Trip Summary
Gobi desert is a vast area covering almost a quarter of Mongolia’s territory and is home to dinosaur-rich fossil beds, diverse wildlife with dune bears and snow-leopard, as well as nomadic camel herders’ culture. Unlike what many think, sand covers only a small part of Gobi and the rest is arid land that is easily turned into green vegetation during a summer with good rain. Gobi is still very little inhibited and camel herders roam freely following their animals. Of the estimated one million bacterial camels in the world, about 500,000 of them live in Mongolia’s Gobi desert. Camels are still used for transportation and while you are in Gobi, you will have an opportunity to ride them.
Trip Highlights
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT…
- Explore the vast and varied landscapes of the Gobi Desert
- Learn about Mongolia’s prehistoric past
- Observe diverse wildlife
- Experience the nomadic culture of camel herders
- Ride Bactrian camels
- Enjoy the serenity of the sparsely inhabited desert
THIS TRIP IS PERFECT FOR…
- Adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts
- History buffs interested in dinosaurs and fossils
- Wildlife enthusiasts looking to see rare animals
- Cultural explorers wanting to experience nomadic lifestyles
- Travelers seeking unique and authentic experiences
- Those interested in camel riding and traditional modes of transportation
Trip Map & Itinerary
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure south to the Gobi desert. Upon arrival, we will begin driving to the Khongor sand dunes, Gobi’s largest of the dunes. Here, we will enjoy climbing the tallest of the dune called a “singing dune” and visit a camel herder family to sample ride two-humped camels. Overnight at a tourist class ger camp. (Ger Camp; L, D)
In the morning, we will enjoy additional hiking opportunities. Next, drive to the Gurvan Saikhan basin to our next ger camp where we will spend the next two days exploring the Gobi. En route, stop at an ancient petroglyph site to explore the artwork of early Gobi dwellers. Overnight in gers.
(Ger Camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, drive to the Yol Valley located in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Yol Valley is named after the prey birds “Yol” or lamaseries who dwell in the higher cliffs of the valley. It contains ice that persists as late as July and is home to many of Gobi’s wildlife including Ibex, “Argali” or mountain wild sheep and snowleapard. Stroll through the valley and enjoy a picnic lunch. Moltsog Els, one of Gobi’s few areas covered with sand. Enjoy riding a camel for a short distance and visit a came herder family.
In the afternoon, we will drive to the Flaming Cliffs, a red cliff stretching about 3 km in wide, where hundreds of dinosaur fossils have been found. Paleontological expeditions from many countries, including from U.S, Poland, Japan and Russia have worked here in the last 80 years. Each year rain and wind reveals yet more fossils and every summer new discoveries are made. We will equip ourselves with brushes and small cleaning materials and look for rare fossils hidden in the cliffs. Enjoy a sunset dinner at this majestic place before returning back to our ger camp. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
In the morning, drive to the airport for the return flight back to Ulaanbaatar (1.5 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. (B)
Pricing
- UB – Gobi round-trip flight;
- Accommodations in a ger with en-suite bathroom at deluxe ger camps;
- 3 daily meals as indicated as B, L or D;
- All transfers by private Land Cruiser including drinking water;
- English speaking guide with local knowledge, expertise, suggestions, and support throughout trip;
- All taxes and service charges.
- International airfare;
- Personal laundry;
- Drinks not mentioned in the itinerary;
- Travel insurance and Medical evacuation costs;
- Excess baggage charges, Visa fees;
- Gratuities;
- Photography and video fees and any other item not mentioned as included.
PHOTOS & REVIEWS
We had an amazing trip with Baggy and Ayush from Mongolia Quest. We went down by road deep into the Gobi desert, saw the Sand Dunes, the Flaming Cliffs and stayed at a couple of very special Ger camps. Long stunning drives but fun and with great conversation. We travelled with our two kids, 9 and 8 years of age. Baggy and Ayush made it all so simple for us. Trip was so well organised and they showed us spectacular places. They took well care of us at all times. One of the best experiences ever. We loved the trip, Mongolia and its wonderful people and we are already looking forward to coming back some day. We definitelly recommend Mongolia Quest to other travelers.
