The Mongolian Gobi - Up Close
About this tour
We’ll visit the most scenic destinations of the Gobi such as Tsagaan Suvarga, Yolyn Am, Khongoryn Els, Bayanzag, and Baga Gazriin Chuluu, with plenty of time to enjoy each place along the way. We’ll also ride camels, try traditional Mongolian food, meet local people, and stay in comfortable ger camps.
There will be some long drives, but travelling through Mongolia is also about the journey. The scenery keeps changing, and there’s always something interesting to see along the way.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
The driver and I will pick you up from your accommodation in the morning, and we’ll start our journey towards the Gobi Desert. It’s around 420–450 km to Tsagaan Suvarga and takes approximately 7–8 hours, depending on the road conditions. We’ll stop for lunch on the way (most prabably at Mandalgobi, capital of Middle Gobi) and continue our drive. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at Tsagaan Suvarga, also known as the White Stupa. These beautiful white and colorful limestone cliffs have been shaped by wind and water over many years. We’ll spend some time walking around and enjoying the landscape before heading to our ger camp for the evening. We’ll have dinner together and spend the night near Tsagaan Suvarga.
Day 2: Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa), Mongolia to Yolin Am Ice Field, Mongolia
After breakfast, we’ll leave Tsagaan Suvarga and head towards Yolyn Am. We’ll have lunch on the way and enjoy the changing Gobi landscapes as we travel towards the mountains. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at Yolyn Am and spend around 1–1.5 hours sightseeing and walking through the valley before heading to our ger camp for the evening.
Day 3: Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa), Mongolia to Khongoriin Els, Mongolia
After breakfast, we’ll leave Tsagaan Suvarga and head towards Khongoryn Els, the famous sand dunes of the Gobi. We’ll have lunch on the way and enjoy the changing desert landscapes as we continue our drive. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at Khongoryn Els and have some time to explore the dunes, enjoy the views, and take a short camel ride if you’d like. Later, we’ll head to our ger camp, have dinner, and relax for the evening.
Day 4: Hongorïn Els, Mongolia to Flaming Cliffs, Mongolia
After breakfast, we’ll leave Khongoryn Els and head towards Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs. The drive is around 160–180 km and takes about 4–5 hours, depending on the road conditions. We’ll have lunch on the way and arrive at Bayanzag in the afternoon. The Flaming Cliffs are famous for their red sandstone formations and for the important dinosaur fossils discovered here, including the first dinosaur eggs identified by modern science in the 1920s. We’ll spend around 1–1.5 hours exploring the area and walking around the cliffs before heading to our ger camp for the evening.
Day 5: Flaming Cliffs, Mongolia to Baga Gazariin Chuluu, Mongolia
Baga Gazriin Chuluu is a beautiful area of granite rock formations rising from the open steppe of Dundgovi Province. The area is known for its unusual rock shapes, small caves, and peaceful landscapes. After breakfast, we’ll leave Bayanzag and head towards Baga Gazriin Chuluu. It’s a longer driving day, around 350–400 km and approximately 7–8 hours, depending on the road conditions. We’ll have lunch on the way and take a few breaks to stretch our legs and enjoy the scenery. We’ll arrive at Baga Gazriin Chuluu in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Baga Gazariin Chuluu, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
After breakfast, we’ll leave Baga Gazriin Chuluu and start our final drive back to Ulaanbaatar. The drive is around 250 km and takes approximately 4–5 hours. We’ll have lunch on the way and enjoy the last views of the open steppe before reaching the city. We expect to arrive in Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon, bringing our Gobi journey to an end.
What's included
This tour can be customized upon request, and I’d be happy to adjust the itinerary around your interests, schedule, and the kind of experience you’re looking for.
International and domestic flights Travel insurance Visa fees Personal expenses Alcoholic beverages Laundry and other personal services Tips and gratuities Any activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary
Languages spoken
Route & locations
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia