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Gobi Desert Extension

Exploring the Heart of Asia’s Most Remote Hinterland

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $2095   see pricing
Length: 5 days
Arrive: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Depart: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Lodging: 3 nights comfortable ger tents, 1 night hotel describe
Meals: Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Activity: Walking, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level: Walking tours and cultural exploration
2 explain

Visa Requirements

US citizens do not need a visa for Mongolia. If you are traveling via China, a Chinese visa is required and must be obtained in advance.

Our Trips using this Extension


In the Land of Genghis Khan
Mongolia's Realm of the Five Kings

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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The vast Gobi has always possessed an air of mystery, perhaps because it lies in Asia’s most remote hinterlands between the Siberian wilderness to the north and the Tibetan Plateau to the south. This epic realm holds many fascinations, including sites of some of the most important paleontological discoveries of the last century.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Gobi / Yol Valley / Three Camel Lodge

A morning flight brings us to Dalanzadgad, the capital of South Gobi. On arrival, we drive out to the Yol Valley in the mountains of Gurvan Saikhan National Park. An ancient river carved this surprisingly green valley. Now, its remnant streams create ice formations at the base of the valley that sometimes persist as late as July. A hike through the valley allows us to discover habitat for indigenous vulture-like lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks, and Argali mountain sheep. Overnight at Three Camel Lodge...BLD

Day 2
Flaming Cliffs / Three Camel Lodge

The Gobi is a paradise for paleontologists, and today we drive out to the famous Flaming Cliffs, an area of sandstone rock outcrops where in 1922 paleontologist/explorer Roy Chapman Andrews discovered a nest of perfectly preserved dinosaur eggs, the first ever to be found. We enjoy a walk through this dramatic area, where Chapman also found a trove of dinosaur bones and fossils. He gave it its name, the Flaming Cliffs, for the glowing orange color of the rock at sunset. Overnight at Three Camel Lodge...BLD

Day 3
Moltsog Els / Khavtsgait Valley

In the morning, we travel to the Moltsog Els, one of the few areas of the Gobi covered with sand dunes. We return to the lodge for lunch, and after lunch, we head out to the Khavstgait Valley to see the amazing work of an ancient people that once inhabited the Gobi. Located at the top of a mountain are several dozen sites with hundreds of individual drawings of ancient life in the region. Overnight at Three Camel Lodge...BLD

Day 4
Ulaanbaatar

We transfer to Dalanzadgad and fly to Ulaanbaatar. Overnight at hotel...BLD

Day 5
Depart

Morning transfer to the airport for those departing on mid-morning flights. Those departing on late evening flights will have the opportunity to visit the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, with its collections of Buddhist art and artifacts, with transfer to the airport for departure on homeward-bound flights...B

Extension Cost

Prices are for 2013
$2095 per person, double occupancy (6 or more members)
$2395 per person, double occupancy (2-5 members)
Single supplement: $675
Solo traveler: $3295
Internal airfare: $495 (subject to change)

All costs subject to change

Note: A $250 per person non-refundable deposit is required with your extension request for it to be confirmed. As with the internal flights for the group trip, extension airfare will be collected in advance in order to secure your seats. We'll email when your booking is confirmed, and suggest that you wait for this confirmation before making your international flight arrangements. more on pricing

Extension Cost Includes:

  • Services of local English-speaking guide
  • Accommodations
  • Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • Activities as indicated and entance fees for activities listed
  • Ground transportation and transfers as indicated

Extension Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare; any additional hotel nights that may be needed before or after your extension; airport departure taxes; any meals not specified after each itinerary day; gratuities to local guides, drivers, and transfer agents; pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations; visa fees (if applicable); travel insurance; any other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, sodas, laundry, etc.).

Three Camel Lodge

Three Camel Lodge

Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), The Gobi Desert, Mongolia

This premier expedition camp of 20 gers, set in a peaceful hillside spot in the Gobi Desert, offers great comfort and is strategically close to ...
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Hotel Ulaanbaatar

Hotel Ulaanbaatar

Day 4 (1 night), Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

The Ulaanbaatar Hotel has an ideal location within walking distance of the city’s great museums, restaurants, and shopping. Although ...
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Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.