MULTI-DAY TOURS
5-Day Gobi Express Tour
(Date: Throughout the day)
Trip Summary
Discover the timeless beauty of the Gobi Desert on this immersive 4 day journey. Start with a scenic drive to the Gobi Gurvansaikhan mountains. Visit Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs), famous for its striking red sandstone formations and rich paleontological history, where the first dinosaur eggs were unearthed. Then, explore Yolyn Am, a stunning gorge tucked within the mountains, known for its dramatic scenery, gentle hiking trails, and diverse wildlife, including the elusive Altai Snowcock and majestic Bearded Vultures. Conclude your desert adventure with a return to Ulaanbaatar, taking with you unforgettable memories of Mongolia’s natural and cultural wonders.
Trip Highlights
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT…
-
Scenic drives through the vast Gobi Desert and mountains
-
Visits to iconic natural and paleontological sites (Flaming Cliffs, Yolyn Am, Hongoryn Els)
-
Opportunities for gentle hiking and wildlife watching (vultures, snowcock, falcons)
-
Cultural experiences with local herder families and camel riding
-
Exploration of ancient rock art and dinosaur fossil sites
-
Comfortable stays in ger camps and guesthouses
THIS TRIP IS PERFECT FOR…
- Nature and wildlife enthusiasts
- Paleontology and dinosaur lovers
- Adventure travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences
- Those interested in Mongolian culture and nomadic life
- Photographers wanting dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife
- Travelers looking for a manageable, short escape to the Gobi Desert
Trip Map & Itinerary
Early in the morning, your guide and driver will pick you up for the journey to the Gobi Desert. Along the way, enjoy a picnic lunch and stop at Tsagaan Suvarga, known for its colorful sandstone cliffs and sweeping desert views. By evening, arrive at a ger camp run by local herders near the Gobi Gurvansaikhan Mountains. (Guest House; L, D; approx. 650 km / 7 hrs driving)
After breakfast, drive to Yolyn Am for a short hike through gorges and meadows, spotting raptors like Bearded and Himalayan Vultures. After lunch, continue to Khongoryn Els, the Gobi’s tallest dunes, known as the “Singing Sands.” Enjoy an evening climb before settling into your ger.
(Guest House; B, L, D; approx. 160 km drive)
After breakfast, visit a local camel herder family to learn about their lifestyle and try camel riding. After lunch, drive to the Flaming Cliffs—red cliffs about 3 km wide, famous for dinosaur fossils and the first discovered dinosaur eggs. Expeditions from several countries have worked here, with new fossils revealed each year. Dinner at a ger camp. (Guest House; B, L, D; Approx. 200 km driving)Approx 160 km driving)
Before lunch, explore some of the world’s most famous dinosaur sites. After lunch, drive to the Khavtsgait locality to see prehistoric rock art dating back 3,000–4,000 years, located atop a small rocky mountain. Mongolian specialist Dr. Christopher Atwood suggests this may be one of the earliest depictions of a Mongolian ger. In the evening, transfer to a guesthouse near the provincial center. Dinner and overnight. (Guest House; B, L, D; Approx. 100 km driving)
After breakfast, drive back to Ulaanbaatar, with a picnic lunch along the way. Drop off at your location. (Approx. 650 km driving, B, L)
Explore our full range of short tours for more unforgettable experiences
Pricing
- All sightseeing excursions including all admission fees;
- All transfers;
- All meals indicated as B, L, D;
- English speaking national guide throughout your stay;
- Bottled water per person per day.
- 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.
SUGGESTED READING:
- Learn more about the allure of the Gobi Desert. What makes it so special? Check our member article on ATTA
- Wondering when to visit Mongolia? Check out our guide:
Best Time to Visit Mongolia: A Season-by-Season Travel Guide
