A Classic Four-Wheeled Adventure to the Heart of the Gobi Desert (MN-06)
Hit the road with this remarkable journey deep into the forbidding Gobi Desert. We will lead you on an unforgettable journey where no two days are alike and where you will learn the complex nature of this famous desert. This is a road trip like no other!Day 1. Ulan Bator
Transfer to your hotel in Ulan Bator.
Day 2. Baga Gazriin Chuluu
We drive to our camp in the Middle Gobi. Visit Baga Gazriin Chuluu lake and the ruins of the 10th century temple. Overnight in traditional gers.
Day 3. Bayanzag - Flamming Cliffs
Continue our four-wheeled adventure to the South Gobi. On the way, visit the Sangiin Dalai temple in Erdenedalai. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 4. Yol Valley
Visit the famous Flaming Cliffs (Bayan Zag), the site of numerous fossil discoveries. Drive to Yol Valley for hiking and opportunities to photograph the gorge. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 5. Khongor Sand Dunes
Drive to the splendid Khongoryn Els, known as the ‘Singing Sands’ for the noise the sands make in high winds. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 6. Ongi Monastery
We will drive towards Karakorum and stop for the night at our ger camp near Ongyn Khiid to visit the ruin of monastery. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 7. Karakorum
Arrive at the ancient city of Karakorum in the late afternoon. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 8. Erdene Zuu Monastery - Ulan Bator
We will visit Erdene-Zuu - once one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia; and the symbolic ruins of Karakorum - the 13th century imperial capital. Drive back to Ulan Bator and transfer to hotel.
Day 9. Ulan Bator
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Tour Inclusions
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International flights
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Accommodation
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Guided tours & cultural programme
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Full-board meals
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Ground transportation
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Airport & railway transfers
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Visa fees
Not included
Quick Facts
- Season: Summer
- Days: 9
- Group Size: 2-12
- Tour Grade:
Included in the Tour Price
International flights
Our advertised package price is based on economy flights from / to London. If you depart from a regional airport in the UK or another country, there might be additional surcharges for international airfares. Upon booking a tour you will be offered various flight options. Please note, the package price depends on the availability of flight tickets and will be reconfirmed by your travel consultant. The airfare is not guaranteed unless ticketed. We advise to book sooner than later as the airfare may go up closer to your departure date, especially during high seasons.
Our advertised package price is based on economy flights from / to London. If you depart from a regional airport in the UK or another country, there might be additional surcharges for international airfares. Upon booking a tour you will be offered various flight options. Please note, the package price depends on the availability of flight tickets and will be reconfirmed by your travel consultant. The airfare is not guaranteed unless ticketed. We advise to book sooner than later as the airfare may go up closer to your departure date, especially during high seasons.
Accommodation
All accommodation at your destination is included in the holiday price. Hotel category - according to the package type selected.
All accommodation at your destination is included in the holiday price. Hotel category - according to the package type selected.
Guided tours & cultural programme
All tours with entrance fees listed in the itinerary are included in the holiday price. There will be an English-speaking guide on all tours. Please note, we can arrange guides speaking other languages upon request. Please let us know your preferences.
All tours with entrance fees listed in the itinerary are included in the holiday price. There will be an English-speaking guide on all tours. Please note, we can arrange guides speaking other languages upon request. Please let us know your preferences.
Full-board meals
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) each day. Service begins with dinner on the day of arrival and ends with breakfast on the day of departure. Depending on the itinerary you may be served a packed lunch on your tour. Please advise us if you have any special dietary requirements.
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) each day. Service begins with dinner on the day of arrival and ends with breakfast on the day of departure. Depending on the itinerary you may be served a packed lunch on your tour. Please advise us if you have any special dietary requirements.
Ground transportation
All domestic transportation at your destination is included as per the itinerary. In the countryside we use chauffeur driven 4WD jeeps and in the city areas – minivans or coaches. All vehicles have air-conditioning system.
All domestic transportation at your destination is included as per the itinerary. In the countryside we use chauffeur driven 4WD jeeps and in the city areas – minivans or coaches. All vehicles have air-conditioning system.
Airport & railway transfers
All airport and railway transfers as per itinerary are included in the tour price. We will also provide airport transfers if you arrange your own arrival / departure flights regardless of the time of the flight, you will need to let us know your flight details. We operate all transfers 24 hours a day.
All airport and railway transfers as per itinerary are included in the tour price. We will also provide airport transfers if you arrange your own arrival / departure flights regardless of the time of the flight, you will need to let us know your flight details. We operate all transfers 24 hours a day.
Visa fees
Standard visa processing for UK residents is included in the tour price. Upon your booking we email detailed guidance notes how to complete the visa forms. All application packs are checked by our visa department before submission to the relevant consulates. If you are based overseas we will email all required paperwork for you to apply for the visas in the local consulate. Please read more about required visas in the tour description or our country guides on this websites.
