Cherry Blossoms and Nomads

Welcome to South Korea! Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be met by a local English-speaking guide and transferred to Busan by KTX, a bullet train. Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city is framed by electric blue oceans, lush mountains and mouthwatering cuisine, it’s a city bursting with surprises and a chilled vibe and the perfect base to start your journey. The remainder of the day is at leisure. If you are interested, why not head to Gamcheon Cultural Village or explore the fish markets right near your hotel?Overnight – Hotel Noah or similar

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Changwon. Upon arrival, visit Anmingogae Hill, a picturesque 9-kilometre-long hill extending from Taebaek-dong in Jinhae to Anmin-dong in Changwon. Six of the nine kilometres are adorned with cherry blossoms, forming the famous Jinhae Cherry Blossom Tunnel. This hill also offers stunning views of Jinhaeman Bay, Ungsan Mountain (alt. 703m), Sirubong Peak (alt. 630m), and Cheonjabong Peak (502m).Next, explore the area around Yeojwacheon Stream, renowned as one of the best locations for viewing the spectacular cherry blossoms. Each April, Jinhae transforms into a city of blossoms, with the Yeojwacheon Stream area offering the most breathtaking displays.End your day with a visit to Gyeonghwa Station, another famed spot for cherry blossom viewing. Although railway services here have been discontinued, the station is surrounded by rows of cherry blossom trees, creating a magical tunnel effect filled with flowers. Take a leisurely walk through this serene setting, soaking in the beauty of the blooms. (B)Overnight – Local guesthouse

Enjoy breakfast this morning at a local restaurant before you get ready to depart on foot to walk two sections of the Dream Road totalling 14km and taking approx 6 hours. Listen to the birds singing in the surrounding forest as you walk the Dream Road. The sweet scent of the cherry blossoms floats in the air and their petals will rain on you like soft snowflakes.Depending on what time you finish walking today, for those interested, you may wish to visit the birthplace of Seongheungsa and Kim Daejin, a famed poet and Kim Daejin’s literature museum, located at the end of the Dream Road. (B)Overnight – Local guesthouse  

Fuel up again this morning in a local restaurant for breakfast before you depart on two more sections of Dream Road. You will cover a distance of 13.4km today, and it will take approx. 6 hours. Walk through the cooling forest as your mind clears and you absorb the spectacular nature around you. (B)Overnight – Local guesthouse

Following breakfast at a local restaurant, you will embark on a scenic drive to Mt. Songnisan National Park, approximately 3.5 hours away. This park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and offers a unique opportunity to engage in a temple stay program, introducing you to the serene practices of Zen Buddhism.Nestled in lush greenery, Songnisan National Park is home to mountains that have been revered for 1500 years. The highlight of your visit will be Beopjusa Temple, a significant Buddhist site founded in 553 CE. Beopjusa, meaning ‘a temple where the teaching of the Buddha resides’ holds a wealth of cultural treasures.  This includes Geumdongmireukdaebul, a gilded bronze Buddha statue standing 33 metres high and Palsangjeon, a five-story wooden pagoda. You will also see Daeungbojeon, which is considered one of three major Buddhist halls in Korea as well as Ssangsajaseokdeung (twin-lion stone lamp), a lotus-shaped stone fountain, and Palsangjeon Hall.Regardless of your personal beliefs, the temple stay provides an immersive experience of Buddhist spiritual culture. You will participate in a traditional vegetarian temple meal for dinner, followed by an evening Yebul ceremony. Yebul is the most significant event in Korean temples, involving paying respect to the Buddhas and reaffirming teachings. This ceremony, also known as the “ceremony of five fragrances,” is marked by the sounding of various instruments to symbolically summon all beings. It includes recitations of the Heart Sutra and Wishes for the welfare of the temple and all people (Barunmoon).The temple observes lights out by 9 pm, providing a serene end to the day. This experience allows you to connect deeply with nature and engage in self-reflection within the peaceful setting of Beopjusa Temple. (B,L,D)Overnight – Buddhist Temple Stay

Participate in an early morning chant (yebel) with the monks under the moonlight and stars. After this peaceful and spiritual experience, return to the main temple for a nourishing breakfast.Next, you’ll have the opportunity to practice Zen meditation, surrounded by the peaceful setting of the mountains. Following the meditation, you’ll participate in a traditional tea ceremony hosted by the monks and nuns. This interactive experience gives you the chance to ask questions and gain  valuable insights into their way of life and the principles of Zen Buddhism. Savour a temple lunch before departing at midday. You will return to Incheon International Airport for your onward flight to Ulaanbaatar.Welcome to Mongolia! On arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, marking the start of your Mongolian adventure. (B)Overnight – Best Western Premier Tuushin or similar

