TOUR DATES : MAY THROUGH OCTOBER
- OVERVIEW
- ITINERARY
- MAP
- BLOG
- GALLERY
- INQUIRE
The ultimate journey into the heart of the Gobi, this expedition explores the diverse ecosystems and otherworldly beauty of Mongolia’s legendary desert on foot, camel, and mountain bike. Based at our award-winning ger camp, discover towering sand dunes, dramatic canyons and cliffs, and the thrill of riding a camel beneath the Gobi’s vast blue skies.
It is said that only in wide-open spaces do we ever truly have vision, and the majestic Gobi is sure to inspire with its diversity of landscapes, plants, and wildlife, starry skies, and dramatic sunrises and sunsets.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Land Price Includes:
- Ground transportation in Mongolia as described in the itinerary;
- Transfers upon arrival and departure;
- All accommodations based on double or twin occupancy (hotel rooms and gers);
- Meals as noted in itinerary;
- Bottled/filtered water throughout the trip and soft drinks during meals;
- Camel riding as noted in the itinerary;
- All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary;
- Extensive pre-departure Travel Guide, reading list, important information about your trip;
- Bilingual Nomadic Expeditions guide throughout your stay.
Land Price Does Not Include:
- International airfare; internal airfare is quoted separately and subject to change by airlines;
- Passport and visa fees;
- Airport taxes;
- Excess baggage charges;
- Gratuities to guides and drivers;
- Photography and video fees;
- Food and beverages not included in the group meals;
- Items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundry and telephone calls;
- Other items not specifically mentioned as included.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Exploring Ulaanbaatar’s History and Culture
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Over the next two days, delve into Ulaanbaatar’s rich heritage, starting with a visit to Sukhbaatar Square and the Great Khans Memorial, celebrating Mongolian pride. Walk to the National Museum for an excellent overview of the country’s history and culture through exhibits of traditional nomadic life artifacts. Visit the impressive Chinggis Khan Museum, which houses over 10,400 objects related to the history of the Mongol Empire. Cap off your first day with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3
Journey to the Gobi and Yol Valley National Park
Fly south to the Gobi Desert province and drive to Yol Valley National Park, nestled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. Hike through this lush valley, carved by an ancient river, and home to vulture-like lammergeiers, snowcocks, ibex, yaks, and Argali sheep. Visit the natural history museum before continuing to your ger camp at Three Camel Lodge, situated on the edge of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Spend the evening at leisure or explore the lodge’s activities.
Days 4-6
Exploring the Gobi’s Stunning Landscapes
Drive to the Gyalaan Valley, passing through Haalgan Davaa Pass and the Hongoryn Els sand dunes, to explore the valley’s multicolored granite rocks. Then, travel by vehicle or camel through the Ayaldai Valley to the towering “Singing Sands” of Hongoryn Els, which run alongside the Gobi Altai range. Spend a night at a local ger camp before exploring the dunes on foot or by Bactrian camel. Return to Three Camel Lodge, where you can enjoy activities like nature walks or horseback riding.
Days 7-8
Paleontological Wonders and Ancient Rock Art
Visit Tugregiin Shiree, where the famous “Fighting Dinosaurs” fossil was discovered, and Alag Teeg, known for its armored dinosaur findings. Stop in Bulgan, a sustainable eco-tourism town, before exploring the ancient petroglyphs at Havtsgait Valley. Opt for a mountain bike ride back to the lodge, then journey to the legendary Flaming Cliffs, where the world’s first dinosaur egg nest was found in 1923.
Days 9-10
Back to Ulaanbaatar and Departure
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar and visit the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Buddhist art. In the evening, enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian dance and throat singing, followed by a farewell dinner. The next day, transfer to the airport for your departure flight after this unforgettable Gobi adventure.
Ecosystems of the Gobi Desert
It’s not often you hear the word Gobi without the word desert attached: the image of a barren, lifeless place of endless billowing sand dunes is firmly affixed to the term desert in the mind of the general public.
The Flaming Cliffs
The Flaming Cliffs: Why It’s a Must-See When Visiting Mongolia You will likely never forget your visit to the Flaming Cliffs in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. This stunning setting is the stuff of ad campaigns and holiday card photos, but it’s so much more than (just) a beautiful place. Long before the discovery of the world’s […]