Standard visa processing for UK residents is included in the tour price. Upon your booking we email detailed guidance notes how to complete the visa forms. All application packs are checked by our visa department before submission to the relevant consulates. If you are based overseas we will email all required paperwork for you to apply for the visas in the local consulate. Please read more about required visas in the tour description or our country guides on this websites.
Not included
Personal travel insurance
Personal travel insurance is not included in the holiday price. It is advisable to take out your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip as cover will commence for pre-departure cancellation from the policy issue date. You can arrange your personal travel insurance on our website.
Personal travel insurance is not included in the holiday price. It is advisable to take out your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip as cover will commence for pre-departure cancellation from the policy issue date. You can arrange your personal travel insurance on our website.
Optional excursions and services
Optional excursions and services not listed in the itinerary. Please let us know if you wish to book any additional excursions.
Optional excursions and services not listed in the itinerary. Please let us know if you wish to book any additional excursions.
Day 1. Ulan Bator
Upon arrival in Ulan Bator, you will be met by your guide and driver who will transfer you to your hotel in Ulan Bator. (D).
Day 2. Baga Gazriin Chuluu
After an early breakfast leave Ulan Bator - also known as UB - for our camp in the Middle Gobi. We will enjoy a tasty picnic lunch and along the way visit Baga Gazriin Chuluu Lake and the ruins of the 10th century Sum Khukh Bird temple on an island in the middle of the lake. Overnight in traditional and comfortable gers at the camp – watch the sky become alight with stars after nightfall. Driving distance – 220 km (135 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 3. Bayanzag
Breakfast at the camp, then continue our four-wheeled adventure to the South Gobi. On the way, visit the Sangiin Dalai temple in Erdenedalai, one of the few monasteries and temples that survived the communist purges of the 1930s. We will have a swift packed lunch on the way and arrive at the ger camp in the shadow of the atmospheric Flaming Cliffs. Have a local-style dinner and overnight at ger camp. Driving distance – 350 km (219 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 4. Yol Valley
After breakfast we will visit the famous Flaming Cliffs (Bayan Zag), the site of numerous fossil discoveries by paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews and others. Afterwards we will drive to Yol Valley. After lunch, we will visit the stunning Yol Valley (Vulture Valley) National Park for hiking and opportunities to photograph the gorge, the Gobi Glacier and the diverse local wildlife. Overnight in ger camp. This is a wonderful day for budding photographers. Driving distance – 90 km (56 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 5. Khongor Sand Dunes
After breakfast drive to the splendid Hongoryn Els Sand Dunes. In the afternoon we will go on an excursion to the lovely and refreshing Seruun Bulag spring (oasis near the dunes) and walk on the towering of famous Khongoriin Dunes. These dunes are known as the ‘Singing Sands’ for the noise the sands make in high winds. We will spend the day exploring the dunes and hiking in the area. Overnight in ger camp. Driving distance – 200 km (125 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 6. Ongi Monastery
Today, we will drive towards Karakorum and stop for the night at our ger camp near Ongyn Khiid to visit the ruin of monastery. Overnight at the ger camp, where we will appreciate the silence and scale of the desert. Driving distance – 300 km (187 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 7. Karakorum
Continue driving to Karakorum, with a packed lunch on the way. Arrive at the ancient city of Karakorum in the late afternoon. Overnight in the ger camp. Driving distance – 300 km (187 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 8. Erdene Zuu Monastery - Ulan Bator
After breakfast visit Erdene-Zuu, once one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia and almost totally destroyed in the 1930s. Tour of the monastery grounds and several chapels with excellent examples of Buddhist iconography dating from the 16th century. Visit to the symbolic ruins of Karakorum, the 13th century imperial capital of the Mongol Empire. Then drive back to Ulan Bator and transfer to hotel. Driving distance – 380 km (235 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 9. Ulan Bator
Breakfast at the hotel. Our driver will meet you at the hotel lobby. Transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B).
Want to travel on different dates?
Please see below for our group tour dates, if you would like to travel on a different day, please
let us know
and we will come back to you with an offer. There might be additional surcharges for a private tour
but all depends on the number of people in your party and your travel preferences.
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Peninsula Palace *****
Category: De Luxe 5* hotel
Address: China, Beijing, Wangfujing, Goldfish Lane, 8
The Peninsula Palace Hotel Beijing is located within main shopping areas of Wangfujing and Dongdan in the heart of Beijing.
It only takes a few minutes to walk to the popular scenic spots such as Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and The Museum of Chinese History.
Opened in 1989, the hotel has an imposing, traditional Chinese architectural-style exterior, integrated with the ultimate in luxurious, modern hotel amenities and facilities.
There are 525 guest rooms, which have been refurbished to the most luxurious standard based on the Peninsula's tradition of comfort, interwoven with subtle Chinese influences.
The newly designed guest rooms and suites feature hardwood floors covered with carpet, a 42” plasma television, high-speed broadband Internet access, silent fax machine and
The Peninsula signature technology - a bedside electronic panel that controls all lighting and audio-visual equipment in the room, as well as a special control panel by the door displaying outside temperature and humidity levels.
The hotel has a lounge, restaurants, fitness centre, sauna, spa, indoor pool, prestigious shopping Arcade with 50 exclusive designer boutiques.
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Howard Johnson Paragon ****
Category: Business 4* hotel
Address: China, Beijing, Jianguomen Avenue, 18
The hotel is located in the city centre, next to the famous shopping mall - Henderson Centre, a 10-minute walk to the famous Tian Namen Square, Summer Palace and just across the street to the Beijing Railway Station.
There are 280 rooms equipped with a private bathroom, hairdryer, cable/satellite TV, coffee/tea maker, Internet access, iron and ironing board.
The hotel has a restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, baby sitting on request, beauty salon, fitness centre, free parking, game room, ironing/laundry services, business centre, meeting /conference rooms, non-smoking rooms and rooms for the disabled.
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Red Wall ***
Category: Tourist 3* hotel
Address: China, Beijing, Sha Tan North Street, 31
The hotel is located in the centre of Beijing and within 5 minutes walk to its major attractions: Forbidden City, traditional Chinese folk house (Hutong and Siheyuan), Wangfujing shopping street, Red Building of Beijing University, including relics of the city wall of Beijing.
The hotel has a total of 200 rooms including standard rooms, deluxe standard rooms, executive suite rooms equipped with a private bathroom, hairdryer, air conditioning, cable/satellite TV, high-speed Internet access, telephone, safety box, iron and ironing board and mini-bar.
There is a gym, sauna, massage, beauty salon, restaurant, coffee bar and meeting room. The restaurant offers Chinese and Western cuisines including Chinese imperial cuisine, Sichuan cuisine and Guangdong cuisine.
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Gandan Monastery
The Gandan Monastery (full name Gandantegchinlen Khiid) is a Tibetan-style monastery in Ulan Bator. It was established in 1835 and is the largest and most significant in Mongolia. Its name translates to the "Great Place of Complete Joy". It was the only place where Buddhist services continued during the communist years and fortunately it escaped the mass architectural destruction of 1937. The monastery was restored and revitalised since 1990.
Karakorum - the capital of the Mongol empire
Karakorum was the capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century, and of the Northern Yuan during the 14 and 15th centuries. It is located on the right bank of the Orkhon River and on the north eastern slopes of the Khangai Mountains. The city existed for 140 years but was the capital for just 32. During the reign of Ogodei, son and successor of Genghis Khan, Karakorum became a diplomatic and commercial centre. Today, almost nothing remains of this once great city, but its grandeur and importance can still be felt. Karakorum and surrounding area are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape.
Yol Valley - the Valley of the Eagles
The valley is named after the Lammergeier - bearded vulture - which is called Yol in Mongolian. Its name is often translated to Valley of the Vultures or Valley of the Eagles, or simply Yol Valley. It is located within Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park and spans an area of 70 km. It is a deep and narrow gorge, following the canyon through to the end, leads to a beautiful wide valley which is very rich in rare plants. There is a small natural museum at the entrance of the national park.
Flaming Cliffs - dinosaur fossils
The Flaming Cliffs, also known as Bayanzag (saxaul tree forest of the Gobi), is a region of the Gobi desert where important dinosaur fossil finds have been made. The name was given by the American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews, who visited the site in 1920. The area is most famous for the first discovery of dinosaur eggs as well as complete dinosaur skeletons. The rocks exudes a glowing orange colour, hence the nickname. The area is a mixture of rocks, red sand, saxaul shrubs offering awesome views under sunlight as well as at dawn.
Erdene Zuu - the first Buddhist monastery
Erdene Zuu was the first and largest monastery in Mongolia. It is located adjacent to the ancient city of Karakorum - once the capital of the Mongol empire. The remains of the city of Karakorum were destroyed by the Manchurians who had helped to build the monastery in the 16th century. Planners had attempted to create a surrounding wall that resembled a Tibetan Buddhist rosary featuring 108 stupas. Today Erdene Zuu remains an active Buddhist monastery as well as a museum that is open to tourists. Erden Zuu is part of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Khongor Els - singing dunes
Singing Dunes also known as Khongor Els are the largest sand dunes in Mongolia reaching a height of up to 800 meter and stretching over 180 km (112 miles). The dunes are part of Three Beauties of Gobi National Park. The sound produced from the masses of sand moving in the wind can be heard from far away, hence the name. Depending on the day time and sun light the dunes change their colour, from yellow to silver. The Khongoryn River flows along the sand dunes offering valuable drinking water for the local wildlife as well as giving birth to oases. Breathtaking views can be enjoyed from the top of the dunes.