Example Itinerary

The North Gobi Steppe: Sand Dunes, Camels, and Gers

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Off the Grid
Destinations
Mongolia

Get up close and personal with Mongolian culture on our tour of the Gobi Steppe, a treeless grassland inhabited by Mongolian nomads. Here, you’ll experience their traditional lifestyle, from the equestrian nature of their transportation, to their nomadic ger tents. Plod across a 12-mile-long sand dune on the back of a majestic camel. Make friends with local families, who will help you out along the way and allow you a window into their incredible culture.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Meet the Locals: Enjoy a picnic on the steppe and meet some of the nomadic steppe families to learn more about their traditional culture and way of life.
  • Zorgol Hairhan Mountains: Drive across the steppe to the holy Zorgol Hairhan Mountains, spectacular rock formations sticking out from the Gobi steppe, and see prehistoric petroglyphs along the way.
  • Camel Riding: Trace a 12-mile sand dune via camelback where you may even spot some of the famed wolves of the Gobi.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Gobi Desert (north)

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s beloved capital, in the morning. A two-hour drive will take you across the treeless steppe, all the way to North Gobi. Enjoy a picnic on the steppe, after which you’ll meet some of the local nomadic steppe families and take a peek into their traditional culture.

Hotel Options
About

Experience the nomadic lifestyle staying in a Mongolian ger camp in the north of the Gobi Desert with a local host family. Situated in the northernmost sand dunes of the Gobi Desert this camp resides in the heartland of the Central Asian nomads.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Zorgol Hairhan Mountains

Today you’ll take a drive across the steppe to the holy Zorgol Hairhan Mountains, famous across Mongolia for their beauty. They’re made up of giant rock formations sticking straight out of the Gobi steppe. Along the way, stop to see prehistoric petroglyphs, shallow carvings in rock. Spend some time getting acquainted with your new surroundings - check out the rare Argali Sheep, the largest wild mountain sheep in the world. You may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Siberian Ibex.

Hotel Options
About

While exploring the remote landscapes of Mongolia, do as the nomads have for thousands of years, and bunker in a Mongolian ger or yurt, a circular, wooden tent structure covered with layers of fabric and sheep's wool felt for weatherproofing and insulation. These portable homes are warm enough to keep the coldest winter temperatures at bay and strong enough to withstand strong winds, while also being easy to take apart, transport, and reconstruct.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Zorgol Hairhan Mountains
Zorgol Hairhan Mountains

Day 3

Zorgol Hairhan Mountains

Trace the 12-mile-long sand dune that makes up the North Gobi today, on the back of a camel. If camelback is not your preferred mode of transportation, you may also choose to trek or drive the same route. Here, you may spot wolves, who have made a home in the area. Local herdsmen are likely to invite our group into their gers, where we can learn more about the age-old lifestyle.

Day 4

Ulaanbaatar

Return to Ulaanbaatar today -- you’ll have free time to explore the city, from its many monasteries to its museums. Learn about its long history, and find out why Mongolians treasure the area so much. Return for a final night in your hotel, before tomorrow’s departure.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Situated in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, this cosmopolitan hotel overlooks Nayramdal Park to the south and Great Chinggis Khaan Square to the north, and is just a 40-minute drive from Chinggis Khan International Airport.

History: This luxury hotel, which features both contemporary and indigenous design and includes nine large venue spaces, opened its doors for business and leisure guests in 2015, making it a recent addition to this historic city.

Service: The Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar - as with all of the esteemed Shangri-La locations - offers exceptional service to all guests. For even more exclusive and personalized service, guests at the Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar can become part of the exciting Horizon Club, which includes express check-in and check-out, a private lounge, complimentary breakfast and cocktails, and use of a meeting room.

Read More
Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar Preferred Hotel
Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar

Day 5

Departure

End your Mongolia adventure and fly onward to your next destination.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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