Adventures in the Gobi desert

Between Russia and China, Mongolia is a nomadic country with the lowest population density in the world. The almost complete absence of asphalt roads, the harsh climate and the small local population make this country unlike anything else.

This summer we are going on a trip to Mongolia. We will travel from the capital of Buryatia to the heart of Mongolia – the Gobi Desert. The journey will take place not only on asphalt roads, but also on the almost imperceptible unaccustomed eye "nakata" - ruts in the endless desert. Through rare oases with yurts of local residents. Ulaanbaatar with its crazy traffic jams. From abandoned in the endless steppe of the ancient capital of the Mongolian Empire to Buddhist monasteries and sand dunes.

What awaits you:

• The main attractions of Mongolia
• Overnight in the desert under the endless starry sky
• Walks through sand dunes and mountain canyons
• Visit to Buddhist monasteries
• Tours with a Russian-speaking guide to museums and cultural centers
• More than 3,000 kilometers on roads and off-road on a prepared minibus
• Acquaintance with the life and customs of local residents

Dates:

09.06.2024 – 20.06.2024

Group:

from 5

Distance:

on roads - 3605 km

Type of tourism:

car + excursion

Difficulty category:

lowly

Travel schedule

Day 1. Beginning of adventure

Meeting of participants at the airport of Ulan-Ude. After meeting, we will move to the city and stay in a hotel. With participants arriving before 10 am, on this day we will make an excursion to the Ivolginsky datsan - the largest Buddhist center of Buryatia. In the evening we will return to the city and visit the local restaurant, where we will discuss the upcoming trip.

Day crossing - 90 km.

Day 2. Crossing the border

Early departure from the hotel. Today we will move to the city of Ulaanbaatar and cross the Mongolian border. The road to the Kyakhta border crossing takes about four hours. After crossing the border, we will purchase local SIM cards and have lunch. After lunch we will visit the monastery of Aglag Butelijn Hijd, located on the hillside surrounded by a spruce forest. This monastery is famous for its stone sculptures of fantastic animals and Buddhist saints. In the evening we will come to Ulaanbaatar and check in at the hotel.

Day crossing - 620 km.

Day 3. Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast at the hotel, we will go on a sightseeing tour of the Mongolian capital. In the morning we will visit the largest Buddhist monastery of Ulaanbaatar - Gandantekcheling. In the city center, we will stop at cashmere and yak and camel wool shops. After lunch, we will visit the main square of the country - Sukhe Bator with a sitting statue of Genghis Khan, and also climb to the memorial to the fallen soldiers at Khalkhin-Gol. We'll go back to the hotel tonight.

Day crossing - 40 km.

Day 4. Terelj Gorhi National Park

After breakfast we will go to Terelge Gorhi National Park (literally Rhododendron Creek). This place is known primarily for its bizarre rocks. We will visit the Turtle Rock, the cave of hundred lamas, the temple of meditation of Aryabala. We will get acquainted with the life of local residents and visit the Mongolian yurt for the first time. After lunch, we will go to the dinosaur sculpture park and on the way back we will climb the tallest equestrian statue in the world, located near Ulaanbaatar. We'll go back to the hotel tonight.

Day crossing - 140 km.

Day 5. Karakoram

Today we go to the south of Mongolia, to the Gobi Desert. The purpose of today is the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire Karakoram, standing near the city of Harkhorin. We will visit the amazingly well-preserved Buddhist temple of the XVI century Erdeni Zuu and the nearby museum. Overnight in a guest house or yurts.

Day crossing - 400 km.

Day 6. Ongiin Hiyd Monastery

We continue to explore the Gobi Desert. Today we will go to the Dundgov region to the remains of the Ongiin Hiid Monastery. This once majestic monastery, located in the Gobi desert near the only oasis in this area, was almost completely destroyed in the early XX century. Now the greatness of this place can be guessed thanks to the mass of ruins located on the hillside. In 2001, a yurt temple and a small museum were opened here, where local relics are collected. In the evening we will arrive at the camp, located in the desert, overnight in yurts.

Day crossing - 300 km.

Day 7. Bayanzag Rocks

Today we will go to one of the most beautiful places of the Gobi desert - Bayanzag rocks. These formations of sandstone and compressed clay of bright red color rise to a height of two hundred meters. “Burning Rocks” are known all over the world for the fact that they were first found dinosaur eggs and the remains of a veloceraptor, known for the films Jurassic Park. After lunch, we will arrive at the southernmost point of our trip – the sand dunes of Khongorin Els. Overnight in yurts.

Day crossing - 340 km.

Day 8. Sand dunes of Horhoryn Els

After breakfast, we go on an excursion to the dunes of Khorhoryn Els. These sands stretch for 180 kilometers and are the largest dunes in Mongolia. Khorhoryn Els is located on the border of the desert and the oasis, which gives this place a special flavor. We will climb the highest dune, reaching 300 meters, overlooking the endless desert. Stop for lunch in the nearest small village in the middle of the desert. In the evening we will arrive in the city of Dalanzandag, overnight at the hotel.

Day crossing - 320 km.

Day 9. Yelin Am Gorge

After breakfast we will go to the Gurvan Saikhan National Park. On the territory of the southern Gobi, near the border with China, there is the gorge of Yelyn Am, on the steep slopes of which vultures and eagles nest. Due to the unusual climate and altitude above sea level above 2000 meters, the ice in this gorge does not melt even in summer. After a tour of the gorge and lunch, we return to Ulaanbaatar. Late at night we will return to the capital and check in at the hotel.

Day crossing - 700 km.

Day 10. Ulaanbaatar

Rest after a long move. We will go on an excursion to the Museum of Genghis Khan, opened in 2022. After the museum you will have free time to explore the city or buy souvenirs. Overnight at the hotel.

Day crossing - 20 km.

Day 11. Return to Russia

Early departure to Ulan-Ude. The journey will take about 10 hours. For lunch we will stop in the border town of Darkhan, here you can buy souvenirs to friends and acquaintances. In the evening we will come to Ulan-Ude and go to a local restaurant to celebrate our return. Overnight at a hotel in the city center.

Day crossing - 620 km.

Day 12. Flying home

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Ulan-Ude airport and farewell to the group.

Day crossing - 15 km.

• transfer airport - Ulan-Ude - airport (in case of arrival and departure with the main group)
• escort of the instructor from arrival in Ulan-Ude
• all movements in Mongolia within the route
• services of local Russian-speaking tour guide
• Entrance tickets for excursions within the route
• Hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar and Dalanzadgad
• accommodation in tourist camps or in yurts (three-four-seat accommodation)
• Breakfasts and lunches, except days 1 and 11, dinners from 5 to 9 days
• kit