Gobi Desert to Khovsgol Lake

Today we will take a flight to Dalanzadgad, the main town of South Gobi province. The vast Gobi Desert stretches across Mongolia and China, spanning 1,610 kilometers from southwest to northeast and 800 kilometers from north to south. Covering an area of 1,295,000 km², it is the world’s fifth-largest desert and the largest in Asia. Unlike the stereotypical image of endless sand, much of the Gobi is a landscape of bare rock and rugged terrain.

During winter, the Gobi transforms into a cold desert, with frost and snow covering its dunes. Situated on a plateau between 910 and 1,520 meters above sea level, it endures extreme temperatures—from –40°C in winter to +50°C in summer. On average, it receives only 194 mm of rainfall annually, while snow blown down from the Siberian steppes provides additional moisture in the colder months.

Our journey continues through the dramatic gorges of the Altai Mountain Range. We will visit Yolyn Am, a spectacular valley within Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, carved long ago by ancient rivers. This lush green gorge contrasts sharply with the surrounding desert and offers the chance to spot wildlife such as Argali sheep, Ibex, desert gazelles, and even Golden Eagles.

Activities:

• Fly 1 hour
• Drive 1 hour
• Visit small museum of the park
• Visit Yolyn am gorge
• Hike through the gorge

We're off to Bayanzag, the world-famous "Flaming Cliffs" – where explorer Roy Chapman Andrews made history by uncovering dinosaur fossils and eggs in the 1920s. Walk among the striking red-rock formations and desert vegetation. Explore the site of groundbreaking paleontological discoveries. Visit the local museum to see fossils and expedition artifacts. Learn about the historic Gobi Desert expeditions that rewrote science. This surreal landscape of rust-coloured cliffs against the blue desert sky will transport you back to the age of dinosaurs! Close to Bayanzag, Moltsog Els offers one of the few places in the Gobi with classic golden sand dunes. Visitors can walk the dunes, enjoy panoramic views, take photos, or ride camels with local herders—an ideal complement to the Flaming Cliffs nearby.

Activities:

• Explore the Bayanzag cliffs, the site where dinosaur skeletons and eggs were unearthed
• Discover the secluded Moltsog sand dune
• Visit a local camel-herding family and experience nomadic life firsthand

Fly to Ulaanbaatar. Depending on the flight schedule, city sightseeing can be arranged.

Accommodation:

• Hotel B, L, D

Activities:

• Drive 1 hour
• Fly 1 hour
• City Tour

Today we will take a local flight to Northern Mongolia. Our destination is Khovsgol Lake, often called Mongolia’s “Blue Pearl.” Covering 2,760 square kilometers, the lake stretches 130 kilometers long and 40 kilometers wide. It is embraced by towering mountain ranges over 2,000 meters high, dense pine forests, and lush meadows where yaks and horses roam. Fed by more than 100 rivers and streams, Khovsgol has only one outlet—the Egiin River—which eventually flows into the great Lake Baikal.

Activities:

• Fly 1 hour
• Drive 2 hours
• Discover the beauty of Khovgol lake

We will spend the day exploring the pristine shores of Khovsgol Lake and the nearby mountains. Activities include horseback riding, hiking, canoeing (weather permitting), and visits to local reindeer herding families. A special highlight is meeting the Tsaatan, or Dukha people—one of the world’s last remaining reindeer herders—whose unique lifestyle is closely tied to their animals, Shamanistic beliefs, and centuries-old traditions.

Activities:

• Visit reindeer family
• Hike along the lakeshore
• Optional boat tour available
• Optional horseback riding experience

It’s time to return to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital. Depending on your flight schedule, the afternoon is free for independent exploration. In the evening, enjoy a captivating cultural performance showcasing contortionists, throat singers, and lively traditional dances that celebrate Mongolia’s vibrant heritage.

Activities:

• Fly 1 hour
• Drive 2 hours
• Attend a folklore show featuring throat singers
• Shop for souvenir or cashmere. Optional