Gobi Desert and Central Mongolia Group Tour Package

Is this tour suitable for you?

On the Gobi Desert and Central Mongolia Group Tour Package, you will travel approximately 2600 km, both on paved and rough roads. The daily driving duration is 4,5-6 hours. The longest driving day is Day 1, with 7-8 hours of driving. 

The tour does not include demanding physical activities except for 1-3 hours of gentle hiking on some days. The 3 hours of hiking on Day 8 is longer and harder than the other days as you will ascend a slope of the mountain.  

The group members can choose to climb one of the higher dunes at Khongor, remain at the bottom, or climb lower dunes. Local equestrians will support you during the horse and camel riding, except for your guide. If you are not comfortable riding alone, inform your guide that you will not ride or request a helper to lead your rein.

Accommodation – What is a ger camp in Mongolia?

When you take the Gobi Desert and Central Mongolia Group Tour Package, you will stay in a centrally located 3* hotel for one night on Day 1.

We always book the best location and the best hotel available in the 3* category for your comfort, safety, and easy access to city attractions, shopping, dining, etc.

In the countryside, you will stay for 13 nights at a western-friendly traditional ger camp near the main attractions.

As with the hotel, we always choose the best ger camps for your enjoyment, comfort, and safety.

You will stay in twin rooms and gers at both ger camps and hotels, unless you request a single supplement and pay an additional fee.

The ger camps have restaurants that serve Western and Mongolian cuisines. However, the running water WC and showers are in a separate block to share with other travelers. Some of the ger camps have private bathroom gers available at an additional fee of 50$-60$ per person.

Some of the ger camps are connected to the central grid, while the other half sources electricity from generators, solar, and wind. Learn more about the ger camps and see pictures at What is a ger camp in Mongolia?

What meals will I eat during the tour?

The tour includes 15 breakfasts, 15 lunches, and 14 dinners. In the countryside, ger camps serve some European and Mongolian meals. Meat is the main recipe for lunch and dinner and is served along with vegetables, salads, and soups. There will be more meat in traditional Mongolian meals.

BREAKFAST: A typical breakfast consists of tea, coffee, bread, jam, butter, eggs, sausage, cookies, cheese, and cereals.

LUNCH: They serve some salads, Mongolian soups, main courses (pasta, rice, vegetables, beef/mutton/chicken/fish near lakes/rivers, traditional meal), and dessert with tea.

DINNER: Salad, a main course, dessert, and tea will be served.

Are you a vegetarian or have a dietary restriction? If you are a vegetarian or have dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance. We will arrange the meals accordingly.

Water: We provide 2 to 3 bottles of water daily.
Meals with the nomads: On day 8, you will try authentic Mongolian lunch with the nomads.

Guides

An English-speaking guide will serve the group. They are all friendly and helpful, and most of them were born and raised in the Mongolian countryside. Therefore, they have a good understanding of all aspects of Mongolia and at least 3 years of experience. During the camel ride, a local guide will support you

Transportation

Full-time Japanese van Toyota Hiace is the main vehicle for the group tour. Depending on the group size, a Mitsubishi Delica or a 4WD Hyundai Starex may serve.

When is the best time to travel to Mongolia?

The best time to take the Gobi Desert and Central Mongolia Group Tour is between 10 May and 5 October. Therefore, the group tours are available between the above periods.

May, the beginning of June, and September are recommended for travelers who prefer cooler weather and fewer crowds. Expect daytime weather between +5°C and +25°C and night weather -2°C to +18°C. Snowfall may occur in May and September.

The beginning of August and July is the hottest and wettest. As well as being the busiest due to the traditional holiday Naadam Festival. Please expect daytime temperatures between +18°C and +38°C, and nighttime temperatures between +12 °C and +25 °C.

The second half of June and August are perfect times to travel to Mongolia. Not too hot, not cool, and not rainy. Expect daytime temperatures of +10°C to +30°C and nighttime temperatures of +5 °C to +15 °C.

What to bring and wear?

As Mongolian weather is inflexible and fluctuates a lot, regardless of the month, we suggest you pack according to the following.
• A torch/headlamp will be useful when going to bathrooms in the evenings and at night while staying at the ger camps

• Windproof/waterproof, lightweight jacket at the end of June, July, and in the first half of August, and windproof/waterproof warmer jacket in the first half of June, in the last half of August and September.

• Lightweight travel trousers that can be unzipped into shorts would be ideal for most summer days.

• T-shirts and long-sleeved t-shirts will be comfortable and help you to protect your arms from the sun and stay warm on cool days.

• Woolen hat, gloves, and scarf are handy if you are traveling at the end of August and September.

• A sturdy pair of walking sandals and boots will be useful when you hike. If not the hiking shoes, bring sneakers and sandals. Some of the ger camps do not have slippers in their gers.

• Pajamas/tights or something similar to stay warm at night.

• Shorts and whatever is suitable at high temperatures up to +35°C during daytime in summer months and +8 to + 18°C in the evening/night temperature The temperature drops sharply when it rains and turns to snow in the mountainous areas.

• Bringing your eyeglasses is preferable instead of lenses on dusty roads.

• Sun cream, lip balm, sunglasses, and a sunhat are vital.

• Some pills for common symptoms such as travel sickness pills, allergy pills (there is a vast expanse of grasslands), Pepto-Bismol for the inevitable upset stomach, Antibiotic cream for cuts, scratches, and insect bites, etc. The pills should be carried in the original, clearly labeled container, in your handbag, and should be checked with the Mongolian Embassy if necessary.

• A watch or alarm clock can be useful if your mobile phone does not have enough charge or you do not want to use your phone.

• Both and suitcases work. The bell boys and service staff of ger camps will help you transfer your luggage between the ger and the parking area.

• Razor blades, shampoo, lotions, deodorant, and toothpaste are all available extensively in Ulaanbaatar. However, they are not available at ger camps. Therefore, bring your supply

• The ger camps provide big and small towels. Bringing dry/wet tissues, and hand sanitizer will not go wrong. Particularly, during some important stops in the countryside (call of nature).

• Travel and medical insurance, passport, and what else you need.

• A camera with a spare battery or with a mobile charger. Make sure your power bank and batteries meet your flight operator’s requirements, as they sometimes cause a delay in your luggage on international flights.

• Resealing (Ziploc) plastic bags – to protect your documents, money, camera, binoculars, and other items from wetness, sand, and dust.

• Check here vaccinations and health information needed to travel to Mongolia.

• Small gifts for nomadic children, if you do not mind. Visiting nomads and learning about this unique culture is an inseparable and experiential part of our tours. Expressing thanks for your sudden and uninformed visits to nomads on your way and their hospitality is a nice feeling for both of you. Giving little gifts to the nomads is not a must, but you may like to give a little more happiness to the people who live in the middle of nowhere. Below are just to give an idea: Any small toys, hair ribbons, children’s books, educational materials, paper, pencils, crayons or sweets for children, sewing kits, face or hand cream, a little perfume, cigarettes, cigar-related items, or snuff tobacco for adults. Candies are an ideal gift for both children and adults to keep things simple.