Gobi Desert has become a primary destination to visit Mongolia because of the discovery of dinosaur fossils and the beautiful combination of Sand dunes, oases, and rocky mountains.
Upon arrival at the airport, you are welcomed by your Mongolian guide and transferred to a centrally located hotel, within walking distance of various museums and shops. After check-in, be free at leisure and have a good rest to recover from the jet lag. If you feel like going for a walk and checking out places nearby, feel free to ask the hotel receptionist for recommendations.
Upon arrival drive to the Yol Valley National Park (45 mins), cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. An ancient river carved this surprisingly green valley, and its remnant streams create ice formations that sometimes persist as late as July. A hike through the valley leads to the habitat of indigenous vulture-like Lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks, and Argali mountain sheep. After exploring the valley, visit the local natural history museum for an overview of the flora and fauna of the surrounding area. Dinner and overnight at Tourist Ger camp in the Gobi. Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D.
Explore the sand dunes on foot or on back of Bactrian camels. Camels are as important as horses for Mongolian people. Mongolian camel also known as Bactrian Camel, have two humps and are a most well-known species in the Central Asian plateau. In the afternoon, drive back to Tourist camp (3 hours). Spend the evening at leisure or participate in one of the activities offered at the lodge such as a nature walk or horseback riding. Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D.
Drive to Havsgait to see the amazing artwork of our ancestors. Preserved at the top of the mountain are some of the precious petroglyphs of the Gobi, ancient and beautiful works of art that can be clearly seen as the sun hits the rocks from the right angle. From the depictions of these amazing petroglyphs we can gain a better understanding of the everyday lives of the people who lived in the Gobi during the Bronze Age. Travel to the legendary Flaming Cliffs (1 hour), named for the orange glow of the rock at sunset. It was here in 1923 that Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews and his exploration team from the American Museum of Natural History found the first nest of dinosaur eggs the world had ever seen. Although not obvious to the untrained eye, the red sandstone of the Flaming Cliffs is rich with dinosaur fossils and paleontological expeditions continue to make significant discoveries at this site.
Early this morning, transfer to the local airport for morning flight to Ulaanbaatar. FLIGHT: Depart at 08.40am and arrival in the city airport at 10am. Upon arrival in the city airport, depart for Terelj National Park. This is one of the most visited national parks in Mongolia. In the afternoon, we will explore the national park and see Turtle Rock – interesting rock formation looking like a turtle. Also, visit the Ariyabal meditation temple – surrounded by scenic mountains with massive rock formations and sits on top of the mountain. From the top, you can enjoy the breathtaking view overlooking the Terelj National Park. We will stay overnight at Ger camp. Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D.
After breakfast, we will return to Ulaanbaatar. On the way visit “Genghis Khan Statue Complex” which is currently the biggest (40m high) equestrian statue in the world. There is a recreation area, restaurants, and souvenir shops occupy the base structure. From here, you can ascend to the head of the horse using an elevator. There you have a good panoramic view over the complex area and the scenery beyond. You are now definitely in Genghis Khan’s country. In the afternoon, continue to explore the city and visit “Gandan” Monastery, Mongolia’s largest functioning Buddhist monastery including the Mongolian Buddhist University. The highlight of visiting to Gandan is 26-meter-high majestic gilded indoor statue of Megjid Janraisig. Continue to visit Museum of Mongolian National History – the museum presents Mongolian history and culture from prehistoric times to the present day. Then, we will check Sukhbaatar square which is lies at the heart of the city surrounded by important buildings such as government palace, banks and theaters and post office. In the evening, enjoy a performance featuring traditional Mongolian dancers and khoomi throat singers followed by a farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight in hotel.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure.
• Private English-speaking guide at all times, • Accommodation based on twin share (Tourist camp) • All meals as listed: Breakfast • Private Transfers/Transport with comfortable vehicles • All entrance fees are as mentioned in the program • Complementary drink water during the tour • All service charge, local and Gov’t tax
• International arrivals & Travel insurance, • Tipping and other personal expenses, • Other services not mentioned in the itinerary
This tour can be fully customized. Please get in touch with me.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia