12 Days Gobi Desert and Express Mongolia

Mandalgovi Ulaanbaatar– Baga Gazriin Chuluu 250km • Visit one of the few rocky mountains of Gobi, Baga Gazriin Chuluu where you will find gorgeous looking granite rock formations shaped in different forms eroded by wind and other violent elements of Gobi. During mid 18th century some high ranked and locally respected Buddhist monks lived in the area, as evidence of their existence we will see some temple ruins and inscriptions on the rock. According to some historical sources, Chinggis Khaan also had lived here. It’s a great location for some pleasant hike.

Accommodation: • Overnight optional: Tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger

Meals: LunchDinner

Dalanzadgad Baga Gazriin Chuluu – Tsagaan Suvraga/White stupa 220km

• Today we will be driving thru vast and empty rocky desert and semi-arid steppe to reach out White Stupa. Mongolians always have admired and honored this unique natural formation of 30ms height, precipitous, stupa shaped slopes as White Stupa. The place definitely will remind travelers some lunar landscape with its mystery of fossils hidden underneath and stunning color combinations. The area deemed to be bottom an ancient ocean.

Accommodation: • Overnight optional: Tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger.

Meals: BreakfastLunchDinner

Dalanzadgad White stupa – Yoliin am 225km

• Today we will reach Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park which covers some chain of mountain ranges as the southern end of the Gobi-Altai Mountain range. Gurvan Saikhan literally meaning “Three Beauties” referred to the highest three peaks of the range which is almost over 2800ms.

• Hiking in the Yoliin Am or Bearded Vulture’s canyon. Regarding the snowfall and shade in the canyon, oftentimes there formed a high layer of ice cover which sometimes will stay till mid July. During our walk, we may either walk on top or bottom, or just see the parts of this ice. The canyon is surrounded with steep Rocky Mountains creating some shade which is pleasant to hike thru during hot days of Gobi desert. During out hike, you may notice some rodents such as pica and ground squirrel along with colorful wild flowers and plants. Although mountains are the home for wildlife like ibex, mountain goat and argali, the wild sheep, spotting these animals will purely depend on fortune. • Continue driving towards to Dungenee canyon where we can start another beautiful hike along the stream in the canyon.

Accommodation: • Overnight optional: Tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger / tents

Meals: BreakfastLunchDinner

Dalanzadgad Gobi Gurvan Saikhan – Khongor sand dunes 180km

• Continue driving to west of the park to Khongor sand dunes which are known as the highest and biggest dunes in the country.

• Stop at Khongoriin Els or Khongor sand dunes. These are the most astonishing dunes of Mongolia with extension of over 180kms length and around 3-15kms width and average height is 80ms. The highest dune is 200ms and from the top these dunes you will capture amazing view of Gobi with the most beautiful sunrise and sunset. When you climb the dunes they shift and cause a sound of vibration which very much resembles to the sound of an airplane hence it’s also called Singing Dunes.

• When you are in Gobi, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to get on the Bactrian Camels. It’s obviously is one of the remarkable experiences to trek on the camels along the dunes, on the green lush down the foot of the dunes. Our camel riding will last until we reach a small oasis where there are some Gobi bushes and shrubs. Camels are great lovers of Saxaul shrubs and it’s considered as the most precious wood in the desert for its outstanding survival and growth on desert soil. You will surely enjoy the pristine nature and high mountains during the ride.

Accommodation: • Overnight optional: Tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger

Meals: BreakfastLunchDinner

Dalanzadgad • When you are in Gobi, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to get on the Bactrian Camels. It’s obviously is one of the remarkable experiences to trek on the camels along the dunes, on the green lush down the foot of the dunes. Our camel riding will last until we reach a small oasis where there are some Gobi bushes and shrubs. Camels are great lovers of Saxaul shrubs and it’s considered as the most precious wood in the desert for its outstanding survival and growth on desert soil. You will surely enjoy the pristine nature and high mountains during the ride.

Accommodation: • Overnight optional: Tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger

Meals: BreakfastLunchDinner

Mandalgovi Khongor Sand Dunes – Bayanzag- Ongi Monastery – 300km

• Arrive at the cliffs of Bayanzag, most commonly known as “Flaming Cliffs” for its bister red color which is the cradle of dinosaurs. A Saxaul forest not far from the cliffs and cliffs themselves are true evidences of the time when our planet was still occupied by massive creatures-the dinosaurs. American explorer Roy Andrews Chapman was the first to reveal dinosaur fossils and eggs in 1922 from Bayanzag and other neighboring localities which are today displayed in Mongolian dinosaur museums in Ulaanbaatar and other museums around the world.

• Continue driving to Saikhan Ovoo village of Middle Gobi province. Some smaller rocky mountains are beautifully set along the Ongi River where Ongi Monastery ruins are found. It’s a perfect place to have a time out before entering Khangai regions. Upon your arrival discover the site of Ongi lamasery which was unfortunately heavily destroyed in 1937. In 2002 some local lamas arrived at the once famous Ongi Monastery and began the restoration with very limited resources and much enthusiasm.

Accommodation: • Overnight optional: Tourist ger camp / tents

Meals: BreakfastLunchDinner

Övörkhangai

• Day of transition between desert and green mountains steppe natural zones. We will steadily transfer from Gobi desert to green steppe with endless rolling hills and plains that will lead to Khujirt village before stepping in majestic Orkhon Valley. Here we stop for our supplies at the local market.

• Continue driving off road along the thrilling landscape thru the home of yak breeders and speedy horses who will host us at the heart of Orkhon valley.

Accommodation: • Overnight optional: Tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger

Meals: BreakfastLunchDinner

Tsetserleg

Orkhon waterfall – Tsenkher hot springs 150km

• Arrive at Tsenkher Hot springs. It is one of the biggest Mongolia’s hot springs, has a temperature of 86 degrees. It’s popular for its healing properties and high content of sulphur. The hot spring is mostly used for relaxing and restoring your health. Here we will have a hot tub outside and enjoy cold beer and beautiful scenery. Optional hiking and a great place for wild flower observers.

Accommodation: • Overnight at the tourist ger camp “Altan Nutag”

Meals: BreakfastLunchDinner

Övörkhangai

Orkhon valley – Kharhorin 150km

• A morning drive will take us to Kharhorin, the former capital of Great Mongolian Empire in the 13th century. Although considered as an ancient capital, there are very few remains left from this historic place. We will visit the one of the largest and oldest Buddhist monastery named “Erdene Zuu” which was built upon the ruins and foundations of capital Kharhorin in 1586. Luckily it has survived communist purges in 1937 and was re-opened as a museum. Current Kharhorin is small village type settlement with over 3000 residents.

• Excursion to the local museum of Kharhorin city where you will explore traces of Mongolian history dating from early Stone Age to Great Mongolian Empire. The museum offers great collections of items that were found from various excavation and expeditions around Kharhorin and Orkhon Valley. Following the museum we will stopover by other sites such as phallic rock and Turtle rocks.

Accommodation: • Overnight optional: Tourist ger camp / ger guesthouse

Meals: BreakfastLunchDinner

Bulgan Province

Kharkhorin – KhugnuKhaan Natural Reserve 220km

● We will carry onto Khugnu Khaan Nature Reserve today which is a combination of all kinds of natural settings such as mountains, forest, steppe, desert, small lake and mineral water spring all in same location forming unique scenery and representation different natural zones. The area is perfect for hiking, climbing.

● Experience Mongolian hospitality with locals.

Accommodation: 

● Overnight optional: tourist ger camp / nomadic family ger.

Meals: BreakfastLunchDinner

Töv

Khugnu Khaan Natural Reserve – Ulaanbaatar 280km

● On the way to Ulaanbaatar, we will stopover at Khustai National Park which is known as being a home of Przewalski wild horses. Named as “Takhi” in Mongolian, these are the last and only breed of wild horses in the world. Since its re-introduction, today in the Park, there are some 300 wild horses.

● The equality of the various ecosystems within the park assures abundant wildlife. 46 mammals, 172 birds, 2 amphibians, 3 reptiles, 16 fish, and over 289 insect species have been recorded.

● Back to Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation: Not included

Meals: BreakfastLunch