The Gobi

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar

Transfer to the hotel. Unpack and rest in the hotel. Short city tour with Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, which represents Mongolian Culture starting from Stone Age to the 21st century and Buddhism, and Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chingis Khaan Square). Welcome dinner and briefing on the upcoming tour.

Baga Gazariin Chuluu

is located in Delgertsogt soum, Dundgovi province. Surrounded by vast steppe, this granite filled area covers about 300 square km. The granite formation has a lot of springs and creek through its mountainous area and valleys. Also, quite a few historical findings including burial sites, stone stele and cave paintings were discovered here.

Yoliin Am

was named after the Lammergeier or Bearded Vulture, which is called Yol in Mongolian.

It is great to see the lush green valley and breathe cooling air in the summer hot of the Gobi desert. The valley has been eroded by Yol stream that freezes in winter, building up to 8 meters thick ice. Dramatic rock cliffs and heavily shaded narrow canyons let the ice remain till the beginning of July.

Yolyn Am Valley is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including:

Ibex: These wild goats are adapted to rocky terrain.

Big-Horn Sheep: Impressive and sturdy animals.

Snow Leopards: Elusive and rare, these magnificent cats roam the area.

Thousands of Small Pica: These squeaky little creatures add charm to the landscape1.

Keep your eyes peeled for these fascinating inhabitants!

The Khongoryn Els, also known as the “Singing Sands,” is a remarkable natural wonder located within the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park in Mongolia. Here are some fascinating details about these sand dunes:

Features: These dunes are among the largest in Mongolia, with a width of 6–12 kilometers (3.7–7.5 miles) and a length of 100 kilometers (62 miles) (some sources mention up to 180 kilometers (110 miles)). The dunes rise to a height of 80 meters (260 feet) (with a maximum apex height of 300 meters or 980 feet).

Their attractive curves create wave-like patterns on the sand, which change shape due to wind. As the sand moves or collapses, it produces a resonant sound, hence the name “Singing Sands.”

A French team attributes this phenomenon to a thin surface coating of slate on the sand grains, causing resonance. The sands reflect yellow-white colors as light intensity changes during the day.

Wildlife and Surroundings: The northern border of the dunes is skirted by the Khonggoryn Gol river, where green pastures thrive. Nomadic populations graze camels and horses in the area.

Wildlife includes Saker falcons, Pallas’s sandgrouse, Saxaul sparrow, and Corsac foxes.

The Flaming Cliffs

It was given this name by American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews, who visited in the 1920s. The area is most famous for yielding the first discovery of dinosaur eggs. Other finds in the area include specimens of Velociraptor and eutherian mammals. It exposes rocks of the Djadochta Formation. It is illegal to remove fossils from the area without appropriate permits.

The Tea Road played a significant role in connecting China with western Russia via Mongolia. Although less famous than the Silk Road, it was crucial for trade. Camel caravans transported bricks of tea from China through the Gobi Desert to Urga (modern-day Ulaanbaatar – UB) in Mongolia

Arrive in

Ulaanbaatar. Free hours at the hotel, or you can go for personal explorations and shopping. Option to visit Bogd Khan Palace Museum. Enjoy a traditional folk performance in the evening

Departure

Transfer to Chingis Khaan International Airport or Train station and depart Mongolia.