Gobi Desert

Mongolia, Asia

The Gobi Desert, an expansive and stunning landscape in Mongolia, is renowned for its breathtaking sand dunes, unique rock formations, and rich history. Visitors are drawn to the mesmerizing beauty of the singing sand dunes at Khongoriin Els, and the ancient fossil sites like Flaming Cliffs. The Gobi offers a chance to explore nomadic culture, encounter diverse wildlife such as the elusive Bactrian camel, and experience the vast open skies at night, perfect for stargazing. It’s a true adventure for the modern explorer.

Quick facts

Target stay

5-7 days

Type

Desert

Vibe

Active

Airport

Buyant Ukhaa

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

12 Best Things to Do in Gobi Desert

1

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Flaming Cliffs

Witness stunning red cliffs and dinosaur fossils.

No booking required
2

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park

Hike through diverse landscapes of mountains and desert.

Booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Stay in a Traditional Ger

Experience local culture by sleeping in a ger.

Booking required
4

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Camel Trekking

Ride camels across the vast Gobi Desert.

Booking required
5

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes

Explore stunning dunes known as the 'Singing Dunes'.

No booking required
6

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Discover Yolyn Am Gorge

Hike through a picturesque gorge with ice.

No booking required
7

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Gobi Desert Museum

Learn about the Gobi’s unique ecology and history.

No booking required
8

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Experience Nomadic Culture

Interact with nomadic families and learn their lifestyle.

No booking required
9

Est. 2.5 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Soar over the desert for breathtaking views.

Booking required
10

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Gobi Steppe

Visit vast grasslands teeming with wildlife.

No booking required
11

Est. 4 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Attend the Naadam Festival

Enjoy traditional sports and cultural festivities.

Booking required
12

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Photograph the Gobi's Night Sky

Capture stunning starry skies in a remote desert.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

High

LGBTQ+ safety score

-3 (#70 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Tugrik

Majority religion

Buddhist

Language

Mongolian

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Buuz

Steamed dumplings filled with meat. (National dish)

Khuushuur

Fried meat-filled pastries, crispy outside.

Tsuivan

Stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables.

Boodog

Whole goat cooked in its own skin.

Khorkhog

Meat cooked with hot stones in a pot.

Phrases to learn

English

Mongolian

Hello

Sain baina uu

(Sah-een bahy-nah oo)

Yes/No

Tiim / Ugui

(Teem / Oo-gwee)

Thank you

Bayarlaa

(Bah-yar-la)

Excuse me

Uuchlaarai

(Ooch-lah-rai)

How much?

Khed ve?

(Khed veh)