The Gobi is not one desert but many landscapes — flaming red canyons, singing sand dunes, and gravel plains where dinosaur fossils still surface. Nine days by 4×4 with camel rides, ger camps, and wide-open stargazing.
Highlights
- Baga Gazryn Chuluu granite rock formations and ancient ruins
- The red-and-white cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)
- Yolyn Am (Vulture Valley), a glacial canyon in Gurvansaikhan National Park
- Camel trek among the towering Khongoryn Els singing dunes
- Bayanzag, the Flaming Cliffs where the first fossilized dinosaur eggs were discovered
- The ruined 1930s monastery at Ongi on the Ongi River
- Wide-open Gobi stargazing, far from any light pollution
Itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar to the Gobi
Day 2: Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)
Day 3: Yolyn Am (Vulture Valley)
Day 4-5: Khongoryn Els — the singing dunes
Day 6: Bayanzag — the Flaming Cliffs
Day 7: Ongi Monastery
Day 8-9: Return to Ulaanbaatar
Trip details
Activities
4×4 desert travel, a camel trek across the Khongoryn Els dunes, and hiking in Yolyn Am canyon.
Accommodation
Ger camps throughout the tour.
Transportation
4×4 van, maximum 6 passengers per vehicle.
Meals
All meals included during the tour (except in Ulaanbaatar).
What’s included
Included
- Local English-speaking guide/driver
- Transportation by 4×4 van (max 6 passengers per vehicle)
- Accommodation in ger camps during the tour
- All meals during the tour (except in Ulaanbaatar)
- Entrance fees to national parks and sightseeing areas
Not included
- Accommodation and meals in Ulaanbaatar
- International flights
- Mongolia visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal gear and tips
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
How long is the driving each day?
The Gobi is vast, so expect to spend 4 to 6 hours in the vehicle on most days. The journey is broken up with stops at scenic viewpoints, nomadic families, and local villages, using high-quality 4×4 vehicles (Russian UAZ or Land Cruisers) with experienced drivers.
What is the accommodation like in the desert?
You will stay in traditional Mongolian gers — a mix of tourist ger camps (with shared hot showers and western-style toilets) and nomadic family gers for a more authentic experience.
Will I have phone signal or Wi-Fi?
Signal is limited across most of the Gobi. You’ll have a better connection in small towns like Dalanzadgad, and at the sand dunes and Flaming Cliffs.
Is the Gobi Desert too hot?
During peak season (June–August), daytime temperatures can reach 30–35°C, but the Gobi is a “cold desert” that cools significantly at night. Activities like climbing the dunes or camel riding are planned for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
What kind of food will the tour chef prepare?
A tour chef prepares simple international and Mongolian-style meals with fresh ingredients. Meals are taken at local restaurants, ger camps, and with nomadic families along the route. Special dietary needs can be arranged with advance notice.
Flaming cliffs, singing dunes, and some of the darkest night skies in Mongolia.
