Arburd Sands - the near Gobi

^{5 Days / 4 Nights
4 Days / 3 Nights}

The northernmost and closest sand dune areas to Ulaanbaatar are located at Arburd Sands in Bayan-Onjuul soum. It is a striking area of many nomad's, steppes and sudden sands dunes. Some 35 km way are also the Zorgol Hairhan Uul, gigantic rock formations in the steppes. Habitat of Argali Sheep and some times also Siberian Ibex.

In all, the Arburd Sands area is a half day drive away from the capital and a natural Gobi escape. Nomadic Journeys low impact ger camp, Arburd Sands Ger Camp, here. It is owned and operated by a local family that regularly operates our Camel Treks and Gobi Steppe Rides. They are also famous horse trainers in the annual Naadam Games and their herd of horses is large and offers a good selection of horses for both the amateur and the competent rider.
 

Location
The area is in the transition zone of Gobi steppes and regular steppes.

Activities

Dayhikes : From the camp you can stray into the sands. Arburd Sands is in all 20km long and it is also a wolf hideout. Pugmarks of wolfs can usually be identified. You can order a picnic lunch from camp and make day hikes in any direction. Steppe areas are also fascinating ventures, since numerous herdsmen inhabit the area with their livestock. Included.

Horse riding : Riding is exceptionally good here, since our host's in the area belong to one of the most famous horse trainer families of Mongolia. Hourly, half days and full day rides is organized with local horsemen. Picnic lunch can be provided from the camp. Serious riders are best advised to bring their own hard hat and short chaps. Full day rides should be pre ordered. USD 25 p.p. full day; USD 15 p.p. half day and USD 5 per hour.

Camel Riding : Camels are available at camp, you can try this for half a day at no additional cost.

Additional trips : Should you consider a more in depth trip in the area, please consult the Gobi Steppe Ride or the Camel Trek itinerary, that also include a stay at Arburd Sands, however on these trips camping is also involved. Pls. ask for details of these trips.


Transfers
Transfers operated on Tuesdays and Saturdays are subsidized and shared with staff. Transfer times are variable but usually departs 09-11.00 and returns after lunch. You can at all times order a private transfer at any time suitable to you. The entire drive from Ulaanbaatar to Arburd Sands with a 4WD vehicle is 3-4 hours. The drive south is over treeless steppes.

Low Impact Ger Camp

We are committed to the principles of Ecotourism and have entered into a concession agreement with Bayan-Önjuul soum administration to bring about some additional jobs into the area based on traditional livelihoods. These involve provision of camel carts, riding camels, packhorses, riding horses and labor. The camp purchase milk from the nearby herders.

The camp has a maximum capacity of 20 guests' in double occupancy gers and vehicles are parked away from the camp.

The entire ger camp is fully collapsible, and it has a small wooden building for shower. The toilets are long drop style allowing for natural decomposition. Showers can be organized in the outdoors with hot water by portable showers and a shower tent that is provided.

All trash is separated. The camp can be relocated leaving no more impact on the area than a herdsman family would. Arburd Ger Camp is indeed a fully collapsible hotel.