9-Day Mongolia Gobi Desert Tour with Karakorum and Camel Ride

9 Days Round trip from Ulán Bator Moderate pace
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Discover the unique granite formations of Baga Gazariin Chuluu
  • 02 Admire the dramatic cliffs and colorful scenery of Tsagaan Suvarga White Stupa
  • 03 Hike through the stunning Yolyn Am Canyon in Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park
  • 04 Experience a traditional Bactrian camel ride at the famous Khongoryn Els Singing Sand Dunes
  • 05 Visit the legendary Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, renowned for important dinosaur fossil discoveries
  • 06 Explore the historic ruins of Ongi Monastery and learn about Mongolia's Buddhist heritage
  • 07 Visit the iconic Erdene Zuu Monastery and the ancient Stone Turtles

Embark on an unforgettable 9-day journey through Mongolia's breathtaking Gobi Desert and Central Mongolia, exploring the granite formations of Baga Gazariin Chuluu, the dramatic cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga, the stunning Yolyn Am Canyon, the Singing Sand Dunes of Khongoryn Els, and the famous Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag. Experience a traditional Bactrian camel ride, visit the historic ruins of Ongi Monastery, and discover Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, including the iconic Erdene Zuu Monastery.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Ulan Bator, Yolyn Am, Karakorum
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Ulaanbaatar to Baga Gazariin Chuluu

  • Meet your tour team in Ulaanbaatar.

  • Begin the overland journey toward Baga Gazariin Chuluu in the Middle Gobi Province.

  • Explore the remarkable granite rock formations rising from the desert plains.

  • Observe the unique landscapes and diverse desert vegetation.

Enjoy lunch and dinner.

Overnight stay in a traditional tourist ger camp.

2
Day 02

Tsagaan Suvarga White Stupa

  • Travel to Tsagaan Suvarga, also known as the White Stupa.

  • Admire the spectacular cliffs shaped by millions of years of wind and water erosion.

  • Explore the dramatic landscapes and panoramic viewpoints.

  • Witness the changing colors of the cliffs at different times of the day.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overnight stay in a tourist ger camp.

3
Day 03

Yolyn Am Canyon

  • Continue into the Gobi Desert and visit Yolyn Am, also known as the Valley of the Vultures.

  • Explore the deep gorge surrounded by towering rock walls.

  • Learn about the diverse wildlife and unique desert ecosystem.

  • Visit the local museum and ranger station near the trailhead.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overnight stay in a tourist ger camp.

4
Day 04

Khongor Sand Dunes and Camel Riding

  • Drive to the famous Khongoryn Els, known as the Singing Sands.

  • Discover one of the largest dune systems in Mongolia.

  • Experience a traditional Bactrian camel ride across the dunes.

  • Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscapes.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overnight stay in a tourist ger camp.

5
Day 05

Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs

  • Travel to the legendary Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag.

  • Explore the striking red sandstone formations.

  • Learn about the area's importance in paleontology and dinosaur discoveries.

  • Admire the beautiful desert scenery and saxaul forests.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overnight stay in a tourist ger camp.

6
Day 06

Ongi Monastery Ruins

  • Journey to the historic ruins of Ongi Monastery.

  • Discover the remains of one of Mongolia's largest monastic complexes.

  • Learn about the history of the monasteries and their destruction during the twentieth century.

  • Visit the reconstructed temple and memorial sites.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overnight stay in a tourist ger camp.

7
Day 07

Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery

  • Drive to Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire.

  • Visit the historic Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of Mongolia's oldest Buddhist monasteries.

  • Explore the famous stone turtles and archaeological remains of the ancient city.

  • Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of the Orkhon Valley.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overnight stay in a tourist ger camp.

8
Day 08

Return to Ulaanbaatar

  • Depart from Karakorum and drive back to Ulaanbaatar.

  • Spend time shopping for souvenirs and exploring the capital city.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch.

Overnight stay at a 4-star hotel.

9
Day 09

Departure from Ulaanbaatar

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

  • Check out at 12:00 PM.

  • Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

  • Conclude your unforgettable adventure through the Gobi Desert and Central Mongolia.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Ulán Bator 3 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 1 night at a 4-star hotel based on a double standard room with breakfast
  • 8 nights of accommodation in tourist ger camps, based in a standard ger
  • 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 7 dinners with 1 liter of mineral water
  • All entrance fees to specified destinations: Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, Yolyn Canyon, Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, Khongor Largest Sand Dunes, Karakorum Museum, and Erdene Zuu Monastery
  • 1 hour of camel riding in Khongor Sand Dunes
  • Spanish/English-speaking local guide during the entire trip
  • 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle with a Mongolian-speaking driver
  • Transfer to Chinggis Khaan Airport for departure
  • Experience and knowledge of true nomadic life
  • Gentle hiking through beautiful landscapes
  • Service fees include 10% VAT, 2% Ulaanbaatar municipal tax, and a 5% service charge in Ulaanbaatar city hotels

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Costs arising from occasional flight delays or cancellations
  • Mongolia visa fees
  • Early check-in at hotels
  • Late check-out at hotels
  • Excess baggage in tour vehicles exceeding 15 kg per person
  • Any rescue costs or expenses related to early departure from the tour
  • Costs associated with changes to the departure date from Ulaanbaatar
  • Responsibility for obtaining valid travel documents, including passports and required passport photographs
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses such as hotel porter tips, telephone charges, laundry, beverages, additional meals, optional activities, and services not specified in the itinerary
  • Expenses resulting from circumstances beyond our control, including quarantine restrictions, weather conditions, and road conditions

What to bring

  • Flashlight
  • Spare batteries or replacement bulb
  • Personal medications
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Waterproof jacket with hood
  • Waterproof overpants
  • Fleece jacket or wool sweater
  • Cotton T-shirts
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Lightweight trousers
  • Shorts
  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • Sun hat
  • Sandals
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Plastic zip-lock bags
  • Binoculars or a camera
  • Watch or alarm clock
  • Money belt or travel pouch

Know before you go

  • Mongolia visa fees are not included.
  • International flights are not included.
  • Hotel check-in in Ulaanbaatar begins at 02:00 PM. Early check-in is not included.
  • Hotel check-out in Ulaanbaatar is at 12:00 PM. Late check-out is not included.
  • A surcharge applies during the Naadam Festival from July 1 to July 20, as this is the peak travel season in Mongolia and accommodations and services are in high demand.
  • The tour operator reserves the right to arrange lunches en route where possible. No claims or refunds will be accepted regarding these arrangements.
  • The tour operator reserves the right to change the vehicle depending on the group size. No claims or refunds will be accepted for such changes.
  • Vegetarian meals require an additional supplement, as vegetables are relatively expensive in Mongolia and the local diet is predominantly meat-based. Please inform us in advance if you require vegetarian meals.
  • Mongolia is not recommended for travellers with respiratory conditions, heart problems, wheelchair users, persons with severe mobility limitations, or children under three years of age.
  • When visiting nomadic families, enter the ger from the left side with your right foot and follow the guidance of your hosts regarding seating arrangements.
  • It is customary to bring small gifts for nomadic children. Suitable gifts include sweets, chocolates, biscuits, candies, coloured pencils, caps, and similar items. Giving money is considered inappropriate.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Tour start
Ulán Bator, Mongolia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 days finish where they began, in Ulán Bator.

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Starting from

USD 4,499 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $4,499.00 — $4,699.00
Double Sharing $4,499.00 — $4,699.00

When

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