10 Days Gobi Desert and Express Mongolia

Planning an adventure into Mongolia’s wild landscapes? This 10-day tour through the Gobi Desert and beyond promises a blend of striking scenery, authentic nomadic life, and memorable excursions. We’ve reviewed this experience based on detailed itineraries and genuine traveler feedback to help you decide if this journey suits your craving for adventure and culture.

What makes this tour notable? First, it offers a comprehensive route through Mongolia’s most iconic natural sights — from lunar-like dunes to ancient ruins. Second, the guides and local hosts are praised for their knowledge and authenticity, ensuring you get a real sense of Mongolian life. Lastly, the adventure-packed itinerary includes unique experiences like horse riding through the Orkhon Valley and visiting the famous Flaming Cliffs.

However, a potential consideration is the long driving days—up to 6 hours at a stretch—which might be tiring for some. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic road trips and are comfortable with rougher terrains and outdoor living. If you’re after a deeply immersive, active experience that combines nature, history, and nomadic culture, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Authentic Mongolian Experience: Stay overnight in ger camps and with nomadic families, offering genuine contact with local culture.
• Diverse Landscapes: From the lunar-like Gobi dunes to lush mountains and historic sites, the scenery is endlessly changing.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the trip with insights into Mongolia’s history, geology, and nomadic traditions.
• Active Adventure: Horse riding in the Orkhon Valley and camel rides add a hands-on element to your exploration.
• Value for Money: For around $2,000, you get 10 days of guided adventure, accommodations, most meals, and park fees, making it a well-rounded package.
• Group and Private Options: The tour is private, ensuring personalized attention—ideal for those who prefer a tailored experience.

An In-Depth Look at the 10-Day Mongolia Adventure

Day 1: From Ulaanbaatar to Mandalgovi via Baga Gazriin Chuluu

The journey begins with a 250km drive south to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a striking rocky mountain formation carved by time and elements. The granite formations here resemble sculptures—some look like animals, others like towers—making it a photographer’s dream. It’s a great start, offering a taste of Mongolia’s volcanic and erosional history, with no entrance fees. Expect to spend about 6 hours on the road, giving you time to soak in the changing scenery.

Day 2: From Mandalgovi to Dalanzadgad through White Stupa

Moving on to Dalanzadgad, the route takes you through a semi-arid, rocky desert landscape. The highlight is the White Stupa, a serene natural monument admired for its purity and symbolic meaning in local culture. “We loved the way the scenery transformed from rocky mountains to open desert plains,” one reviewer shared. The drive again lasts around 6 hours, so comfort with long bus rides is helpful here.

Day 3: Exploring Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park

This day is dedicated to the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, a mountain range that marks the southern terminus of the Gobi-Altai mountains. The park’s terrain ranges from rugged peaks to deep canyons, and it’s home to Yoliin Am, a spectacular canyon with frozen waterfalls and clear pools (season permitting). The guide emphasized how the diverse geology here makes it a fascinating stop, with free park entrance adding to the value.

Day 4: The Khongor Sand Dunes

Known as the “Singing Dunes,” Khongoriin Els are the biggest and highest dunes in Mongolia—an iconic sight. Walking on the soft sand, you’ll appreciate how these dunes can reach up to 300 meters high. The stop here also includes a visit to the Ongi Monastery ruins, adding a cultural layer to your desert adventure. “The dunes are breathtaking, and the guides are great at sharing stories about local legends,” noted one traveler.

Day 5: Flaming Cliffs and Bayanzag

This day takes you to Bayanzag, famously called the Flaming Cliffs for its fiery red sandstone, remnants of the late Cretaceous period. It’s a significant paleontological site where dinosaur fossils have been discovered. You’ll also explore a saxaul forest, which is vital for the desert ecosystem. The guide mentioned that the site is “both awe-inspiring and humbling,” especially for history buffs or those interested in dinosaurs.

Day 6: Transition to the Green Steppe

Moving northward, the landscape gently shifts from arid desert to rolling green hills. The journey covers around 300km, giving you a chance to relax after several days of sightseeing. Staying in Khujirt village, the natural scenery becomes more lush, with endless plains and grazing animals, illustrating the vast diversity of Mongolia’s natural zones.

Day 7: Horse Trekking to Orkhon Valley

One of the tour’s highlights is the horse riding to the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The trail is tough—laden with lava stones and uneven terrain—but offers a truly authentic riding experience. “The horses are sturdy, and the guides are patient, making it accessible even for newcomers,” shared a reviewer. Expect approximately 6 hours of riding, so good physical prep helps.

