The Gobi desert is the habitat of the rarest animals and a unique natural landscape. Its desert and semidesert ecosystems have hardly changed in many years. The Gobi is often imagined to be a place of unbearable heat and lifeless sand dunes, similar to the inhospitable Sahara desert, but the reality is quite the reverse. The Gobi has high mountains, springs, forests, sands, steppes and a rich animal kingdom.
Occupying 30% of the country’s vast territory and stretching from the east to the west through the southern part of Mongolia, it has a total of 52 mammals, 15 reptiles, 1 amphibian and 106 bird species and its plant kingdom comprises over 400 species including many valuable medicinal, fodder and decorative plants. Its numerous rare animal species include argali sheep, ibex, snow leopard, lynx, wild ass, gazelles, saiga, wild Bactrian camel and Gobi bear, just to name a few.
Major travel routes in the Southern Gobi desert include the flaming cliffs at Bayanzag site following the trails of 1920’s American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews, Hongor sand dunes – the largest sand dunes in Mongolia and Yoliin Am or Eagle valley famous for its stunning beauty and rich flora and fauna.
Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongols is one of the most popular travel destinations along with Erdenezuu Monastery, the second largest Buddhist monastery in the country. Karakorum city was established in 1220 and served as the capital of Mongols for 140 years.
The authentic Mongolian nomadic culture blends with Buddhist cultural and spiritual heritage. The beauty of tranquility of wide and open steppes of central Mongolia and diversity of varied landscape including sand dunes and rocky mountains.
Day 1, Uvurkhangai - Karakorum
Meet at the hotel and transfer to Karakorum which is used to be Mongolian capital city during Mongolian Empire. On the way visit to Elsen Tasarkhai in Bayangobi. Take a walk through sand dunes and ride Mongolian camel. Continue drive to Karakorum. Upon arrival at the camp, tourists are given time to settle their private gers and freshen up. Dinner. Overnight stay in gers.
Day 2, Arkhangai - Tsenkher Hot Spring
After breakfast in the camp, visit Erdene Zuu monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery of Mongolia. Visit Karakorum museum. After lunch drive to Tsenkher hot spring. Enjoy natural bath of hot spring. Dinner and overnight stay in gers.
Day 3, Arkhangai - Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
After breakfast drive to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, a spectacularly beautiful lake with crystal clear water. On the way, visit legendary Taikhar Rock. Upon arrival at the camp on the shore of the lake, tourists are given time to settle their private gers and freshen up. Dinner. Overnight stay in gers.
Day 4, Arkhangai - Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake - Khorgo Volcano
After breakfast transfer to Khorgo volcano. Tourists can see and climb up the volcano that is an extinct volcano reaching its highest point at 2240 metres. Horse riding for a while. Drive back to the camp. Boating as optional. Overnight stay in gers.
Day 5, Arkhangai – Ugii Nuur
After breakfast transfer to Ugii lake, another spectacular beautiful lake of the country. There are some activities like hiking, fishing, boating and watching a lot of different birds.
Day 6, Ulan Bator
After breakfast drive to Ulan Bator. Arrive in Ulan Bator. Tour ends.
All rates are subject to change and must be confirmed before booking.
Services Included:
- accommodation in gers
- excursions according to the program with local English speaking guide and entrance tickets
- transfers & transportation according to the program
- meals according to the program
Services Not Included:
