Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Mongolia, where the vastness of the Gobi Desert meets the timeless traditions of the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle. Ride a camel across the sweeping dunes, experience the exhilarating freedom of the open wilderness, and immerse yourself in the rhythms of life that have remained unchanged for centuries. Discover a land of striking contrasts, where endless skies and rugged landscapes invite you to reconnect with nature in its purest form.
Day 1. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to a hotel for check-in and overnight in a hotel. -/-/-
Day 2. Ulaanbaatar - Chinggis Khan Statue and Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Just 54 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar, the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue (Tsonjin Boldog Complex) stands as the largest equestrian statue in the world. According to the legend, this monumental structure marks the spot where Chinggis Khaan discovered a golden whip. The complex also features a fascinating museum displaying Hunnu artifacts and relics from the Mongol Empire, along with a cafe and souvenir shop. After visiting, we'll continue our journey to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a striking landscape known for its unique rock formations. Upon arrival, check in at a traditional tourist Ger camp, offering cozy accommodations in yurts with stunning views. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon exploring the surrounding area, home to diverse wildlife including gazelles, ibex, vultures, hawks, and eagles.
Accommodation: Ger camp, B/L/D.
Day 3. Gobi Museum of Natural Historъ of Dalanzadgad city & Youl Valley, Three beauties of Gobi
Early in the morning, we head to Dalanzadgad in the South Gobi Province to visit the Gobi Museum of Nature and History, which opened in 2022 and houses over 4,000 fascinating artifacts, ranging from prehistoric fossils to local craftsmanship. After enjoying lunch and some shopping in town, we will continue to the spectacular Yol Valley (also known as Eagle Valley) located within the "Three Beauties of Gobi" National Park. Sheltered by towering canyon walls, this lush, flower-filled oasis is famous for its narrow stream that freezes in winter, creating a thick corridor of ice that often lasts well into the summer. To explore the valley, we will embark on an engaging two-hour round-trip trek where you will navigate rocky paths and hop across a small river; however, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can easily turn back halfway or choose to explore the valley on horseback. As you marvel at the towering cliffs flanking your path, keep an eye out for wild sheep and goats grazing high up on the sheer rock faces.
Accommodation: Ger camp, B/L/D.
Day 4. Khongor sand dunes, the biggest sand dune in Gobi Desert
Today, we’ll journey through the rugged wilderness of the Gobi to the stunning Khongor, one of the most picturesque regions in the Gobi Desert. The vast white sand dunes stretch over 180 km, with the highest point, Duut Mankhan, reaching around 300 meters. Upon arrival at the tourist camp near the dunes, we’ll enjoy lunch and take some time to relax in the cozy Ger camp as the heat of the day subsides. In the late afternoon, we’ll visit a local camel herder family to experience their unique nomadic lifestyle. Then, we’ll embark on a camel ride to explore the area, as the surroundings are ideal for camel trekking. Mongolia is home to two-thirds of the world’s Bactrian camels, known for their gentle, calm nature and extraordinary patience. Next, we’ll take a short excursion to the beautiful green oasis of Seruun Bulag, located near the Khongor River and sand dunes. Afterward, we’ll drive to the highest point of the dunes, known as the Singing Dune, and climb to the top of Duut Mankhan. On windy days, the dunes produce a fascinating sound, similar to the hum of an airplane engine. From the summit, the views of the desert are truly breathtaking. If you wish, we can enjoy the stunning sunset over the sand dunes before returning to the tourist camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Ger camp, B/L/D
Day 5. Bayanzag (Flaming cliffs)
On this day, we’ll continue our journey to Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs, a renowned site in the heart of the Gobi Desert famous for its exceptional dinosaur fossils. The area is characterized by striking red hillocks, shaped by wind and water erosion, which appear to glow like fire from a distance. In 1923, Roy Chapman Andrews and an American expedition made a groundbreaking discovery here, uncovering the first nests of dinosaur eggs, which proved to the world that dinosaurs laid eggs. We’ll explore this fascinating site, including the unique saxaul trees and the red hillocks. Occasionally, fossilized bones and eggs can still be found by visitors, but if you happen to spot one, please do not touch it, as removing fossils without a permit is illegal.
Accommodation: Ger camp, B/L/D
* In the nearby city there is a museum dedicated to the dinosaurs found in the valley. The museum is not included in the itinerary, check with your local guide if you have the time to visit it. Entrance fee is about $5 and should be paid cash.
Day 6. Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)
In the morning, we'll set off toward Tsagaan Suvarga, passing through the vast steppes and wildlife of the Middle Gobi province. Upon reaching the Ger camp, located just next to Tsagaan Suvarga, we'll check in and enjoy lunch. Tsagaan Suvarga is a massive escarpment, rising 200 meters high and stretching 400 meters across. The striking, eroded landscape was once submerged beneath the sea, leaving behind an abundance of marine fossils and clam shells. Over the past 10 million years, the wind has shaped this remarkable natural formation. This area is perfect for hiking and capturing breathtaking panoramic views through photography.
Accommodation: Ger camp, B/L/D
Day 7. Back to Ulaanbaatar city
We have a traditional Mongolian breakast at the camp. Journey back to Ulaanbaatar and arrival around 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Overnight in a hotel. B/-/-
Day 8. Departure
Transfer to the airport and departure. B/-/-
Note: please keep in mind that single supplements are not possible in the capms, but we are sure we will have wonderful time together. Accommodation in Tourist Ger camp/ Nomadic Ger camp is always shared - 3 to 5 people in yurt.
Useful tips:
- Although everything is provided, it is a good idea to bring a personal thermos cup for tea/coffee and a bottle for water
- Ger camps are facilitated with sleeping sheets, blankets and pillows, you can bring your own gear if you decide to
- We reccomend you to bring your own toiletries (soap, shampoo, shower gel) and a towel
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential, poles are up to your personal preferences
- Weather can vary from hot days to cold nights, make sure to bring proper clothing, sunglasses and hat