The Gobi Desert & The Altaimountains Tour

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The Gobi & the Altai overlanding tour

Jump on our 4×4 SUVs and embark on a thrilling adventure through the vast and rugged landscapes of Mongolia with our combined overlanding tour of the Gobi Desert and The Altai mountains. From the expansive sand dunes of the Gobi to the towering peaks of The Altai, this journey offers a unique opportunity to explore two distinct regions of Mongolia in one unforgettable trip. Join us as we traverse through ever-changing terrain, encounter nomadic herders, visit ancient monasteries, and camp under the starlit sky. Get ready for an immersive cultural and natural experience as we discover the wonders of Mongolia on this once-in-a-lifetime overlanding expedition.

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Theme: Overlanding
Available: mid June – October
Duration: 16 days / 15 nights
Booking: open (seats available)

Itinerary

In the morning the tour crew will pick you up from your hotel in Ulaanbaatar and your Gobi Desert journey will start with a full-day drive to the Baga Gazariin Chuluu, high granite stone mountain nestled in the territory of Dundgobi province. This picturesque site is often compared to lunar landscapes and boasts ancient temple ruins. Explore the rich mineral and crystal formations, marvel at the eye spring, and immerse yourself in the history of the stone temple ruins. Overnight. Tent. 5-6 hour drive.

The journey will continue deeper into the heart of the Gobi Desert National Park as we drive to Vulture Valley Am. This area spans 70 square kilometers and is home to the highest mountains in the Gobi Desert. Enjoy the rugged rocky scenery and venture into the narrow valley, where remnants of ice persist until mid-July. Walk back to the vehicle and drive to the campsite. Tent / ger camp.

Today, you will set you sights on the majestic Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes. These expansive sand dunes are among the largest and most spectacular in Mongolia, offering stunning views and opportunities for adventure. Camp by spring water at the bottom of the dune. Overnight stay. Tent / ger camp.

Take in the beauty of the desert landscape, ride camels across the sandy terrain, and explore the dunes and a cold-water spring leading to two serene ponds. As the sun sets, retire to the tent for a night under the star-studded sky. Overnight stay.

Your adventure to the Gobi is close to its end and another journey will begin slowly to the majestic Altai mountains with a full day drive over semi-desert steppe by giving a lunch break at Flaming Cliffs which is another popular site famous for the discovery of dinosaur fossils. Stop at a camping area below ruins of two old temples. Overnight stay at a ger or wooden cabin.

Today you will say farewell to the Gobi and start driving on the grassy steppes of central Mongolia. Full day drive towards the west. First half of the road is gravel but flat otherwise the rest is paved. Arrive in Altai town. Overnight stay in a hotel or guesthouse.

Full day drive on paved road to Ulgii town in Bayan Ulgii province, the westernmost province where the Altai mountains are located. Before reaching Ulgii town (40km) you will stop for overnight at beautiful Tolbo lake. Walk along the lake, swim and enjoy the landscape around. Overnight. Tent.

Drive to a nomad herder family to the south of Ulgii. The drive is about 4 hours on unpaved mountain roads. The family lives in the mountains close to Altai Tavan Bogd NP. Our host is an eagle falconer which means the opportunity of seeing his majestic golden eagle is in the pocket. When getting closer you will see that not just one family but many living close to each other in their egg like white oval yurts. Upon arrival you will instantly notice the good hearts and sincere hospitality of these humble people. You will sit at the expansive lunch table filled with mostly dairy products and will be amazed at hand crafted decorations in the yurt.

Warmth of summer months brings beauty to the mountains. Enjoy the landscape and fresh mountain. Get great insight into the nomadic way of life and eagle falconry tradition. Photograph the majestic golden eagle and eagle hunter dressed like an ancient warrior. In short enjoy your stay with the families.

Journey to the idyllic Twin lakes of Altai Tavan Bogd NP (Khoton and Khurgan) and we’ll arrive the area in the noon. The area is summer pasture for Kazakh herder people and wonderful place with forested towering mountains over the lakes. Reach Khairakhty hill and pitch camp on the shore of Khoton Lake. It is a great camping spot and an archaeological site as well. Explore ancient rock carvings and enjoy the view around the lake from the hill top.

You will drive to the high elevated corner of the Altai mountains where glaciers and snow-capped are situated. Tavan Bogd mountains, stands tall and majestic, are the highest mountains in Mongolia and called as Five Saints.
#Accommodation: Tent
#Meals: B+L+D
#Driving time: 6 hour

After hearty breakfast go horseback hike to view the roof of Mongolia, Tavan Bogd peaks and Potanin glacier. After 2-3 hour horseback hike up mountain you will be rewarded with high Alpine mountain panorama. Enjoy and photograph the landscape. Return to the camp. Enjoy a walk by Milk River.
#Accommodation: Yurt
#Meals: B+L+D

After an incredible adventure in the Altai mountains you will drive back to Ulgii town. Along the way, you can reflect on the memories we’ve made, the landscapes we’ve witnessed, and the stories we’ve heard.
#Accommodation: Hotel
#Meals: B+L+D
#Driving time: 6 hour

You will br transfered to the airport of Ulgii for your flight back to the capital of Mongolia. End of the tour.

Price

1pax – $
2pax – $
3-4pax – $

Why this tour

Highlights of southern Mongolia
The Gobi desert
Vulture Valley
Camel riding
Star gazing
Flaming Cliffs
The Altai Mountains

Tours we offer

Mountain biking tour
Jeep tour
Altai Tavan Bogd NP tour
Nomad homestay tour
Trekking tour
Naadam festival tou r
Eagle falconry tour
Golden Eagle Festival tour