadic spirit—riding across open steppes, visiting the historic ruins of Kharakhorum, and spending time with local herding families in Gurvanbulag. The sacred mountains of Khogno Khan and the wild horses of Hustai National Park offered unforgettable encounters with Mongolia’s natural and spiritual beauty.

Crossing into China’s legendary Xinjiang region, we were transported into the heart of the Silk Road. In Kashgar and Taxkrogan, we wandered through ancient bazaars echoing with stories of traders and travelers who once linked Asia to Europe. Continuing to Urumqi and Zhangye, we marveled at the rainbow-colored Danxia landforms—one of China’s most striking natural wonders. Our adventure concluded in Xian, home of the Terracotta Warriors, where centuries of history came vividly to life.

From the sweeping Mongolian plains to the vibrant Silk Road cities, this Mongolia, Xinjiang, and Silk Road of China journey revealed the timeless essence of two ancient civilizations—rooted in spirit, connected by trade, and alive with wonder.

Tour Route: LAX – Ulaanbaatar – Gurvanbulag – Kharakhorum – Khogno Khan – Hustai National Park – Ulaanbaatar – Kashgar – Taxkrogan – Urumqi – Zhangye – Xian – LAX

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Mongolia 🇲🇳 – Day 1: Mongol Nomadic. The first day of our journey was an unforgettable experience, as we explored the captivating Mongol Nomadic culture. The highlight of the day was visiting Mongolian and Kazakh ethnic families, where we learned about their traditional lifestyle and culture. We were also treated to a range of unique experiences, including sampling traditional yak milk, watching the movement of ox carts and camel freight, and enjoying traditional music and folk songs. Song: Mongolian Beauty by Ba Yin.

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Mongolia 🇲🇳 – Day 2: Kharakhorum. Walking through the ruins of the ancient capital founded by Chinggis Khaan in 1220, I could almost feel the spirit of history surrounding us. It was awe-inspiring to stand where his son, Ögedei, built a grand palace in 1235, imagining the life that once thrived here. Visiting Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s first Buddhist temple complex built on the old city’s remains, added such a sense of peace and reflection to the day. Truly a journey of history, culture, and wonder. Song: One Day in Mongolia by Jonon & Man on the Moon.

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Mongolia 🇲🇳 – Day 3: Felt workshop & Gurvanbulag Community (FULL day version). By far, this has been my favorite day and the happiest movie I’ve created so far, it brought back so many laughs and wonderful memories! We started with a felt workshop that made us feel like kids again, then traveled to Gurvanbulag where we were warmly welcomed with yak milk candy, dressed up in colorful costumes, and had so much fun taking photos (and even a few TikTok videos 😄). The adventure continued with horseback riding across the steppe, and trying traditional archery, before ending the day with a delicious dinner prepared by the community. A day overflowing with joy, culture, and unforgettable moments! ♥️😂🙏 ✨ Songs: One Day in Mongolia by Jonon & Man on the Moon, Sacred by Jonon and Man on the Moon, and The Moon is High Above by Tuan Ca Ro.

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Unstoppable Laughter at Our Felt Workshop in Mongolia. My favorite day and the happiest movie I’ve made so far, it brought back endless laughter and joyful memories. We began with a felt workshop that turned us all into kids again, laughing and creating while learning the art behind Mongolia’s beautiful decorative felt. Truly, a day overflowing with unforgettable moments! ♥️😂🙏 ✨ Song: One Day in Mongolia by Jonon & Man on the Moon

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Step Into the Past: A Day as Mongolian King & Queen. We dressed up in colorful costumes and making playful TikTok videos. Truly, a day overflowing with culture, laughter, and unforgettable moments! ♥️😂🙏 ✨ Song: Sacred by Jonon & Man on the Moon.

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Mongolia 🇲🇳 – Day 4: Khognokhan Mountain, Erdenekhamba Temple & Camel Riding (Full day version). Our fourth day in Mongolia was filled with breathtaking landscapes, cultural treasures, and unforgettable adventures. We explored Khognokhan Mountain Natural Reserve, where mountains, forests, and Gobi-style scenery meet in one stunning location. After climbing a sand dune and visiting the serene Erdenekhamba Temple, we traveled to a nearby ger camp. The highlight of the afternoon was spending time with a camel herder family and experiencing a magical camel ride across the vast steppe. A perfect blend of nature, tradition, and adventure all in one day! Songs: Mystic Gobi by Jonon & Man on the Moon, One Day in Mongolia by Jonon & Man on the Moon, and Mogolian Beauty by Ba Yin.

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Mongolia 🇲🇳 – Day 5: Hustai National Park, ChinggisKhaan statue complex, and Ulaanbaatar. On our final day in Mongolia, we journeyed through Hustai National Park, visited the towering Chinggis Khaan statue complex, and returned to Ulaanbaatar, where the trip concluded with a warm farewell dinner filled with heartfelt gratitude for our drivers and guide. What made this journey even more special were the wonderful people I traveled with, our Travel Lovers family, who filled every moment with laughter, kindness, and connection. Beyond the breathtaking, rustic landscapes and the generous hospitality of the Mongolian people, what touched me most was the raw, captivating simplicity of this land. It stirred something deep inside me, like a soul recognition, a homecoming to a familiar place. I already miss Mongolia dearly and know I will return, perhaps to wander the Gobi Desert and explore even more of this extraordinary country. Song: Golden Hometown by Ba Yin.

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Mongolia and Silk Road of China