Traverse Mongolia’s Gobi and Eight Lakes on a 17-day overland and trekking journey that mixes dune walks, canyon hikes, ancient ruins and nights in family yurts. Expect long drives, short to full trekking days, camels and yaks to carry gear, and authentic nomadic hospitality.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn spills cold light across a broad, wind-sculpted ridge as camels stand patient like slow-moving sentinels. You shoulder a daypack, hear boots sink into soft sand, and a minivan becomes a moving window across steppe, cliffs and lakes — this is the rhythm of a combined trekking and driving route through Mongolia’s Gobi and Eight Lakes region.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
16–17 days
Fitness Level
Good to excellent cardiovascular fitness and prior multi-day hiking experience recommended; heavy pack carrying is minimized by animals but expect long walking days and uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
Kharkhorin (Karakorum) and Erdenezuu monastery mark Mongolia’s imperial era, while Ongi’s ruined monastery reflects the Soviet-era purges that reshaped religious life in the region.
Conservation
The Gobi’s fragile vegetation and oases recover slowly from foot and vehicle traffic; choose operators who use local animals for transport and follow leave-no-trace practices to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Gobi Desert and Eight lakes trekking and driving combined tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for temperature swings
Days can be warm and nights cold; pack a warm mid-layer and a windproof shell to handle desert gusts.
Carry 2–3L water capacity
Water sources are sparse between camps; a hydration bladder plus spare bottles keeps you hydrated on long treks.
Protect from sun and wind
High sun exposure and reflective sand demand a wide-brim hat, UV sunscreen and wrap-around sunglasses.
Respect nomadic customs
Ask before photographing people or entering family yurts and remove shoes where required to honor hosts.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Provide traction on sand, scree and rocky approaches and protect ankles on uneven ground.
summer
Insulating mid-layer and wind shell
Essential for cold nights and windy days across open steppe and dunes.
Hydration system (2–3L)
Keeps you hydrated on long, exposed treks where refill points are limited.
summer
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+)
Protects against strong UV and reflective glare from sand and water surfaces.
summer