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Reviews

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was written by us.

Every line below is quoted from a public Tripadvisor review of a Rara Avis journey. We shorten for length and never change a word. The guides named are still with us.

In our guests' words

4.9 out of 5 on Tripadvisor. 128 reviews, none of them ours.

Read every review on Tripadvisor →
★★★★★ A truly unique and amazing experience

From the minute they picked up my friends and I from our hotel in Ulaanbaatar, it was clear how much thought and intention had been put into every aspect of the tour. Nyamka and CJ were wonderful tour guides. Even the different lodgings we stayed in over the three days became an interactive educational experience, first staying in traditional gers and getting to know a nomadic family, then a modern ger resort, and lastly a wonderful lodge to close out our last night.

Adam, Gary, IndianaPrivate three day journey, group of friends · October 2025
★★★★★ Best expedition ever

We did a three week expedition that Rara Avis put together for us two couples aged 65 to 81. We stayed in lodges, gers, hotels, shared time with two different local families who took us hunting with the family's golden eagle on horseback, then went to the local eagle festival twice. If you are the adventurous, regardless of your age, take the time to truly experience Mongolia in all its beauty. I would go again in a heartbeat.

Paul R, Victoria, TexasThree week expedition, two couples aged 65 to 81 · September 2025
★★★★★ Best trip of my life

We did an 11 day tour from Ulaanbaatar to West Mongolia with CJ and Nyamka, and it was honestly one of the best experiences of my entire life. They tailored the entire itinerary to our group's interests, even agreeing when we wanted to skip a night at a hotel in exchange for camping. The best part of it all was the people. Everyone was so open, warm, and eager to help even when situations didn't go as planned.

Shi En WEleven day journey to western Mongolia · July 2025
★★★★★ Mongolia with Rara Avis is a must

The intentionality, professionalism, insight, and information were all 10/10. It was the perfect balance of fun, relaxation, activity, and learning. We spent one night with a local herder family, a once in a lifetime experience, as well as a night in a very comfortable lodge and another in a classic ger hotel.

A group of seven colleaguesCustom three night private tour · October 2025
★★★★★ Wonderful time exploring Terelj Park

The tour company was on time and the guide and driver were professional and helpful. The horseback ride through the green woods above the temple and around Turtle Rock was great. We changed the riding pace and I felt safe the entire time. Lunch at their gorgeous lodge was great.

Thomas DTerelj, horseback and Big Sky Lodge · July 2026
★★★★★ Unforgettable three day Mongolian adventure

At Hustai National Park we were incredibly lucky to see Mongolian wild horses up close, less than 100 metres from our car. Our guide explained everything, from nomadic life to Buddhism and the Mongol Empire, in a way that was both accessible and insightful. Special thanks also to our driver, whose superb driving skills made us feel safe and comfortable at all times.

Yip Wing YanKharkhorin, Khustai and the Mini Gobi, three days · June 2025
★★★★★ I love Mongolia

What I appreciated most was their flexibility. They were happy to adapt plans depending on the group's needs and conditions, all while ensuring our safety remained the top priority. I always felt well taken care of, but never restricted. Nyamka and CJ are the best.

Eugene NPrivate journey with friends · June 2025
★★★★★ Getting to know Mongolia

The tour guide and driver were very friendly and flexible on timing and places I wanted to see. The driver was very professional and kept the car very clean and safe. The wide open skies, people, history, and culture really opened my mind.

Korey DMulti day private tour · June 2025
★★★★★ Tuya, best guide ever

Tuya has an encyclopedic knowledge of Mongolia and was extremely attentive to the group's needs. Not only would I take a tour guided by her again and again, but I wholeheartedly recommend her without reservation.

Mark G, Jacksonville, FloridaDay journey to the Chinggis Khaan statue · June 2025
★★★★★ A great experience of Mongolian history

Our guide, Tuya, was fluent in English, could communicate in Japanese, and was very knowledgeable about Mongolian history. There was a driver in addition to the guide. It was a very comfortable tour. If I go to Mongolia again, I would like to book another tour with Rara Avis.

Koh, JapanDay journey, business traveller · June 2025
★★★★★ No words. Perfect tour

Unexpectedly I was the only one on the tour and both the guide and I were early, so we were able to shift stops around as we went and really had time to experience this interesting city. The guide was accommodating, knowledgeable and funny.

Christina M, Zurich, SwitzerlandUlaanbaatar signature day · April 2025
★★★★★ The best and worth it

My guide Bat shared a lot of insightful facts about Mongolia's history and culture. He went beyond, gave me plenty of opportunities to take photos and I also got to try the Mongolian milk tea and dumplings. The good thing about doing this in winter is that you can enjoy the places all to yourself.

Janeille Faith LWinter horseback day in Terelj · December 2024
★★★★★ Cultural insights, well paced

The itinerary was well paced and we saw many animals and beautiful countryside on the way. Our guide shared meaningful insights into Mongolian culture, traditions, and the significance of Chinggis Khaan's legacy. Khantushig was a great guide and I can't recommend him enough.

Rani CHalf day with her daughter · July 2025
★★★★★ Nice drive, nice food, nice guide, nice everything

It was a great tour with a safe drive, a private tour, and a nice explanation. They took beautiful pictures. I can't forget my memory in Mongolia. I will go again.

Minh Ha, Seoul, South KoreaPrivate journey with friends · September 2024

Every quotation on this page is a verbatim excerpt from a public Tripadvisor review, checked 9 September 2026. We shorten, we never rewrite. Ranked #13 of 411 outdoor activities in Ulaanbaatar.

Guides by name

Nyamka, CJ, Tuya, Bat, Enjii, Khantushig

Guests keep writing about the same people, because the same people keep guiding. Employees, not freelancers.

The drivers

"Kept the car very clean and safe"

Our drivers are ours, trained every year, and they show up in reviews as often as the guides. That is rare, and it is deliberate.

The one that went wrong

A short ride, made right the same day

One winter guest found the first horse ride too brief. The team went out again through the woods that afternoon. We would rather you read that than pretend it never happens.

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