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Freephone: 0800 747 737
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Nomads & Dynasties:
Mongolia and China

26 day escorted tour hosted by Lyndon & Colette Hadden departing 26 Aug 2026

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Mongolia’s most iconic landscapes — from the vibrant capital city of Ulaanbaatar to the dramatic White Stupa cliffs, the icy gorge of Yol, the endless dunes of Khongoryn Els, the flaming cliffs of Bayanzag, and the legendary capital of the Mongol Empire, Kharkhorin. We will travel in comfort with a private coach in Ulaanbaatar and Toyota Land Cruisers in the countryside, ensuring flexibility, safety, and personalized exploration.

In China, we combine the contrasting urban splendour of Shanghai, Beijing and Xian with the majestic sights of the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors and extraordinary landscapes of the Li River; this tour showcases China’s most glorious highlights.

 

Introducing your tour escorts Lyndon and Colette Hadden:

“We have a varied life. Colette is from the UK and on her OE to NZ after university she met me and we settled in Christchurch.  We have two  children Karina and Ben.  My working life was spent working and owning a travel agency in Christchurch. After travel agency life we spent time managing our 40 beehives and attended a farmers market in Riccarton. On the onset of Covid we bought a beachside cafe in Sumner with our son Ben which we have recently sold.  It has been great to re-connect with Discover Travel and offer our extensive travel experience with their escorted tours. Both Colette and I have travelled to over 60 countries and counting. We love adventure both overseas and NZ and Nov/Dec  2025 we will walk the 1500km Te Araroa South Island.”

 

Your tour highlights

  • Ulaanbaatar
  • Dramatic White Stupa cliffs
  • Icy gorge of Yol
  • Endless dunes of Khongoryn Els
  • Flaming cliffs of Bayanzag
  • Legendary capital of the Mongol Empire, Kharkhorin.
  • Shanghai
  • Beijing
  • Xian
  • Great Wall
  • Terracotta Warriors
  • Li River

Tour itinerary

Aug
26
Christchurch via Auckland to Shanghai

Fly New Zealand to Shanghai. Overnight on the flight.

Aug
27
Shanghai

After arriving in Shanghai, you will transfer to your hotel. This afternoon take a visit to Jinmao Tower, take a Huangpu River Cruise. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner

Meals: Dinner

 

Aug
28
Fly from Shanghai via Beijing to Ulaanbaatar

This morning you will transfer to Shanghai airport for you morning flight to Mongolia. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (Arriving 15.05PM), Mongolia.
Warm welcome at Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
Transfer to the hotel by private bus, check in for a 2-night
stay. Dinner at a fine local restaurant near the hotel (Mongolian prime steak).

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Aug
29
Ulaanbaatar

Full day sightseeing Ulaanbaatar.
Visit Gandan Monastery, Mongolia’s most active Buddhist
center. Explore the National Museum of Mongolia. See the City sights. Dinner at a fine local restaurant.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Aug
30
The Gobi Desert flight – Khongor sand dunes via Yoliin Am.

7:30AM flight to the Gobi Desert (boxed breakfast).
Yoliin Am Gorge. Drive to Khongor sand dunes.
Visiting a camel breeder’s to taste camel yogurt and enjoy
sunset camel ride along the sand dunes.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Aug
31
Khongor sand dunes – Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs.

An easy morning at the Khongor sand dunes. Lunch, check out. Drive to the Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs, visits. Sunset dinner at the Flaming Cliffs

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Sep
1
Bayanzag – Ongi ruins – Karakorum drive

Breakfast & check out by 8am.
Head northwards to Karakorum, once the heart of the Great
Mongol Empire but now a small village in the Central
Mongolia. Have lunch at Ongi monastery ruins (1.5hr stop).
Continue the drive (scenic drive) and arrive in Karakorum in
the early evening, transfer to Ger camp and rest.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Sep
2
Full day in Karakorum.

AM visit the Erdene Zuu monastery & take part in the
morning chants (blessing ceremony by the head monk).
PM visit to a real nomadic family for cultural immersion,
Airag tasting and Mongolian BBQ experience.
Dinner is at the Ger camp.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Sep
3
Karakorum – Ulaanbaatar

Breakfast & check out by 8am. Head east to Ulaanbaatar.
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, have lunch. Visit Bogd Khan’s Museum etc. Transfer to the hotel, check in for 2-night stay. Free time

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch

Sep
4
Day excursion to Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex & Terelj National Park.

Breakfast, drive to Chinggis Khaan Statue in the Tuul River
Valley. Transfer to Terelj NP, lunch & visit the Temple of Meditation and the Turtle Rock.
Return to Ulaanbaatar and see a Mongolian folklore concert at 6pm.

7:30pm farewell dinner.
9:30pm transfer back to the hotel.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Sep
5
Flight from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing

Breakfast, check out (standard check out time is 11am).
Transfer to the airport for flight to Beijing.

