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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

12 Best Things to Do in Gobi Desert

1. Explore the Flaming Cliffs

Witness stunning red cliffs and dinosaur fossils.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

2. Visit the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park

Hike through diverse landscapes of mountains and desert.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

4 hrs

3. Stay in a Traditional Ger

Experience local culture by sleeping in a ger.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

1.5 hrs

4. Camel Trekking

Ride camels across the vast Gobi Desert.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

3 hrs

5. Visit Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes

Explore stunning dunes known as the 'Singing Dunes'.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

3 hrs

6. Discover Yolyn Am Gorge

Hike through a picturesque gorge with ice.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

7. Visit the Gobi Desert Museum

Learn about the Gobi’s unique ecology and history.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

8. Experience Nomadic Culture

Interact with nomadic families and learn their lifestyle.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

9. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Soar over the desert for breathtaking views.

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Booking required

2.5 hrs

10. Explore the Gobi Steppe

Visit vast grasslands teeming with wildlife.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

3 hrs

11. Attend the Naadam Festival

Enjoy traditional sports and cultural festivities.

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Booking required

4 hrs

12. Photograph the Gobi's Night Sky

Capture stunning starry skies in a remote desert.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

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)