After breakfast, begin your sightseeing tour of Ulaanbaatar. Start with a visit to the Gandan Monastery, a Buddhist Monastery that is home to over 100 monks and features a 26-metre bronze statue of Avalokitesvara in its main building. Next, explore the National Museum, which offers a comprehensive overview of the country’s history, culture, and geography. In the evening, enjoy a traditional folk performance, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)Overnight – Best Western Premier Tuushin or similar

Leaving Ulaanbaatar today, you’ll head east to the steppe and spend the day at the 13th Century Camp, tour around the camp stopping at each area to experience life in 13th Century Mongolia, learn about the blacksmiths, teachers, herders, shamans and kings amongst others before driving to Terelj National Park and overnighting at a ger camp within the park. (B,L,D)Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities

Another full day in the park offers a chance for a horse ride through the beautiful, forested mountains. The park’s location, some 1,600 metres above sea level, means that the air is cool and the alpine scenery spectacular and you’ll find a number of interesting rock formations dotted across the landscape including Turtle Rock and the Praying Lama Rock. For those who would prefer not to ride, there are options for cycling and kayaking too. (B,L,D)Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities

Leaving the park this morning, you’ll head for the great Genghis Khan statue on the banks of theTuul River. Over 40 metres high and visible for miles around, it is possible to climb the statue to enjoy some sweeping views across the countryside. Continue towards the Hustai National Park, home to the rare and endangered wild Przewalski horses, where an early evening drive through the park affords an opportunity to see them in their native habitat. (B,L,D)Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities

After an early morning horse ride, you’ll continue onto Kharkhorin today, once the capital of the Mongol Empire. In the 16th century the remains of Kharkhorin were used to build the monastery of Erdene Zuu, probably the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery in the country. A visit to the excellent museum will provide a valuable insight into the region’s fascinating history. (B,L,D)Overnight – Local Hotel or similar

A morning visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery provides an opportunity to watch the mid-morning ceremony and chanting before you continue into the valleys of central Mongolia. Passing herds of grazing goats, sheep and horses, your destination today is the sacred landscapes of the Orkhon Valley, once the seat of imperial power on the steppes. (B,L,D)Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities

Fed by the waters of the Orkhon River, this beautiful river valley was inscribed by UNESCO as one of the country’s most important cultural landscapes. Armed with a picnic lunch today you will take to the waters of the river in kayaks, to paddle your way down a series of small canyons and through the tranquillity of the serene countryside. (B,Picnic Lunch,D)Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities

A drive this morning brings you to the beautiful Orkhon Khurkhree Waterfall. After heavy rains this is one of the most spectacular sights in the country, especially around late July, and August. Just downstream from the falls, a short walk will bring you to a 22-metre-deep gorge and the surrounding countryside is a perfect spot for horse riding. After a stop for a swim in the natural pools, you’ll then head back to your ger camp in time for dinner. (B,L,D)Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities

Heading to Tovkhon Khiid (50km, 2hrs) first thing this morning, you’ll enjoy an hour’s walk through the pine forests to a tiny monastery with spectacular views. Driving on through the valleys and over high mountain passes, you’ll then reach the magnificent setting of the Khogno Khan National Park (180km, 4-5hrs), home to a rich mix of historical sites, wildlife, and spectacular scenery. Overnight at a traditional ger camp overlooking the vast Mongolian steppe. (B,L,D) 

Covering some 47,000 hectares, the national park is a haven for all sorts of flora and fauna, with ibex, red deer and even wolves being a regular sight amongst the desert steppes. Over the next couple of two days, you’ll have opportunities to enjoy a walk in the rocky hills, take in the vast stretches of sand dunes, visit local nomadic herders, and even experience a camel ride through the dunes. (B,L,D)Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities

Spend another day exploring Khogno Khan. (B,L,D)Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities

The drive back to the capital will take most of the morning, but the afternoon is free to spend a little more time exploring Ulaanbaatar at your own pace. Take in more of its monasteries and museums or enjoy some last-minute shopping before dinner. (B,L,D)Overnight – Best Western Premier Tuushin or similar

Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)

• 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Busan


• 3 nights at guesthouses on the Dream Road


• 1 night in a Temple Stay in Mt. Songnisan National Park (multi-share)


• 3 nights in 4-star hotels – Ulaanbaatar


• 1 nights in a local hotel (basic) – Kharkhorin


• 9 nights at standard ger camps (multishare)

Buddhist Temple Stay

Your Temple Stay in Mt. Songnisan National Park is simple multi-share accommodation, with shared bathrooms.  Men and Women are not permitted to share the same room, so the group will be divided into genders for rooming.

Standard Ger Camp

Standard ger camps offer a semi-nomadic experience with limited electricity, and generally 3-4 beds, around a central stove. Shared bathrooms include flushing toilets and showers, though hot water and Wi-Fi availability may vary. All ger camps are multi-share.

Before embarking on an adventure to Mongolia, it’s important to know if this unique, rugged travel experience suits your travel style. To help guide your decision, here are some aspects of travelling in Mongolia that past travellers have faced—are you ready for the adventure? Click here to read the full blog.