Mongolian Gobi

Every year, thousands of tourists come to Mongolia to witness the wonders of the Gobi region, such as Yolyn Am, surrounded by evergreen juniper and bordered by rippling streams; the flamingly beautiful Bayanzag; and the Khongoryn Els, with its wave-like sand dunes, which would resemble ocean waves if the Gobi were a sea. Mongolian Gobi considered as world`s top travel destinations. This exotic desert has been captivating explorers, paleontologists, travelers and photographers for many decades. The Mongolian Gobi is famous for its iconic natural formations, dinosaur fossils, wildlife, birds and camel herding nomads. Mongolian Gobi offers visitors excellent desert activities and suggestions that make your Mongolian Gobi trip unique. For over 40 million years, the Gobi was a land covered by sea water. Among the world's cold deserts, the physical geography of Mongolia's Gobi Desert is the closest to that of the planet Mars. The Gobi is with extreme temperatures, reaching up to +40°C in summer and dropping to -40°C in winter.

Gobi Local Nomads and Their Hospitality.
The true adornment of the Gobi is the nomadic people who have lived there for thousands of years. The innocent and pure-hearted nature and the hospitable traditions of the Mongolian people have been preserved to this days you know Mongolia is one of the most sparsely populated countries and in Mongolia, Gobi desert region is also the least crowded place. You will find plenty of nomadic families during your trip except the main tourist areas. It may give you feeling like you are wandering through a great emptiness and mystery. Nomads are living in a nomadic way of life and migrate few places in their desert region for year around and they have not enough opportunity to meet strangers. Once you visit nomad family, even without any invitation, you will feel great warmth and hospitable atmosphere. And this is the only beginning of your Mongolian nomadic cultural discovery. You will learn a lot culture differentiations while you are staying with them.  
Mongolia is home to a variety of animals that are adapted to the harsh environment of the Gobi Desert, such as wild sheep, Bactrian camels, wild khavtgai camels, mazaalai bear,   ibex, argali, gazelles, marmots, wolves, foxes, and corsac foxes, to name a few. Additionally, there are numerous species of birds, including vultures, eagles, falcons, and larks.

Camel Herding Traditions and Myths.
The largest population of Bactrian camel live in Mongolian Gobi. Camel has been only livelihood for local Gobi nomads. The tradition of herding livestock involves inheriting the knowledge of animal husbandry from one's elders, passing it down through generations.one of them is camel coaxing tradition, when the female camel unexpectedly reject her newborn colt after a particularly difficult birth.  A newborn cries when the mother camel repeatedly refuses to feed her. The colt won’t survive long, unless fed. When the herdsman begins to play lyrical melody or sing song the mother camel becomes enchanted. Then she begins nursing her colt with dump eyes. At the end the mother camel cries in big tears to the mysterious melody. Mongolians, who live close to the nature and to the animals and can listen and understand the language of Mother Nature and believe that the father of humanity is the sky and the mother is the earth. You may be heard that the famous film named ‘’ the story of Weeping Camel’’ nominated for Oscar, the coaxing myth is clearly seen on it. Also it is my pleasure to note that the “Coaxing Ritual for Colts” is inscribed in the UNESCO list of Heritage. 

Local Event and Festival Attending. 
The Thousand Camel Festival has been held as an annual event in Mongolia's tourism and hospitality sector since 1997, up to the present day. In 2016, parade of 1000 camel riders gathered and registered in Genius World Record book. The Thousand Camel Festival not only attracts numerous international tourists but is also covered by major global agencies. From this year, the festival's schedule has been moved up and is planned to take place from February 1-3.
Participants and tourists at the Thousand Camel Festival can not only watch but also actively participate by riding camels and joining the camel parades.
The festival features around 20 programs, including camel polo, camel races such as those involving young and mature camels, a beautiful camel couple contest, a camel parade, a camel milk celebration, a dairy product exhibition and sale, a ceremonial snuff bottle display, the "Cultural Heritage of Southern Gobi" exhibition, and a fashion show of camel wool products.
In 2023, Mongolia counted 473,900 camels, with one-third of them located in the Umnugovi province.

Dinosaur Fossils and Paleontological Learning
The dinosaur bones and eggs discovered in the Mongolian Gobi are unique in the world and include many highly significant finds. These discoveries have made a substantial contribution to paleontological research. The Gobi Desert has been the source of many famous dinosaur fossils, including Protoceratops, Velociraptor, Tarbosaurus, and Oviraptor. Even today, international researchers continue to conduct studies in the Mongolian Gobi, discovering new species of fossils.
In the 1920s, an expedition led by American scientist Roy Chapman Andrews discovered dinosaur eggs for the first time, capturing worldwide attention. You will see these valuable findings from the local museum on the entry of Gobi Gurvan saikhan NP.

