Beyond the Explored Gobi Desert Jeep Tour

Day 1

On arrival to Ulaanbaatar you will be transferred to a cozy hotel in the center of the city. The remaining morning at leisure. After lunch a guided city tour. We first visit the Natural history museum with its rich collection of dinosaur fossils. The National history with its display of traditional costumes is to follow. You as well will be introduced to the turbulent history of the Mongolian nation here. A unique show of throat or so-called overtone singing and contortion will be followed by a welcome dinner in one of best restaurants of the city. (hotel / L,D)

Day 2

Early after lunch we climb into our expedition vehicles and head west of Ulaanbaatar. The tarmac road mainly goes through open steppes with rolling hills in the background. This is one of the main transport veins busy with trucks laden with hides, wool and other produce. In the early afternoon some massive sand dunes will come into our sight. The surrounding area is dominated by granite mountains. Here we stop for a picnic lunch. Another hour and a half and we arrive to the medieval capital of Genghis khan - Karakorum. The former capital still lies in ruins after being leveled by Chinese Min dynasty troops in 1380-ies. Today Karakorum is recognized by the massive walls of the Erdene Zuu monastery. It was built in the 16 century by a mongol warlord as part of his efforts to re-unite the nation under the banners of the "yellow" faith. The monastery has suffered a tremendous destruction during the anti-religion campaigns of 1930-ies with only a dozen temples surviving to these days. Today it has been lovingly restored by believers. We visit the peaceful premises of the monastery and spend some time walking the earthen hills nearby still containing the old city of Karakorum. Then we continue to a visitor camp at the orkhon river for dinner and overnight. Tonight is your chance to sleep in the circular mongolian felt tent locally called ger. (ger / B,L,D)

Day 3

Today we drive along the Orkhon river to reach the waterfall of Ulaan Tsutgalan. The river valley is surrounded by extinct volcanoes and is crisscrossed by basalt outcroppings - ancient lava streams. The waterfall is formed by a swift branch stream dropping into a 24 meter deep fault where the main body of the Orkhon river flows. The area is richly forested with siberian coniferous forest. The valley is rightfully considered to be one of the cradles of human habitation in mongolia and is dotted with dozens of ancient graves and burial mounds. Your guide will tell you interesting facts of their history. Nomadic mongols inhabit the valley tending hundreds of yak and horse herds. Their circular felt tents can be seen everywhere. On arrival we explore the area. You can as well take a dip in the cool waters of Orkhon river. Dinner and overnight in a ger camp. (ger / B,L,D)

Day 4

Back on the road we travel deeper into the Khangai mountains. Shortly after the start we stop to visit a nomadic family. Hospitality of herders is unparalleled. You will have a chance to taste dairy products and learn about the secrets of nomads' survival. Crossing a number of clear streams and ascending densely forested narrow valleys we cross 3 formidable passes at an altitude of 2900 meters above sea level. In the late afternoon we arrive to Shargalzuut natural hot springs. Over one hundred medicinal springs emerge from the depth of the earth - each with its own mineral content. They proved to be an effective cure for a whole array of illnesses. The tradition is still fresh and many mongolian enjoy treatment in the local sanatorium. You may take a chance to dip in these hotsprings. Back in the camp a hearty dinner awaits you. (tent / B,L,D)

Day 5

Leaving behind the mountains we head south into the legendary Gobi desert. The terrain gradually turns into sun-baked rocky plains sparsely covered with shrubs and thin grass. About a half way we enter an even drier and flatter plain with dark rock towers here and there. The area is almost uninhabited with a weird sight of a lone yurt tens of miles apart from its closest neighbor. In early afternoon out of nowhere there will appear two small lakes. These saline lakes are our camping site. (tent / B,L,D)

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Travel to Zulganai river. In contrast with the conventional oasis perception it is a single stretching grove of stark trees and bushes amidst massive sand drifts. Although underground the river itself is the source of survival of wild life here. From there we make a return trip to Khermen tsav. Towering canyons of rock hard red sand stretch for over 10km parallel to some finest sand dunes. The grandiose beauty of this place is even more vivid at sunset when canyons turn red and orange. It is a place where no ordinary travelers go; it is as remote as one can get in Mongolia. Back to Zulganai river we sleep in a tented camp. (tent / B,L,D)

Day 9

Day 10

A well deserved leisure day. You may hike or race up and along the dunes – it is all yours. In the afternoon you will have a chance to ride the 2 humped “bactrian” camels. There are many of them grazing in the area and a local camel herder will advise us and look after your safety and tack. (ger / B,L,D)

Day 11

Back in our jeeps we drive along the Altai mountains to the “eagle mouth” or lammergeyer canyon. Nestled between the beautiful peaks of the three beauties range the canyon shelters a small "glacier" which remains frozen even on summer's hottest days. Wild goats roam the steep cliffs. At the entrance of the gorge is a small museum displaying samples of the area’s animal world. We continue to desert ger camp for dinner and overnight. (ger / B,L,D)

Day 12

This morning we say good-bye to our drivers and cooks and catch a flight to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening we all gather for a farewell dinner. (hotel / B,D)

Day 13

A free day for shopping and self-exploration around the city. You may refer to recommendations of our team in order to make most out of it. (hotel / B)

Day 14

You will be transferred to the airport for your journey home. (B)