China + Mongolia

Expedition Dates: 

July 29 - August 10, 2026

Cost: 

$4495 + Airfare

Ages:

Worldwide Youth Ages 15-19

Trip Pace:

Moderate

Physical Activity:

Moderate

Highlights:

Explore Beijing and the Forbidden City, see the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, hike the Great Wall, meet Mongolian eagle hunters, ride horses and camels in the Gobi Desert, stay in traditional yurts.

Vaccine Requirements:

None

Visa Requirement:

Yes, Illuminate will assist with detailed instructions on obtaining your visa closer to the trip dates.

International Airport:

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

About This Trip

Fly into Beijing to experience the hustle and bustle of one of China’s largest cities. After exploring the “Forbidden City”, get off the beaten path to explore the small villages and rice paddies while being immersed in Chinese culture. Take a train to Xi’an to see the giant Terracotta Army, a collection of sculptures depicting the armies of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Hike one of the great wonders of the world; the Great Wall of China.

Travel to Mongolia and spend time with the indigenous Kazakh eagle trainers and hunters. Get to know the Mongolian Nomadic Tribes, explore the Gobi Desert via horse and camel and stay in traditional GER or yurt in Nomad villages.

Itinerary is subject to change due to group size and availability.
YOUR TRIP LEADER

Justin

Even though Justin dreamed of being a sheep herder in New Zealand when he grew up, he is a photographer by trade and has led hundreds of youth across the globe with National Geographic for nearly 10 years and 12 years with youth who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Illuminate Youth Trips. He has worked with the industry greats including Canon, National Geographic, Spin Magazine, and has photographed many stars including Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Michael Jordan, and Paul McCartney.

He is oddly obsessed with everything penguin, won’t eat vegetables to save his life, has an affinity for swimming in arctic waters next to his favorite natural wonder that are icebergs. He is a wizard at creating once in a lifetime itineraries and often works his best magic with the help of a few hundred Instagram searches at 2am. Justin’s the guy who woke up one morning and realized that he had visited all seven continents in the span of eight months without consciously trying. Justin’s passion for the world, the youth, and life in general is contagious and captivating.

Justin is the co-founder of a non-profit organization, ROAM Humanitarian, giving adults and families meaningful humanitarian experiences around the world.

Justin met his wife Lindsay when he was 14 years old and after over 20 years of marriage still has any adventure with her and their four incredible children at the top of his bucket list. Justin’s world goes round from Heber Valley, Utah which is remarkably beautiful enough to get this wanderer to plant roots and call Utah home.