What to Know About the Gobi Desert
Gobi Desert, one of the world’s largest deserts spanning southern Mongolia and parts of northern China, offers an adventure into a landscape of remarkable natural diversity and stark beauty.
The Gobi has served as a crossroads for ancient civilizations, with the legendary Silk Road weaving through its heart, connecting the East and West.
With searing hot summers and bitterly cold winters, alongside rapid temperature shifts within a single day, the Gobi demands preparation and respect from those who traverse its rugged terrain.
This desert, far from being a barren wasteland, teems with life, including rare species such as the Gobi bear, snow leopards, and wild Bactrian camels, all adapted to the arid conditions that define their home.
5-Day Gobi Desert Itinerary
This is the tour that I ended up doing with 5 other people who all ended up becoming my really good friends. Each location has an article dedicated to it as well if you want to have an even more in-depth read on the significance and our experiences there.
Initially, it was supposed to be a 6-day tour including Bayanzag (the Flaming Cliffs) but my airline cancelled the flight and moved me a day earlier.
Luckily, Bobbi, the one who arranged the tour from UB Guesthouse, was quick to adapt and change the schedule accordingly.
So here’s what a 5-day Gobi Desert itinerary will look like:
Day 1 - Tsagaan Suvarga
Day 1 introduces you to the awe-inspiring Tsagaan Suvarga, known as the White Stupa. This natural monument, located in the Dundgovi province, is a breathtaking introduction to the desert’s myriad wonders.
Tsagaan Suvarga, with its towering cliffs that rise dramatically from the desert floor, presents a palette of colors that seem to tell the story of the Earth’s ancient past. Over millennia, wind and water erosion have sculpted these sedimentary formations into a stunning landscape, reminiscent of a vast, natural amphitheater.
The name Tsagaan Suvarga is derived from the appearance of its white limestone cliffs, which, from a distance, resemble traditional Buddhist stupas.
Day 2 - Khongoryn Els
Day 2 of your adventure takes you to the magnificent Khongoryn Els, also known as the Singing Sands.
This extraordinary stretch of sand dunes, located in the southern part of the Gobi Desert, is one of Mongolia’s most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders. The dunes extend for an impressive length, reaching heights of up to 300 m (985 ft), making them a towering presence in the desert landscape.
The name “Singing Sands” comes from the haunting sound produced when the sand moves – a natural phenomenon that occurs during windy conditions. This sound, akin to the distant drone of an airplane, adds a layer of mystique to the already captivating scenery.
For those interested in the local nomadic culture, camel rides at the base of the dunes offer a unique way to experience the landscape. These gentle animals, perfectly adapted to the desert environment, provide a serene and authentic mode of exploration.
The area around Khongoryn Els is also home to nomadic families who live in traditional gers (yurts), offering insights into their way of life and the opportunity to experience Mongolian culture and hospitality.
Day 3 - Yolym Am
On Day 3, your journey through the Gobi Desert leads you to the mystical Yolyn Am, also known as the Valley of the Vultures or Valley of the Eagles. Though sometimes Ice Valley works just as well and you’ll see why.
Nestled within the rugged terrain of the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, this deep and narrow gorge is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and the rare phenomenon of ice that persists within its shadows, even through the warmer months.
The valley’s high rock walls, formed by ancient volcanic activity, encase a narrow gorge that winds through the mountain. This unique geographical formation creates a microclimate within the valley that is markedly cooler than the surrounding desert, allowing a thick layer of ice to form during the winter.
Historically, this ice remained year-round, but in recent years, it tends to melt away by late summer, making early visits particularly special to witness this natural ice sculpture.
Day 4 - Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Day 4, your journey takes you to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a remarkable granite rock formation that rises from the plains of the Dundgovi province.
Unlike the vast sand dunes and deep icy gorges encountered in previous days, Baga Gazriin Chuluu offers a starkly different landscape, showcasing the geological diversity of the Gobi Desert. This area, adorned with towering granite rocks and boulders, creates a labyrinth of natural beauty waiting to be explored.
Baga Gazriin Chuluu, often translated as “The Stone of the Little Place,” is a site steeped in history and spirituality. The formations, some reaching heights of over 15 m (50 ft), are not only a natural wonder but also a canvas of Mongolia’s past.
You can find ancient inscriptions, petroglyphs, and remnants of old Buddhist monasteries nestled among the rocks.
The landscape around Baga Gazriin Chuluu is dotted with sacred caves, wells, and burial sites, each contributing to the area’s mystical aura. Among these, the cave where the famous 19th-century Mongolian monk Danzanravjaa chose to meditate is a highlight.
Day 5 - Ulaanbaatar
Where to Book the Tour
If you still haven’t booked a tour, I recommend either staying with UB Guesthouse in Ulaanbaatar or just contacting them for the rates, you’ll be surprised at how affordable they are.
