Selena Travel

Gobi Odyssey (6 days)

Uncover the secrets of the Flaming Cliffs | Gobi Odyssey | Gobi Desert Tour Mongolia

6days/5nights

Tour grade: Medium

From: US$ 1,300

Style: Join in Group Tour

  • Khongor sand dunes: Explore the iconic Khongor Sand Dunes, known for their mesmerizing golden expanse and thrilling camel rides, offering an unforgettable desert adventure.
  • Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag): Uncover the secrets of the Flaming Cliffs, renowned for dinosaur fossil discoveries and the dramatic red-orange hues during sunset.
  • Yol Valley (Yolyn Am): Venture into the deep, narrow Yol Valley, known for its icy gorge even in the hot Gobi summer, offering a unique and refreshing experience.
  • Hiking in the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park: Trek through the stunning landscapes of the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna, including wild sheep and ibex.
  • Nomadic Encounters: Experience the nomadic way of life by interacting with local herders, sharing stories, and gaining insights into their resilient lifestyle.
  • Baga Gazriin Chuluu: Explore the unique granite rock formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a sacred site with ancient inscriptions and meditation caves.
  • Tour Status: Active

    *Active: This tour is currently open for new bookings and will be guaranteed to proceed once it reaches the minimum number of participants.

    *Guaranteed: This departure is open for new bookings, and it is confirmed to proceed without needing to reach the minimum number of passengers required. 

Tour Overview

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the mesmerizing landscapes of the Gobi Desert, where each moment unveils the diverse beauty of Mongolia. Experience the tranquility of Khongor Sand Dunes, explore the famed Flaming Cliffs with its dinosaur fossils, and venture into the serene Yol Valley with its perennial icy wonders.

Discover the peaceful expanse of the Gobi steppe, engaging with nomadic communities along the way. Immerse yourself in their way of life, trek through the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, and marvel at the captivating night sky, making this exploration of Mongolia's enchanting Gobi region a truly unforgettable experience.

Tour map

Brief itinerary

  • Day 1: Tsagaan Suvarga
  • Day 2: Yolyn Am gorge, Gurvan Saikhan National Park
  • Day 3: Khongor Sand Dunes
  • Day 4: Ongi Monastery via Bayanzag
  • Day 5: Baga Gazaryn Chuluu Mountain
  • Day 6: Ulaanbaatar
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Tour images

Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs, is a striking desert landscape located in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia.
Khongor Sand Dunes, in Mongolia's Gobi Desert, boast vast stretches of golden sands spanning 180 kilometers.
Tsagaan Suvarga, or White Stupa, is a striking geological formation in Mongolia's Gobi Desert, featuring towering limestone cliffs with distinctive white and red layers.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with camel riding in Mongolia's Gobi Desert.

Full Itinerary

Day 1:

Tsagaan Suvarga

Today’s expedition leads us to Tsagaan Suvarga, a remarkable sedimentary formation that harks back to an ancient seabed. Our journey spans approximately 6-7 hours, punctuated by a lunch stop in Mandagovi town. Upon our arrival at the camp, you’ll check in and settle in for a rewarding adventure. We’ll embark on an excursion to the Tsagaan Suvarga scarps, where you can revel in a captivating hike amidst the vibrant cliffs, ascending toward the summit for breathtaking views. After this invigorating exploration, we’ll return to the ger camp to savor a delicious dinner and spend the night in comfort.  

 

Accommodation: Ger camp

Meals:

Lunch

Dinner

 

Day 2:

Yolyn Am gorge, Gurvan Saikhan National Park

Today, we embark on a picturesque journey to Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, a drive that spans approximately four to five hours, allowing us ample opportunities for scenic photography stops. Our expedition includes a pit stop in Dalanzadgad, a charming Gobi town, where we’ll explore the newly constructed Umnugovi province museum and savor a delightful lunch. Following our visit to Dalanzadgad, we’ll embark on a brief drive to reach the enchanting Yolyn Am gorge. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to partake in a one-hour hike from our parking spot, immersing yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty. Eventually, we’ll transfer to the ger camp, where we’ll stay overnight.  

 

 

Accommodation: Ger camp

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3:

Khongor Sand Dunes

In the early morning, we embark on a 4 to 5-hour drive to the Khongor Sand Dunes, traversing vast desert badlands that stretch out to the distant horizons, with remote mountains adorning the skyline. Upon reaching the ger camp, we will have a satisfying lunch. Later in the afternoon, as the heat wanes, we visit a local camel herder family and partake in a serene 1-hour camel ride to the dunes. Climbing to the dunes, we witness the mesmerizing sunset from their summit. Returning to the camp, we enjoy dinner and settle in for the night.

 

Accommodation: Ger camp

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4:

Ongi Monastery via Bayanzag

Awaken early to witness the enchanting sunrise in the heart of the wilderness, followed by a hearty breakfast at the camp. After checking out, embark on a journey to renowned Bayanzag, the Flaming Cliffs, where a visit to the information center provides insights through exhibits and a documentary. Immerse yourself in the wilderness, hiking along designated trails to explore unique natural formations. Lunch awaits at the ger camp before continuing to Ongi Monastery along the Ongi River, a 3-4 hour drive through the endless Ongi Steppe. Uncover the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Ongi Monastery, offering a poignant glimpse into Mongolia's religious and historical legacy, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at the ger camp.

 

Accommodation: Ger camp

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5:

Baga Gazaryn Chuluu Mountain

Today, our journey leads us to the picturesque and legendary granite mountain, Baga Gazaryn Chuluu, a 5–6-hour drive with a captivating stop at Sum Khukh Burd. Explore the fascinating stone castle ruins on a small island in Lake Khukh Burd, a site that proudly displays 16th-17th-century architecture, holding historical significance in Dundgobi province. In the afternoon, arrive at Baga Gazaryn Chuluu Mountain, where you'll transfer to a tourist ger camp for an overnight stay. Explore the area, taking a tour to visit Surtiin Am with its stone temple ruins, a 20-meter-long cave, and nearby ger stones. Return to the ger camp for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay. 

 

Accommodation: Ger camp

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6:

Ulaanbaatar

Depart from the ger camp and journey to Ulaanbaatar, with a 4-5 hour drive culminating in your arrival in the city. Transfer to your hotel, marking the end of our service. You can check suggested hotels here. 

 

 

Accommodation: Booked by clients

Meals:

 

Date & Price

Tour Dates:

26th May - 31st May, 2024  
9th June - 14th June, 2024  
   

 

If you prefer a private tour experience, simply click the "Customize this tour" button located at the bottom of the page to personalize the itinerary according to your preferences. Upon submitting your request, our team of travel advisors will promptly provide you with a tailored proposal and quote. 

Pax 3-12 US$ 1300 per person
Single supplement charge       US$180

Included services

  • Full-time services of your English speaking local guide throughout the tour
  • Private transfers (4WD Van + Experienced driver) 
  • Twin share in traditional Mongolian ger at tourist ger camps 5 nights
  • Meals as listed (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
  • 1-hour Camel riding fee in the Gobi Desert (Khongor sand dune)
  • 0.5 l x 3 bottled water per day
  • Visa support invitation letter where applicable


Not Included in the Service 

  • International Airfare/train ticket
  • Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar (please contact us if you need help with booking your hotel)
  • Travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, camera or video fees at any sites etc
  • Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary)
  • Optional activities such as camel riding, archery, fishing etc
     

 

Tour Background

Accommodation info on your Mongolia tours 

Ulaanbaatar: Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, offers a variety of hotels ranging from basic guesthouses to high-end 5* hotel.

Some of our Mongolia tours do not include the hotel stays in Ulaanbaatar in the tour package, where clients can choose a hotel that suits their needs and budget. Please make sure to check your tour program`s Inclusions and Exclusions section to confirm if your hotel stay is included in the package.

If you wish us to book your hotel for you, your travel consultant will be happy to recommend and book an ideal hotel for you. 

