Traverse Mongolia from the Khongor sand dunes to the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley on a 13-day expedition that mixes desert dunes, granite outcrops, dinosaur fossils and nomadic hospitality. Expect long drives, simple ger-camp nights and vivid early mornings under vast skies.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A wind-swept dawn on the Khongor sand dunes sets the tone: sand slides underfoot and the horizon blooms orange as camels silhouette against it. The air here changes like a mood—dry and sharp in the Gobi, cool and green in the Orkhon Valley—so the trip feels like a sequence of landscapes rather than a single place. Travelers move from Ulaanbaatar’s city-edge into granite tors, marble-like white cliffs, and the long quiet of dunefields.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
13 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in good general fitness who can handle multi-hour drives, short hikes, and some uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
The route links key eras: dinosaur-rich Bayanzag, medieval Karakorum/Erdene Zuu, and monastic centers whose ruins reflect 20th-century upheavals.
Conservation
The steppe and desert ecosystems are fragile—avoid off-track vehicle routes, minimize campfire impact, and respect livestock grazing areas to support local livelihoods.
Reserve your spot on the 13-Day Adventure: South Gobi & Central Mongolia today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Sun, wind and sand
Bring a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and SPF 50; sand and sun intensify exposure on open dunes and during long drives.
Water discipline
Carry a 1–2L reusable bottle and rely on daily bottled water provided; ration smartly during long desert transits.
Layer for extremes
Temperatures swing; pack insulating mid-layers and a windproof shell for cold nights and high-elevation stops.
Respect local life
Ask before photographing nomadic families and follow guide advice near livestock—small courtesies go far.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction for rocky tors, canyon approaches, and dune edges.
Layered clothing (base, insulating, windproof)
Protects against hot desert days and cold nights in higher valleys.
UV sunglasses & SPF lip balm
Essential for glare off sand, rock and during long, exposed drives.
summer
Reusable water bottle with filter or purification tablets
Useful for supplementing provided drinking water and reducing plastic waste.