Special Grand Tour in Mongolia (TGT)
- Enkhzaya Ganbold
- Jul 28
- 9 min read
What is special Grand Tour in Mongolia?
"The Grand Tour" is a popular television series that takes viewers on a journey around the world to explore different cultures, landscapes, and experiences. One of the most exciting seasons of the show was filmed in Mongolia, a country known for its rugged beauty and rich history. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the "Grand Tour" season in Mongolia and what made it such a thrilling adventure for the hosts and viewers alike. Filmed in late June 2018, Jeremy Clarkson himself has expressed his dislike for shooting this particular special, citing the challenging conditions faced by the trio during the segment. "Survival of the Fattest" received widespread praise, earning a 9.8/10 rating on both IMDb and TVTime, a 9.5/10 on TVMaze, and an impressive 86% score on Trakt.tv.
Who are the hosts of the Grand tour?
The season begins with the hosts - Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May - arriving in Mongolia, where they immediately immerse themselves in the local culture. They explore the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, sampling traditional foods like buuz (steamed dumplings) and airag (fermented mare's milk) and meeting locals who still live a traditional nomadic lifestyle.
From there, the hosts set off on a series of epic challenges and adventures that showcase the beauty and diversity of Mongolia. They race across the Gobi Desert in custom-built cars, taking on treacherous terrain and dodging sandstorms. They visit the ancient city of Kharkhorin, once the capital of the Mongol Empire, and explore the ruins of the Erdene Zuu Monastery.
Perhaps the most iconic moment of the season is when the hosts attempt to cross the vast expanse of the Khövsgöl Nuur, a massive lake in northern Mongolia that's surrounded by some of the country's most stunning landscapes. The hosts build their own boats out of various materials, from inflatable rafts to wooden canoes, and set off on a journey that's equal parts hilarious and heart-stopping.
Throughout the season, the hosts also interact with the local people, learning about their customs and traditions and gaining a deeper appreciation for the challenges and joys of life in Mongolia. They meet with nomadic herders who still live in traditional gers (tents) and rely on their animals for survival. They attend a local wrestling tournament and witness the fierce competition and camaraderie that defines this ancient sport.
What was vehicle of Grand tour Mongolia?
The custom-built off-road vehicle utilizes a 2.5L 300TDi turbodiesel engine from Land Rover, equipped with a locking differential at the front and a low-range gear, delivering 111 horsepower.
Vehicle name | Picture | Drivers |
John - Land Rover's 300TDi 2.5L |  | James May and Jeremy Clarkson |
What makes the "Grand Tour" season in Mongolia so compelling is its combination of breathtaking landscapes, extreme challenges, and cultural immersion. The hosts are constantly pushed out of their comfort zones, but they also gain a newfound respect for the resilience and resourcefulness of the Mongolian people. Viewers are treated to a front-row seat to this unforgettable adventure, which is sure to inspire a sense of wonder and wanderlust in anyone who watches.
Finally, here's a list of some popular destinations in Mongolia:
Grand Tour in Mongolia route
1. Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar, the pulsating heart of Mongolia, stands as a bustling metropolis and the nation’s political, cultural, and economic hub. With a population of approximately 1.7 million people in 2025, it is Mongolia’s largest city, situated at an elevation of 1,350 meters in the Tuul River valley, about 1,300 kilometers from the capital of China, Beijing. Serving as a key starting point for travelers exploring the country’s vast landscapes, the city blends traditional Mongolian culture—evident in landmarks like the Gandan Monastery and the National Museum of Mongolia—with modern developments, including skyscrapers and vibrant markets like the Narantuul Market. Ideal for year-round visits, Ulaanbaatar experiences warm summers (June to August) with temperatures from 15°C to 25°C, perfect for sightseeing, and harsh winters (November to March) with temperatures dropping to -30°C, offering a unique cultural experience amidst snow-covered streets.
