Private Tour Highlights
- Feel the warm hospitality of the locals with a traditional art performance with a welcome dinner in Ulaanbaatar.
- Take a leap into history at the world-famous paleontological site of fossilized remains of ancient dinosaurs in Bayanzag.
- Visit a camel herder nomad family to taste traditional dairy products made of camel cows' milk before an in depth, 2-hour camel ride.
- Climb up and hike through the massive golden sand dunes of Khongor for an incredible view.
- Learn about the Mongolian nomadic culture in depth from nomads while staying in traditional Mongolian dwellings known as Gers.
Tour Overview
Embark on an exhilarating Gobi Desert Exploration and venture through the desert landscape while learning of the traditions of the unique nomad lifestyle of the region.
Encompassing over 500,000 square miles spanning across northern China and southern Mongolia, the arid Gobi Desert is known for its towering sand dunes and diverse wildlife. Formed by the Tibetan Plateau as it blocks precipitation from the Indian Ocean reaching the Gobi territory, the region’s rather harsh conditions make life for those who live within the desert to rely heavily on nomadic cattle herding to survive, moving between regions seasonally.
Unfortunately, much like the footprints left in the sand, the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle has begun to slowly fade into history as the region evolves. To fully appreciate the fading traditions of the Gobi Desert nomads, Yampu Travelers will venture through the golden sand dunes of Khongor while staying in the comfort of traditional Mongolian dwellings known as Gers and tasting traditional cuisine made by local families.
Inclusions
Exclusions
International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services and other personal items or services not mentioned.
Package Price: From £$ 4455
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
International Flight to Mongolia
Overnight International Flight to Ulaanbaatar.
Overnight International Flight to Ulaanbaatar.
Welcome to Ulaanbaatar!
Upon read more...
Upon arrival to Ulaanbaatar, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Situated on the Tuul River, Ulaanbaatar is the capital and largest city of Mongolia. Divided into two districts, one part of the city consists of permanent sites with Soviet-era buildings, museums within surviving monasteries, and apartment complexes while the other is home to many nomads who live in their traditional yurts in the ger district. The Contrast of traditional and modern lifestyles is what gives the city such a vibrant culture. ...read less
Ulaanbaatar City Tour
Today, you will be visiting Gandan Monastery, the National Museum, and the Central Square. You will also enjoy a traditional art performance with a welcome dinner.
Today, you will be visiting Gandan Monastery, the National Museum, and the Central Square. You will also enjoy a traditional art performance with a welcome dinner.
Ulaanbaatar - Gobi Desert
At read more...
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to the Gobi Desert.
Upon arrival to the Gobi Desert, you will be transferred to Oyut Hill where you will stay in a Ger homestay nearby a nomad community. This afternoon, visit nomads, enjoy traditional hospitality, and learn more about unique culture of nomad herders. They offer unconventional home-made special dairy products, such as "aaruul" - dried curds, Mongolian salty milk tea - Suutei Tsai and so on. You will also interact with nomad people and get more intimate with their nature-based lifestyle. Next, we will travel for 10 miles to Yol valley, one of the most scenic areas at Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. You will have a short hike for approximately 2 hours. In the evening, you will enjoy a lesson on "Shagai", a traditional game that you will have a chance to try by playing with your new Mongolian friends.
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Khongor Sand Dunes Tour
Today, you will depart to Khongor Sand Dunes (110 miles / 177 km, approx. 3.5 hours). Known as the Singing Sand Dunes thanks to the sound the wind makes as it blows over the sand, The Khongor Sand Dunes are 300m high, 9 miles wide and 110 miles long. We will climb up and hike through the golden sand dunes for an incredible view.
Today, you will depart to Khongor Sand Dunes (110 miles / 177 km, approx. 3.5 hours). Known as the Singing Sand Dunes thanks to the sound the wind makes as it blows over the sand, The Khongor Sand Dunes are 300m high, 9 miles wide and 110 miles long. We will climb up and hike through the golden sand dunes for an incredible view.
Camel Riding with a Camel Herding Nomad Family
This morning, you will be taken to a camel herder nomad family. Here we will enjoy a tasting of traditional dairy products made of camel cows' milk before an in depth, 2-hour camel ride. Then, the tour continues with a short hike to the sand dunes.
This morning, you will be taken to a camel herder nomad family. Here we will enjoy a tasting of traditional dairy products made of camel cows' milk before an in depth, 2-hour camel ride. Then, the tour continues with a short hike to the sand dunes.
Khongor - Bayanzag with Dinosaur Site Tour
Today, you will depart to Bayanzag (105 miles / 196 km, approx. 3.5 hours). Bayanzag is the world-famous paleontological site of fossilized remains of ancient dinosaurs discovered by Roy Chapman Andrews. You will hike in the area and see saksaul forest in the Gobi Desert and red flaming cliffs which were formed by the erosion of the sand and rock over thousands of years. Head down to the Ger camp for overnight.
Today, you will depart to Bayanzag (105 miles / 196 km, approx. 3.5 hours). Bayanzag is the world-famous paleontological site of fossilized remains of ancient dinosaurs discovered by Roy Chapman Andrews. You will hike in the area and see saksaul forest in the Gobi Desert and red flaming cliffs which were formed by the erosion of the sand and rock over thousands of years. Head down to the Ger camp for overnight.
Bayanzag - Ulaanbaatar
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Ulaanbaatar.
Upon arrival to Ulaanbaatar, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax or do some shopping in the city before your farewell dinner.
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Ulaanbaatar.
Upon arrival to Ulaanbaatar, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax or do some shopping in the city before your farewell dinner.
International Flight Home
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight.
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Gobi Desert
Khongor, Mongolia
Bayanzag, Bulgan, Mongolia
Places You'll See
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Ulaanbaatar
The capital and largest city of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar is divided into two districts, one part of the city consists of permanent sites with Soviet-era buildings and modern apartment complexes while the second district is home to many nomads who live in their traditional yurts in the ger district. The Contrast of traditional and modern lifestyles is what gives the city such a vibrant culture.
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Gobi Desert
The arid Gobi Desert stretches along the northern region of China, encompassing much of southern Mongolia. Located 910–1,520 meters (2,990–4,990 ft) above sea level, the desert is dry yet cold due to its proximity to the Himalayas. Known for its large, singing sand dunes and findings of dinosaur remnants, the Gobi Desert is a must-visit destination when touring Mongolia. Visitors can learn of the region’s camel herding nomads while exploring the unique landscape on camelback and through guided treks.
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Khongor
Khongoryn Els are the largest and most well-known sand dunes in Mongolia. Reaching nearly 100 ft (300 m) in height, the soft sands give an unbelievable view over the region, but not without a fight. As the sands slide you back several inches for each step you take, the hour long hike will reward those who conquer them with some of the most beautiful views of the Gobi Desert and the towering granite mountains in the distance. Visitors can also venture on camel rides alongside the local nomads and learn of their camel herding culture while staying in traditional yurts.
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Bayanzag
A region of the Gobi Desert aptly referred to as Flaming Cliffs thanks to its jagged, signature red sand cliffs and rock formations, Bayanzag’s landscape is notably exploring when in the Gobi Desert. Dinophiles can step back in time while in Bayanzag as the region was once crawling with dinosaur herds. Heavily excavated in the early 1920s by palaeontologist Roy Chapman Andrews, he and his team discovered a dinosaur’s nest which drew the whole world’s attention, noting that dinosaurs once nested in groups.
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
Featured Accommodation
Gobi Desert Hotel: Nomad Homestay
The Gobi Desert Hotel: Nomad Homestay organizes authentic nomad family stays to let our clients understand and experience as much as possible about the locals during their tour in the country of steppes. The nomadic stays could be 1-2 nights or even longer with one family or with different families living in different parts of Mongolia. Staying with the nomad family is mutually beneficial as you can experience their distinctive way of life, feeling their heartwarming hospitality while supporting the life of the nomads and improving the longevity of the nomadic lifestyle which is being affected by modernization and urbanization.
Gobi Desert , Mongolia
Featured Accommodation
Gobi Erdene
Gobi Erdene is the perfect place to relax after a day exploring the Gobi Desert, offering the choice between staying in a comfortable ger for a unique experience of the Khongor Sand Dunes or to stay in the neighboring en-suit lodges. Visitors will enjoy the warm hospitality of Gobi Erdene along with the indoor and outdoor dining experiences at the restaurant on the property.
Khongor , Mongolia
Featured Accommodation
Gobi Mirage Ger Camp
The “Gobi Mirage” tourist camp was established in 2005 by a local couple who, for over 10 years, had been taking travelers to hidden corners of their mysterious homeland – the Gobi. It has an ideal location that allows easy access to the main attractions of the Gobi and to the local airport, all within an hour’s driving time. First-hand knowledge of travelers’ needs and preferences enabled the couple to turn their camp into an oasis of hospitality and comfort. The camp’s power and energy supply, water and waste treatment, as well as the tour services offered, are conducted in accordance with environmentally and culturally sustainable guidelines. The camp has been recognized as the best tourism organization of 2006, 2008 in South Gobi province, whereas in 2009 it was chosen as the best tourist camp by the Mongolian Tourism Association. The camp has also received numerous other acclaims from the local government as well as the “two flower” quality rating denoting the excellent services delivered to guests.
Bayanzag , Mongolia
4 Star Properties
Ulaanbaatar : Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar
Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar , Mongolia
Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar is located right in the heart of the city center. It is an ideal base for both business and leisure travelers and within walking distance of the famous Government House, Great Chinggis Khaan Square and main offices and embassies. Chinggis Khan International Airport is just a 40-minute drive away.
Testimonials
Wafa A.
Traveled
Great experiences
Great experiences, with Yampu tours the staff are very professional and helpful and they provide timely services and try to find solutions and alternatives
Traveled To
Elena A.
Traveled September 2019
Look no further, go with YAMPU TOURS
Traveled To
Katalin and Denton
Traveled September, 2009
We could not be more satisfied
We appreciate your follow-up very much just as the service you provided. We could not be more satisfied, everything went so well. We have submitted very good evaluations in every country (Peru, Bolivia and Chile) respectively. Everything was well organized, the hotels were good and everyone showed up everywhere on-time providing valuable service. If we go again, we definitely would contact you and recommend your service to our friends as well. Feel free to post our comments and we will contact you again when we start planning our next trip to this region.
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