Gobi Desert Extension

Day 1
Gobi / Flaming Cliffs

A morning flight from Ulaanbaatar brings us to the Gobi Desert, where we make a scenic 2- or 3-hour journey to our accommodation, the Three Camel Lodge, sheltered by a 47-million-year-old volcanic outcrop. The Gobi holds many fascinations including sites of some of the most important paleontological discoveries of the last century. In the afternoon, drive out to the famous Flaming Cliffs, an area of sandstone rock outcrops where in 1923 paleontologist/explorer Roy Chapman Andrews discovered a nest of perfectly preserved dinosaur eggs, the first ever to be found. He gave it its name, the Flaming Cliffs, for the glowing orange color of the rock at sunset. Overnight at Three Camel Lodge. (Note: This itinerary is for a post-trip extension; call us for details regarding a pre-trip extension.)

Day 2
Yol Valley / Naadam Festival (July departure)

Morning drive to the Yol Valley in the mountains of Gurvan Saikhan National Park. An ancient river carved this surprisingly green valley, and a hike through it allows us to discover habitat for indigenous vulture-like lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks, and Argali mountain sheep. In the afternoon we drive to a nearby mountain to explore a large petroglyph collection of the remains of ancient Gobi dwellers. Overnight at Three Camel Lodge.

Note: On the July departure, we attend the opening ceremonies of the Naadam Festival, held annually throughout Mongolia in July, and observe the incredible feats of Mongolia’s top athletes as they compete in traditional wrestling, archery, and horseback racing events.

Day 3
Khavtsgait Valley

Located at the top of a mountain in the nearby Khavstgait Valley are several dozen sites with hundreds of individual drawings of ancient life in the region. After exploring them, we return to the lodge for lunch and have the remainder of the day to rest, relax, or explore on our own. On the July departure, we may have another opportunity to attend the Naadam Festival.

Day 4
Ulaanbaatar

We transfer to Dalanzadgad, the capital of South Gobi, and fly to Ulaanbaatar. Overnight at hotel.

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. Evening transfer to the airport for departure on homeward-bound flights.

Extension Costs

$1595 per person, double occupancy (6 or more members)
$1795 per person, double occupancy (2-5 members)
Single supplement: $250
Internal airfare: $414 per person (subject to change)
Naadam Festival surcharge: $200 per person