8-Day South Gobi Expedition Tour
8 Days
ABOUT THE TOUR
Get ready for an unforgettable 8-day adventure through the wild beauty and rich culture of Mongolia! From exploring Ulaanbaatar’s historic squares and museums to standing beneath the towering statue of Chinggis Khaan, every moment is packed with discovery. Ride a Bactrian camel across the singing sands of Khongor Dunes, trek through the icy gorges of Yol Valley, and watch the sunset over the legendary Flaming Cliffs. Stay in cozy Ger camps under starry skies, experience the rhythm of Mongolian throat singing, and taste authentic local cuisine. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or curious explorer, this journey offers the perfect mix of culture, adventure, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
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Itinerary
On arrival at Ulaanbaatar's international airport, you will be met by our local tour guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure - depending on your arrival time.
Included Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel or similar
Today we will explore the Mongolia's capital city Ulaanbaatar by visiting the famous Gengis Khan Square and the House of Parliament. Later of the day we will be visiting the Chinggis Kaan Museum to discover the Mongolian history and culture. Then we will be heading to Zaisan Hill to enjoy the best panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar city. Visit to the 20m high Statue of Big Buddha will indicate the end of today's schedule. In the evening, you could enjoy performance of traditional dancing and Khoomii the Mongolian throat singing (additional cost).
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Baga Gazriin Chuluu Ger Camp or similar
Optional Activities:
Evening Traditional Show (Mongolian Throat Singing):
Enjoy a captivating performance featuring traditional throat singing (Khoomii), vibrant folk dances, and enchanting music played on unique Mongolian instruments—a cultural experience not to be missed. (note that the optional tour is not included and must be paid for on-site).
Transfer to the airport for a flight south to Dalanzadgad. On arrival you will meet your local drivers. We will drive to Yol Valley (Eagle Valley) located in the eastern part of Gurvan Saikhan Mountain and surrounded by sheer rock walls rising over 2600m above sea level. Yol Valley was originally established to conserve the birdlife in the region but is also famous for its dramatic scenery. The picturesque valley is an amazing natural creation with thick ice almost year around. You will also visit a small local museum to have better understanding of this place. Overnight stay in Ger camp.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Khan Bogd Standard Ger Camp or similar
Early in the morning we will drive to Khongor Sand Dunes (Khongoryn Els) which, at 800 meters tall, 12 kilometers wide and 100 kilometers long, is the largest and most beautiful sand dune in Mongolia. The sand dune lies at the northwest corner of the Gurvan Saikhan Mountain range about 180 kilometers from the provincial capital of Dalanzadgad city. Here, the sound of the wind blowing the sand can be heard miles away creating a melodic sound against the 200-metre-high sand dunes known as "Singing Dunes". This is the perfect location to enjoy a ride on a two-humped Bactrian camel, known by the locals as the "Prince of Gobi". Enjoy camel riding before hiking to the top of the Khongor sand dunes for amazing views of the surrounding scenery.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Gobi Erdene Standard Ger Camp or similar
Optional Activities:
Camel Riding:
For those seeking an extra touch of adventure, the optional camel ride across the Khongor Sand Dunes is an experience not to be missed. Riding these gentle "ships of the desert" offers a unique way to explore the rolling golden landscape, as the camels’ steady, rhythmic pace lets you take in the sweeping beauty of the dunes. Feel the warm sand beneath you and the gentle breeze carrying the desert’s whispers as your camel navigates the undulating terrain. This ride not only immerses you in the serene and timeless spirit of the Gobi but also provides unforgettable views from a new and captivating vantage point (note that the optional tour is not included and must be paid for on-site).