Arrive Beijing, group transfer to hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Sep
6
Beijing

Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, acrobatic show
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sep
7
Beijing

Juyogguan Great Wall, Jade Factory, Summer Palace, Peking duck dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sep
8
Beijing to Xian

Transfer to take a bullet train to Xian. Muslim Quarter, Dumpling dinner with Tang Dynasty Dancing Show.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sep
9
Xian

Terracotta Warriors, local workshop, Cycling on City Wall, beer tasting. Enjoy a night tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sep
10
Xian to Chengdu

Take the bullet train to Chengdu and check into you Hotel. Tonight experience the traditional Hotpot meal.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sep
11
Chengdu

Visit the world-famous Panda Base. Visit the People’s Park, enjoy a tea tasting at an old tea house, Wander the old towns alleys. Experience a face changing show.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sep
12
Chengdu to Guilin

Transfer to take a flight to Guilin in the morning. Visit the Reed Flute Cave, transfer to hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sep
13
Guilin to Yangshuo

Li River Cruise to Yangshuo. Local market. Impression Sanjieliu Night Show (A2 area)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sep
14
Yangshuo

Tai Chi lesson, countryside tour, foot message, cooking class
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sep
15
Yangshuo to Guilin

Drive back to Guilin. Ronghu Lake and Shanhu Lake, Sun and Moon Pagoda
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sep
16
Guilin to Shanghai

Transfer to take a flight to Shanghai. Era Show (A/B area)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sep
17
Shanghai

Yu Garden, Old Town, Silk Mill, Time at leisure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sep
18
Shanghai

Zhujiajiao Watertown including boat ride, Bund, Nanjing Road, farewell dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sep
19
Shanghai > Christchurch

This morning depart for New Zealand, travelling overnight.

Meals: breakfast

Jun
20
Arrive Christchurch

Arrive mid-morning.

What you’ll see on the tour

Curated escorted journeys across the globe.

Experience the trip of a lifetime with like-minded travellers.
enquire about tour now

Tour pricing:

from $21,495

per person twin/double share*
NZ$25,495 per person in a single room*

To secure your place now:

Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

Contact Us for details

Tour Inclusions:

  • Accommodation as stated based on twin share throughout tour.
  • Meals as indicated on itinerary.
  • All transfers and sightseeing with entrance fees as indicated on itinerary.
  • Local English-speaking guide.
  • Domestic air tickets in Economy class from Chengdu to Guilin & Guilin -Shanghai.
  • First Class bullet train from Beijing to Xian.
  • Meals: 22 breakfasts, 21 lunches, 22 dinners
  • Gratuities/tipping for all group activities
  • Tour escort
  • Economy class Air New Zealand return airfares from Christchurch to Shanghai
  • Economy class Air China return airfares from Shanghai to Ulaanbaatar to Beijing

Not included:

Travel insurance (compulsory), any meals/beverages not specified, additional visas required if not travelling on an NZ passport, porterage and items of a personal nature

Conditions:

• Price - The price of $21,495 per person is based on twin-share. Single Supplement - for those travellers wanting their own room, the tour price is $25,495. • Payments - the price quoted is for payment by direct bank transfer. • Bank Transfer: 06 0801 0495605 02 - Discover Travel Worldwide Ltd, using ‘China & Mongolia’ as a reference. • VISA or Mastercard payments will incur a 1.5% convenience fee and American Express a 3% fee. • To confirm your booking, a non-refundable deposit of $3,000 per person and completed booking form is required. Final payment will be due no later than 31 May 2026. • As cancellation fees apply, travel insurance is mandatory. Prices are based on a minimum group size of 12/maximum of 16 (excluding tour escort). • Should the group size be less than 12, excluding tour escort, a surcharge will apply. Please enquire about surcharges for Premium Economy or Business Premier upgrades on Air NZ flights
What a trip! The whole trip was amazing and I have come away with my preconceived ideas about the region changed in a positive way. Most young people have some English. Many young ones wanted to engage in conversation to practice their English. They seemed genuinely interested in us. It was very surprising to see NZ wines on the list of many books the hotels we stayed in and also in a remote very small dairy type store. Many of our hotels were outstanding. The odd accommodation we had in more remote areas were not so salubrious but considering where we were I was very happy. They were all clean and tidy. Lyndon was a great tour leader. Both Kylie and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and feel privileged to be able to visit these countries at an early stage in their tourism journey.
Silk Road Odyssey, May2025, Karen & Kylie
We would like to thank you for organising our Japan trip, everything about it was perfect. Our guided activities struck a good balance between history, both ancient and more recent, as well as just the right amount of opportunity to experience daily Japan life. Our accommodations struck the right balance and the private vehicles with drivers were super prompt and most comfortable. The Toyota Alphard limousines with Lazy Boy style seats were quite something! All our guides were excellent.
Japan, Tim & Malin
We have had an amazing time in China and our guide was superb. There was just so much to see and do as the country is huge. A very relaxing Yangtze River Cruise and then jam-packed days exploring many highlights of China. So, thanks for your help and support.
China, Elizabeth & Keith
We had an amazing time in India, loved it. Thank you for your recommendation and for making all the arrangements for us. Our Intrepid guide was fantastic - I think he won best Intrepid guide for India in 2023.
India, Paul & Sheila
Our trip was fabulous!! Every aspect was extremely well organised and so easy. GAdventures and our tour guide, Tam, had a well planned and great itinerary so while we got to see some amazing sights, it was still really well paced and relaxing. The timing for everything that you and the GAdventures tour organised for us was perfect. We had no glitches at all and would highly recommend all of the options to others. Thanks so much for all of your efforts for us; they were much appreciated. Hopefully we can arrange another wonderful trip with you again in the not too distant future.
Vietnam & Cambodia, Chris & Robyn
We have had an excellent holiday and a much-needed break. Thank you for your part in making our holiday a success.
Indonesia, Jane & Richard
Our trip was outstanding, our guide was great and we had a whole lot of optional extras that we took the opportunity to enjoy. Everything was seamless and well organised, we had a fantastic group that was just 11 people through Vietnam and 1 extra joined us through Cambodia. I couldn't speak highly enough of G Adventures and their staff. It was a truly memorable experience and I would certainly recommend. Many thanks for all your help and yes we are slowly readjusting to the freezing weather here!
Vietnam & Cambodia, Robyn
My trip to India was fabulous and went without any issues. Thank You!
India, Janine
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