Cross desert dunes, hike an ice-filled gorge and visit centuries-old monasteries on an 8-day loop from Ulaanbaatar. This trip pairs long overland drives with horseback and camel options, staying in local gers and family guesthouses.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A cold wind pushes across the dune crest and the camel’s slow rhythm answers it—this is the opening cadence of an 8-day loop from Ulaanbaatar into the Great Gobi and central Mongolian steppe. Travelers move from hard-packed roads into a landscape that still remembers an ancient sea: cliffs of layered limestone, wind-sculpted sand, and a narrow ice-filled gorge that keeps winter in its shadow well into spring.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in reasonably good health who can handle full days of driving plus short hikes and optional riding excursions.
Wildlife
History
Erdene Zuu was built from stones taken from the ruins of Karakorum after the spread of Tibetan Buddhism; Ongiin Khiid reflects 18th-century monastic growth and later 20th-century revival.
Conservation
The Gobi’s fragile dunes and desert steppe recover slowly; stick to established tracks, pack out waste, and support local guides and ger-hostels that use responsible water and fuel practices.
Reserve your spot on the 8 Day Great Gobi and Central Mongolia today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Pack layered wind protection
Daytime heat can flip to biting wind on dunes and passes—bring a windbreaker and mid-layer for mornings and evenings.
Bring cash for remote services
ATMs are scarce outside Ulaanbaatar; small purchases, tips and entry fees often require tugriks.
Time your hikes for morning light
Start hikes early to avoid midday heat and catch the best light for photography in the ice gorge and dunes.
Respect monastery etiquette
Cover shoulders, remove hats inside temples, and ask before photographing people at Ongiin or Erdene Zuu.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction on rocky outcrops, dunes and uneven ger tracks.
Windproof jacket and mid-layer
Protects against desert gusts and cold mornings in the steppe.
Wide-brim hat and high-SPF sunscreen
Sun exposure is intense across open desert and high plateaus.
summer
Reusable water bottle (1–2L) with filter or purification tablets
Reliable hydration between stops where potable water can be limited.