Today we will drive to Bayanzag (3hr/170kms), also known as the "Cemetery of Dinosaurs" and Flaming Cliffs. Formed 60 - 70 million years ago, this area is world famous for its dinosaur remains and ancient red rock creations. The area was named Flaming Cliffs by Roy Andrew Chapman, an American explorer who visited Mongolia in 1920s. Frequently described as being like a real "Jurassic Park" this unique area is characterized by classic desert of rock, red sands, shrubs and vast empty spaces. We will have the chance to climb the flaming cliffs at sunset and have a stroll along the cliffs. Continue drive to Ger camp for 100kms.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Gobi Oasis – 1 Standard Ger Camp or similar
After breakfast, you will head over to Dalanzadgad and fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Continue travel (1hr/75kms) to the giant horseback statue located in Tsonjin Boldog. Enjoy the statue complex and move (0.5hr/40kms) to the Terelj National Park. Visit the site of Turtle Rock.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Gorkhi Eco camp or similar
Optional Activities:
Horse Riding:
Enhance your nomadic experience with an optional horseback riding adventure that takes you deeper into the heart of Mongolia’s captivating landscapes. Saddle up on a sturdy Mongolian horse, known for their resilience and spirit, and follow trails that wind through rolling steppes, picturesque valleys, and gently sloping hills. Feel the rhythm of the ride as you bond with your horse, guided by local herders who share their expertise and stories of life on horseback. This journey offers a unique perspective of the vast and open terrain, allowing you to see Mongolia as the nomads have for centuries—on horseback, surrounded by endless sky and the quiet hum of nature. (note that the optional tour is not included and must be paid for on-site).
After breakfast, you will head over to Ulaanbaatar. You can have this opportunity to rest and shop for souvenirs. Farewell dinner will be at Mongolia traditional hotpot place, and we will finish off the night in a jazz bar with some local beer.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel or similar
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Mongolian adventure comes to an end. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home, unless you choose to extend your stay and continue to explore other mesmerising cities. You’ll be returning home with knowledge of a new culture, connections with new friends and memories to last you a lifetime. We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Important Notes
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Minimum: 2 individuals
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Maximum: 20 individuals
- To secure your booking, full payment is required at the time of reservation. After creating your booking, you will be directed to your invoice, where you can select your preferred payment method.
Voluntary Changes:
Please note that any changes or upgrades requested after the booking is confirmed will be subject to a fee of AUD220 per person per change, in addition to any applicable supplier costs. This fee covers modifications to flights, hotels, tour dates, or any other services included in your package. To ensure smooth processing, we kindly request that you provide us with a minimum of 72 hours notice for all voluntary changes.
Cancellations & Refunds:
Please note that in the event of tour cancellation, a cancellation fee of AUD550 per person will be charged, in addition to any relevant supplier costs. Refund requests must be submitted in writing and will take up to 6 weeks to process. It is important to note that no refunds can be issued once the tour has commenced (for the flight-inclusive package, no refunds can be issued once the flights have been ticketed).
Name Correction Fees:
A fee of AUD220 per person applies to name corrections on documents, along with any supplier costs. Kindly note that name corrections must be requested at least 72 hours prior to departure and are subject to approval from the supplier.
Document Change Fees:
A fee of AUD220 per person will be charged for any passport changes, in addition to any applicable supplier costs. Please note that train tickets and admission access must be linked to your travel passport details. Any changes to passport information must be requested at least 14 days before departure and are subject to approval from the supplier.
Supplier Fees:
In the event that the tour you have purchased is unable to proceed or a travel supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (such as a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our suppliers and is unrecoverable. This could be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins, or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. As your agent, Better Trip is committed to covering these costs and will make every effort to recover all funds committed and/or paid for your tour. However, please note that this may not be possible in every circumstance. If refunds are unavailable from our suppliers, we will strive to obtain a travel credit with the best possible terms and communicate these options to you. If Better Trip cannot obtain a refund, travel service credit, or only a partial refund, this cost will be passed on to the customer as a supplier fee. It is important to note that this fee is not intended to generate revenue but to cover the payments our suppliers withhold during the recovery process.
To ensure a smooth journey, it is imperative that you possess a valid passport and have obtained all necessary visas, permits, and certificates for the countries you plan to visit. Please note that passports are mandatory for all travellers when departing from Australia. For a permanent resident to travel on a foreign passport, you must also hold an Australian Re-entry Visa. Additionally, many countries require foreign nationals entering their borders to possess a passport with a minimum of six months validity. Remember, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of your documentation lies with you as the individual traveller. Any fines, penalties, or expenses incurred due to incorrect documentation will be solely your responsibility.