2. Gobi Desert
The Gobi Desert, a vast and starkly beautiful expanse in southern Mongolia, captivates with its breathtaking landscapes and unique ecological features. Spanning approximately 1.3 million square kilometers across Mongolia and northern China, this desert—the fifth largest in the world—covers much of Mongolia’s southern region, including Ömnögovi Province. Renowned for its dramatic contrasts, the Gobi features towering sand dunes like Khongor Els, rugged mountains, and expansive gravel plains, alongside natural wonders such as the Flaming Cliffs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for dinosaur fossils. Its arid climate supports a resilient ecosystem, home to wildlife like Bactrian camels, Gobi bears, and snow leopards. Ideal for exploration from May to September, when temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C, the desert becomes a frozen expanse in winter (November to March), with temperatures dropping to -25°C, offering a starkly beautiful backdrop for adventurers.
3. Kharkhorin
Kharkhorin, the ancient city and former capital of the Mongol Empire, lies in Övörkhangai Province, approximately 400 kilometers southwest of Ulaanbaatar. Established by Genghis Khan around 1220 as a military outpost, it was his son, Ögedei Khan, who transformed it into a formidable imperial capital. During its zenith in the 13th century, Kharkhorin was a vibrant, multicultural hub on the Silk Road, welcoming merchants, artisans, and envoys from across Asia and Europe. Today, this historic area, located within the greater Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, is a treasure trove of history.
The region’s most prominent historical landmark is the magnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery. Founded in 1586 by Abtai Sain Khan to mark the re-introduction of Tibetan Buddhism to Mongolia, it stands as a powerful testament to the nation's spiritual and cultural heritage. Symbolically, it was constructed using stones from the ruins of the old imperial capital. As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it showcases traditional Mongolian and Tibetan architectural styles. Its most striking feature is the massive perimeter wall crowned by 108 stupas—a sacred number in Buddhism—which once enclosed over 60 temples.
Though many of the original temples were destroyed during the anti-religious purges of the 1930s, the monastery was partially preserved as a museum. Since 1990, it has regained its status as an active place of worship. A small community of monks resides there today, and the monastery comes alive during vibrant festivals like the Lunar New Year (Tsagaan Sar), which occurs in January or February.
Visitors to Kharkhorin can also explore the excellent Kharkhorum Museum, which houses artifacts unearthed from the surrounding archaeological sites, providing deep insights into the empire's history. The optimal time to visit is from May to September, when pleasant daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C. The winter months, from November to March, offer a vastly different experience, as temperatures can plummet to −25°C, blanketing the ancient ruins and stupas in a stark, beautiful layer of snow.
The Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, a vast area in central Mongolia inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, is a breathtaking region that showcases the nation's rich natural and historical treasures. For over two millennia, this valley has been viewed as the seat of imperial power and is considered a cradle of nomadic civilization.
This iconic landscape features stunning natural wonders, such as the Ulaan Tsutgalan, a dramatic waterfall cascading over volcanic cliffs, and soothing hot springs like the Tsenkher Hot Springs, renowned for their therapeutic properties.
Even more significant are the ancient ruins that span various pivotal periods of Mongolian and Central Asian history. These archaeological sites offer a profound glimpse into the nation’s cultural legacy, including:
The Orkhon Inscriptions: Eighth-century stone steles containing the earliest known examples of a Turkic script, providing invaluable information about the Göktürk Khaganate.
Khar Balgas: The extensive 8th-century ruins of the capital of the Uyghur Empire.
Karakorum: The legendary 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire, founded by Genghis Khan. While little of the original city remains, its legacy lives on through the magnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, which was built using stones from the city's ruins.
Together, these natural and historical elements make the Orkhon Valley a living museum, illustrating the enduring traditions of pastoral nomadism and the rise and fall of great steppe empires.
Terelj National Park, a breathtaking natural area just outside Ulaanbaatar, captivates visitors with its rugged rocky mountains, expansive grasslands, and picturesque hiking trails. As a highlight of the Grand Tour in Mongolia, this stunning landscape offers an unforgettable exploration of the country’s pristine wilderness.
