How to Plan Your Gobi Desert: 10-Day Off-Road Motorcycle or UTV Tour in Ulaanbaatar

Are you ready for an adventure like no other? Plan your ultimate off-road adventure in Ulaanbaatar with this 10-day motorcycle or UTV tour through one of the most beautiful deserts in the world, the Mongolian Gobi Desert. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip.

Experience

Experience the thrill of the Gobi desert and explore the rugged terrain on your choice of motorcycles or UTVs. With experienced tour leaders, mechanics, chefs and guides, your adventure will be unforgettable. Rise early to catch some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets at Flaming Cliffs & White Stupa. Conquer the stunning Granite Formations of Baga Gazar Rocks, explore the ruins of Ongi Monastery and the mysteries of Singing Sands of Khongor. Don’t forget to visit the Vulture Valley, an unexpected surprise with an icy valley that provides a delightful contrast of the desert and see the view from the sacred Zorgol Khairkhan mountain.

Highlights

This tour offers a rich and authentic cultural experience along with the adventurous spirit of off-road motorcycle riding or UTV driving. Camel-herding nomadic families welcome you into their world, and overnight yurt camps or tent camping equipment are provided. Airport transfers, comfortable hotels, and freshly prepared daily meals are all included. A welcome dinner and a farewell dinner will be held at a restaurant in Mongolia.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Ulaanbaatar

Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore the capital city.

Day 2: Ulaanbaatar to Baga Gazar Rocks

Your tour starts with a drive to Elsen Tasarkhai, a sandy semi-desert where you will have your first off-road experience. Here you will see one of the most beautiful formations in Mongolia, Granite Formations of Baga Gazar Rocks.

Day 3: Baga Gazar Rocks to Ongi Monastery

Today you will drive deeper into the Gobi Desert and visit the Ongi Monastery ruins. Enjoy a dinner prepared by your expert chef at the camping site.

Day 4: Ongi Monastery to Khongor Sand Dunes

As you climb the mountain range, you’ll see the Vulture Valley, which is a unique formation in the Gobi Desert, and the Khongor Sand Dunes further ahead. The Singing Sands of Khongor, so-named because of the sound made when the wind blows through them, are one of the most beautiful sights in the Gobi Desert.

Day 5: Khongor Sand Dunes to Yoliin Am

Next, you will ride to Gobi’s National Park where you will visit Yoliin Am. This beautiful valley is one mile long and is scattered with glacier water that doesn’t melt.

Day 6: Yoliin Am to Bayanzag

After breakfast, you will head to the Flaming Cliffs where the first dinosaur egg was discovered in Mongolia. You will have an opportunity to hike in the area where dinosaur remains still remain buried beneath the earth’s surface.

Day 7: Bayanzag to Tsagaan Suvarga

Ride towards the Tsagaan Suvarga and reach around sunset. The ‘White Stupa’ rock formations of Tsagaan Suvarga within the desert landscape create unique, beautiful images of the Mongolian desert.

Day 8: Tsagaan Suvarga to Mandalgovi

Today you will reach the hustle and bustle of a Mongolian city, Mandalgovi, and stock up on supplies before you head back out into the desert.

Day 9: Mandalgovi to Ulaanbaatar

Today is your final day of riding, and you will ride back to Ulaanbaatar with enough time to enjoy some city adventures.

Day 10: Departure

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.

Booking

Booking this tour through GetYourGuide is easy! Visit the following link to book your tour today: book here . Book early, as tours fill up quickly. Now that you have all the information you need to plan your off-road tour, it’s time to pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the Gobi desert.

Discovering Ulaanbaatar: A Comprehensive FAQ Guide

Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia, located in the northern part of the country. It’s the largest city in Mongolia, with a population of over 1.3 million people. The city is unique in its blend of traditional and modern cultures, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. In this FAQ guide, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Ulaanbaatar.

1. What is the best time to visit Ulaanbaatar?

The best time to visit Ulaanbaatar is during the summer months from June to August. These months offer pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 20-25°C during the day and slightly cooler temperatures in the evenings. The spring months of April and May are also a good time to visit as the weather is mild, and the landscape is lush and green.

2. How do I reach Ulaanbaatar?

The easiest and most convenient way to reach Ulaanbaatar is by air. The city has an international airport, the Chinggis Khaan International Airport, which is located 18km southwest of the city center. Direct flights to Ulaanbaatar are available from major cities in Asia, including China, South Korea, Japan, and Russia.

3. What are some of the best places to visit in Ulaanbaatar?

Ulaanbaatar offers visitors a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions. Some of the best places to visit in Ulaanbaatar include:

• The National Museum of Mongolia: This museum offers an insight into Mongolia’s history, culture, and traditions.
• Gandan Monastery: This is the largest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia and home to over 150 monks.
• Sukhbaatar Square: This is the main square in Ulaanbaatar and is the site of many important national celebrations and events.
• Zaisan Memorial: This is a memorial monument located on a hill that offers panoramic views of the city.
• Gorkhi-Terelj National Park: This park is located just outside the city and offers visitors a chance to experience Mongolia’s pristine wilderness and natural beauty.

