gobi
The Gobi Desert is one of the last untouched, unique, and mysterious places on earth. The site of an ancient inland sea, the Gobi desert is a treasure chest of fossilized dinosaur bones and eggs. It is roughly one-third the size of Alaska. Surprisingly it is also home to a vibrant nomad population which has inhabited this awe-inspiring place for many centuries. The climate here is extreme with temperatures in the summer of +40 C to -40 C in the winter. Some areas only get rain every one or two years. Strong winds up to 140 km/h are common. Gobi National Park is one of the largest world biospheres with an area larger than Switzerland. It also contains the last remaining wild Bacterian camels, wild ass, and a small population of Gobi bears, the only desert dwelling bears. The south Gobi contains Eagle Valley, the Flaming Cliffs, and large sand dunes. Eagle Valley is nestled between the beautiful peaks of the Gurvansaikhan (three beauties) Mountains. They tower 1000 feet above the surrounding desert. Eagle Valley shelters a small ‘glacier’ which remains even on summers’ hottest days. The Flaming Cliffs where named by Roy Andrew Chapman who visited Mongolia in 1920. During the two years he searched through the desert he discovered a paleontologist dream come true. The Flaming Cliffs were a treasure of complete fossils as well as fossilized dinosaur eggs. Khongor Sand Dunes are the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia. They are also known as the ‘singing dunes’. They are up to 800 meters high and about 100 km long. Climbing to the top of the dunes will give you a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Come see one of the least explored areas in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ulaan Baatar and check into hotel or guest house. Lunch in Mongolian restaurant. Take city tour including the Gandan monastery, Sukhbaatar Square, and Zaison Memorial. Dinner in the Mongolian Nomad’s restaurant. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: After breakfast fly down to capitol city of South Gobi. Learn about local flora and fauna at the Gurvan Saikhan National Park museum. Yolyn Am canyon in the Gurvan Saikhan mountains is home to endangered snow leopards. Here we will explore the deep canyon and see the ‘eternal ice’. Lunch. Visit with local nomadic herder family. Dinner and overnight in ger or tents.
Day 3: After breakfast head east to Bayan Zag, known as the Flaming Cliffs for its spectacular colors. Lunch. Explore the area on foot. Dinner and overnight in ger or tents.
Day 4: After breakfast head South towards Umnugobi (south Gobi). Lunch on the way. Early evening will bring us to the edge of Gobi Gurvansaikhan (The Three Beauties of the Gobi) National Park. Head to the ‘singing dunes’ and explore. Dinner and overnight in ger or tents.
Day 5: After breakfast take the day to explore the dunes on foot or by Bacterian camel. Lunch. Visit with local family and watch the sunset over the dunes. Dinner and overnight in ger or tents.
Day 6: After breakfast begin to drive to Kharkhorum (the ancient Mongolian capitol of the 13th century Mongols). Lunch on the way and then reach Guchin Us village. Explore or relax until dinner. Overnight in village.
Day 7: After breakfast continue to drive. Arrive in Arvaikheer, the capitol of Central Mongolia. Lunch. Tour the city. Continue driving and arrive in Kharkhorum in the evening. Dinner and overnight in ger or tents.
Day 8: After breakfast visit Erdene Zuu monastery. Lunch. Visit local horse breeder family. Explore area on horseback or on foot. Dinner and overnight in ger or tents.
Day 9: After breakfast take a whole day for exploring, horseback riding, visiting with local nomads or just relaxing. Dinner and overnight in ger or tents.
Day 10: After breakfast drive back to Ulaan Baatar. Lunch on way. Check into hotel or guest house to clean up. Shopping, dinner and an evening watching a traditional Mongolian song and dance concert. Overnight in hotel.
Day 11: Transfer for departure.
GOBI DESERT PRICING
1 Person/$1920+airfare*
2 People/$1145+airfare* per person
3 People/$886+airfare* per person
4 People/$1057+airfare* per person
5 People/$920+airfare* per person
6 People/$828+airfare* per person
*airfare within Mongolia should be budgeted at $200; if the cost ends up being less it will be refunded to you.
All prices are USD
Hotel or guesthouse stay while in Ulaan Baatar are not included
