South Gobi Safari

Arrival at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport of Ulaanbaatar, transfer and check-in to a 3-star hotel in downtown. Welcoming lunch and tour briefing by a tour guide. Afternoon city tour – The Zaisan memorial hill, constructed in memory of fallen soldiers and it makes an ideal point to start our tour with 360° panoramic views of the city. The next stop is Sukhbaatar Square, the central square named after the people’s revolutionary hero. The last sightseeing is the National History Museum. No tour of Ulaanbaatar is complete without a visit to the landmark, State Department Store/Ikh Delguur – or Great Shop – here we can stock up on last-minute provisions before starting the next day’s journey. (L/D)

We start our trip to the beautiful Baga Gazriin Chuluu local protected area. Visit some spots in Baga Gazariin Chuluu: a temple ruins used by Buddhist monks, a hole with Holy Water for the eyes and a small cave. Walk over pretty rocky granite hills to admire the natural beauty of Middle Gobi. The elevation is 1760m ASL, and is famous for its unique rock formations and beautiful natural environment. Tonight will be our first night staying in traditional Mongolian felt tents or gers. Overnight stay at Bayanbulag ger camp (B/L/D) 262km

Today we continue driving to one of Mongolia’s great natural beauties, Tsagaan Suvarga – “White Stupas”. These colorful 100m long cliffs were part of an ancient sea bottom millions of years ago. From distance, it looks like shrines and city structures, thus named White Shrines. Nowadays it is a natural wonder with fantastic color combinations. Walkthrough Tsagaan Suvarga and enjoy the beautiful wide views. Overnight stay in Govi Suvraga tourist camp. (B/L/D) 191km

This morning we will drive through the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Gobi Gurvan Saikhan means “Three Beauties of the Gobi” and this range marks the eastern end of the Gobi Altai mountain range. The park’s landscape is extremely varied, with rocky and sandy desert plains, precipitous cliffs and ravines, salt pans and oases. We visit a spectacular natural sight of this region – Yoliin Am Gorge. Yoliin Am means Vulture’s Mouth and the gorge is so deep and narrow that even in the height of summer winter ice can remain on the valley floor until mid-July. This region is also renowned for the diversity of its wildlife and many endangered species can be found here, including Khulan (Asiatic wild ass), Ibex, Argali sheep (wild sheep) and Snow Leopard. We explore the canyon before transferring to a nearby ger camp for dinner and overnight. Overnight stay in the Gobi Mirage tourist camp. (B/L/D) 250km

Today we have a full day to explore the sand dunes and its surrounding area. The Khongoriin Els stretches about 180km and is as high as 200m at its highest point. The highest point is known as the ‘Singing Dunes’ because of the beautiful sound that resonates through the dunes on a windy day. The South Gobi has 157,900 camels (as of 2019), typically used by herders for transportation of their gers. Today we will take the opportunity to visit a camel herder family and get a glimpse of the way of life of the nomadic herders of this region. Overnight in the Gobi Erdene ger camp. (B/L/D) 197km

Today we make a short drive to Bayanzag (70 km) known as the Flaming cliffs and hike amongst colorful sands of red, yellow and orange. Bayanzag is a world-renowned dinosaur fossil exploration site, discovered in 1922 by American Expedition to Central Asia led by Roy Chapman Andrews. We are free to explore the region and may even be lucky enough to spot dinosaur fossils. After a picnic lunch, we return to camp in the afternoon. Overnight at luxury ger camp Ongiin Nuuts (B/L/D) 285km

Today we drive to the 13th century capital of the Great Mongolian Empire – Kharkhorin. Kharkhorin was established by Uguudei Khaan and remained the Mongolian power base until Khubilai Khaan moved the capital to the current Beijing site. Erdene Zuu (Hundred Treasures) monastery was the largest Monastery in Mongolia, built-in 1586 under the order of Abtai Sain Khaan on the ruins of the ancient capital. Much of the monastery was destroyed during the Religious purges during the 1930s, but an impressive wall with 108 stupas and a number of temples still remain. In the late afternoon, we visit Kharkhorin Museum and explore the ruins of the ancient capital. Overnight in Munkh Tenger ger camp. (B/L/D) 266km

Morning is a special time to visit Erdene Zuu Monastery and this morning we may have the chance to witness monks chanting. Today’s destination, the Mongol Els or ‘Little Gobi Desert’ as it is known, is a unique belt of sand dunes in the steppe. Arriving at lunch, we check-in to a nearby tourist camp and after lunch head out to explore the surrounding region. Bactrian camels wander the desert dunes as horses graze on green steppe nearby – an incredible sight. We will visit nearby Khugnu Khan Mountain, the small temple at its base. This region is also renowned for its birdlife, including steppe eagles. Khugnu Khan Mountain offers a great spot for bird watching. We return to camp in the late afternoon. Overnight at Khoyor Zagal tourist camp. (B/L/D) 90km

We drive to the Khustai Nuruu National Park. Khustai Nuruu is famous for the reintroduction of Mongolia’s wild horse. The Takhi Horse or Przewalski’s horse was once native to Mongolia and extinct in the wild earlier this century. Through the efforts of several Mongolian and international organizations, these magnificent wild horses now roam in the steppes once again in Khustai Nuruu National Park. We will visit the Information Centre and take a guided hike to watch the wild horses. Overnight in the Khustai tourist camp. (B/L/D) 225km

This morning we leave friendly Khustai Nuruu National Park and arrive in Ulaanbaatar by lunchtime and check-in to a 3-star hotel. This afternoon is free for last-minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping – cashmere, leather goods and traditional handicrafts are all good options. This evening we will enjoy Mongolian traditional art performance of the world-famous Tumen Ekh Ensemble. The most interesting performers are the throat singers, contortionists and Tsam dancers. Khoomii or throat singing is a musical art delivered with the help of a guttural voice and specific way of breathing. Night owls may want to sample the nightlife of Ulaanbaatar. (B/L/D) 100km

This morning check out from hotel and transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport/Departure. (B)