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Gobi and central Mongolia tour

By travelling on this fascinating route combining the resounding landscapes of the southern Gobi desert and central Mongolian rolling plains you will encounter awesome sand dunes, some of the rarest animals on earth inhabiting the Gobi desert, stunningly beautiful green hills and amazing sights of dead volcanoes. Centuries-old nomadic traditions and lifestyles displayed by the unlimited hospitalities of steppe nomads are also an exciting experience.

Length: 8days/7nights
Tour grade: Moderate
Group size: 2-15people
Potential period: June-September
Highlights: Middle Gobi, South Gobi, Khongoriin els sand dunes, Karakorum, Erdenezuu Monastery and Bayangobi.

Day 1: Ulaanbaatar
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel. The city tour includes a visit to the National History Museum, where you will see artifacts from Mongolia and Central Asia from the Stone Age to the present, and the excursion to the Zaisan Hill War Memorial to get your bearings with a panoramic view of the whole city. Evening folk dance and music performance. 

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: L/D
Transport: Private Vehicle 


Day 2:   UB-Middle Gobi 
After an early breakfast leaves UB for our camp in the Middle Gobi. On the way visit Baga Gazriin Chuluu Lake and the ruins of the 10th century Sum Khukh Burd temple on an island in the middle of the lake. Overnight stay in ger camp.

Accommodation: ger camp 
Meals: B/L/D
Transport: Private Vehicle 


Day 3: Middle Gobi-South Gobi 

Breakfast at the camp. Continue to drive towards the South Gobi. On the way visit the Sangiin Dalai temple in Erdenedalai, one of the few monasteries and temples that survived the communist purges of the 1930s. Arrive at our camp in the Gobi in the late afternoon. Visit the stunning Yoliin Am Valley (Lammergeyer Valley) National Park for hiking and opportunities to photograph the gorge, the Gobi Glacier and the diverse local wildlife. 

Accommodation: ger camp 
Meals: B/L/D
Transport: Private Vehicle 


Day 4: South Gobi/ Khongoriin Els 
Drive to Khongoriin Els Sand Dunes, also known as the Singing Sands for the noise the sands make in high winds. Spend the day exploring the dunes and hiking in the area. Overnight stay in ger camp Khongoriin Els.

Accommodation: ger camp 
Meals: B/L/D
Transport: Private Vehicle 


Day 5: Khongoriin Els-Ongiin Kid

Start driving towards the Karakorum. On the way visit the famous Flaming Cliffs (Bayan Zag), the site of numerous fossil discoveries by paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews and others. Stop for the night near Ongiin Khiid Monastery. Overnight stay in ger camp.

Accommodation: ger camp 
Meals: B/L/D
Transport: Private Vehicle 


Day 6:  Ongiin Khiid-Karakorum
Continue driving to the Karakorum, with a packed lunch on the way. Arrive at the ancient city of Karakorum in the late afternoon. Visit Erdene Zuu, once one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia and almost destroyed in the 1930s. Tour of the monastery grounds and several chapels with excellent examples of Buddhist iconography dating from the 16th century. Visit the symbolic ruins of the Karakorum, the 13th century capital of the Mongol Empire. 

Accommodation: ger camp 
Meals: B/L/D
Transport: Private Vehicle 


Day 7      Karakorum / Ulaanbaatar 

After an early breakfast, continue our tour towards Ulaanbaatar via Bayangobi sand dunes and a picturesque rocky mountain of Khugnukhaan. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon. Overnight in hotel. 

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: B/L/D
Transport: Private Vehicle 


Day 8: Departure

Transfer to airport for departure flight.

Meals: B
Transport: Private Vehicle