South Gobi – sands and mountains

TO ULAN BATOR

On the arrival day, to orient yourself we suggest a stroll on to central Sukhbaatar Square. The square is flanked by state buildings from the mid Soviet Era, and contains statues of Genghis Khan (seated) and Damdin Sukhbaatar (on horseback). A full day of explorations of Ulan Bator. The National Museum of Mongolia to admire its ethnographic collections of nomadic culture and examine the history which led to the imperial era of Genghis Khan. The Gandan Monastery, the busiest Buddhist site in Mongolia. Mongols share a strong religious affinity with Tibet, and the Dalai Lama as its supreme leader. The Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan.

TO HONGOR SANDS

Fly 1½ hours from Ulan Bator to Dalanzadgad in South Gobi province. By landcruiser(s) we will make our way west 240 kilometers to Hongor Sands, passing south of the Gurvansaikhan Mountains. After four to five hours, you will reach the giant dunes, flowing in a broad sweep some 150 kilometres from northwest to southeast. The narrow dunes sit on a plain between two mountain ranges; crosswinds sculpt some of them up to 80 metres high. After exploring the area, you will retire for two overnights to your private, away from other tourist’s, and secluded 360° Wilderness Camp, set up in a remote location in right in front, to make the most of dramatic views across the sand dunes.

HONGOR SANDS & BAYANZAG

Today you will spend a full day exploring the stunning landscape around Hongor Sands, where you’ll likely encounter a few nomadic families and their livestock. You will travel south by jeep to the Zöölöön mountain range and hike through the highland valleys, with more chances to run into local pastoralists. In the evening you’ll see the dunes at their brilliant best when the fading light emphasizes their shapely forms. The next morning we depart to Bayanzag, 120 kilometers to the east across prairie rich in wildlife; you will probably see goitered gazelles and foxes. The name Bayanzag translates to 'Rich in Saxaul'. The main attraction, though, is the ‘Flaming Cliffs’ made famous by American explorer (and some say the inspiration for ‘Indiana Jones’) Roy Chapman Andrews, who made the world’s first discovery of fossilized dinosaur eggs here in the early 1920s. ‘Flaming Cliffs’ are so-called due to their red and orange hues that combine to create an awe-inspiring tableau, especially at sunset. We will spend the following two nights in iconic Three Camel Lodge.

YOL VALLEY

Drive for half a days outing into the heart of the Gurvansaikhan Mountains and ascend into the Yol Valley, a dramatic ravine which we will explore on foot. Ice usually blankets the narrowest parts of the ravine until mid-summer. Birdwatching is rewarding here; you are sure to see the bearded vulture, also known as the lammergeier, soaring high above the ravine. ‘Yol’ is the bird’s Mongolian name. There are also rare wallcreepers, and the ravine floor is usually teeming with rabbit-like pika.

TO HUI DOLOON HUDAG

Today you will return to the capital by plane. At Ulan Bator you will be met at the airport for a one-hour transfer to the Hui Doloon Hudag plains, a steppe area west of the city where the famous horse races take place every July. Here you will recharge in the comfort of mansion-like, modernized gers with windows and a terrace. Afternoon time is your own; you’re free to relax at the resort or venture off with your guide. Stay for the last two overnights in Mongolia at HS Khaan Ger Resort.

HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK

We begin the day by driving a short distance south to Hustai National Park, to meet with nomadic herders and community members. A lunch of traditional buuz (mutton dumplings) and hushuur (mutton pancakes) will be served by your hosts, who are partners in conservation work at Hustai. You will then embark on a game drive through the park to see Wapiti deers and Przewalski horses, called takhi in the Mongol tongue. The takhi, a truly wild horse closer to zebra than horses, became extinct in Mongolia in the 1960s but were successfully rehabilitated after animals were donated from zoo parks across the world. Dinner will be served at Hustai National Park restaurant before your return to Hui Doloon Hudag for the night. On the last day, there is a two hours transfer to the international airport, for your onward journey.