South Gobi Tour (Gurvansaikhan National Park)

^{6 Days / 5 Nights}

Itinerary (Ulaanbaatar - South Gobi - Gobi - Ulaanbaatar)

This journey will bring us to both desert steppe and mountain areas of the Gobi . We will also be able to visit the famous Yol Valley , which actually is a ravine, which many years are covered by permanent snow and ice. The Gurvansaikhan Mountains is an extension into the Gobi of the Altais. In the desert steppe we will probably be able to see gazelle and fox

Brief Outline Itinerary
We will fly back and forward to the Dalanzadgad area in the South Gobi, from where you will be met and transferred to a ger camp (yurt camp). You will make full day excursions from there. Gers have 3-4 beds, and beds, sheets, linen are provided. Toilets and showers are in separate buildings.

Day 01 : Ulaanbaatar
Arrive in the Mongolian capital by train or air. Transfer to the hotel

Day 02 : To South Gobi
A.m. Early pick up at your hotel in Ulaanbaatar , and transfer to the airport for 1? hour flight to South Gobi . South Gobi (?mn?gobi) is the least populated province in all Mongolia .
After arrival we will make our way to a Dungenee Ger Camp, located on the upland just in front of the Gurvansaikhan Mountains . P.m. Walk into the hills and down into the far end of the Yol Valley gorge, just a few kilometers away. Visit some local people.

Day 03 : Yol Valley
Today we will visit the Gurvansaikhan Mountains (The Three Beauties) and enter into the core area at the Yol Valley (Yoliin Am).
We will explore this famous ravine, often with permanent ice and snow. Lammergeier nest here, and we 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. In the junipers there are four kinds of Rose-finches and also the Kozlov's (Mongolian) Accentor. On the way out from the mountains we can visit the local Nature Museum . Finally drive 70 km over the steppes, and stay overnight in the same ger camp.

Day 04 : Gobi steppes
Today a full day excursion will be made to the Moltsog Els (sand dunes) and Bayanzaag (Flaming Cliffs), where dinosaur remains where unearthed in the 1920s by the expedition of Roy Chapman Andrews. The first fossilized dinosaur eggs known to man. The Gobi is for the most part arid desert steppes, with few sand dunes. Only 3 percent of the Gobi actually is sand. We will probably see some wildlife such as gazelles and fox, and also meet local families with their livestock.

Day 05 : Fly to Ulaanbaatar
A.m. The flight (11/2hrs) back to the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar.Transfer into your hotel.
P.m. free.

Day 06 : Departure
You have the choice – at additional cost - to stay another day or two in Ulaanbaatar , or transfer out to your next destination via Beijing.

Practicalities We have introduced a concept of practical and desirable ways of travel in Mongolia, which is the synergy of Western and Mongolian ideas brought about after many years experience of travel all across Mongolia.We emphasize the quality of human contacts and encounters with local people.

Transport : This journey is supported by a jeep orminibus on the Gobi jeep road tracks.

Staff : A Mongolian English speaking local guide will accompany at all times. Plus one driver in the Gobi.

Meals : The meals will be provided in the ger camp, or as picnics.

Overnights : The gers have double occupancy in each, and they are furnished with beds, stools and a table. WC and showers are in communal shower blocks. There are possibilities for additional bed in the ger, making it into a triple.