Lake Khuvsgul, one of the largest freshwater lakes globally, enchants visitors with its pristine beauty, nestled amidst lush forests and towering mountains. This natural haven is a thriving ecosystem, home to diverse wildlife, including the iconic reindeer, making it a captivating destination in Mongolia. Located in northern Mongolia near the Russian border, the lake spans approximately 136 kilometers in length and 36 kilometers in width, with a maximum depth of 262 meters, holding about 1% of the world’s freshwater reserves. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ecological and cultural significance, it attracts adventurers with activities like fishing, boating, and hiking, especially during the summer months (June to August) when temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C. Winter, from November to March, transforms the lake into a frozen expanse, ideal for ice skating and dog sledding, with temperatures dropping to -20°C or lower.
The Altai Mountains, a majestic range in western Mongolia, captivate hikers and mountaineers with their rugged beauty and breathtaking views. Spanning across Mongolia, Russia, China, and Kazakhstan, this UNESCO World Heritage Site covers approximately 1,600 kilometers, with peaks like Mount Kuiten Uul reaching 4,374 meters, making it Mongolia's highest summit. The region boasts diverse landscapes, including alpine meadows, glaciers, and pristine lakes, alongside a rich ecosystem home to wildlife such as snow leopards, ibex, and golden eagles. Ideal for trekking and climbing from June to September, when temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, the Altai Mountains also offer cultural experiences with local nomadic communities. In winter (November to March), temperatures can plummet to -30°C, attracting adventurers for snow-covered expeditions.
Amarbayasgalant Monastery, a stunning and meticulously preserved Buddhist monastery, graces the serene countryside of northern Mongolia in Selenge Province, approximately 60 kilometers northeast of Erdenet. Constructed between 1727 and 1736, this architectural gem, often called the "Monastery of Tranquil Felicity," showcases traditional Mongolian and Tibetan influences with its ornate wooden structures and vibrant murals. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush valleys, it offers breathtaking views and a peaceful retreat. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, the monastery remains an active place of worship, housing around 60 monks and hosting annual festivals like Tsam Dance in July. Visitors can explore its 28 temples from May to September, when temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, though winter visits (November to March) reveal a snow-draped landscape at temperatures as low as -25°C.
Flaming Cliffs, an iconic site in the Gobi Desert of southern Mongolia, captivates visitors with its striking red sandstone formations that glow vibrantly under the sunlight. Located in Ömnögovi Province, approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Dalanzadgad, this UNESCO World Heritage Site gained fame in the 1920s when American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews discovered an abundance of dinosaur fossils, including the first-known dinosaur eggs. The cliffs, part of the Nemegt Basin, offer a rugged landscape rich with fossils from the Late Cretaceous period (70–75 million years ago), such as those of Velociraptor and Protoceratops. Ideal for exploration from May to September, when temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C, the site transforms into a stark, frozen expanse in winter (November to March), with temperatures dropping to -20°C, attracting intrepid adventurers.
Hustai National Park, a protected area just 100 kilometers southwest of Ulaanbaatar in Töv Province, Mongolia, is a haven for biodiversity and natural beauty. Spanning 50,600 hectares, this UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its successful reintroduction of the Przewalski's horse (Equus caballus przewalskii), the world’s last truly wild horse, with over 400 now roaming its steppe and forested hills as of 2025. The park also shelters a diverse array of wildlife, including gray wolves, golden eagles, Siberian marmots, and red deer, thriving amidst its rolling grasslands and birch forests. Ideal for wildlife watching and hiking from May to October, when temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C, Hustai offers guided tours and ger camps for visitors. In winter (November to March), temperatures can drop to -30°C, providing a stark, snow-covered landscape for adventurous travelers.
Our Grand Tour in Mongolia
Tour Agency
ENZA TOURS LLC continues to be a leading tour operator in Mongolia, specializing in crafting unforgettable travel experiences. A review of their online presence, including their LinkedIn profile and Facebook page, confirms they are still active.
Aspect | Details |
Operator Status | ENZA TOURS LLC operational since 2016, no changes reported. |
Contact Information | Address: Room-39, Building-33, 4 Khoroo, Baga Toiruu Street, Ulaanbaatar; Phone: (+976)89112100 |
Recent Activities | Focus on customized tours, cultural immersion, and adventure experiences. |
