Mongolia Desert Expedition
Gobi Desert
Flaming Cliffs · Sand Dunes · Ancient Fossils
1,295 km
From Ulaanbaatar
7–10
Days Duration
500,000
km² Desert Area
Apr–Oct
Best Season
About the Tour
Mongolia’s Legendary Desert Wilderness
The Gobi Desert is one of the world’s great wildernesses — a vast, ancient landscape stretching across southern Mongolia and northern China. Far from a barren wasteland, the Gobi is a place of dramatic contrasts: towering sand dunes, flaming red cliffs, dinosaur fossil beds, and nomadic families living as they have for centuries.
Explore the iconic Khongoryn Els sand dunes — the “singing sands” rising up to 300 metres. Stand at Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs), where Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first dinosaur eggs in 1922. Ride Bactrian camels across open desert plains.
Encounter Bactrian camels, wild Przewalski horses, snow leopards, and golden eagles in their natural habitat. Stay in traditional ger camps under an ocean of stars in one of the world’s least light-polluted skies.
Why This Tour
Expedition Highlights
Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag)
Walk the legendary red cliffs where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered in 1922 by explorer Roy Chapman Andrews.
Dinosaur Fossil Sites
Visit world-famous paleontological sites where Velociraptor and Protoceratops fossils were first unearthed
Yol Valley (Eagle Valley)
Trek through a dramatic canyon that retains ice well into summer — home to lammergeier vultures and ibex.
Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes
Ride Bactrian camels up the ‘Singing Sands’ — dunes rising 300 m, stretching 180 km across the desert floor.
Przewalski Wild Horses
Spot the world’s last truly wild horse species in Hustai National Park — reintroduced from extinction.
Ger Camp Under the Stars
Sleep in authentic Mongolian gers in one of the darkest, most star-filled skies on Earth.
Highlights of This Tour
Tour Highlights
Khongoryn Els
300 m — Singing Sand Dunes
Bayanzag Cliffs
Flaming Cliffs — Fossil Site
Yol Valley
Eagle Valley Canyon
Khuvsgul Lake
Northern Mongolia
Classic 7–10 Day Route
Expedition Itinerary
A carefully planned itinerary combining adventure, nature, and authentic Mongolian culture..
01
Ulaanbaatar
Arrival & Briefing
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar. Hotel check-in, welcome dinner, and full briefing on the Gobi expedition. Equipment check and meet your guide team.
02
UB → Gobi
Drive to Gobi Desert
Scenic overland drive south to the Gobi. Stop at Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes for first desert experience. Overnight in ger camp.
03
Bayanzag
Flaming Cliffs
Visit the legendary Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) — a paleontological treasure trove. Explore the red sandstone formations at sunset. Overnight ger camp.
04
Yol Valley
Eagle Valley Trek
Morning trek through Yol Valley canyon. Spot lammergeier vultures and ibex. Afternoon visit to a local nomadic family. Ger camp overnight.
05-06
Khongoryn Elsv
Singing Sand Dunes & Camel Ride
Two days at the iconic Khongoryn Els dunes. Climb to the top for panoramic desert views. Camel riding with Bactrian camels across the desert floor. Overnight ger camps
07
Ongi Ruins
Ongi Monastery Ruins
Visit the ruins of Ongi Monastery — once home to 1,000 monks, destroyed in the 1930s purges. Peaceful riverside setting. Overnight ger camp.
08-09
Return
Drive Back & Departure
Gradual return north to Ulaanbaatar with scenic stops. Optional Hustai National Park visit for wild Przewalski horses. Final dinner and departure.
Everything You Need to Know
Practical Information
What is Included
– Hotel accommodations in Ulaanbaatar & Ölgii
– Domestic flights (Ulaanbaatar ↔ Ölgii, return)
– All airport transfers in Mongolia
– All meals during the expedition (B/L/D)
– Local English-speaking guide & expedition chef
– Experienced certified mountain guides
– Climbing equipment: crampons, ice axes, ropes
– Camping tents and mattresses
– Camel and horse rental for baggage support
– Altai Tavan Bogd National Park entrance fees
– Border area permit
Not Included
– International flights to Ulaanbaatar
– Travel and medical insurance
– Mongolia entry visa (if required)
– Personal expenses and shopping
– Tips for guide and driver
Key Facts
– Best season: April to October
– Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
– Distance from UB: 1,295 km south
– Khongoryn Els dunes: 300 m high
– Annual rainfall: under 200 mm
Ready to Explore the Legendary Gobi?
Limited group sizes — April through October departures