SOUNDS OF SILENCE (Camel Riding)

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MONGOLIA TRAVEL MAPS - Camel Riding Gobi Desert - Sound of Silence - Mongolia Nomads Tours

Mongolia Camel Riding has Never Been So Rewarding!

Trek through the rich, varied, landscape of the Gobi desert via camel riding (on camelback), camping in tents under the vast Mongolian skies, visiting local nomadic herding families in their gers, exploring ancient ruins and sites of dinosaur fossil finds, and submerging yourself entirely into the peaceful silence of this immense desert, before returning to Ulaanbaatar to experience the unique contrast of the traditional and modern in Mongolia’s capital city. Although now rare throughout the rest of the world, the two-humped Bactrian camel is common in Mongolia (great for camel riding distances). This huge, yet gentle animal is the main source of milk and transport in the Gobi desert.
 

The Gobi Desert is Diverse!

The Mongolian Gobi consists of 33 different desert landscapes. On our camel trek in the lost country, we’ll enjoy camel riding through colorful valleys to the picturesque range of the vast Khongor sand dunes, through rough but green saxaul forests to the ancient sea beds where dinosaur fossils are found by both locals nomads and professional archeologists. As we continue our camel riding journey on the back of this gentle and comfortable animal, we will reach the oases of Naran Daats and Zulganai, and follow in the footsteps of the original dinosaur hunters at Khermen Tsav flaming cliffs.
 

It’s time to Enjoy the Peace of the Gobi Desert

We will leave the sounds and stresses of modern life far behind us as we immerse ourselves in the peace of the desert, where deep silence surrounds you. Throughout this exciting and fun trek, we will have wonderful opportunities to enjoy the varied wildlife of the Gobi: Ibex; Argali; wild asses; gazelles; different species of vultures; gophers; northern pikas; various lizards; and even snow leopards are all to be found and with luck, you may get to see some of them. We will also have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit and experience the life of nomadic families in Mongolia.
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Sightseeing and welcome dinner

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar. You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to a 4-star hotel. After lunch, you will have a sightseeing program in Ulaanbaatar including the Bogd Khan’s Winter Palace, and the Fine Arts Museum. There will be time for shopping. Dinner will be at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

Drive to Southern Gobi Desert for Camel Riding

We will take the early morning flight to Dalanzadgad. Here we will be met by our supporting vans, and after freshening up we will begin the drive to Khongoriin Els sand dunes. Our route takes us through the Gurvan Saikhan Mountain Range, where there is ample opportunity to see the wildlife of the Gobi, including Ibex; Argali (big-horned wild sheep); various small birds; and gophers. We arrive at the Khongoriin Els sand dunes in the early evening and will establish a camp near the Tsonjiin Khotgor, 25 km from the Khongor sand dunes. We will meet herders and their camels here.

Camel Riding to Zuun Shurguul for 20km

Our trek starts early in the morning after a sumptuous breakfast in the middle of the Gobi desert. Today will be a full day of camel riding, to the Zuun Shurguul. Zuun Shurguul is a dense Gobi forest of saxaul and tooroi trees and tall grasses. Riding camels is relatively easy, due to their gentle gait and soft, comfortable backs. Mongolians use bright, colorful, hand-made saddles for riding, which sit between the two humps of the camels. We will camp in the area of Zuun Shurguul in the early evening. Dinner and camp for the night.

Camel Riding to Chono Kharaikh – Gilbent

This morning we continue our exotic trek to the Gilbent Mountain Range. This range, though low, is nonetheless impressive, rising from the desert plain. We will reach Gilbent and camp at the foot of this small hill. Dinner and camp for the night.

Camel Riding to Ukhaa Tolgod

Today we continue our ride to Ukhaa Tolgod which are the flaming cliffs where a number of dinosaur fossils have been found. We will have dinner and camp for the night.

Camel Riding to Daatsiin Khooloi – Oyodoloiin for 25km

Our trek continues today with a ride through the Gurvan Tesiin Valley. By now, we will be professional camel riders! We will pass the beautiful Nemegt Mountain Range to the North and the Khuren Khanan Mountain Range to the South. Our destination for the night is Oyodoliin Khudag, where we will have dinner and set up a camp.

Overland by Jeep to Oyodolyn – Zulganai

Today we drive to another oasis called Zulganai, where tall grasses grow almost to the sky, and many plants endemic to the Gobi grow. Here, you can expect to see ducks in the Zulganai River, which is an atypical Gobi habitat. However, Zulganai still reminds you of the mountain steppe area, and you’ll still feel sand under your feet. We will camp here for the night.

Overland by Jeep to Khermen Tsav

Today we will have a day trip to Khermen Tsav today. “Kherem” means ‘wall,’ and “Tsav” means ‘cracked’ or ‘broken.’ This cracked wall of mudrock stretches from the Northwest to the Southwest. The formation of Khermen Tsav resembles unfinished artistic architecture and well-designed red brick buildings of ancient cities. Many dinosaur fossils were found here among the saxaul forest and desert plants. Overnight at the same campsite.

Overland by Jeep to Tsagaan Cave for 200km

After a relaxing morning at the camp, we will drive to Bayan Gobi soum. Here we will visit Tsagaan Cave, located in Tsakhir Mountain. This cave housed Stone Age man some 700,000 years ago and has been the site of numerous archeological digs. We will have dinner and camp overnight at Tsakhir Mountain.

Overland by Jeep to Orog Nuur for 150km

After a relaxing morning at the camp, we will drive towards Orog Lake which lies on the north side of the Ikh Bogd Mountain Range. The Lake’s shore is a bird paradise. We will camp overnight on the bank of the Tuin River.

Overland by Jeep to Bayanhongor Town

Today we continue the drive to Bayankhongor. On the way we will see the Ikh Bogd Mountain Range, revealing such natural beauties as Bituut Rock, formed after a large chunk of rock was dislodged in the 1957 earthquake.

Overland by Jeep to Karakorum

Today we will drive towards the Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia. There is a small local township there now. On arrival, the first and most obvious landmark is the massive walls of the Erdenezuu Monastery. This Monastery was built in 1586 and is surrounded by a massive 400m x 400m wall. Only a few temples remain standing after the communist purges. In previous times the grounds held over 60 temples with 10000 monks using them for their daily worship. Overnight at Anar ger camp.

Overland by Jeep to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast you will drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Though the driving distance is bit long, we will have several stops for lunch and some refreshments. One of the stops will be at Elsen Tasarhai or the “sand strips” where you can see mighty Khugnu Khan Mountain together with the beautiful sand dune. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Departure

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure.

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