GOBI CAMEL TREKKING TOUR

ITINERARY

• Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

  On arrival at Ulaanbaatar airport, you will be transferred to a 4* hotel in the city center. In the evening, you are invited to a traditional folk show, followed by a welcome dinner. Your guide will brief you about the upcoming Mongolian journey. (Dinner, hotel)

• Fly to Western Gobi and travel to the starting point of the camel trek

  Drive to Ulaanbaatar airport and fly to the western Mongolian Altai town, where you will be taken to Sangin Lake, a small lake nestled within a vast sand dune—the starting point of our camel trek. Here, we will meet our camel guide, who will accompany us for the next few days of the journey. Each evening, we establish a tented camp and enjoy quiet evenings in this secluded corner of the Earth. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Ride camel to Tung

  Stretching over 300 km in the western part of the Gobi Desert, Mongol Els is the largest sand dune mass in the Mongolian Gobi Desert. It remains a lesser-known hidden gem, offering a unique and peaceful escape into Mongolia’s unspoiled beauty. Before the journey begins, have your guide tell you story of Bactrian camel as well safe riding introduction. We start our journey by traversing across vast sand dunes to the Tung—a desert shallow. Nomads migrate from their summer camps and spend the entire fall before migrating further to their winter shelters. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Trek To Hun Lake

  This part of the Gobi is home to Mongol nomads who have thrived here for thousands of years despite the harsh climate. Certainly, you will learn about their unique way of life. Following our guides, we continue riding through the spectacular landscapes of golden dunes of the Mongol Els with enchanting views of rugged desert mountains in distance. Our destination today is Hun Lake which is fed by springs nearby and trapped within the dunes.  The salt from the lake is harvested by local nomads to feed their livestock, providing an essential mineral that helps the animals gain enough fat to endure the harsh winter. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Trek to Durvuljin Khudag

  Leave the dunes behind and trek across open plain to Hurzunt cliffs, a dramatic escarpment that stretches 10 miles long. Climb to the top of the escarpment and continue across another open flats to an oasis located amidst small sunburnt rocky ridges with foothills covered in sand soils. Here, we will have an opportunity to meet and interact with locals. They and their animals depend on the natural spring located here, as this is the only water source within miles. Far out near the horizon, we will see the Shilustei Mountains, which stand out from the vast desert plains. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Trek to Tsetsen lake

  We continue our journey across sandy track, dunes and rugged ridges, and at the day’s end, we reach Tsookhor lake, a small salt-lake at the edge of dunes, abundant reeds, some desert trees grow along the lakes shore. While on the way we will have a chance to climb a saddle in the mountain and see the view of ocean of sand. From the camp, we will spot the snow-capped Bumbat and Jargalant mountains in the in the distance, which is truly a magnificent contrast to the surrounding landscape. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Trek to Durgun Lake

  Our destination today is Durgun Lake. The 300 square km lake is the largest one amidst the desert. The Mongol Els dunes embrace the lake from the east and on the north side, the lake is linked to another large fresh water lake.  The arid plain that that we cross on the way to the lake is rich in vegetation although thin nutritious plants for local livestock and wild animals. Throughout the day, you will see the majestic views of Bumbat and Jargalant Khairkhan mountains. They both will have snow covering their tops at this late time in the year. This area is also a home to the Saiga antelope – one of the most ancient species of antelopes. Chances of spotting them are real. If not in close proximity, at least you will see a cloud of dust quickly dashing away in the distance. We camp nearby the lake and conclude our trekking journey here. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent

• Return to Civilization

  Having completed our camel riding adventure, today we say our goodbyes to our camel guides and support team and travel back to the Altai town for our flight back to Ulaanbaatar the next morning. After days of camping, the comfort of a bed and a warm shower in the town’s hotel will be especially appreciated. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, provincial hotel)

• Fly back to Ulaanbaatar

  We say goodbye to the Gobi and catch a short flight back to Ulaanbaatar. You’re invited to a farewell dinner before having a well-deserved rest at your hotel before your journey back home. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hotel)

• International Departure

  You’re transferred to Ulaanbaatar airport once again for your international flight home.(Breakfast)