Selena Travel

Gobi Odyssey (off season)

Gobi Odyssey year-round tour Mongolia

6days/5nights

Tour grade: Easy

Rare wildlife watching in MongoliaWildlife watching in MongoliaStargazing at Mongolian ger campsBest group tours Mongolia
From: US$ 950

Style: Join in Group Tour

  • Discover the stunning golden expanse and enjoy thrilling camel rides in this iconic desert location.
  • Explore the famous Flaming Cliffs, known for dinosaur fossils and striking red-orange sunsets.
  • Visit the deep Yol Valley, featuring an icy gorge even in summer for a refreshing escape.
  • Engage with local herders, learn about their resilient lifestyle, and share stories.
  • Experience traditional Gobi Desert transportation by camel while taking in vast landscapes.
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of the night sky and constellations away from city lights.
  • Available year-round

Tour Overview

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the mesmerizing landscapes of the Gobi Desert, where each moment unveils the diverse beauty of Mongolia. Experience the tranquility of Khongor Sand Dunes, explore the famed Flaming Cliffs with its dinosaur fossils, and venture into the serene Yol Valley with its perennial icy wonders.

 

Discover the peaceful expanse of the Gobi steppe, engaging with nomadic communities along the way. Immerse yourself in their way of life, trek through the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, and marvel at the captivating night sky, making this exploration of Mongolia's enchanting Gobi region a truly unforgettable experience.

Brief itinerary

  • Day 1: Dalanzadgad
  • Day 2: Bayanzag, The Flaming Cliffs
  • Day 3: Khongor Sand Dunes
  • Day 4: Yolyn Am Gorge
  • Day 5: Tsagaan Suvarga
  • Day 6: Baga Gazaryn Chuluu - UB
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Tour images

Ger camp in Gobi Desert
Gobi Desert tour
Gobi Odyssey, all-year Mongolia tours
Yol Valley

Full Itinerary

Day 1:

Dalanzadgad town Gobi Desert

Pick up from your hotel in Ulaanbaatar at 7 am and begin the journey toward the Gobi Desert. The drive will take 8-9 hours, with a lunch stop in Mandalgovi town. Arrive in Dalanzadgad by evening, where you will check in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Accommodation

  • Local Hotel

Meals Included

  • Lunch 
  • Dinner

Day 2:

Bayanzag aka The Flaming Cliffs

Check out from the hotel after breakfast and we’ll explore the newly constructed Umnugovi province museum to get in depth understanding of culture and nature of Umnugovi province. Following our visit to Dalanzadgad, we’ll embark on a brief drive to renowned Bayanzag, the Flaming Cliffs, where a visit to the information center provides insights through exhibits and a documentary. Immerse yourself in the wilderness, hiking along designated trails to explore unique natural formations of the red cliffs where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered in 1920s. Afterwards, we will arrive at our host nomadic camel breeder family. The rest of the day will be spent with Gobi family seeing them taking care of their goats and camels.  

 

Accommodation

  • Nomadic family stay

Meals Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 

Day 3:

Khongor Sand Dunes

In the morning, we embark on a 4 to 5-hour drive to the Khongor Sand Dunes, traversing vast desert badlands that stretch out to the distant horizons, with remote mountains adorning the skyline. Upon reaching our guest ger, we will have a satisfying lunch. Later in the afternoon, we partake in a serene 1-hour camel ride. Climbing to the dunes, we witness the mesmerizing sunset from their summit. Returning to the ger we enjoy dinner and settle in for the night.

 

Accommodation

  • Guest ger

Meals Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 
  • Dinner

Day 4:

Yolyn Am Gorge - Dalanzadgad

Today we travel to Yolyn Am gorge located in the Zuun Saikhan mountain of the Gurvan Saikhan Mountain range. After 4–5-hour drive, reach the enchanting Yolyn Am gorge. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to partake in a one-hour hike towards ice valley of Yolyn Am gorge, immersing yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty. Eventually, we’ll transfer to the local hotel in Dalanzadgad, where we’ll stay overnight.  

 

Accommodation

  • Local Hotel

Meals Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 
  • Dinner

 

Day 5:

Tsagaan Suvarga- Mandalgovi

Today’s expedition leads us to Tsagaan Suvarga, a remarkable sedimentary formation that harks back to an ancient seabed. Our journey spans approximately 3-4 hours until reaching at Tsagaan Suvarga scarps, where you can revel in a captivating hike amidst the vibrant cliffs, ascending toward the summit for breathtaking views. After this invigorating exploration, we’ll proceed to Mandalgovi town for a comfortable overnight stay at local hotel. 

 

Accommodation

  • Local Hotel

Meals Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 
  • Dinner

Day 6:

Baga Gazaryn Chuluu- Ulaanbaatar

Today, our journey leads us to the picturesque and legendary granite mountain, Baga Gazaryn Chuluu, an-hour drive in the morning. Explore Surtiin Am with its stone temple ruins, a 20-meter-long cave, and nearby ger stones. Then we will continue our journey toward Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon. After 4–5-hour drive, arrive in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your hotel. Free time for dinner. 

 

Meals Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 

Date & Price

TOUR DATES

  • All Year  Around

 

If you prefer a private tour experience, simply click the "Customize this tour" button located at the bottom of the page to personalize the itinerary according to your preferences. Upon submitting your request, our team of travel advisors will promptly provide you with a tailored proposal and quote. 

 

 

TOUR PRICE

  • 3070 USD per person for a private tour for solo traveler 

 

  • 1690 USD per person for a private tour with 2 participants /based on twin/ double occupancy/

 

  • 1300 USD per person for a private tour with 3-4 participants /based on twin/ double occupancy/

 

  • 1250 USD per person for a private tour with 5-6 participants /based on twin/ double occupancy/

 

  • 1100 USD per person for a private tour with 7-8 participants /based on twin/ double occupancy/

 

  • 1050 USD per person for a private tour with 9-10 participants /based on twin/ double occupancy/

 

  • 950 USD per person for a private tour with 11-12 participants /based on twin/ double occupancy/

 

  • 150 USD  per person for Single Supplement

 


 

INCLUDED SERVICES

  • Full-time services of your English-speaking local guide
  • Sightseeing and entrance fees according to the itinerary
  • Private transfers (4WD Minivan + Experienced driver)
  • Twin/double share at good local hotels in Dalanzadgad and Mandalgovi- 3 nights
  • Twin/triple share at guest ger & nomadic family (basic bathroom facility- not western style) in Bayanzag and Khongor sand dunes – 2 nights
  • Meals as listed (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
  • 1-hour Camel riding fee in the Gobi
  • 0.5 l x 3 bottled water per day

 

EXCLUDED SERVICES

  • International Airfare/train tickets + Tax
  • Travel insurance & Visa fees
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, camera or video fees at any sites etc.
  • Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary)
  • Optional activities not covered in the package

 

 

Tour Background

ACCOMMODATION INFO ON YOUR MONGOLIA TOURS:

 

In Ulaanbaatar:  Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, features a wide range of accommodations, from basic guesthouses to luxurious five-star hotels. Some of our tours do not include hotel stays in Ulaanbaatar, allowing you the flexibility to select a hotel that fits your needs and budget. Be sure to check the Inclusions and Exclusions section of your tour program to see if your hotel stay is part of the package. If you’d like assistance with booking, your travel consultant is ready to recommend and arrange the perfect hotel for your stay.

 

Here are hotels that we recommend:  

- Springs hotel (3*)

- Holiday Inn (4*)

- Best Western Premier (5*)

- Shangri-La Hotel (5*)

 

Outside Ulaanbaatar: Outside of Ulaanbaatar where there are no hotels, tourist Ger (yurt) camps are the best accommodation for travelers. A Ger is Mongolian traditional dwelling made of felt layers and wooden construction, and the Mongolians have lived in Gers for thousands of years. Tourist Ger camps offer comfortable Gers with 1-3 beds with good bedding (1 Ger equals 1 hotel room), and also offer well-maintained public western style showers and WCs on their grounds. Some Ger camps offer en-suite bathroom facilities at additional charge, please ask your Selena Travel advisor for further details when booking your Mongolia tour. 

 

 

MEALS ON SELENA TRAVEL TOURS: 

In the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, a great variety of restaurants can be found and you will be eating at some of the best restaurants of Ulaanbaatar on your Mongolia tour while in the capital. Once you are outside the capital, Ger restaurants in Ger camps, local cafes in the small towns and sometimes nomadic families will be the places where you will be eating most of your meal. Ger restaurants often offer set continental breakfasts, set menu lunches and dinners consisting of salad or soup, main course and dessert.

