South Gobi
Introduction
This journey will take us to the desert steppe and mountain areas of the Southern Gobi, the least populated province of Mongolia. We explore the “Flaming Cliffs” of Bayanzag, equally renowned as an important paleontological site and as place of great natural beauty. Close by the Gurvansaikhan Mountains, the “Three Beauties of the Gobi” are an extension of the Altai Mountains deep into the desert. Here we will visit the Yol Valley, a dramatic ravine, which is covered by ice, in most years until mid summer. The Gobi is for the most part arid desert steppe, with only few sand dunes far between. On this trip we will visit the Hongor Sands, the most famous dunes of Mongolia.
On this trip we will fly round-way on a domestic flight, offering a stunning bird’s eye view of the rugged, empty Mongolian landscapes down below. In the Gobi we have a jeep or 4wd minivan at our disposal. Accommodation throughout the trip will be in Ger camps in traditional Mongolian yurts. The camps with the base price have basic facilities, but excellent locations. Upgrade options
are available on this trip.
| Trip Details |
|---|
| South Gobi |
| 4 Days / 3 Nights |
Trip Details
Day 1: To Bayanzag
We pick you up at your hotel in Ulaanbaatar and fly 1½ hours to Dalanzadgad airport in the South Gobi. Here we meet our driver and will drive 90 km to the northwest to Bayanzag. The name translates to ‘Rich in Saxaul’, indicating the ‘forests’ of salt-resistant Saxaul trees (Haloxylon) growing here. The main attraction, though, are the “Flaming Cliffs”, made famous by American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews, who discovered the first fossilized dinosaur eggs here in the early 1920s. The name alludes to the red and orange hues, that come together to create an awe-inspiring sight, especially at sunset. On the way we will probably see wildlife, such as gazelle and fox. We spend the night in a comfortable ger camp.
Day 2: Hongor Sands
After breakfast we drive west for about 150 km, partly through the Gurvansaikhan Mountains. We reach the massive Hongor Sands. These giant sand dunes stretch for some 150 km from northwest to southeast. Up to 80 m high, they are just a couple of hundred meters wide in some places, and as wide as 20 km in others. We will check in at a nearby ger camp and visit the dunes in the evening light when their beautiful shapes come out best. There is also a possibility to meet local families with their livestock.
Day 3: Yol Valley
We drive half day (220 km) to the core of the Gurvansaikhan Mountains and up to the Yol Valley. We will explore this dra-matic ravine on foot. In most years ice co-vers the narrower parts of the ravine until mid summer. Bird watching is rewarding here as you are sure to see the Bearded Vulture, also known as Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus), soaring high above the ravine. Yol is actually the Mongolian name for this large raptor. There are also several species of Rose Finch (Carpodacus spp.), and usually also the Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria). The ravine is usually teeming with pika (Ochotona spp). We stay in a ger camp not far off.
Day 4: To Ulaanbaatar
After early breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the Dalanzadgad airport for domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar. After arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, transfer to your hotel.
Itinerary Map
What our guests say
We appreciate your feedback about our tours and services.
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Great place to stay and experience mongolian way of living, no tv, wifi, phone. Just nature and great company of the staff and livestocks of mongolia. The toilet is a hole in the ground covered by a shed. It is clean, but can be smelly to those used to city life. Not hot water supply, inform the staff that you like to hot water half an hour earlier so that they can boil it over camel dung 🙂
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You can choose the general Gobi tourist circuits with long daily drives and chatty companions, or you can choose to stay at this special little place in the East Gobi. Red Rock Ger camp comprises 15 gers and a dining room ger, library ger and shower ger. The camp staff do not speak much English, but things manage to get done. Your ger will have decent beds, chairs and a table, place for your luggage and a small wash stand. There is a stove in the middle which can be lit by request to the staff, for cold nights and/or mornings. The ger has a small solar powered light and a candle. You will need a torch light to see your way to the WC block at night. The showers are lovely with water heated on a fire. It takes around 10-20 mins for them to get it set up, so you should let them know before hand...
