Mongolia
Mongolia is a place for journeys defined by openness and continuity, where days are shaped by distance travelled, decisions made and the steady rhythm of moving across grassland, steppe and semi desert. Travel here is expansive and unhurried, guided by terrain, weather and the logic of wide, connected landscapes.
Our expeditions here are designed for those who want to experience Mongolia properly, travelling deep into open country where movement, camps and daily decisions are informed by nomadic tradition and modern logistics working together, with everything planned, handled and supported to an exceptional standard.
desert expeditions in mongolia
Mongolia offers some of the most expansive and uninterrupted landscapes anywhere for expedition travel. Open steppe, broad valleys and distant mountain ranges create the conditions for journeys that feel purposeful, spacious and grounded in continuous movement across lightly settled terrain.
This is not about ticking off highlights. Expeditions here are defined by distance travelled, daily decisions around weather, access and grazing land, and settling into a steady rhythm shaped by nomadic routes and seasonal patterns. The region’s strength lies in the freedom it gives us to design ambitious journeys that feel absorbing and measured, while still being planned and supported with great care.
EXPEDITION CONCEPTS IN mongolia
NOMADIC STEPPE TRAVERSE BY HORSE – CENTRAL MONGOLIA
A horse based journey across open steppe, travelling between seasonal grazing areas alongside local herding families. Days are shaped by pace, terrain and weather rather than distance alone, with camps positioned near rivers, wells and summer pastures. The expedition is defined by continuity of movement, close engagement with nomadic life and long horizons that emphasise rhythm over speed.
GOBI DESERT VEHICLE AND FOOT EXPEDITION – SOUTHERN MONGOLIA
A mixed travel expedition crossing remote sections of the Gobi Desert using expedition vehicles and on foot stages. Vehicle travel enables long transitions between water sources and camps, while walking stages focus on dune systems, dry valleys and desert margins. The journey is shaped by heat, access and logistics, offering sustained immersion in arid landscapes rarely reached without careful planning.
ALTAI MOUNTAINS TREK AND PACK ANIMAL ROUTE – WESTERN MONGOLIA
A mountain expedition moving through the Altai range using a combination of trekking and pack animals. Routes link high valleys, glacial rivers and isolated settlements, with progress shaped by elevation, weather and terrain. Camps are established in remote alpine basins, creating a journey defined by physical effort, measured pacing and extended time away from modern infrastructure.
what expeditions here tend to feel like
Although every expedition is bespoke, journeys in Mongolia often share a broad, unhurried rhythm shaped by distance, openness and continuity.
Days are spent moving across open steppe, semi desert and mountain fringes, with progress shaped by terrain, weather and long lines of travel rather than fixed waypoints. Evenings are quieter and practical, centred on camp routines, shared meals and preparing deliberately for the next stage of the journey.
Depending on how an expedition is designed, this may include:
• Sustained point to point travel across wide steppe and remote basins
• Extended periods between settlements, roads or fixed infrastructure
• A considered mix of travel methods including walking, horse travel and vehicle supported stages
• Mobile camps or simple fixed bases positioned around water and shelter
• Small teams travelling together for meaningful periods of time
Some expeditions prioritise physical effort and continuous movement. Others use horses, vehicles and logistical support to allow greater distance, cultural access or a more measured pace. In every case, the journey itself remains the focus.
What's always Included
Dedicated UK Based Crux Expeditions Leader
An experienced Crux Expeditions leader is involved from the very first conversation and remains responsible for delivery on the ground. Leadership is continuous and accountable throughout.
End-to-end expedition planning and logistics
Routes, access, permits, accommodation, transport and local support are planned and coordinated in advance, with contingencies built in. Nothing is left to chance or last-minute handover.
Trusted local teams and partners
We work with experienced, fully licensed local guides and operators who we know and trust. They are treated as professional partners and integrated into the expedition team.
Preparation, systems and decision-making frameworks
Expeditions are supported by structured preparation, clear systems and robust decision-making processes designed for remote environments.
UK-based operational oversight
While expeditions are running, our UK operations team provides continuous support, oversight and backup, ensuring leaders are never operating in isolation.
THE WAY WE WORK
We take on a small number of expeditions each year and focus on delivering each one exceptionally well.
Our role is to remove uncertainty from complex journeys. That means taking responsibility early, planning carefully, and making sound decisions as conditions and circumstances evolve. We work calmly and deliberately, allowing expeditions to unfold with purpose rather than urgency.
We are selective about the environments we operate in, the partners we work with and the projects we take on. Expeditions are designed with care, led with confidence and supported quietly in the background so that the experience itself remains the focus.
This approach suits people who value judgement, preparation and discretion, and who want to feel they are in very capable hands.
Who this region suits
Mongolia suits people drawn to space, continuity and journeys defined by openness rather than density. It appeals to those who value time spent moving through vast landscapes, alongside the quiet reassurance of well organised travel and steady daily rhythms shaped by distance and terrain.
It is particularly well suited to:
• Private groups wanting a shared experience shaped by landscape, movement and perspective
• Individuals commissioning a journey that balances physical engagement with curiosity and cultural context
• Those who appreciate simplicity, strong logistics and a sense of order across wide, lightly settled terrain
• Teams who value calm leadership, local knowledge and well judged pacing
It works equally well for expeditions that prioritise sustained travel across open country, and for journeys that use horses, vehicles and carefully planned support to make long distances manageable, comfortable and deeply engaging.
begin the conversation
Start designing your mongolian expedition
Planning a serious expedition starts with a proper conversation.
If you are considering an expedition in this region, we invite you to get in touch and share a little about what you have in mind. This does not need to be fully formed. Many expeditions begin with nothing more than a rough idea or a sense of what you want to experience.
We will take the time to understand your objectives, how you want to travel, and the balance of challenge and support that feels right, before shaping an expedition designed specifically around you.
Prefer to get in touch directly?
If you would rather start the conversation by email, you’re very welcome to contact us at:
If a call would be helpful, we’re happy to arrange one once we understand a little more about what you’re looking for.
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