 

While on the tour, during your longer driving days you will take packed lunch from Ger camps, often vegetable salad, main course such as fried chicken/noodles/dumplings and a small dessert, while hitting the road. Most of the food restrictions and allergies such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and many others, can be accommodated with ease on your Mongolia adventure.

 

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE ON SELENA TRAVEL TOURS: 

If you are on an overland only tour across Mongolia, the recommended weight of your luggage is 20kg per person (max). Please kindly note that domestic flight luggage allowance per person is also 20 kg (15 kg for the check in luggage and 5 kg for the carry on luggage). For 1kg extra luggage, you pay US$2 - 5. 

 

 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

 

  • Khongor sand dunes: Explore the iconic Khongor Sand Dunes, known for their mesmerizing golden expanse and thrilling camel rides, offering an unforgettable desert adventure.
  • Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag): Uncover the secrets of the Flaming Cliffs, renowned for dinosaur fossil discoveries and the dramatic red-orange hues during sunset.
  • Yol Valley (Yolyn Am): Venture into the deep, narrow Yol Valley, known for its icy gorge even in the hot Gobi summer, offering a unique and refreshing experience.
  • Hiking in the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park: Trek through the stunning landscapes of the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna, including wild sheep and ibex.
  • Nomadic Encounters: Experience the nomadic way of life by interacting with local herders, sharing stories, and gaining insights into their resilient lifestyle.
  • Baga Gazriin Chuluu: Explore the unique granite rock formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a sacred site with ancient inscriptions and meditation caves.
  • Camel Riding: Embark on a camel ride through the Gobi Desert, embracing the traditional mode of transportation and enjoying the vast, open landscapes.
  • Stargazing: Experience the enchanting Gobi night sky, away from city lights, and marvel at the brilliance of stars and constellations.

 

 

DESTINATION & ATTRACTIONS BRIEF INFO

The Gobi Desert it is the most mysterious place on earth The Gobi invites you to reveal its secrets. This region is famous for its unique natural formations, many places where you can see real dinosaur fossils, flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world. Ride the 2 humped Bactrian camels and discover the Gobi!

 

Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) is internationally famous for its fossilized dinosaur remains. Dinosaur nests with eggs were found here as well as whole fossilized skeletons.

 

The Khongoriin Els sand dunes extend along the northern side of Sevrei and Zuulun mountain ranges. These dunes are 180 km long, 15-20 km wide and up to 200m high. There is a small oasis near Khongoriin gol stream, which flows along the northern edge of the dunes. The scenery here is simply spectacular.

 

Yoliin Am (Vulture's Gorge) is a narrow valley located in the Zuun Saikhan Mountain range, with thick pieces of ice almost all year around hidden in its depths. This area is home to rare animals such as the Argali (wild sheep) and Ibex as well as Vultures and other large birds.

 

Tour Map

Tour Reviews

Dec 21, 2024.  The Gobi & Karakorum Explorer

Aug 10, 2012. Gobi & Karakorum Explorer tour Our recent "The Gobi & Karakorum Explorer" tour with you was excellent, everything exceeded our expectations! It was a super trip in our lives and we loved our Mongolia holiday so much. Our guide Joe was kind, well organised, accurate and informative, polite and caring and always provided us with timely information. And our driver Jack is super, very friendly, professional and always on time. We are wild travelers, having been to many places in the world - but Mongolia is still truly unspoiled and uncontaminated. Selena Travel's services were perfect right from the very first email. We would like to thank Selena Travel, our guide and our driver for having made this Mongolia experience a truly beautiful one with so many wonderful memories.

by Rafaella, Benedetta, Lidia

Aug 08, 2012.  Gobi & Karakorum customized 11 days tour

Sending you some of our nicer pictures. Some are chosen for their beautiful scenery while the rest are just us happily playing and goofing around. There are a couple of shots of us doing some Mongolian wrestling, as suggested by Oyuna since we missed out on the mini-Naadam festival. She said since we missed it, we might as well organise our own festival by playing some Mongolian games. Haha... We had so much fun playing those games!!! :)OK, I hope you like the pictures we send you. Best regards to everyone at Selena Travel and thank you once again for all your assistance.

by Margaret Suganda

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