Travel insurance is a requirement for all our travellers and should be obtained at the time of booking. Your travel insurance should cover personal accidents, death, medical expenses, and emergency repatriation, with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each category. We also strongly recommend coverage for cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, luggage loss, and personal effects. On the first day of your trip, you must provide proof of your travel insurance. Please note that joining the trip will not be possible without it. If you would like our assistance obtaining travel insurance, please contact us via email at bookings@bettertrip.com.au.
Some of our packages include airport transfers in one or both directions for your arrival or departure from your destination. To determine if transfers are included, please refer to the “What’s Included” section of your selected package.
If you arrange pre- or post-tour accommodations independently and the tour includes transfers, please note that these transfers will be forfeited. Transfers are provided only in conjunction with the tour dates and any pre- or post-tour accommodations booked through Better Trip, when available.
Additionally, our standard airport transfers operate on a group basis, which may involve waiting times of up to 2 hours. To avoid any potential delays, we recommend booking a private transfer for a more prompt and personalized service. For more information, please contact us at bookings@bettertrip.com.au.
The default flights included in this package have been predetermined by our product team in collaboration with the airline carriers. Please note the following conditions:
- The default flights cannot be changed or refunded at any time. If these flights are not used, any unused segments will be forfeited without a refund.
- Flight carriers and schedules will be available approximately three months before the tour date.
- For customised flight requests, including changes to flight times, airlines, or classes, a re-quote will be provided at the prevailing market price, and additional charges may apply.
- If you have booked a flight-inclusive package and choose not to use the default flights, please notify us at least 72 hours before departure. Failure to do so will be considered a no-show, and the entire tour will be cancelled without a refund.
If you have any further questions or require assistance, please contact us at bookings@bettertrip.com.au.
Fitness Requirements
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, participants in our tours should have a moderate level of fitness, including the ability to walk for extended periods and navigate varying terrains. The tour may involve physical activities such as hiking and walking tours, so we recommend being comfortable with exertion for several hours. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consult a healthcare professional before booking. Regular physical activity leading up to the tour is encouraged to enhance your experience. Your safety is our top priority, so if you feel unwell during the tour, please inform your local guide.
Accommodation
Accommodations included in your tour package will be specified in your itinerary. While we strive to provide the listed accommodations, substitutions may be necessary due to availability. For bedding configurations, we offer double or twin options for travellers sharing a room, based on availability. Solo travellers who have purchased the single supplement will have the option of a single bed. Check-in is typically between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, and check-out usually occurs between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM; early or late check-in/out may be available upon request, but is not guaranteed. Standard amenities will be provided, although additional services may incur extra charges. We are not liable for any loss or damage to personal property during your stay, so we recommend securing travel insurance for unforeseen events. Lastly, guests are responsible for adhering to any health and safety guidelines set by the accommodation providers.
Underage Travellers
All travellers under the age of 18 must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian to participate in the tour and must be accompanied by a responsible adult who will ensure their safety and well-being. Accommodation arrangements must comply with the policies of the accommodation provider, which may have age restrictions regarding room occupancy. Parents or guardians are responsible for informing us of any medical conditions or special requirements for the minor, and we recommend that all minors have appropriate travel insurance. Some of our packages are exclusively available for adult travellers aged 18 and over. All travellers are expected to adhere to our code of conduct; inappropriate behaviour may result in removal from the tour without a refund. Additionally, some activities may have age restrictions, and it is the responsibility of the accompanying adult to ensure all activities are suitable for the minor.
Tipping
Tipping is not included in your tour package and is expected to be paid during the tour. We recommend a gratuity of AUD 20 per day, per person for tour guides, drivers, and other service personnel to reflect the level of service provided. Tipping can be made in cash and given directly to the service personnel at your discretion. Please note that tipping customs may vary by country, so we encourage you to familiarize yourself with local practices. By participating in our tours, you acknowledge and accept this tipping policy.
Itinerary Modification
The itinerary presented in your tour package is subject to modification due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of Better Trip, such as weather conditions and operational requirements. In the event of any changes, we will notify you via email with relevant advice or instructions as soon as possible. While we will strive to provide suitable alternative arrangements, we cannot guarantee that all aspects of the original itinerary will remain unchanged. It is the traveller’s responsibility to stay informed of updates prior to departure, and by booking with us, you acknowledge and accept that itinerary modifications may occur.
Typically
$7580.00