South Gobi
Introduction
This journey takes us to the dramatic desert steppe and mountain ranges of the South Gobi, Mongolia’s least populated province. We’ll explore the iconic Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, made famous by the discovery of the first dinosaur eggs, and visit the stunning Yol Valley in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, a narrow gorge often filled with ice well into summer. The vast Khongor Sand Dunes, Mongolia’s largest, are another highlight. Round-trip domestic flights offer breathtaking aerial views of Mongolia’s open landscapes. In the Gobi, we travel by jeep or 4WD minivan. Overnights are in deluxe gers at comfortable ger camps, with optional upgrade to luxury lodge Three Camel Lodge near Bayanzag offering en-suite bathrooms, fine dining, and exceptional comfort in stunning natural settings.
| Trip Details |
|---|
| South Gobi |
| 5 Days / 4 Nights |
Trip Details
Day 1 – Ulaanbaatar to Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
We pick you up at your hotel and fly 1.5 hours to Dalanzadgad in the South Gobi. From there, drive 90 km to Bayanzag, a region of red sandstone cliffs and saxaul forests. This is one of the most important paleontological sites in the world, made famous by American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews whose expedition found the first ever fossilized dinosaur eggs in the 1920s. The cliffs glow at sunset, and wildlife such as gazelles or foxes may be spotted en route. Overnight in a ger camp nearby.
Day 2 – Khongor Sand Dunes
Drive westward (approx. 150 km) through the Gurvansaikhan Mountains to reach the immense Khongor Els dunes. These dunes stretch over 150 km, rising up to 80 meters high. In the evening light, their shifting shapes and colors are especially striking. You’ll also have the chance to visit local herder families and learn about life in the desert. Overnight in a ger camp near the dunes.
Day 3: Along the Gurvansaikhan Mountains
Journey east along the Gurvansaikhan mountain range, an extension of the Altai with peaks reaching 2,800 meters. The Gurvansaikhan range, literally ‘three beauties’ named for its three subranges, is an extension of the Altai deep into the Gobi dessert. Overnight in Gobi Oasis ger camp.
Day 4: Yol Valley Excursion
Take a full-day trip into the Gurvansaikhan Mountains and visit Yolyn Am, or Yol Valley. This narrow gorge, often filled with ice into mid-summer, offers a beautiful contrast to the surrounding desert. We’ll hike through the valley, home to wildlife like Lammergeiers (bearded vultures), rosefinches, and pikas. In the afternoon, visit Muhar Shivert, known for its animal-shaped rock formations and remaining patches of winter ice. Overnight in Gobi Oasis ger camp.
Day 5 – Return to Ulaanbaatar
After early breakfast, transfer to Dalanzadgad airport for your return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Itinerary Map
DATES ex Ulaanbaatar:
- Daily May to October.
PRICE ex Ulaanbaatar:
2 members: USD 1900 per person
Single supplement (4n): USD 200
Upgrade supplement
Three Camel Lodge (2n): USD 1500 per person
Practicalities:
Transport: Travel by jeep or minibus depending on group size. Itinerary may reverse during June or September due to limited flights.
Accommodation: Deluxe Gers with ensuite bathroom. Luxury upgrade available at Three Camel Lodge near Bayanzag.
Staff: Accompanied by an English-speaking Mongolian guide throughout. Other languages available on request (additional cost).
Meals: All meals provided outside Ulaanbaatar, either at ger camps or as picnics
Included
- English-speaking guide
- All meals outside Ulaanbaatar
- Accommodation in ger camps
- All local transport and entry fees
- Domestic flights
Excluded
- Beverages
- Accommodation and transfers in Ulaanbaatar
What our guests say
We appreciate your feedback about our tours and services.
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Great place to stay and experience mongolian way of living, no tv, wifi, phone. Just nature and great company of the staff and livestocks of mongolia. The toilet is a hole in the ground covered by a shed. It is clean, but can be smelly to those used to city life. Not hot water supply, inform the staff that you like to hot water half an hour earlier so that they can boil it over camel dung 🙂
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You can choose the general Gobi tourist circuits with long daily drives and chatty companions, or you can choose to stay at this special little place in the East Gobi. Red Rock Ger camp comprises 15 gers and a dining room ger, library ger and shower ger. The camp staff do not speak much English, but things manage to get done. Your ger will have decent beds, chairs and a table, place for your luggage and a small wash stand. There is a stove in the middle which can be lit by request to the staff, for cold nights and/or mornings. The ger has a small solar powered light and a candle. You will need a torch light to see your way to the WC block at night. The showers are lovely with water heated on a fire. It takes around 10-20 mins for them to get it set up, so you should let them know before hand...
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