Selena Travel

The Gobi of Dreams tour

Gobi Desert Tour Mongolia | Mongolian gobi desert | to travel to Mongolia

8days/7nights

Tour grade: Easy

From: US$ 1,300

Style: Join in Group Tour

  • Embark on an adventure in the enigmatic Gobi Desert, home to unique endemic flora and fauna.
  • Experience an unforgettable camel ride atop two-humped Bactrian camels amidst the rolling sand dunes.
  • Uncover the secrets of the Flaming Cliffs, renowned as the ancient birthplace of dinosaurs.
  • Immerse yourself in genuine cultural exchanges with local nomadic families.
  • Enjoy the comfort of staying in Mongolian Traditional Ger/Yurt accommodations.

Tour Overview

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the captivating landscapes of the Gobi Desert, where each moment unfolds as a testament to Mongolia’s diverse beauty. Witness the majestic Khongor Sand Dunes, explore the iconic Flaming Cliffs adorned with dinosaur fossils, and venture into the serene Yol Valley with its year-round icy marvels.

 

Discover the tranquility of the Gobi steppe and engage with nomadic communities. Your adventure continues to the remote Khermen Tsav, where rugged canyons and unique rock formations await. Immerse yourself in the nomadic way of life, trek through the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, and marvel at the brilliance of the night sky in this once-in-a-lifetime exploration of Mongolia’s enchanting Gobi region.

 

Tour map

Brief itinerary

  • Day 1: Tsagaan Suvarga
  • Day 2: Bayanzag, The Flaming Cliffs
  • Day 3: Khongor sand dunes, Camel Ride
  • Day 4: Narandaats eco ger camp
  • Day 5: Khermen Tsav Canyon
  • Day 6: Yolyn Am Gorge
  • Day 7: Baga Gazaryn Chuluu Mountain
  • Day 8: Ulaanbaatar city
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Tour images

Gobi Desert stargazing
Bayanzag The Flaming cliffs in the Gobi Desert
Khongor sand dunes
Khongor Sand dunes in Mongolia

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:

Bayanzag, The Flaming Cliffs

Today we travel to South Gobi region. Our drive takes 3-4 hour and break at Dalanzadgad town, a center of Umnugovi province. There we visit newly founded museum of Umnugovi. Proceed to our ger camp for check in and lunch. After a satisfying lunch at the ger camp, our journey takes us to the Khavtsgait Petroglyph, nestled within the Dund Saikhan Mountain. Here, we embark on a trek to the mountain, where a captivating natural gallery of rock paintings from the Bronze Age awaits. Continuing our northern journey, we head towards the renowned Bayanzag, aka the Flaming Cliffs. Upon arrival, we'll visit the information center, which features informative exhibits and a brief documentary to enhance your understanding of the area. Then, immerse yourself in the wilderness and explore the unique natural formations as you hike along a designated trail. As the day draws to a close, we'll return to our camp in the evening, where a delicious dinner awaits, followed by a comfortable overnight stay.

 

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

 

Day 3:

Khongor sand dunes, Camel Ride

Early in the morning, we drive to the Khongor Sand Dunes, which takes between 4 and 5 hours, passing through vast desert badlands that span out into the furthest distances, where remote mountains line the horizon. Upon our arrival in the ger camp, enjoy lunch. In the late afternoon (by avoiding from heat), we will visit local camel herder family and enjoy 1 hour camel ride to the dunes. Climb to the dunes and enjoy seeing the sunset from the top of the dunes. Return to the camp, dinner and overnight.

 

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4:

Narandaats eco ger camp

Drive to Narandaats, a beautiful paradise where saxual trees, tooroi, and khailaas grow to such heights that one is reminded that they existed many hundreds of thousands of years ago, when dinosaurs still roamed the Gobi plains. Overnight at the ger camp.

 

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5:

Khermen Tsav Canyon

In the morning, we will drive to Khermen Tsav Canyon, which was made from thousands of year's erosions of red sand, and which stretches for about 10 km in the Gobi Desert. The area has desert plants and trees and many fossilized remains of ancient animals and dinosaurs. We will have time to walk through the center of the canyon and explore the fascinating plant species and rock formations. Picnic lunch at the scenic spot. After some hiking and exploration in the afternoon, we drive back to the Narandaats camp. Stay overnight at the camp.

 

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

 

Day 6:

Yolyn Am Gorge

Today we will travel to Yolyn Am Gorge with a 6-7 hours drive. Enjoy picnic lunch along the way. In the afternoon, continue our travel to Yolyn Am Gorge, ake the Lammergeier gorge or Vulture Valley. Upon arrival, enjoy hiking in the beautiful gorge for 1-2 hours. Visit local natural history museum for the information of its flora and fauna. Transfer to ger camp, dinner and overnight there.

