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Mongolia: Camel Safari in the Gobi Desert
A Cultural and Natural History Journey
with Roger Williams
This itinerary is no longer available
We may run this trip again in the future, please contact us if you are interested.With veteran Mongolia explorer and Trip Leader Roger Williams, explore the stunning landscape of the Gobi Desert on a 4-day camel trek across a remote and beautiful section of the Gobi that includes the Hongoryn Els, the Gobi’s largest sand dunes. For four days, we ride (or hike along beside) magnificent Bactrian camels, native to this part of the world and of great importance to Mongolia’s desert nomads as they supply precious wool, dairy products, and meat while also serving as a mode of transportation for nomad families. We conclude our Mongolian desert expedition with a visit to the Flaming Cliffs where in 1922 explorer Roy Chapman Andrews made his spectacular finds of dinosaur fossils. Join us for a memorable adventure in the Gobi!
Highlights
- Riding Bactrian camels across Mongolia's highest dunes
- Spectacular Gobi settings, from red-rock canyons to lush mountains
- The Flaming Cliffs and dinosaur fossils of the Gobi Desert
- Three Camel Lodge, with its traditional gers and magnificent setting
Details
- 15-day trip begins and ends in Ulaanbaatar
- 4 nights in hotels, 7 nights tent camping, 3 nights in ger camps
- All meals included
- Easy to moderate day hikes, 3-5 hours a day
This itinerary is no longer available
We may run this trip again in the future, please contact us if you are interested.Suggested Reading
Reading list, click here.
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-3
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia / Gobi
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar. In Mongolia’s capital, we explore Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia, and the famous dinosaur halls of the Natural History Museum, showcasing the spectacular fossils found in the Gobi desert. We also visit the National History Museum for an overview of Mongolia’s history and culture. On Day 3, we fly south to the Gobi for an overnight at the charming Three Camel Lodge.
Days 4-6
Altai Mountains / Hongoryn Els Dunes
Driving across the easternmost end of the Altai Mountains, we cross the Hanyn Hets Mountains and visit the petroglyph site at Sevrei, then reach the trailhead for our camel safari. On Day 6, near Hongoryn Els, the Gobi’s largest sand dunes, we meet our camel wranglers and take optional short rides to get familiar with camel riding. Overnight in mountain tents...BLD
Days 7-10
Camel Safari
Today we ride our camels across the Gobi, crossing the towering Hongoryn Els sand dunes. Reaching upwards of 2,500 feet, they are a magnificent sight. We continue along the western end of the dunes, passing a small lake. At Tsonjin Hotrog, an ancient sea floor, we can find fossilized prints of plants and small insects. Our route then crosses a spectacular and varied Gobi landscape, from deep valleys with bubbling streams to meadows fringed by forest. We have the opportunity to visit a camel-breeding family at Chono Haraih. Overnights in mountain tents.
Days 11-13
Ayaltain Valley / Flaming Cliffs / Three Camel Lodge
Bidding our camping crew farewell, we drive through the remote Ayaltain Valley, known to have the largest concentration of wildlife including ibex and argali (wild mountain sheep). We arrive back at the Three Camel Lodge for Days 12 and 13, with a day to visit the famous Flaming Cliffs where the first nest of dinosaur eggs was found and enjoying a special Gobi farewell.
Days 14-15
Ulaanbaatar
We fly to Ulaanbaatar and depart the next day.
This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure