The Gobi Desert tour continues for 8 days. Get in touch with your inner nomad as you hike, trek, camel ride, and “sand sled” through the Gobi Desert. On this journey, you will see desert steppe, tremendous sand dunes, deep gorges with rivers running through them, Mongolia’s own “Grand Canyon,” and the infamous “Flaming Cliffs” of Bayanzag.
The word Gobi means “desert” in Mongolian. The Gobi is made up of several distinct ecological and geographic regions, based on variations in climate and topography. The Gobi is most notable in paleontology and history as part of the great Mongol Empire, and as the location of several important cities along the Silk Road.
This tour includes family run ger camps and camping on some nights.
Once you are in the countryside exploring Mongolia it is our preference to stay with local nomadic families if they have an extra Ger. Gers will be shared by 4-5 people (only travellers) when we stay with a local family. As a Mongolian company we prefer to support these families financially, and help support their livelihood. We are sure this resonates with our travelers who enjoy engaging with their culture and way of life on the steppe. As well as directly supporting local herders, you can experience this rich traditional way of life first hand. Also, given the remoteness, western style comforts may not be available.
Western style and luxury options are available in some parts of Mongolia in the form of Tourist ger camps. Ger camps have comfortable beds, hot showers and western style amenities. These are not included in the price quoted in this itinerary. However, if you think that you would prefer to have access to these western style comforts then please let us know and we can adjust the quote for your itinerary.
Tour departure times can be flexible, however due to heavy traffic 7 am on the morning of departure is recommended. The driver and guide can pick you up from the airport, train station, or your accommodation to suit your requirements.
Most of the meals on this tour are included in the tour price. All included meals will be prepared from fresh local produce. The majority of the shopping for food will be done before the trip departs, and fresh goods, such as meats, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, will be bought en-route during the trip from supermarkets, local shops and markets. Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads or local restaurants. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes. Our GUIDE will organize the meal preparation and lead the way here. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements can be catered for but need to be specified prior to arrival.
Summer months in Mongolia are from early June to mid September. Although the Mongolian summers are hot and dry with occasional rain, the temperature can fluctuate as much 14-20 degrees centigrade between day and night. So be prepared for all weather conditions.
Sleeping bag (we can provide sleeping bag, if your luggage is full), sleeping bag liner, sunscreen, a hat, long underwear, shorts, comfortable footwear, lip balm, sanitary hand wipes, sunglasses, prescription medications (if needed), rain gear, flashlight.
I had an incredible two months traveling in Mongolia, all thanks to Meg and her team. I’m used to traveling by myself and was very reluctant to use a guide or go on arranged tours but decided to because of my unfamiliarity with the country and language. Meg organized trips around what I wanted to do and see. It was like traveling with a very organized, well connected friend. Her passion and knowledge for her country and it’s history is inspiring and contagious. She’s very conscious of the negatives and positives of tourism in Mongolia and works very hard to make her tours benefit both locals and travellers. Her philanthropic efforts are numerous, she has the biggest heart! I felt like every dollar I spent was going to a worthy cause. I had only originally planned to do two trips but ended up doing five because they were such great experiences! I really can’t say enough good things about Meg and her company. Having travelled to Mongolia with no real expectations, I feel like I’ve come away with a friend for life in Meg and completely in love with a country of endless sky.
