This pioneering expedition is arranged under the auspices of the Mongolian Paleontological Center with a goal of assisting its scientific research and field study projects through sustainable tourism. Participants will be led by Dr. Tsogtbaatar, who is one of Mongolia’s leading paleontologists, along with young Mongolian scientists and our field staff. Our trip begins in Ulaanbaatar, where we will visit several of the best-known museums and sites such as the Gandan Monastery, National History and Fine Arts Museums. We will also tour Mongolian Paleontological Laboratory. We will then fly to the heart of the Gobi desert from where we will continue traveling overland to the eastern part of the Gobi where some of the most scenic and obscure landscapes await us. This part of the Gobi belongs to the early Cretaceous, about 80-93 million years ago, which was a key period for dinosaur evolution. For the remainder of this trip, we will be living a life of true paleontologists, joining the research team in their daily work with a chance to participate in actual excavations and make new discoveries. Hearty meals will be served each day by our expert field-chef following adventurous days of field prospecting and working.

Dr. Tsogtbaatar Khishigjav graduated from Mongolia’s National University as a biologist and completed his doctoral work at the Kagoshima University of Japan. He began his career as a research staff member at the Instituteof Geology of Mongolia’s Academy of Science and served as the director of Mongolian Paleontological Laboratory and the Natural History Museum. Currently, he is the director of the Mongolian Paleontology Center, the top research institute in Mongolia. ​

Dr. Tsogtbaatar is one of the most experienced Mongolian field experts, who began his field research and excavation career in the early 1980s. He has personally led many expeditions including the excavation a complete skeletonof Tarbosaurus bataar found in the western Gobi. As a coordinator, Dr. Tsogtbaatar was behind the organization of ground-breaking fossil exhibitions called Mongolian Dinosaurs in over 70 cities in twenty countries in the past 24 years. He is the Mongolian leader of Japan-Mongolia joint expedition, which has made some significant discoveries. His main research area is Ornithopoda dinosaurs including Hadrosauroid or “duck-billed dinosaurs.” Dr. Tsogtbaatar is fluent in English and Russian.

• Travel in the Gobi Desert in the spirit of the early explorers in search of dinosaur fossils
• Learn about Gobi’s geology and fossil sediments during private lectures provided by Dr.Tsogtbaatar
• Explore Gobi’s local flora and fauna
• Work along side Mongolian paleontologists
• Learn about current challanges and future projects to preserve and protect Mongolia’s fossil localities
• Meet camel herders and enjoy their hospitality
• Live a field life of paleontologist, being a part of scientific cause

• Minimum number of participants required for the trip: 6 people
• The group meets on Day 1 at Hotel Ulaanbaatar
• It is led by a Mongolian paleontologist and an experienced national guide
• Majority of nights in the Gobi will be spent in expedition style tent camps with basic but efficient field amenities such as shower and field toilets provided
• Each day, we will go prospecting for fossils under the guidance of Mongolian field expert
• Essential field equipment for excavation will be provided

Hotel Ulaanbaatar

Hotel Ulaanbaatar is conveniently located in downtown Ulaanbaatar and is a well established accommodation with its 20th century characte-ristics and friendly staff. All major attractions of UB are located within walking distance from the hotel.

Field camps

Once we arrive at the fossil localities,  we will stay in expedition stye tents. There will be a mass tent for meals and our evening lectures. Sleeping bags and matresses will be provided.

Ger camps

In the start and the end part of the Gobi program, we will be staying at cozy and authentic ger camps with western bathroom and restaurant facilities. Most visitors find staying in gers as one of the highlights of their trip to Mongolia.

Land Transportation

Land transportation is provided by Toyota Land Cruisers, seating up to  3 passangers per vehicle. Some roads can be bumby and hard but our drivers are some of the most experienced and reliable in Mongolia. Separate supply vehicles will be used to carry our tents and kitchen supplies.