Gobi Desert and Eight lakes trekking and driving combined tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Ulan Bator – Baga Gazaryn Chuluu
1 stop
1
Baga Gazariin Chuluu
Our trekking trip starts with a full day of driving to the Baga Gazariin Chuluu Ruins (1768 m high granite stone mountain in the territory of Adaatsag soum, Dundgobi province. There are some old temple ruins related to the 17th century. Also, we’ll be able to see a deep narrow hole with water in it, which locals believe in that the water could treat ocular illnesses. We’ll spend the night in a family’s spare yurt.
Admission ticket free
Day 2
Baga Gazaryn Chuluu – Tsagaan Suvraga
1 stop
2
Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park
Today we drive to the scarp of Tsagaan Suvarga, which is in Ulziit, Dundgobi province. It is interesting to see the sheer slope, facing east, which from a cliff is 30 meters high and 100 meters wide. Over thousands of years, the wind has created this fantastic structure. We’ll stay in a family’s spare yurt.
Admission ticket free
Day 3
Yol ice valley – Khongoryn Els
1 stop
3
Khongoryn Els
In the morning, we’ll drive to Yoliin Am for 30 km, and then we’ll walk 3km in the narrow valley, then 3 km back to the minivans. And then we’ll have lunch in the open air. After that, we’ll drive to Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes (195km). The Khongoryn Els is one of the largest and most spectacular dunes in Mongolia. We’ll spend the night in a family’s spare yurt.
Admission ticket free
Day 4
Load camels and start trekking
1 stop
4
Khongoryn Els
While the morning light is coming up, the staff prepares our luggage and the camels for our trekking trip (camels are only used to carry all the stuff). We’ll start trekking in the afternoon after lunch and walk west/northwest for about 3-4h until finding a beautiful camping spot.
Admission ticket free
Day 5
Trekking
1 stop
5
Khongoryn Els
Continue our trekking. On the 7th day, we’ll camp near the oasis in the north of the dunes. It’s time to say good buy to the local crew after dinner.
Admission ticket free
Day 6
Trekking
1 stop
6
Khongoryn Els
Continue our trekking. On the 7th day, we’ll camp near the oasis in the north of the dunes. It’s time to say good buy to the local crew after dinner.
Admission ticket free
Day 7
Yurt camp
1 stop
7
Khongoryn Els
In the morning, we’ll pack everything in the car and walk to the yurt camp after breakfast for a couple of hours. It’ll be our last part of our trek. It’ll be up to the guests to drive or walk. We’ll have a relaxing day after a few days of trekking through the dunes called “Khongoryn Els”.
Admission ticket free
Day 8
Khongoryn Els – Bayanzag flaming cliffs
1 stop
8
Bayanzag Saxual Forest
We’ll start driving to Bayanzag flaming cliff. It’s famous for dinosaur fossils found. Bayanzag means “rich in Saxual Shrubs.” Overnight in tents.
Admission ticket free
Day 9
Bayanzag flaming cliffs – Ongi temple ruin
1 stop
9
Ongi Monastery
Today, we drive to Ongi temple ruin. It was one of the biggest monasteries in the Gobi region until Stalinist purge destroyed. There is only a river that goes down to the Gobi.
Admission ticket free
Day 10
Ongi temple ruin – Arvaikheer
1 stop
10
We head to Arvaikheer. It’s a small town and center of Ovorkhangai province. We’ll stop for lunch on the way. And then late afternoon we’ll arrive at a local hotel to experience it. The hotel facility is pretty basic and don’t get shocked by some shared facilities such as showers. It is a kind of lifestyle in many other parts of Mongolia. And we’ll have dinner from the hotel which will be a great chance to compare the food we cook for you and typical local food.
Admission ticket free
Day 11
Arvaikheer – Shuranga
1 stop
11
We’ll have a quick drive to the starting point of our trekking. Meet the local crew, prepare the luggage for the trek. Maybe a short walk in the area. We’ll sleep in yurts from the local family.
Admission ticket free
Day 12
Trekking to Shireet Lake
1 stop
12
Load our luggage on the yaks. And then go trekking for 3-5 hours. We’ll take a break and have some snacks like sandwiches. We’ll see Shireet lake and trek a bit further. Camp in the National park.
Admission ticket free
Day 13
Shireet lake – Buureg yurt camp
1 stop
13
Continue trekking. We’ll go trekking about 7-8 hours, and on the last day of our trekking, we arrive at Buureg yurt camp by lunchtime. We’ll have lunch at the yurt camp, then drive to Orkhon waterfall and enjoy the picturesque scenery. Overnight in the yurt camp.
Admission ticket free
Day 14
Buureg yurt camp – Kharkhorin – Khogno Khan
1 stop
14
Kharkhorin
Drive to Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of Mongolia. Visit Erdenezuu temple museum and Kharkhorin archeological museum. After lunch, we drive to Khongno Khan mountain. Overnight at Khogno Khan yurt camp.
Admission ticket free
Day 15
Khogno Khan – Khustain National park – Ulan Bator
1 stop
15
Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, we head to Ulan Bator, but on the way, we’ll stop at Khustain National park to see wild horses taki. We’ll drop you off at your hotel.
Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

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