Bactrian camel and rider on the sand dunes of the Gobi Desert of Mongolia

Photo by Bill Abbott

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Mongolia: Camel Safari in the Gobi Desert

A Cultural and Natural History Journey
Repertory Trip: No Future Dates Set

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: TBA  
Length: 15 days
Arrive: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Depart: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Lodging: 4 nights in hotels, 7 nights tent camping, 3 nights in ger camps
Meals: All meals included
Activity: Cultural Adventures
Trip Level: Easy to moderate day hikes, 3-5 hours a day
3 explain

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

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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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

Repertory Trip

This is one of our special Repertory Trips offered every two to five years.  Future dates have not been set for this trip, but you can see the “Itinerary at a Glance” and the “Full Detailed Itinerary” below (there may be small changes to the itinerary for the future departures, and prices will be finalized closer to departure). Contact us to receive early notification of the trip dates. These special trips fill very quickly once the exact dates are set!

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 1923 explorer Roy Chapman Andrews made his spectacular finds of dinosaur fossils. Join us for a memorable adventure in the Gobi!

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

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.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary