Hongoriin Els

- Gurvansaikhan National Park -

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Hongoriin Els or the Hongor Sands is a giant sand dune in the South Gobi. This journey will bring us to both desert steppe and mountain areas of the Gobi. We will also be able to visit the famous Yol Valley, which actually is a ravine, which is covered by permanent snow and ice. 

The Gurvansaikhan Mountains is an extension into the Gobi of the Altais. Here we may be able to spot Argali Sheep and likely sighting of Siberian Ibex. The snow leopard is certainly present, but this elusive animal is near to impossible to get to see. In the desert steppe we will probably be able to see gazelle, fox and sometimes also the saiga antelope.

Brief Outline Itinerary

We will fly back and forward to Dalanzadgad in the South Gobi, from where vehicles and a cook will be hired. Camping equipment, all provisions, a cook, a trailfinder and vehicles will support the journey.

Day 01, Tue: To South Gobi

A.m. Pick up at your hotel in Ulaanbaatar, and transfer to the airport for 1½ hour flight to Dalanzadgad, although small, the main town in South Gobi. South Gobi (Omnogobi) is the least populated province in all Mongolia. After a lunch in Dalanzadgad start drive 140 km to the west over the desert steppe until Bayan Tsaagan Uul in Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, where we pitch camp for two nights.

Day 02, Wed: To Hongoriyn Els

In the evenings and early mornings we will try to see some wildlife on the ridges of our camp. We are likely to see Siberian Ibex (Capra sibirica) and with luck also the giant Argali Sheep (Ovis ammon).

We will then drive a rather short way to the famous Hongor Sands, a giant sand dune stretching lengthwise some 180 km away in the distance. Sometimes it is just a couple of hundred meters wide, sometimes as wide as 7-20 km.

We will make our overnight camp in one spot for two nights. But now next to this giant sand dune. It is high and has a small stream following the leeward side of the sand dune. The grass should be green on the campsite. Herdsmen also live nearby the sand dune. On this stretch of grass that resembles a lawn a kilometer or two between them separates the families. We are likely to rent some camels to carry our equipment into the area.

Day 03, Thu: Hongoriin Els

We will explore some length of the Hongoriyn Els and go to a point where the sand reach some 4-500 meters into the sky, and we will here climb for a superb view around the desert steppes. We are also likely to come across herdsmen who breed camels, and we will no doubt be invited into their gers. We will use their riding camels for a couple of hours, and go for an extended ride along the Hongor Sands.

Day 04, Fri: To Zöölööngiyn Nuruu

We will drive through the Hongor Sands and continue to Sevrei village, driving across some plains where frequently Asiatic Wild Ass (Hemionus hemionus)) is seen. It is called Khulan by the Mongols. We will then make our way through Zöölöön Mountains.

Day 05, Sat: To Gurvansaikhan Mountain

Today we will use the full day to return along the south side of the Gurvansaikhan Mountains to Dungenee, situated only some 15-20 kilometers short from the Yol Valley (Yoliin Am). We will continue across the Gurvansaikhan Mountains to a ger camp.

Day 06, Sun: Yol Valley

A short ride brings us into the core of the Gurvansaikhan Mountains and the Yol Valley itself. We will explore this famous ravine, with permanent ice and snow. Lammergeier nest here, and we are guaranteed to see them flying over the ravine. Another rare bird, the Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria) is also quite easy to see at close range. On the way out from the mountains we can visit the local Nature Museum partly set up by our host in the area. Finally drive 70 km over the steppes, and back up into the mountains and stay overnight in a ger camp. Overnight in gers.

Day 07: Gurvansaikhan Mountains

A day to relax in the ger camp, or hike around this beautiful area. If we have not sufficiently met local people, we can visit the nearby families.

Day 08: Fly to Ulaanbaatar

After an early breakfast drive back to Dalanzadgad and catch the flight (1½hrs) back to the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar. Transfer into your hotel. 

Practicalities 

Transport: This journey is supported by a jeep or minibus on the Gobi road tracks.

Staff: A Mongolian English speaking local guide will accompany the group at all times. A cook will follow. Plus one driver.

Meals: our cook will prepare the meals. We pride ourselves in having cooks adapt with both western and Mongolian cooking on our trips. There are always vegetables available, and we have no problem accommodating vegetarians.

Overnights: Tents and mattresses will be provided for the camping nights. You need to bring your own sleeping bag. The gers have 3-4 bed in each, and they are furnished with beds, stools and a table. A portable camping shower will be provided.

PRICE ex Ulaanbaatar

USD 1100 per person ( 2/5 members)
Group discounts available on request

Includes: Leadership, breakfast every day, and all meals outside Ulaanbaatar. All overnights in gers or tents, camping equipment and all local transport in the Gobi and transfers in Ulaanbaatar.

Excludes: Imported drinks, airport tax on departure from Ulaanbaatar (approx. USD 12 p.p.), laundry. The air ticket to Dalanzadgad currently cost USD 83 one way (allowance 10 kg). Visa fee. Private tent supplement USD 100. Additional hotel night in Ulaanbaatar is USD 90 per double room per night, or USD 65 in single. This rate includes taxes and breakfast.

DATES ex Ulaanbaatar: Every Tuesday June - October

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