TRIP SUMMARY
The 2026 expedition will continue fieldwork on theropod specimens first identified in 2025 at one of the most fossil-rich localities in the Gobi Desert.
This work will be a major undertaking and an important contribution to ongoing research on dinosaur diversity and evolution in Mongolia.
In addition to the excavation, the team will collect geochemical information from various fossil-bearing sites across the region. This data will help scientists understand the environments in which these animals lived and provide crucial reference material for efforts to repatriate fossils that were illegally excavated and sold on the black market.
Because many repatriated fossils lack documentation about their original localities, our work focuses on identifying where they came from. Using geochemical fingerprinting, analyzing the elemental composition of fossil bones and surrounding rocks, we aim to match these specimens to their source areas.
Each expedition in the Gobi continues to reveal discoveries and deepen our understanding of dinosaur evolution and the ecosystems they once inhabited.
You will be helping paleontologists access new areas of the Gobi to understand the dinosaurs and the ecosystems they inhabited, hunting for new fossils along the way!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Who is This Expedition Perfect For?
- Aspiring Paleontologists & Students – Gain hands-on field experience working alongside leading experts.
- Science & History Enthusiasts – Contribute to groundbreaking research and fossil conservation efforts.
- Adventurous Travelers – Explore Mongolia’s remote Gobi Desert while engaging in real scientific discovery.
- Photographers & Storytellers – Capture stunning landscapes and the thrill of unearthing prehistoric history.
What to Expect:
- Fieldwork & Fossil Discovery – Assist in identifying and documenting dinosaur fossils in their natural setting.
- Scientific Conservation Efforts – Support international efforts to protect and repatriate Mongolia’s fossil heritage.
- Expert-Led Exploration – Work alongside world-class paleontologists to uncover ancient ecosystems.
- Immersive Desert Adventure – Experience the vast landscapes, starry night skies, and nomadic culture of the Gobi.
MEET THE LEADERS
Dr. Phil Bell – With two decades of experience as a dinosaur expert, Australian paleontologist. Phil Bell pioneered the application of geochemistry to determine the origins of illegally excavate fossils in Mongolia. He has lead expeditions in search of dinosaurs in Australia, Canada and Mongolia.
Dr. Nic Campione – Educated in the Canadian Badlands, Nic is a leading expert in the long-term evolution and extinction of dinosaurs. He is particularly interested in the body size evolution of dinosaurs and has led fieldwork in Canada, Australia, Uruguay, and now, Mongolia.
MAP & ITINERARY
Upon arrival at the airport, meet your guide and transfer to a centrally located hotel located near downtown Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant. Ulaanbaatar offers a contrast between ancient traditions and the dawning of a 21st century democracy, which can be seen in the traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries coexisting with modern high-rises. (Hotel Bayangol or similar; D)
After breakfast, begin driving to the vast steppe to the Gobi Desert, comprised of mountains, dunes, and fossil beds. En route, we will enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. Continue driving until you arrive at a rustic ger-hostel, located near the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. Overnight in gers or tents. (Approx. 9 hours driving; Ger or tent stay; B, L, D)
After breakfast, drive further southeast to the deeper pocket of the Gobi Desert. We will arrive at a remote basin in the Gurvantes soum, one of the most remote regions of the Gobi Desert. Arrive at your base camp and overnight in tents. (Approx. 6-7 hours driving; Field tent camp; B, L, D)
Our fieldwork starts in full earnest today. We will begin by excavating the theropod discovered during the 2025 expedition, while other teams continue fossil surveys and geochemical sampling throughout the Ingeni Khovur Basin. Teams will alternate between excavation work, fossil prospecting, and collecting geochemical samples from key sites to help identify and restore fossils previously removed from Mongolia.