National Park and Nature Reserve Visiting
The Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area (SPA) was established in 1976 as a special conservation area of the state to preserve the unique ecosystem of the desert steppe, protect the habitat of rare and endangered species, conserve the natural balance, promote ecological research, education, and sustainable use, and to achieve the integrated development of the local economy and environmental protection. In terms of wildlife, various species such as deer, moose, ibex, wild sheep, antelope, marmot, fox, lynx, wolf, and others inhabit the territory of Great Gobi.

The Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, located in southern Mongolia, encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, including vast desert plains, rugged mountains, and deep canyons. 

A mountain range with peaks reaching over 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) above sea level, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife. A narrow gorge- Vulture canyon in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains known for its dramatic cliffs and ice formations, which persist year-round due to its shaded location. One of the largest sand dunes in Mongolia is Khongor sand dunes in Great Gobi, stretching over 180 kilometers (110 miles) in length and reaching heights of up to 300 meters (980 feet). Also in Gobi you will visit a famous paleontological site where numerous dinosaur fossils have been discovered, including the first dinosaur eggs.

Bird Watching and Wildlife Viewing
Mongolian Gobi is one of the most important spots of world`s birding tourism or avi- tourism. If you visit Gobi Gurvan Saihan NP, you can find the magnificent lammergeier or bearded vulture and other iconic species of birds. Did you know that Mongolia hosts the largest wild sheep in the world and it is a big challenge to see and take pictures of them? 

Medical and Rare Plant Studying.
Mongolian Gobi is considered as “Ancient sea bed”. As it`s natural formation, climate and location the Gobi is sure to be a home to rare plants and flowers.  
In Mongolia, there are 1,100 species of medicinal plants, while in the Gobi Desert, there are 345 species of medicinal plants. One of the most resilient plants that thrives in harsh conditions is the Saxaul. It is considered the main plant of the Gobi Desert, providing around 4500 kilocalories per cubic meter, earning it the nickname "Savior of Gobi." The Saxaul's roots penetrate deep into the ground, sometimes reaching several meters below the surface, enabling it to extract moisture and nutrients even from the driest soils.

The Saxaul's canopy extends horizontally up to 5 meters from the base of the plant, while its roots spread vertically down to 5-10 meters, forming a dense network. This deep-rooted structure helps stabilize the soil, preventing erosion and desertification, and plays a crucial role in conserving water and maintaining ecological balance in the desert.

Mongolian Gobi: Destination for Photographers and Film Makers.
The Gobi offers breathtaking landscapes with its vast desert plains, towering sand dunes, rugged mountains, and unique rock formations. These diverse and dramatic landscapes provide endless opportunities for capturing mesmerizing images.
The Gobi is home to a variety of unique and rare wildlife species, including wild camels, Bactrian camels, argali sheep, ibex, gazelles, and more. Photographers are attracted to the opportunity to capture these elusive creatures in their natural habitats.

The Gobi region is rich in cultural heritage, with nomadic herders living traditional lifestyles and practicing age-old traditions. Photographers often seek to document this way of life, capturing images of nomadic families, their yurts, and the vast open spaces they inhabit.
The Gobi's clear skies and vast open spaces create ideal conditions for capturing dramatic light, especially during sunrise and sunset. The interplay of light and shadow across the desert landscape can result in stunning and evocative images.

Mongolian Gobi: A Destination For Outdoor and Leisure Activity. 
Climbing the Sand Dunes can be an exhilarating and enjoyable experience. The towering dunes, also known as the Khongoryn Els, stretch for miles across the Gobi Desert, offering adventurers the chance to conquer their sandy slopes and enjoy stunning panoramic views from the top. The soft, golden sands and the challenge of scaling the dunes make it a thrilling activity for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike. Plus, the feeling of accomplishment when reaching the summit and taking in the vast desert landscape is truly unforgettable.

Riding Camel Sessions and Trekking
In the lives of Mongolians, expression like "The sun is closer from the camelback". The vantage point from the camel's back allows for a sweeping view of the dunes, making for breathtaking scenery.

Sunrises and sunsets on dunes are particularly spectacular and are often highlights of camel rides in desert areas. The Camel has been a mainstay of desert life for thousands of years.  Camels are known as the "ships of the desert" due to their ability to travel long distances across arid landscapes with minimal water. Nomads use camels as their primary mode of transportation, allowing them to traverse vast deserts and rugged terrains. Camels have a natural ability to carry heavy loads over long distances. Camels often become companions to nomads, forming strong bonds with their owners. They provide not only practical assistance but also emotional support during long journeys through the desert.

Off Road Driving and Overland Adventures. 
Every year, the ‘’Golden Sands’’ Festival is held at the base of the Khongoryn Els in the Sevrei town of the Umnugovi province. The festival has already become a significant event that attracts both domestic and international travelers. Various interesting competitions are organized, including sand volleyball, long-distance running, car and motorcycle racing, a sand dune climbing contest, a sand art contest, a poetry contest, sand sumo wrestling, and sand tug-of-war. Why not try to participate in competitions. For more information please email us we will help you to register and other arrangement.