Honguriin Els Exploration

^{8 Days / 7 Nights}

Itinerary (South Gobi - Bayan Tsaagan Uul - Honguriin Els - Dungenee - Yol Valley - Gurvansaikhan Mountains - Ulaanbaatar)

Honguriin Els or the Hongur Sands is a giant sand dune in the South Gobi. This journey will bring us to both desert steppe and mountain areas of the Gobi. You will also be able to visit the famous Yol Valley, which actually is a ravine, which is covered by permanent snow and ice. The Gurvansaikhan Mountains is an extension into the Gobi of the Altais. Here you may be able to spot Argali Sheep and likely sighting of Siberian Ibex. The snow leopard is certainly present, but this elusive animal is near to impossible to get to see. In the desert steppe we will probably be able to see gazelle, fox and sometimes also the saiga antelope.

Brief Outline Itinerary
You will fly back and forward to Dalanzadgad in the South Gobi, from where vehicles and a cook will be hired. The journey will be supported by camping equipment, all provisions, a cook, a trail finder and vehicles.

Day 1 Tue : To South Gobi
A.M. Pick up at your hotel in Ulaanbaatar, and transfer to the airport for 1½ hour flight to Dalanzadgad, although small, the main town in South Gobi. South Gobi (Omnogobi) is the least populated province in all Mongolia. After a lunch in Dalanzadgad start drive 140 km to the west over the desert steppe until Bayan Tsaagan Uul in Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, where you pitch camp for two nights.

Day 2 Wed : Bayan Tsaagan Uul
In the evenings and early mornings we will try to see some wildlife on the ridges of our camp. We are likely to see Siberian Ibex (Capra sibirica) and with luck also the giant Argali Sheep (Ovis ammon). During the day you can hike in this interesting mountain area where also alpine wildflowers can be seen.

Day 3 Thu : To Honguriin Els
A.M. A half day drive (100 km) will bring us all the way to the famous Hongur Sands, a giant sand dune stretching lengthwise some 180 km away in the distance. Sometimes it is just a couple of hundred meters wide, sometimes as wide as 7-20 km. You will again make our overnight camp in one spot for two nights. But now next to this giant sand dune. It is high and have a small stream following the leeward side of the sand dune. The grass should be green on the campsite. Herdsmen also live nearby the sand dune. On this stretch of grass that resemble a lawn, the families are separated by a kilometer or two between them.

Day 4 Fri : Honguriin Els
You will explore some length of the Honguriin Els and go to a point where the sand reach some 4-500 meters into the sky, and you will here climb for a superb view around the desert steppes. You are also likely to come across herdsmen who breed camels, and you will no doubt be invited into their gers. Visitors are not frequent since people live far from each other in this area of Mongolia.

Day 5 Sat : To Dungenee
Today you will use the full day to return along the south side of the Gurvansaikhan Mountains to Dungenee, situated only some 15-20 kilometers short from the Yol Valley. You make our campsite by a small rocky mountain where Siberian Ibex is easy to see.

Day 6 Sun : Yol Valley
A short ride brings us into the core of the Gurvansaikhan Mountains and the Yol Valley itself. You will explore this famous ravine, with permanent ice and snow. Lammergeier nest here, and you are guaranteed to see them flying over the ravine, Another rare bird, the Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria) is also quite easy to see at close range. On the way out from the mountains we can visit the local Nature Museum partly set up by our host in the area. Finally drive 70 km over the steppes, and back up into the mountains and stay overnight in a ger camp. Overnight in gers.

Day 7 : Gurvansaikhan Mountains
A day to relax in the ger camp, or hike around this beautiful area. If you have not sufficiently met local people, you can visit the nearby families.

Day 8 : Fly to Ulaanbaatar
After an early breakfast drive back to Dalanzadgad and catch the flight (1½hrs) back to the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar. Transfer into your hotel.

PRACTICALITIES

TRANSPORT : This journey is supported by a jeep or minibus on the Gobi road tracks.

STAFF : A Mongolian English speaking local guide will accompany the group at all times. A cook will follow. Plus one driver.

MEALS : The meals will be prepared by our cook. We pride ourselves in having cooks adapt with both Western and Mongolian cooking on our trips. There is always vegetables available, and we have no problem accommodating vegetarians.

OVERNIGHTS : Tents and mattresses will be provided for the camping nights. You need to bring your own sleeping bag. The gers have 3-4 bed in each, and they are furnished with beds, stools and a table. A portable camping shower will be provided.