The Three Wonders of the Gobi
Between cliffs of fire and singing dunes, the Gobi reveals its three ancestral faces.
Duration
5 days
From
€1,190/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
The ochre cliffs of Bayanzag surge from the steppe like blazing walls, silent witnesses to a time when dinosaurs roamed this land. Beyond them stretch the Khongor dunes, 180 kilometers of white sand undulating at the foot of the "Three Beauties" of the Gobi-Altai and whispering their mysterious song when the desert wind blows.
The journey crosses the millennia-old petroglyphs of Khavtsgait, carved into the rock by ancient hunters, then ventures on the back of a Bactrian camel along the underground river, towards the saxaoul oasis. The frozen canyons of Yol and Dungenee reveal their deep gorges where ice persists even in summer, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding aridity.
This territory of southern Mongolie perpetuates the heritage of nomadic peoples who managed to tame this demanding desert, developing camel herding and the art of reading the signs of the sky and sand. A journey that engraves in the soul the slow rhythm of the desert and the legendary hospitality of the Gobi families.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Flight to the Gobi and Bayanzag Cliffs
You join Ulan Bator airport to board your flight to the Gobi and its "three beauties". This emblematic region of southern Mongolia is home to the three highest peaks of the Gobi-Altai mountain range: Baruun Saïhan, "the Western Beauty"; Dund Saïhan, "the Central Beauty"; and Züün Saïhan, "the Eastern Beauty", the highest point reaching 2,815 meters.
You take the road towards the cliffs of Bayanzag, known as the "flaming cliffs" for their ochre and red hues. This site, also called the "dinosaur graveyard", is surrounded by saxaul forests and bears witness to a distant era when dinosaurs still lived. It was here that American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews discovered in 1922 the first dinosaur bones and eggs, now displayed in the Ulan Bator natural history museum as well as in several museums around the world.
Hiking at Khavtsgait and crossing the Khongor dunes
Early morning wake-up to reach Khavtsgait Mountain. After a short jeep ride, we begin our hike. The climb up Khavtsgait Bagh Mountain requires some effort, but the panoramic view of the desert from the summit is worth it. On site, you can admire numerous rock paintings depicting argali sheep, horses, camels and hunting scenes dating back several millennia.
You then drive west by jeep across the park to reach the Khongor sand dunes, whose name means "clear white sand". These immense stretches of sand form a wide belt at the foot of the Gobi's "Three Beauties".
Visit to the impressive Khongor dunes, among the largest in Mongolie. They extend for nearly 180 km long and 20 km wide, with an average height of 80 metres — some reaching up to 120 metres. From their summit, the view of the desert is magnificent. When the wind blows, the movement of sand produces a unique sound, at the origin of their nickname "singing dunes". Beyond, the steppe stretches as far as the eye can see, contrasting with the golden relief of the desert.
You stay with a Bactrian camel herder who welcomes you for two nights. This stay offers you the opportunity to share the daily life of a desert family and discover a traditional way of life based on herding and Mongolian hospitality.
Camel trekking in the Gobi
Camel trekking. Setting off into the Gobi Desert on camelback is a memorable experience. Guided by this animal with its steady pace, you advance along the dunes and the Khongor River, "Clear Bay", which alternates between underground watercourse and visible surface.
You reach a small oasis at the foot of the dunes, where a few shrubs grow, including saxaul, highly appreciated by camels and considered one of the most precious woods by Mongols.
On foot, you climb one of the dunes to enjoy a vast panorama over the desert. In the distance, the summits of the Three Beauties emerge, and, with a bit of luck, you will hear the singing of the dunes, that particular sound produced by moving sand.
Hiking in Yol and Dungenee Canyons
You take the trail heading east towards the "Three Beauties" and the canyon region. Stop at Dungenee canyon, where you leave your vehicle to begin a magnificent hike along the river that winds between imposing rocky gorges.
Hiking in Yol canyon, also called the bearded vulture canyon. You walk through the heart of this deep gorge, whose bottom is covered with a layer of persistent ice. The canyon is so narrow that the sun's rays can only penetrate it from August onwards, when the ice finally begins to melt after occupying the passage for the rest of the year.
Return to Ulan Bator and Goodbye
You take the road to travel the 30 km that separate you from Dalanzadgad, capital of the province. From there, you board your return flight to Ulan Bator.
Arrival in the city and check-in at your hotel, where you take time to relax and rest after the journey. Remainder of the day is free.
Accompanied by your guide, you set off to stroll through the shops in the city to do your last shopping and enjoy one last time the atmosphere of Ulan Bator.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Transport
- Passport & Visa Fees
- Repatriation insurance
- Travel insurance
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Meals and accommodation in Ulan Bator
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the programme
- Luggage supplement if you carry more than 15kg (checked baggage and carry-on baggage combined)
Included
- Hotel / Airport / Hotel Transfers
- Round-trip flight Ulaanbaatar - Dalanzadgad
- Full board during the excursion
- Mineral water
- 1 night in a comfortable yurt camp with hot shower
- 3 nights in a yurt, with local families
- 4x4 or minibus transfers + driver
- English-speaking guide
- Camel trek
- Local guides during trekking
- Admission fees for parks and museums mentioned
- Kitchen equipment (camping tables and chairs) and sleeping gear (sleeping bag)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Entry requirements to Mongolia depend on your nationality. The information below provides general guidance for tourist stays. We recommend verifying the specific conditions applicable to your situation with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence, as well as with your own authorities, before your departure.
Passport
To enter Mongolia, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Some nationalities may benefit from visa exemptions for tourist stays, while others must obtain a visa before departure.
If a visa exemption applies to your nationality, the authorites may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
proof of accommodation or your travel itinerary.
For specific information regarding visa requirements and any exemptions applicable to your nationality, please contact the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveller staying in Mongolia for more than 30 days must register with the Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Affairs Office (GASI). For stays of 30 days or less, registration is generally handled by your hotel or accommodation provider.
It is recommended to keep a copy of this registration throughout your stay, as Mongolian authorities may request it during checks.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Mongolia. However, certain vaccinations are recommended as a preventive measure:
routine immunizations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles),
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
tick-borne encephalitis, particularly if planning trekking or staying in rural areas,
rabies, if there is a possible risk of contact with wild or stray animals.
It is advised to consult a doctor or international vaccination centre at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some cases, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. All travellers should verify the specific requirements applicable to them with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for assistance-repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly suggest subscribing to one of them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for reporting a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A stay in Mongolia is possible without a visa for a limited duration. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry is required. For a longer stay, a visa can be obtained from the Mongolian embassy. Entry conditions change regularly: check the rules applicable to your nationality with the Mongolian consular authorities before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 160 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation (yurts, lodges), meals, 4x4 with driver and English-speaking guide. International flights (800-1200 euros round trip) are additional. Mongolia offers a timeless nomadic immersion.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust together each detail until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Gobi Desert
Cultural and encounters facilitator for Mongolia, based in Oulan Bator
The most beautiful memories from Mongolia are often born from an unexpected encounter, around a cup of tea or a ger door that opens with a smile.
— Chimgee
