The thought of the Gobi Desert stirs up images of sand dunes in people’s heads, but only about 3% of the Gobi is actual sand dunes whilst most of the terrain is flat with gravel and low vegetation. Though not as populous as other parts of Mongolia, there are nomadic families who live here tending to their livestock including two-humped Bactrian camels beside their herds of sheep, goats, and horses. The Gobi region was once a flourishing ecosystem that supported many types of lifeforms including dinosaurs confirmed by the abundance of fossil discoveries. Experience highlights of the Gobi, including the Lammergeier’s valley – an oasis in the middle of the desert teeming with wildlife, Singing Sands – spectacular stretch of sand dunes, Flaming Cliffs – where an American explorer named Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first recorded fossilized dinosaur eggs in the 1920s, and other interesting sights.

Arrive at Ulaanbaatar. Start with a city tour visiting Gandan monastery, Sukhbaatar main square, Bogd Jabzan Damba Hutagt VIII, Zaisan Memorial, Museum of Dinosaurs. Next day fly to Dalanzadgad city to stay at a ger camp in the Gobi Desert. Trekking camel and horse-riding tours are available to the valley. The following day we visit Khongoryn Dunes, the biggest sand dunes in all Asia. We will also see the Khongurun River flowing along the sand dunes and oases. A visit to the Land of Dinosaurs (The Flaming Cliffs) is on the cards for the following day. Bayan Zag (Rich with Saxaul) is famed for its’ red sandstone cliffs, sculptural Saxaul trees grow in the arid rocky soil. Recognized as one of the world’s largest dinosaur graveyards. We also visit the Ongiin Monastery, formerly one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia founded in 1660. Next we go to Khar Khorum Chinggis Khaan’s fabled city, founded in 1220 in the Orkhon valley, at the crossroads of the Silk Road. It was from there that the Mongol Empire governed, until Khubilai Khaan moved it to Beijing. Another day has us visit Hustai National Park. Finally, we return to Ulaanbaatar for the flight home.