5 day trips in Mongolia

Definately cheaper to book there than online.
Made that mistake last year. Could have saved us $100's by booking on arrival, but with only a few days to spare, you don't want to waste them hanging round UB, trying to get organised.
You might be able to pre plan something with a guesthouse. Tell them ahead you want an overnight, then off the next morning. 5 days you might be best just heading west to Karakhorin then back through the National Parks. It's all fabulous!!!

In 5 days you can do a tour of the Gobi, the most distinctive and fascinating area of Mongolia IMO. Try looking at www,gobitours.com

Write the guesthouses and see what they have too offer so that you don't waste your limited time.

Post something here and on other travel companion forums indicating your specific dates.

Sorry but I am going to rain on your parade a bit:
>I guess I might have a budget running to around US$350 if I cant find a group to join.

This probably isn't enough considering that the usual cost for a trip to Gobi is about 50-75 USD per person per day for a vehicle that holds 4-5 people plus the guide and driver. If the vehicle isn't full, then you will pay more.

puddleglum's recommendation of a tour to Gobi would be a good one except that the usual trip to Gobi takes 5 days so if you don't arrange something in advance, this isn't a viable destination.

Take a look at this thread: 7 days in Mongolia for some ideas of what might be possible with your limited time.

Ruth

Thanks for your help and suggestions, much appreciated. I guess US$350 is not much to get someone to run a private trip for me!!! Will see what turns up!