Trekking and driving adventure to Gobi Desert and Eight Lakes

Day 1:  Ulan Bator –  Baga Gazaryn Chuluu

Our trekking trip starts with a full day of driving to the Baga Gazariin Chuluu Ruins (1768 m high granite stone mountain in the territory of Adaatsag soum, Dundgobi province.  There are some old temple ruins related to the 17th century. Also, we’ll be able to see a deep narrow hole with water in it, which locals believe in that the water could treat ocular illnesses. We’ll spend the night in a family’s spare yurt.

Day 2:  Baga Gazaryn Chuluu – Tsagaan Suvraga

Today we drive to the scarp of Tsagaan Suvarga, which is in Ulziit, Dundgobi province. It is interesting to see the sheer slope, facing east, which from a cliff is 30 meters high and 100 meters wide. Over thousands of years, the wind has created this fantastic structure.  We’ll stay in a family’s spare yurt.

Day 3:  Tsagaan Suvraga – Yol ice valley

Arrive at a yurt camp that is close to Yoliin Am.  Yoliin Am is in Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National park, which is the biggest strictly protected area in Mongolia.  The mountains here are the highest in the Gobi Desert, and the rocky scenery is quite impressive,
especially until mid-July, while the ice in a gorge remains.  We’ll spend the night in a yurt camp.

Day 4:  Yol ice valley – Khongoryn Els

In the morning, we’ll drive to Yoliin Am for 30 km, and then we’ll walk 3km in the narrow valley, then 3 km back to the minivans.  And then we’ll have lunch in the open air.  After that, we’ll drive to Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes (195km). The Khongoryn Els is one of the largest and most spectacular dunes in Mongolia. We’ll spend the night in a family’s spare yurt.

Day 5:  Load camels and start trekking

While the morning light is coming up, the staff prepares our luggage and the camels for our trekking trip (camels are only used to carry all the stuff).  We’ll start trekking in the afternoon after lunch and walk west/northwest for about 3-4h until finding a beautiful camping spot.

Day 6 and 7:  Trekking

Continue our trekking.  On the 7th day, we’ll camp near the oasis in the north of the dunes.  It’s time to say good buy to the local crew after dinner.  

Day 8:  Yurt camp

 In the morning, we’ll pack everything in the car and walk to the yurt camp after breakfast for a couple of hours.  It’ll be our last part of our trek. It’ll be up to the guests to drive or walk.  We’ll have a relaxing day after a few days of trekking through the dunes called “Khongoryn Els”. 

Day 9:  Khongoryn Els –  Bayanzag flaming cliffs

We’ll start driving to Bayanzag flaming cliff.  It’s famous for dinosaur fossils found. Bayanzag means “rich in Saxual Shrubs.”   Overnight in tents. 

Day 10:  Bayanzag flaming cliffs – Ongi temple ruin

Today, we drive to Ongi temple ruin.  It was one of the biggest monasteries in the Gobi region until Stalinist purge destroyed.  There is only a river that goes down to the Gobi.  

Day 11:  Ongi temple ruin – Arvaikheer

We head to Arvaikheer.  It’s a small town and center of Ovorkhangai province.   We’ll stop for lunch on the way.  And then late afternoon we’ll arrive at a local hotel to experience it.  The hotel facility is pretty basic and don’t get shocked by some shared facilities such as showers. It is a kind of lifestyle in many other parts of Mongolia.   And we’ll have dinner from the hotel which will be a great chance to compare the food we cook for you and typical local food.  

Day 12:  Arvaikheer – Shuranga

We’ll have a quick drive to the starting point of our trekking.  Meet the local crew, prepare the luggage for the trek.  Maybe a short walk in the area.  We’ll sleep in yurts from the local family.  

Day 13:  Trekking to Shireet Lake

Load our luggage on the yaks.  And then go trekking for 3-5 hours.  We’ll take a break and have some snacks like sandwiches.  We’ll see Shireet lake and trek a bit further.  Camp in the National park. 

Day 14 & 15:  Shireet lake – Buureg yurt camp

Continue trekking.  We’ll go trekking about 7-8 hours, and on the last day of our trekking, we arrive at Buureg yurt camp by lunchtime.  We’ll have lunch at the yurt camp, then drive to Orkhon waterfall and enjoy the picturesque
scenery. Overnight in the yurt camp.

Day 16: Buureg yurt camp – Kharkhorin – Khogno Khan

Drive to Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of Mongolia.  Visit Erdenezuu temple museum and Kharkhorin
archeological museum. After lunch, we drive to Khongno Khan mountain.  Overnight at Khogno Khan yurt camp. 

Day 17: Khogno Khan – Khustain National park – Ulan Bator

After breakfast, we head to Ulan Bator, but on the way, we’ll stop at Khustain National park to see wild horses taki.  We’ll drop you off at your hotel.