Here are hotels that are recommended by us:  

  • Springs hotel (3*)
  • Holiday Inn (4*)
  • Best Western Premier (5*)
  • Shangri-La Hotel (5*)

 

Outside Ulaanbaatar: Outside of Ulaanbaatar where there are no hotels, tourist Ger (yurt) camps are the best accommodation for travelers. A Ger is Mongolian traditional dwelling made of felt layers and wooden construction, and the Mongolians have lived in Gers for thousands of years. Tourist Ger camps offer comfortable Gers with 1-3 beds with good bedding (1 Ger equals 1 hotel room), and also offer well-maintained public western style showers and WCs on their grounds. Some Ger camps offer en-suite bathroom facilities at additional charge, please ask your Selena Travel advisor for further details when booking your Mongolia tour. 

 

Food on Selena Travel tours 

In the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, a great variety of restaurants can be found and you will be eating at some of the best restaurants of Ulaanbaatar on your Mongolia tour while in the capital. Once you are outside the capital, Ger restaurants in Ger camps, local cafes in the small towns and sometimes nomadic families will be the places where you will be eating most of your meal. Ger restaurants often offer set continental breakfasts, set menu lunches and dinners consisting of salad or soup, main course and dessert.

 

 While on the tour, during your longer driving days you will take packed lunch from Ger camps, often vegetable salad, main course such as fried chicken/noodles/dumplings and a small dessert, while hitting the road. Most of the food restrictions and allergies such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and many others, can be accommodated with easy on your Mongolia adventure.

 

 Luggage allowance on Selena Travel tours 

If you are on an overland only tour across Mongolia, the recommended weight of your luggage is 20kg per person (max). However, kindly note that domestic flight luggage allowance per person is 15 kg (10 kg for the check in luggage and 5 kg for the carry on luggage). It is possible to purchase extra luggage space which costs US$2 - 5 per 1kg.

 

DESTINATION & ATTRACTIONS BRIEF INFO

The Gobi Desert

The Gobi desert is the most mysterious place on earth The Gobi invites you to reveal its secrets. This region is famous for its unique natural formations, many places where you can see real dinosaur fossils, flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world. Ride the 2 humped Bactrian camels and discover the Gobi!

Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) is internationally famous for its fossilized dinosaur remains. Dinosaur nests with eggs were found here as well as whole fossilized skeletons.

The Khongoriin Els sand dunes extend along the northern side of Sevrei and Zuulun mountain ranges. These dunes are 180 km long, 15-20 km wide and up to 200m high. There is a small oasis near Khongoriin gol stream, which flows along the northern edge of the dunes. The scenery here is simply spectacular.

Yoliin Am (Vulture's Gorge) is a narrow valley located in the Zuun Saikhan Mountain range, with thick pieces of ice almost all year around hidden in its depths. This area is home to rare animals such as the Argali (wild sheep) and Ibex as well as Vultures and other large birds.

Tour Map

Tour Reviews

Mar 19, 2024.  The Gobi & Karakorum Explorer

Aug 10, 2012. Gobi & Karakorum Explorer tour Our recent "The Gobi & Karakorum Explorer" tour with you was excellent, everything exceeded our expectations! It was a super trip in our lives and we loved our Mongolia holiday so much. Our guide Joe was kind, well organised, accurate and informative, polite and caring and always provided us with timely information. And our driver Jack is super, very friendly, professional and always on time. We are wild travelers, having been to many places in the world - but Mongolia is still truly unspoiled and uncontaminated. Selena Travel's services were perfect right from the very first email. We would like to thank Selena Travel, our guide and our driver for having made this Mongolia experience a truly beautiful one with so many wonderful memories.

by Rafaella, Benedetta, Lidia

Aug 08, 2012.  Gobi & Karakorum customized 11 days tour

Sending you some of our nicer pictures. Some are chosen for their beautiful scenery while the rest are just us happily playing and goofing around. There are a couple of shots of us doing some Mongolian wrestling, as suggested by Oyuna since we missed out on the mini-Naadam festival. She said since we missed it, we might as well organise our own festival by playing some Mongolian games. Haha... We had so much fun playing those games!!! :)OK, I hope you like the pictures we send you. Best regards to everyone at Selena Travel and thank you once again for all your assistance.

by Margaret Suganda

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