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Unique traditions & food
Salty milk tea, buuz dumplings and khuushuur shared with a nomad family inside their ger.
All destinations
The Gobi & Steppe
Mongolia Gobi Desert Expedition
Seven driving days across the Gobi — white limestone stupas, the singing Khongor dunes, the Flaming Cliffs and the ruins of Ongi, sleeping in nomad gers beneath the vast skies of the Mongolian steppe.
- Duration
- 9 days / 8 nights
- Group size
- Up to 10 guests · 5 UTVs
- Total route
- ≈ 1,780 km
- Season
- June 2027
- Our vehicles
- Can-Am Maverick X3
Price on Request
International flights are not included.
The journey
A remarkable journey through Mongolia’s vast landscapes and enduring nomadic traditions. From Ulaanbaatar the convoy heads south towards the Gobi Desert — past the striking limestone formations of Tsagaan Suvarga, also known as the White Stupa, across gravel plains to the great Khongor sand dunes and the red Flaming Cliffs — then swings west to the ruined Ongi Monastery and north through the dune belt of the central steppe back to the capital. Nearly 1,800 kilometres across vast steppes and desert landscapes, with most nights spent in traditional ger camps.
Our route
Where the trail leads
Expedition Itinerary
Your 9-day programme
A rhythm of adventure by day and comfort by night — here is how the expedition unfolds.
Day 01
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Private airport transfer to Novotel Ulaanbaatar and time to rest after the flight. In the evening the group meets the Mongolian team for the expedition briefing and a welcome dinner of Mongolian cuisine.
Day 02
South to the White Stupa
Get acquainted with your Can-Am Maverick X3 before leaving the capital behind. The longest stage of the expedition crosses open steppe southwards into the Gobi, ending at Tsagaan Suvarga — a striking escarpment of pink and white limestone towers rising from the flat desert. Overnight at White Stupa Tourist Camp.
Drive ≈ 450 km
Day 03
Across the South Gobi — Dalanzadgad
Fast gravel tracks across the wide plains of the South Gobi, past herds of camels and traditional nomadic ger camps, to Dalanzadgad — the provincial capital and gateway to the deep desert.
Drive ≈ 200 km
Day 04
The singing dunes — Khongor
West along the foot of the Gobi-Altai mountains to Khongoryn Els, a belt of sand dunes up to 300 metres high that hum when the wind moves the sand. Dune driving in the afternoon and a climb to the crest at sunset. Overnight at Gobi Oasis Tourist Camp.
Drive ≈ 220 km
Day 05
The Flaming Cliffs — Bayanzag
North-east across saxaul forests to Bayanzag, the Flaming Cliffs, where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered. The red sandstone canyon glows at sunset — one of the great sights of the Gobi.
Drive ≈ 150 km
Day 06
Ruins on the river — Ongi Monastery
Leaving the desert behind, the route climbs into semi-desert hills to the Ongi river and the ruins of Ongi Monastery, once one of the largest in Mongolia. Overnight at Secret of Ongi camp beside the river.
Drive ≈ 180 km
Day 07
North to the dunes of the steppe
A long stage north through central Mongolia, where the land turns green again, to Elsen Tasarkhai — a striking stretch of sand dunes surrounded by green steppe, with camels, nomad families and mountains on the horizon.
Drive ≈ 300 km
Day 08
Return to Ulaanbaatar
The final run east across the open steppe closes the loop in the capital. Back at Novotel Ulaanbaatar for a farewell dinner with the whole team.
Drive ≈ 280 km
Day 09
Farewell & transfer
A relaxed final morning before your private transfer to the airport.
Our experiences
Moments to keep forever
02
Live nomad style
Sleep in traditional felt gers with painted doors, wood stoves and a sky full of stars.
03
See the Gobi desert
Endless gravel plains, singing dunes and mountains on the horizon — one of the last great wildernesses.
04
The Flaming Cliffs at sunset
The red sandstone canyon of Bayanzag, where the first dinosaur eggs were found.
05
Camels & dunes of the steppe
Bactrian camels and a ribbon of golden sand cutting through green grassland at Elsen Tasarkhai.
06
The White Stupa
Pink and white limestone towers of Tsagaan Suvarga rising like a ruined city from the flat Gobi plain.
07
Khongor singing dunes
Ride the crest of the 180-kilometre Khongoryn Els, where the wind makes the sand hum.
08
Ruins of Ongi Monastery
Prayer flags and centuries-old temple walls on the banks of the Ongi river.
Our team & support
You are never alone out there
An experienced Mongolian support team travels with the group the whole way: UTV guides leading the convoy, support vehicles carrying luggage, fuel and spares, technical assistance on every stage, airport transfers and help with anything you need along the route.
Expedition Founder & Leader
Petr
Founder of the expeditions — scouts every route himself and leads the convoy from the front.
Mongolian UTV Guide
Bat-Erdene
Grew up on the steppe — knows every track, well and nomad family between the capital and the Gobi.
Support Driver & Mechanic
Ganbold
Keeps the X3 Turbos running across sand, rock and gravel, a thousand kilometres from the nearest workshop.
Toyota Land Cruiser support vehicle carrying luggage, fuel, spares and recovery gear across the Gobi
Accommodation
Exceptional Stays Along the Way
Outside Ulaanbaatar most nights are spent in traditional ger camps — the authentic way to stay in the Gobi. Please note that in many camps toilets and showers are shared rather than private.
Novotel Ulaanbaatar
White Stupa Tourist Camp
Gobi Oasis Tourist Camp
Secret of Ongi
What’s Included
Fully hosted expedition
- Modern Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo buggies, meticulously inspected and prepared for the expedition
- Carefully selected hotels and desert camps, chosen for their comfort, character and location
- Breakfasts, lunches and dinners along the route
- Expedition leader-guide and support vehicle, route planning and navigation
- Protective suits and helmets
- Airport ↔ hotel transfers on the first and last day, plus every transfer in the programme
- A welcome dinner immersed in local cuisine and traditions
- Fuel for the entire expedition
- Medical insurance as specified in the confirmed expedition programme
- Professional guidance and support from your expedition leader throughout the journey
- Memorable landscapes and experiences
Additional
Available on request and settled locally, so you only pay for what you choose to add.
What’s Not Included
- International flights to and from Ulaanbaatar
- Mongolia visa where applicable
- Additional travel or vehicle cover beyond the included medical insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and personal purchases
- Optional helicopter or private aircraft charter
- Additional accommodation before or after the program
- Damage caused by accident, misuse or reckless driving
Discover Mongolia with Meredian
Private departures, tailored to your group and dates.
Price on Request
International flights are not included.