Daily objectives may include visiting historic excavations (quarries), locating poached quarries, and excavating important new finds. Our base camp will most likely be at Guriliin Hooloi locality, which is a secluded but one of the richest paleontological sites in the western Gobi Desert. Guriliin Hooloi locality is located in the Ingeni Khovur Basin of Bayanhongor province and is different from the nearby Nemegt successions in reflecting tectonics and climate factors. (Field Tent camp; B, L, D)
We will pack our gears this morning and drive back to the interim camp in the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. Overnight in gers or tents. (Approx. 8 hours driving; Ger or tent camp; B, L, D)
In the morning, we will begin driving to the Tugrigiin Shiree, which was discovered by Mongolian scientists and co-explored by Polish expeditions in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Tugrigiin Shiree is perhaps most known for its famous “Fighting Dinosaurs” (a fossil of a Protoceratops and a Velociraptor locked in combat), which were discovered in the 1970s. We will explore this white sandstone escarpment for dinosaur fossils.
In the late afternoon, will drive to the legendary Flaming Cliffs, red sandstone formations that stretching over 3 kilometers in width, where hundreds of dinosaur fossils have been discovered over the course of the last century. Paleontological expeditions from many countries, including from the U.S, Poland, Japan and Russia have worked here during last 90 years. Each year, rain and wind reveal yet more fossils and every summer, exceptional new discoveries are made. We will explore the cliffs in the footsteps of legendary American explorer Roy Chapmen Andrews who discovered the first dinosaur eggs here, that the world had ever seen.
Enjoy a sunset view at this majestic place before returning back to our ger camp. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, we will drive to Dalanzadagad for our return overland journey back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel and dinner is independent.
Overnight in Hotel Bayangol or similar. (Approx. 9 hours driving; B, L)
After breakfast, pay a visit to the Institute of Paleontology of Mongolia’s Academy of Science. Visit the laboratory and enjoy seeing some of the priceless exhibitions of the institution, including the famous “fighting dinosaur.
The remainder of the day is available for last-minute sightseeing. In the evening, we will attend a performance featuring traditional Mongolian dancers and hoomi (throat) singers. (Hotel Bayangol or similar; B, L, D)
After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for departure. (B)
PRICING
- Land transportation using Toyota Land Cruiser jeeps seating 3 passengers each;
- Accommodations in a standard room at hotels, gers in the countryside based on a twin occupancy and expedition style camping in the countryside;
- Airport arrival and departure transfers;
- Sleeping bags; expedition style tents and mats;
- All meals indicated as B, L or D;
- All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary;
- International trip leaders expenses and fees;
- Mongolian paleontologist to accompany the trip throughout;
- English speaking national guide throughout your stay;
- Bottled water per person per day and unlimited supply of boiled waters.
- International and domestic airfare;
- Personal laundry;
- Drinks not mentioned in the itinerary;
- Travel insurance;
- Medical evacuation costs;
- Excess baggage charges;
- Visa fees;
- Gratuities;
- Photography and video fees;
- Any other item not mentioned as included.
PHOTOS & REVIEWS
I recently participated in a scientific expedition organized by Mongolia Quest, and it was single-handedly about the best expedition I’ve ever been on! We were scientists there to do work, but every logistical detail you could imagine – travel, lodging, equipment, gear, supplies, camp, meals, etc. – was expertly handled and arranged by Mongolia Quest. This was no simple camping trip, and yet, even for us ‘science nerds’ scrounging around in the dirt every day, the accommodations in camp was like a 5-star oasis in the rocky Gobi. All of the logistical details and planning were so thorough and well executed that the entire trip felt more like an exotic desert getaway than a scientific expedition. And Mongolia Quest’s dedication is to be commended. They don’t do just the ‘normal’ tourist sightseeing excursions – from amazing cultural tours, to the outdoors and wildlife, to paleo- and geotourism, the company is wonderfully dedicated to promoting conservation, knowledge, and citizen science through unique and first-hand experiences. As we heard in camp, Mongolia has so much more to offer and share with the world besides Genghis Khan, so participant with a company that is so keen and knowledgeable, and who will help you learn lifetimes of information about this amazing place. I will definitely be going back to Mongolia, and I hope to work with Mongolia Quest again and again – from being a tourist myself and experiencing all of the wonders of such a magical country, to a scientist working with the company for expedition logistics and support.
