8 Days of Desert in Gobi Odyssey

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival day in Mongolia
1 stop
1
Ulaanbaatar
Upon arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, proceed through immigration and complete the visa-on-arrival formalities. You will be met by our representative at the arrivals area and transferred to your pre-booked hotel. After completing the check-in process, take some time to rest or begin your discovery of Mongolia’s vibrant capital. Enjoy leisure time exploring the heart of Ulaanbaatar, where narrow streets and lively alleys are lined with local shops, cafés, and small businesses. This bustling district offers a unique glimpse into daily Mongolian life, along with plenty of photo opportunities. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Ulaanbaatar.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Journey to White Stupa
1 stop
2
After breakfast, begin your journey to Tsagaan Suvarga, also known as the White Stupa—a striking natural formation named by locals for its resemblance to a Buddhist stupa. This dramatic cliff, shaped over millions of years by wind and water erosion, stands as a testament to the geological history of the region. The layers of the cliff display various hues, each representing a different era in the Earth’s development, dating back approximately 10 million years. From its sheer eastern face, Tsagaan Suvarga offers a view that resembles the ruins of an ancient city, making it a fascinating and photogenic stop on your Gobi journey.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Explore Yol Valley – A Hidden Gem in the Gobi
1 stop
3
Yolyn Am
After breakfast, we head to Yolyn Am, or Yol Valley, located in the eastern part of the Zuun Saikhan Mountains, a subrange of the Gurvan Saikhan (Three Beauties) in the Gobi Desert. This area lies within Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park and is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The valley begins wide and gradually narrows into a dramatic gorge flanked by towering cliffs. A key feature of Yolyn Am is the ice field that forms along the shaded stream, remaining frozen well into summer—sometimes until the end of July—despite the surrounding desert climate. As you explore, you may spot wildlife such as Argali sheep, Ibex, or the Bearded Vulture (Yol), after which the valley is named. The cool, shaded paths and striking landscape offer a refreshing contrast to the desert heat, making this a memorable part of your Gobi journey.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Discover the Majestic Khongor Sand Dunes – The Singing Sands of the Gobi
1 stop
4
Khongor Sand Dunes
After breakfast, we continue our expedition to the breathtaking Khongor Sand Dunes, one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring natural wonders in Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. These massive dunes, often referred to as the "Singing Dunes," stretch for more than 180 kilometers (112 miles) in length and up to 27 kilometers (16 miles) in width. Shaped continuously by the wind blowing from the north and west, the dunes can reach towering heights of 100 to 300 meters (328 to 984 feet), offering dramatic views and a truly unforgettable landscape. The nickname "Singing Dunes" comes from the deep, resonant sound the sand makes as it shifts in the wind—a natural phenomenon that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Surrounded by sweeping steppe landscapes, Khongor offers a surreal contrast between golden sands and open grasslands. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to walk on the dunes, take in panoramic views, and experience the peaceful silence and vastness of the Gobi Desert.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Explore Bayanzag – The Flaming Cliffs and Dinosaur Fossils
1 stop
5
Flaming Cliffs
After breakfast, we set off for Bayanzag, famously known as the Flaming Cliffs, located in the heart of the Gobi Desert. The name Bayanzag translates to “rich in saxaul,” referring to the hardy, thorny shrub that grows abundantly in the area. Reaching up to two meters tall, saxaul is a vital part of the desert ecosystem, serving as a food source for camels and helping stabilize the soil. Bayanzag is world-renowned for its paleontological significance. In 1922, American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews made a groundbreaking discovery here—the first dinosaur eggs ever unearthed. This find brought global attention to Mongolia and led scientists to the theory that some dinosaurs laid eggs and cared for their young. The site is also stunningly beautiful, with deep red sandstone cliffs that glow brilliantly at sunset—hence the name “Flaming Cliffs.” Visitors can walk among the formations, explore fossilized remains, and experience the wonder of standing where dinosaurs once roamed.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 6
Discover Baga Gazriin Chuluu – The Granite Maze of Dundgov
1 stop
6
Baga Gazariin Chuluu
After breakfast, we drive to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a remarkable geological site in northwest Dundgovi Province. Known as the “stone of the little place,” it features stunning granite formations rising dramatically from the steppe. The rocks have been sculpted over millennia by wind and water erosion, creating smooth cliff faces and intriguing shapes forming a natural labyrinth. Visitors can hike through narrow canyons and rocky passages, discovering hidden caves and scenic viewpoints. On some granite surfaces, ancient inscriptions by two revered 19th-century monks remain visible, offering insight into the region’s spiritual history. The mix of natural beauty, geology, and history makes Baga Gazriin Chuluu a captivating Gobi stop.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Return to Ulaanbaatar – City Exploration and Optional Shopping
1 stop
7
Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, we will drive back to Ulaanbaatar, the capital and largest city of Mongolia. Known as the coldest capital city in the world, Ulaanbaatar was originally founded in 1639 as a nomadic Buddhist monastic center. The settlement moved 28 times before being permanently established at its current location in 1778. In the afternoon, you may choose to enjoy some leisure time shopping at the State Department Store, local cashmere boutiques, and souvenir shops, offering a great opportunity to find authentic Mongolian crafts and gifts (optional).
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Departure
1 stop
8
After a hearty breakfast, complete your hotel check-out and proceed to your transfer for the airport. Your unforgettable Mongolian journey concludes as you are safely escorted to the airport for your departure.
3 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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