Mongolia 4WD Gobi Adventure

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel. Embark on a walking tour of the Mongolian capital. Visit Genghis Khan Square and the surrounding buildings of Parliament House, the State Opera & Ballet Theatre, Cultural Palace and the House of City Council. Take a tour of the National Museum of Mongolian History and visit Gandan Monastery, the largest functioning Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B,L)

Enjoy a day free at leisure in Ulaanbaatar to explore independently. Perhaps consider a visit to the Zaisan Memorial in the southern fringes of the city or visit one of the fine museums in the city, such as the National Musuem of Mongolia, Bogd Khaan Palace Museum. (B)

Jump into a 4WD jeep, your mode of transport for the next 5 days, and begin your adventure into the Gobi Desert. Leave Ulaanbaatar behind and head south, passing through Tov Aimag into Dundgov, the “Midle Gobi”. Continue into the northern fringes of the Gobi where the landscape will slowly change, becoming more arid as you move away from the forested rolling hills of central Mongolia. Visit Baga Gazriin Chuluu and Sangiin Dalai Lake, where you will see the ruins of the 10th century Khokh Burd Sum. Spend the night in a ger camp. (B,L,D) (265km)

Today, head into the South Gobi, the highlight of the Gobi Desert. The landscape will become increasingly harsh as you enter this very arid and sparsely populated region. In the afternoon, visit the Yoliin Am Valley for hiking and photo opportunities, and visit the Gobi Glacier. The night will be spent in a ger camp. (B,L,D) (440km)

Head to the most famous sand dune in Mongolia, Khongoriin Els, also known as the “Singing Sands.” En-route travel around the northern edge of Gurvan Saikhan Uul and visit the Khavtsgait Petroglyps, situated on the Boginiin Khyar ridge. These rock paintings are believed to date from 8000—3000BC. Arrive at Khongoriin Els and have lunch on arrival. This afternoon explore the area and visit a camel breeder’s settlement where it is possible to milk and ride a camel. Overnight in a ger camp nearby. (B,L,D) (250km).

Travel north to the red sandstone cliffs and canyons of Bayanzag, known as the Flaming Cliffs, where the American palaeontologist Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first ever recorded dinosaur egg in 1922. Spend the night in a ger camp near Ongiin Khiid Monastery. (B,L,D) (280km)

Travel to Karakorum, the ancient capital city of Mongolia. On arrival, visit Erden-ezuu Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia and built on the ruins of Karakorum in 1586. Spend the night at a ger camp near the Orkhon River. (B,L,D) (300km).

Return to Ulaanbaatar. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B/L) (380km)

Spend the day exploring Ulaanbaatar at leisure. (B)

After breakfast, transfer to airport or train station to depart Ulaanbaatar. (B)