Day 8: Visiting Kharhorin, Mongolia’s Ancient Capital

This day involves a 150km drive to Kharhorin, the former capital of the Mongol Empire. The city is dotted with remnants of Mongol history, including the famous Erdene Zuu Monastery. The guide explained how the site “connects you directly to Mongolia’s imperial past,” making it a meaningful cultural stop.

Day 9: Khugnu Khaan Natural Reserve

Traveling to Khugnu Khaan Reserve, you’ll encounter a variety of ecosystems—mountains, forests, steppe, and desert—offering a microcosm of Mongolia’s natural wealth. The reserve provides a peaceful contrast to the previous days’ desert adventures. Travelers reported that this diversity “makes the journey more layered and rewarding,” according to reviews.

Day 10: Return via Khustai National Park

On your way back to Ulaanbaatar, a stop at Khustai National Park introduces you to the rare Przewalski’s wild horses, also called Takhi. “Seeing these animals in their natural habitat was a highlight,” one traveler said. The day concludes with a 280km drive back to the capital, giving you time to reflect on the diverse experiences of the trip.

Practical Aspects and Value

Transportation & Comfort: The tour involves multiple long drives, with up to 6 hours on some days. The group is private, which means more flexibility and personalized attention, ideal if you prefer a more tailored experience. Lodging in ger camps and with nomadic families ensures authentic stays but also means rustic, outdoor accommodations—perfect if you’re comfortable with basic amenities.

Meals & Included Services: Nine breakfasts, nine dinners, and ten lunches are included, offering a good balance of local cuisine and convenience. Guided tours at each location mean you’ll gain insights beyond what’s on the surface, enhancing the cultural and natural appreciation.

Pricing & Value: At around $2,000 per person, this tour packs in extensive sightseeing, transportation, most meals, and guide services. Considering the number of destinations, scenic diversity, and authentic experiences, the value is compelling—especially for adventurous souls eager to see Mongolia’s wild side.

Final Thoughts

This 10-day Gobi Desert and Mongolia tour offers a rare glimpse into the country’s vastness and cultural richness. You’ll get to experience everything from lunar landscapes to ancient ruins, all guided by knowledgeable locals who bring the history and environment alive. The combination of active pursuits like horseback riding, camel rides, and hiking, along with opportunities to stay with nomadic families, makes it a truly immersive journey.

While the long driving days might be tiring, the scenery, diverse ecosystems, and authentic encounters more than compensate. This tour is especially well-suited for travelers with a sense of adventure, a love for nature, and an interest in Mongolia’s nomadic heritage. It’s a deep dive into one of Asia’s last frontiers—unforgettable for those prepared for a bit of rugged fun.

FAQ

Is transportation provided for the entire tour?
Yes, transfers upon arrival and departure are included, and the tour involves traveling in a private vehicle for all scheduled stops.

What kind of accommodations will I stay in?
All countryside stays are in ger camps or with nomadic families, providing authentic Mongolian lodging experiences, while the initial hotel stay in Ulaanbaatar is not included.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included for most days, allowing you to enjoy local cuisine and save on food expenses.

How physically demanding is the horseback riding?
The ride to Orkhon Valley is rugged and may be challenging due to lava stones and uneven terrain, but guides are experienced, and the ride offers a genuine connection to traditional Mongolia.

Can I expect to see wildlife during this trip?
Yes, particularly at Khustai National Park, where you can observe the rare Przewalski wild horses in their natural habitat.

What is the best time to take this tour?
While the specific season isn’t mentioned, Mongolia’s best weather for such tours is typically late spring to early autumn when conditions are milder.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
It’s designed for most travelers who are comfortable with outdoor activities and long drives. Younger children might find the rough terrains and long days less suitable.

Are there opportunities for cultural interactions?
Absolutely, staying with nomadic families and visiting historic sites like Kharhorin give you a glimpse into Mongolia’s traditional lifestyle.

What makes this tour a good value?
Combining extensive exploration, cultural insights, authentic accommodations, and guided experiences, it provides a comprehensive, memorable Mongolian adventure at a competitive price.

This 10-day tour of Mongolia is a fantastic option for those wanting a deep, active, and authentic experience of one of Asia’s most extraordinary landscapes. Whether you’re capturing the vast dunes of Khongor or riding through the historic Orkhon Valley, every moment promises a new discovery.