4. What should I wear when visiting Ulaanbaatar?

Ulaanbaatar experiences extreme weather conditions throughout the year, so it’s important to dress appropriately for the season. During the winter months, temperatures can get as low as -40°C, so it’s important to wear warm clothing such as a thick coat, gloves, hat, and boots. During the summer months, temperatures can be quite mild, so it’s recommended to wear lightweight clothes such as t-shirts, shorts, and sandals.

5. What are some of the local dishes that I should try in Ulaanbaatar?

Mongolian cuisine is a unique blend of traditional dishes and influences from neighboring countries such as China and Russia. Some of the must-try dishes in Ulaanbaatar include:

• Khuushuur: This is a deep-fried meat pie filled with beef or mutton and vegetables.
• Boodog: This is a traditional Mongolian dish where a whole goat or sheep is cooked by placing hot stones inside the animal and then sealing it with the animal’s skin.
• Khorkhog: This is a dish made by cooking meat and vegetables in a pot with hot stones.
• Suutei tsai: This is a traditional Mongolian milk tea made with milk and tea leaves.
• Aaruul: This is a type of dried curd made from cow, yak or goat milk and is often eaten as a snack.

6. What is the currency used in Ulaanbaatar?

The official currency of Mongolia is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). It’s recommended to exchange your currency at banks or exchange offices in Ulaanbaatar, as rates at the airport can be quite unfavorable.

7. What are some cultural norms that I should be aware of when visiting Ulaanbaatar?

Mongolian culture has its own set of customs and norms that visitors should be aware of. Some of the cultural norms to keep in mind when visiting Ulaanbaatar include:

• Respect for elders: Mongolians have a deep respect for their elders and it’s important to show respect towards them.
• Greetings: It’s customary to greet people with a handshake or a bow, depending on the situation.
• Etiquette when visiting a family’s ger: A ger is a traditional Mongolian dwelling, and if you’re invited to one, it’s important to remove your shoes before entering and avoid stepping on the threshold of the door.
• Paying for things: It’s common for Mongolians to split the bill, so if you’re being treated to a meal, it’s polite to offer to pay for your share.

8. Is it safe to travel to Ulaanbaatar?

Ulaanbaatar is generally a safe city to travel to, but visitors should take precautions as with any other city. It’s recommended to avoid walking alone at night and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Book Your Tour Now

Ulaanbaatar is a unique and fascinating city, offering visitors a blend of traditional and modern cultures. With its rich history, unique cuisine, and stunning natural beauty, Ulaanbaatar is a destination worth exploring. We hope this FAQ guide has provided you with valuable information to plan your visit to Ulaanbaatar.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, is a city full of rich culture and history. As a tourist, there are numerous things to do and sights to see in this vibrant city. In this guide, we will provide you with some helpful tips and recommendations on how to spend your time in Ulaanbaatar.

1. Visit the Sukhbaatar Square

Sukhbaatar Square, also known as Chinggis Square, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ulaanbaatar. It is named after Damdin Sukhbaatar, a national hero of Mongolia, and it is located in the heart of the city. Here, you can witness the daily flag-raising ceremony, and observe the Monument of Chinggis Khaan, one of the largest equestrian statues in the world.

2. Explore the National Museum of Mongolia

The National Museum of Mongolia is an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of Mongolia. It contains over 50,000 historical and cultural artifacts, including traditional Mongolian clothing, ancient tools, and weapons. You can learn about the way of life of the nomadic people, the history of the Mongol Empire, and many more interesting facts about Mongolia.

3. Visit the Gandan Monastery

Gandan Monastery is one of the most significant religious sites in Mongolia. It is home to more than 150 monks and features numerous temples, stupas, and statues. The most impressive structure of the monastery is the 26-meter-high Statue of Migjid Janraisig, which is made of bronze and covered in gold.

4. Experience the Naadam Festival

Naadam Festival is an annual event held in July throughout Mongolia. It is a traditional festival that showcases the country’s cultural heritage and includes competitions in wrestling, horse racing, and archery. If you are in Ulaanbaatar during the festival, it is an excellent opportunity to experience the country’s rich traditions and customs.

5. Visit the Bogd Khan Palace Museum

Bogd Khan Palace was constructed between 1893 and 1903 and is the only palace to survive the political upheavals of the 20th century. It was declared a museum in 1924 and contains numerous historical items, such as religious artifacts, palace interiors, and personal effects of the Bogd Khan.

6. Take a stroll in the Zaisan Memorial

Zaisan Memorial is a popular tourist attraction in Ulaanbaatar. It is located atop a hill and features a panoramic view of the city. You can take a cable car to the top or hike up to enjoy the stunning views. The memorial also features a giant statue of a Soviet soldier and a monument commemorating the Soviet-Mongolian victory in World War II.

7. Enjoy Mongolian cuisine

Mongolian cuisine is famous for its meat-heavy dishes, such as khorkhog (steamed meat), buuz (steamed dumplings), and khuushuur (fried meat pies). As a tourist, you should try out traditional Mongolian cuisine in Ulaanbaatar. Some of the popular restaurants include Modern Nomads, Namaste Indian Restaurant, and Sukiya Mongolian BBQ.

Book Your Tour Now

Ulaanbaatar is a city full of culture and history, and there are numerous things to do and see. In this guide, we have provided you with some helpful tips and recommendations on how to spend your time in Ulaanbaatar. From Sukhbaatar Square to the Naadam Festival, there are numerous activities for tourists to enjoy. Don’t forget to try out the local cuisine and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Mongolia.