 

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 7:

Baga Gazaryn Chuluu Mountain

Our today’s destination is Baga Gazaryn Chuluu, a picturesque and legendary granite mountain. Arrive at Baga Gazaryn Chuluu Mountain in the afternoon and transfer to the tourist ger camp where you stay overnight today.Then we will discover the area and take a tour around to visit Surtiin Am for the ruin of stone temple, 20 m long cave, as well as ger stone nearby. Return to the ger camp, dinner and overnight.

 

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

 

Day 8:

Ulaanbaatar city

Check out from our ger camp and travel to Ulaanbaatar. After 4-5 hr drive, arrive in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your hotel. End of service. 

 

Meals:

Breakfast

Date & Price

Tour Dates: Available June to September, 2024

May 26 - June 02 

June 02 - June 09

June 16 - June 23 

*If the listed group dates don't align with your plans, click "Customize this tour" or make a private booking. Our travel advisors will respond promptly to accommodate your preferred dates. 


 

Tour Price:

2 Pax US$ 2400 per person
3-4 Pax US$ 1800 per person
5-8 Pax US$ 1500 per person
9-12 Pax US$ 1300 per person
Single supplement charge US$ 270 
Naadam Festival add - on US$ 330 per person

 

 


 

 

 

Note: this price is not valid on 04-18 July because of the Naadam festival. Naadam is the highest season for our country, therefore all hotels and accommodations are about 30-40% higher than the normal rate due to demand.

 


 

Included in the Service: 

  • Full-time services of your English-speaking local guide throughout the tour
  • Sightseeing and entrance fees according to the itinerary
  • Private transfers (4WD Russian Van + Experienced driver) 
  • Twin share in traditional Mongolian ger at tourist ger camps 7 nights
  • Meals as listed (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
  • 1-hour Camel riding fee in the Gobi
  • 0.5 l x 3 bottled water per day
  • Visa support invitation letter where applicable
  • Exclusive Mongolia tour souvenir

 Not included in the price

  • International Airfare/train tickets + Tax 
  • Travel insurance & Visa fees
  • 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

Tour Background

The name Mongolia often stirs the image of arid Gobi desert and open steppes in one’s mind. The Gobi is definitely one of the largest and most beautiful deserts on earth with unparalleled beauty, priceless archaeological findings of dinosaur remains and eggs, amazing steppe expanding to the horizon, golden sand dunes and unique ecosystem and wildlife.

The Gobi of Dreams tour brings the best of Mongolian Gobi Desert, the glacial gorge of Yoliin Am, singing sand dunes of Khongor, Flaming Cliffs at Bayanzag. This eco tour allows you to travel the Gobi with comfort, meet real nomads of the Gobi to experience their hospitality and see lifestyle, stride the Bactrian camels. 

Landscape and cultural sightseeing blend easily in Mongolia – you will have the chance to visit families of nomads, remote Buddhist monasteries and traditional events, and to take part in horse-riding or guided walking if you wish – there are also endless opportunities for photography.

The Highlights of the tour: 

  • Khongor Sand Dunes: Explore the mesmerizing Khongor Sand Dunes, some of the tallest in the Gobi, and enjoy the breathtaking views from the ridge.
  • Khermen Tsav: Explore the remote and rugged beauty of Khermen Tsav, known for its stunning canyons, unique rock formations, and archaeological significance.
  • 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.
  • Camel Riding: Embark on a camel ride through the Gobi Desert, embracing the traditional mode of transportation and enjoying the vast, open landscapes.
  • Stargazing: Experience the enchanting Gobi night sky, away from city lights, and marvel at the brilliance of stars and constellations.

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

Bayanzag, The Flaming Cliffs

Bayanzag, which in Mongolian means 'a place of many saxaul bushes', was first called 'The Flaming Cliffs' by Roy Chapman Andrews, the American dinosaur hunter and adventurer who made vital finds of dinosaur eggs and skeletons at the base of the vivid red bluffs, which stand alone in a vast empty expanse of land and sky. Chapman himself was something of a rogue - said by some to be the man on whom the film character 'Indiana Jones' was based. He lived an adventurous, self-aggrandizing life across much of this part of the world. At Bayanzag it is the landscape, in addition to the rich dinosaur history, which is very impressive - an intense evocation of Mongolia's great emptiness.

 

Khongor sand dunes

An extensive dune formation, Khongor Els runs for 180 kilometers across the front of the Gobi-Altai mountains - formed by deposits of sand dropped into the lee of the mountains by centuries of storms. The dunes, rising to heights of 2600 feet, stand out in light sinuous sand shapes against the dark rock of the mountain and the surrounding desert plain, At the base of the dunes runs a sacred river, bringing a flourish of green growth to the desert scene - the nomads bring their herds of cashmere goat and horses to drink at this oasis.

 

Yoliin Am

The bearded vulture, Yol in Mongolian, gave its name to the Yoliin Am Valley, the Gorge of Bearded Vultures. Located at a height of 2500 metres (8202,10 feet), Yol Canyon forms a gorge that is so deep and so narrow, that only two persons can pass in some places. The water forms four small waterfalls.

Tour Map

Tour Reviews

Oct 13, 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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