Fortunately, we were 6 people on our 5-day Gobi Desert tour so we were able to just get it for 60 USD per day, totaling to only 300 USD including food, transportation and accomodation!
Here’s the breakdown I got from Bobbi, the owner of UB Guesthouse, for the Gobi Desert Tour:
Gobi Desert Tour Cost:
- 160 USD per day for 1 person
- 100 USD per day each for 2 people
- 80 USD per day each for 3 people
- 70 USD per day each for 4 people
- 60 USD per day each for 5 people and more
Best Time to Visit the Gobi Desert
What to Expect While Traveling in the Gobi Desert
The desert’s remote and rugged nature means that you should adjust your expectations and prepare for the unique challenges and conditions of desert exploration. Here’s what to expect while journeying through the Gobi:
The vastness of the Gobi Desert means that traveling between destinations often involves long hours on the road, typically 5 – 7 hours each day. The journey traverses diverse terrains, from sandy dunes to rocky outcrops, often on unpaved roads that can be bumpy. Bring some motion sickness medicine if you need it. But don’t worry because…
Despite the challenges, the Gobi Desert rewards you with its breathtaking landscapes, from vast sand dunes to rugged mountains. The region is also home to unique wildlife. We saw tons of horses, camels, gazelles, amongst dozens of other animal species. You’ll never get bored of just starting outside the window throughout the journey.
In the more remote parts of the Gobi, facilities can be extremely basic. Traditional nomad toilets, essentially holes in the ground located within small enclosures for privacy, are common. Showers might be nonexistent, we only ever had one chance to shower and it was a cold one at that. You can do make-shift showers using waterbottles as long as you have shampoo. That’s what we did some nights.
Meeting with nomadic families and experiencing their way of life is a highlight. Make sure you have some small handgifts to give as it goes a long way in showing your appreciation for their hospitality.
What to Pack for the Gobi Desert
Preparing for a journey through the Gobi Desert requires thoughtful packing to ensure you’re equipped for its unique environment and the range of conditions you may encounter. The desert’s climate can vary dramatically, from hot days to chilly nights, sometimes you can experience the four seasons in one day! Therefore it’s wise to consider bringing the following:
Layered Clothing: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the day and warmer layers for the evening when temperatures can drop significantly. Include a windproof jacket and a warm hat for cooler nights and early mornings.
Sun Protection: The sun can be intense in the desert. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, high SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
Travel Insurance: As unpredictable an adventure in Mongolia can be, it’s best to also make sure you have travel insurance before heading out into the wilderness.
Hydration: Buy enough water from UB’s supermarket before heading out. Ideally, one 2L bottle a day is what was recommended to us.
First Aid Kit: Pack a comprehensive first aid kit including items for blisters, minor cuts, and dehydration. The motion sickness medicine were a life-saver for me. Just know that there won’t be any pharmacies out there.
Flashlight: Essential for navigating your campsite after dark as there are no light sources in the wilderness aside from the stars and the moon.
Hygiene Items: Include biodegradable soap, wet wipes (there won’t be much opportunities to shower), and hand sanitizer. Bring plenty of tissues as well for the natural “toilets.”
Scarf: A lightweight scarf is versatile, offering protection from the sun, wind, and sand. Sometimes there can be the occasional dust/sand storms and this will help save your face.
Power Adapter: Mongolia uses the C and E power socket types. Most ger camps would have electricity to charge your phones/cameras.
Moisturizer and Lip Balm: The desert air can be extremely dry, so pack a good moisturizer and lip balm with SPF to prevent your skin and lips from becoming chapped. I know I needed this even while I was still in Ulaanbaatar.
Plan Your Trip to Mongolia | Best Travel Resources
Book Your Accommodations
- Booking.com – the world’s leading online booking platform for accomodations around the world, they have an extensive amount of available listings with zero booking fees and best price guarantees.
- Hostelworld – a backpacker’s best friend, Hostelworld has the largest collection of hostels and guesthouses for affordable prices.
Don’t Forget Insurance
- SafetyWing – from Nomad Insurance, an insurance by nomads for nomads. They understand our lifestyle well and have really comprehensive and flexible plans that cater to any traveler.
Find Cheap Flights
- Kiwi.com – my go-to for booking and finding the cheapest flights and it’s helped me save tons of money. They do virtual interlining which is connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare, so you can find routes that you wouldn’t be able to find normally.
Join Tours & Activities
- GetYourGuide – is one of the best places to find unique tours and activities. I found that it’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and create fond memories. They are not only limited to tours as they also offer niche services such as skip-the-line tickets or private transfers.
Catch a Ride
- Rentalcars.com – nothing beats the freedom of the road, Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest online car rental service. They operate across 160 countries so they’re the perfect partner to work with if you find yourself wanting a ride.
