GOBI DESERT CYCLING TOUR

ITINERARY

• Arrival to Ulaanbaatar, guided city tour

  Arrival in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to 4* hotel in city center. Welcome dinner and trip orientation in the evening. (Dinner, hotel)

• Fly to Gobi desert, biking and visit to Flaming Red Cliffs

  This morning take a brief flight to the Gobi, the boundless desert comprised of arid plains, rugged mountain chains and towering sand dunes. It is the 3th largest desert on Earth covering third of the Mongolia’s territory and with another half of it located in China. Having fine-tuned the bikes, we start the cycling adventure straight from the desert airport. Right away you will be absorbed by the immense desert where only wandering camels, an occasional goat herd and dancing mirages come across your way. Since it’s a warm up day the ride will finish by early evening and we settle in a cozy hotel comprised of traditional Mongolian yurts commonly known as yurt camps. We then take an excursion to Flaming Red Cliffs, a paleontology site renowned for the earliest unearthing of dinosaur eggs by American explorers in 1920-ies alongside hitherto unknown dinosaur species and fossilized mammals that co-existed with the early reptiles. On reaching the cliffs that contrastingly stand out of the infinite plain, we absorb the stark beauty of the dramatic landscape. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, ger camp) (Distance 50km / total climb 310 meters)

• Bike to Dundus valley

  Riding today is a bit more challenging as we cycle along the inner of the Gurvan Saikhan mountain range used as summer grazing ground by local herders due to its elevation and better ventilation. Riding surface is predominantly smooth although some brief sandy portions are to be negotiated. Occasionally you will see their large flocks of goats, sheep and even horses as well as nomadic tents; a life style that seemingly has not changed for many hundreds of years. At the end of the day you will find yourself at a spectacular campsite with rocks formations of weird shapes and softly lit mountain folds in the background. A comfortable tent camp providing all amenities of a good wilderness camp will be erected here including tents designated for dining, showering and bathrooms, not to mention great meals cooked by a dedicated chef. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent) (Distance 69km / total climb 979 meters)

• Bike to “Singing Sand Dunes”

  We start the day by struggling along a 3km dry river filled river bed filled with loose gravel. Once clear through the challenge we cycle across several undulating hills on smooth packed surfaces enjoying dramatic landscapes of rift valleys, rugged ridges and colorful geological formations. This is when Khongoriin Els Sand dunes come in to our view. They stretch for almost 100km and measure anything from 3 to 15km in width. From the foothill to the crest of the highest dunes is a good 200 meters. Local people refer to them as to the “Singing Dunes” due to aeolian sounds heard on windy days. Here we load bikes and drive to a yurt resort by the dunes and later when the heat subsides we take an excursion to the dunes. Climbing the highest dune is a “ritual” that will allow you feel the immensity of the desert and see bird-eye views of the dunes and rugged ridges. Desert landscapes are especially beautiful in the evening light. After days of camping we enjoy a night in comfortable yurts. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, ger camp) (Distance 35km / total climb 410 meters)

• Camel riding excursion

  This morning we take a chance to ride camels along the massive dunes. Compared to dromedaries the Mongolian “ship” of the desert are stockier and have 2 humps. Known as the Bactrian camels they are named after a historic region in Central Asia. We also use the opportunity to visit a yurt of a camel breeder and learn about how people survive in the harsh desert environment. We then travel along the Gurvan Saikhan mountain and sleep in a yurt camp no far from the desert airport. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, ger camp)

• Return flight to Ulaanbaatar

  Take a brief flight back to Ulaanbaatar and use the rest of the day by taking optional visits to city sights, shopping or exploring lively vibes of the bustling city. At a good-bye dinner in a traditional Mongolian restaurant you will be able to taste some of the incredible treats Mongolian cuisine has to offer. (Breakfast, dinner, hotel)

• Departure transfer

  You will be transferred to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your return home. (Breakfast)