4-Day South Gobi: Drive Out, Fly Back
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Ulaanbaatar β Dalanzadgad β Yol Gorge
We pick you up from your accommodation at 06:00 for an early start on the long drive south to Dalanzadgad, about 600 km and 9 hours on a paved road. Along the way, the green grasslands of Central Mongolia gradually give way to the wide, dry plains of the Gobi, dotted with herds of camels and goats. Dalanzadgad is the provincial center of the South Gobi and the gateway to Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, one of the largest protected areas in Mongolia. From the town, continue about 50 km (1 hour on a paved road) to the foot of the Gurvan Saikhan mountains near Yol Gorge, and spend the night there. If the flight schedule suits better, this itinerary also works in reverse: fly to the Gobi on the first day and drive back to Ulaanbaatar at the end.
Yol Gorge β Khongor Sand Dunes
After breakfast, drive about 10 km to Yol Gorge in the Gurvan Saikhan mountain range. 'Yol' means bearded vulture in Mongolian, and the gorge stretches for more than 10 km. At its narrowest point only three or four people can walk side by side, and the high rock walls shade the valley floor from direct sun, so ice formed by its small stream in winter often survives until mid-July. Enjoy a 2-hour hike through the gorge, keeping watch for ibex, argali, and vultures on the cliffs, and visit the small natural history museum at the park entrance. After lunch, drive about 190 km (5 hours, mostly on dirt roads) west along the mountains to the Khongor Sand Dunes, and spend the night near the dunes.
Khongor Sand Dunes β Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
After breakfast, drive about 20 km to Khongor, the largest sand dune field in the Gobi Desert. The dunes stretch nearly 100 km long and 5 to 10 km wide, with crests rising 80 to 300 m above the surrounding land. On windy days, the moving sand produces a deep booming sound that carries a long way, which is why locals call them the 'Singing Sands.' A green oasis fed by the Khongor River lines their northern edge. Ride Bactrian camels to explore the dunes, and climb one of the crests for an unforgettable view across a sea of golden sand. After lunch, drive about 150 km (4 hours on dirt roads) to Bayanzag. American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews named this place the 'Flaming Cliffs' in the 1920s, and many important dinosaur finds, including Protoceratops skeletons and the first dinosaur eggs ever discovered, were made here. The red cliffs are imposing from a distance and glow especially fiery in the light of the setting sun. Walk around the site before spending the night nearby.
Bayanzag β Gurvan Saikhan Airfield β Fly to Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, we take you to the Gurvan Saikhan airfield near Dalanzadgad for the 1.5-hour flight back to Ulaanbaatar, a last chance to look down on the desert plains and mountain ridges from the air. After you land, our driver meets you at the airport and transfers you to your accommodation.