Mongolia Adventure Travel
Mongolia Adventure Travel is an 11-day expedition into the Inner Gobi of Altai — the far, least-touristed reach of the Gobi Desert — and on into Central Mongolia. The route runs from the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag and the towering Khongor Sand Dunes to the canyon of Khermen Tsav and the 5,000-year-old rock art of Bichigt, before turning north to Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, and Khustai National Park, home to the reintroduced wild takhi horse. Nights are split between tourist ger camps, camping under open sky, and one local hotel stay. Easier–moderate difficulty; no experience necessary, and suitable for most ages and abilities (minimum age 12). This is a private tour for groups of 4–12 travelers — it is not available for solo departure; you and your travel companions form the group.
Route Map
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly to Dalanzadgad & Yol Gorge, Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs
Transfer to the airport for the 1-hour flight to Dalanzadgad town. Our local guide and driver meet you and drive to Yol Gorge (50 km, about 1 hour on paved road) — a narrow valley in the Gurvan Saikhan mountain range that stays shaded enough to hold ice through early summer. Hike the gorge for about an hour and visit its small natural history museum, then drive to Bayanzag (100 km, about 2 hours on dirt road) — the 'Flaming Cliffs' where American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews first discovered fossilized Protoceratops and dinosaur eggs. Walk the red cliffs, especially striking at sunset. Overnight in a tourist ger camp.
Khongor Sand Dune — Camel Trek
After breakfast, drive to Khongor Sand Dune (150 km, about 4 hours on dirt road) — the Gobi's largest dune system, stretching 5–10 km wide and nearly 100 km long, with crests rising up to 300 m. Strong winds can set the dunes 'singing,' giving them their local name. Ride camels across the dunes and, for those who climb, take in sweeping views over an ocean of golden sand near the oasis at the Khongor River's northern edge. Overnight in a tourist ger camp.
Nemegt Formation — Dinosaur Fossil Site
After breakfast, drive to the Nemegt Formation (160 km, about 5 hours on dirt road), part of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park and one of the world's richest dinosaur fossil sites, with fossilized remains still visible protruding from the ground in places. Overnight camping in tents.
Naran Daats Spring & Zulganai Oasis
After breakfast, drive to Naran Daats spring (60 km, about 2 hours on dirt road) to walk and rest by the water, then on to Zulganai Oasis (40 km, about 2 hours on dirt road) — a stretch of lush green shrubland standing in sharp contrast to the barren hills around it. Overnight camping in tents.
Khermen Tsav — the Gobi's Grand Canyon
After breakfast, drive to Khermen Tsav (40 km, about 1 hour on dirt road) — the Gobi's most famous canyon, its name meaning roughly 'citadel crack.' Shaped over thousands of years by water and wind erosion, its dramatic color and scale read like a geologic museum of the earth's history. Walk and explore the site. Overnight camping in tents.
Khermen Tsav — Free Time & Onward
A free morning at Khermen Tsav before continuing toward the day's next stop. Overnight camping in tents.
Bichigt Petroglyphs — Ancient Rock Art
After breakfast, drive to the Bichigt petroglyphs (150 km, about 4 hours on dirt road) at Bayan Hill — one of the world's great collections of prehistoric rock art, with roughly 1,000 carvings made by the Hunnu people and other nomadic groups between 3000 BCE and the 8th century, depicting animal husbandry, hunting, war, and ritual scenes. Overnight camping in tents.
Tsagaan Cave — Stone Age Site
After breakfast, drive to Tsagaan Cave (100 km, about 3 hours on dirt road), discovered in 1996 to have sheltered Stone Age humans roughly 700,000 years ago and since the site of numerous archaeological digs. Dinner and overnight camping near Tsakhir Mountain.
Drive to Arvaikheer
After breakfast, drive to Arvaikheer (210 km, about 5 hours, mostly on dirt road), the provincial center of Övörkhangai. Overnight in a local hotel.
Karakorum — Genghis Khan's Ancient Capital
After breakfast, drive to Karakorum (130 km, about 3 hours, mostly on paved road), once the capital of the Mongol Empire. Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery — built in 1586 from stones taken from Karakorum's ruins and the first Buddhist monastery built in Mongolia — along with the Karakorum Museum and other historical sites. Overnight in a tourist ger camp.
Khustai National Park & Return to Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, drive to Khustai National Park (270 km, about 5 hours on paved road), home to the reintroduced wild takhi (Przewalski's) horse — the last wild horse subspecies, rediscovered in western Mongolia in the 1870s — since 1992. Hike the surrounding hills to look for takhi and, with luck, maral deer. Drive on to Ulaanbaatar (90 km, about 2 hours on paved road) and transfer to your accommodation. Tour ends on arrival.