Trekking and 4x4 expeditions in the Gobi Desert
In summary
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Sports
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Duration14 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationAsia / Mongolia
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AgeFrom 10 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions347.89 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on a 4x4 expedition into the heart of the Gobi Desert , a vast territory boasting astonishingly diverse landscapes. Far from the image of a simple ocean of dunes, the Gobi reveals a spectacular scenery of jagged granite mountains , lunar plateaus , ochre sand cliffs sculpted by erosion, and icy canyons . This journey is also an immersion in unspoiled nature, home to rare animal and plant species , as well as a remarkable geological and archaeological heritage, with Paleolithic remains bearing witness to a history spanning millennia.
Along the trails, you traverse infinite spaces bathed in light, between absolute silence and mineral immensity.
On the return journey, we headed towards the legendary Orkhon Valley , renowned for its stunning landscapes and considered the cradle of the Mongolian people . This verdant region, dotted with major cultural sites, offers a striking contrast to the arid Gobi Desert. It is also a privileged place to share the daily life of nomadic herders and discover an ancestral way of life, intimately linked to the vast Mongolian landscapes.
The highlights
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An unexpected diversity of landscapes in the Gobi Desert
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Rare biodiversity (specific fauna and flora) and Paleolithic remains
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The encounter with nomadic herders and the discovery of Mongolian culture
Photos
Sport
Level
Summer multi-activity
The expert's opinion
You don't need to be a seasoned adventurer to discover the treasures of the Gobi Desert. This route is accessible to everyone, offering a serene and comfortable experience for anyone wishing to explore the vast Mongolian landscapes.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h30
- Average distance/day: 6 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 60 m
Management
Throughout your journey, you will be supported by a local crew consisting of an experienced driver and an interpreter-guide (French or English speaking).
A true cultural link, your guide facilitates exchanges with nomadic populations and ensures an authentic immersion. Their role is central: they are responsible for your safety, comfort, and the smooth execution of the itinerary on a daily basis.
Although he is not a tour guide specializing in art history, he shares with you his intimate knowledge of the area, his anecdotes and his love for Mongolian culture.
Program
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Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 50km
- Activity Autre
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Upon your arrival at the international airport, you will be warmly greeted by our team, who will transfer you to your hotel, ideally located in the city center. After settling in, you will set off to explore Ulaanbaatar, the vibrant capital of Mongolia.
Your exploration will begin with a visit to the Gandantegchinlen (Gandan) monastery, one of the most important Buddhist centers in the country, where you will admire the majestic statue of Janraisig.
Next, you will head towards Sukhbaatar Square (or Genghis Khan Square), the beating heart of the city, framed by the imposing Government Palace and other iconic buildings.
Gandan Monastery: This Tibetan-style Buddhist complex, founded in 1809, is the highest and most important Buddhist teaching center in Mongolia.
Day 1 -
Baga Gazar Chuluu
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 220km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 5 km
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Head south for your first drives across the Mongolian steppe . You'll travel through open landscapes where herds and nomadic horsemen roam freely. Gradually, the terrain emerges, revealing an impressive granite fracture rising from the plain: the Baga Gazriin Chuluu canyon . Its walls, sculpted by millennia of erosion, offer a stark mineral landscape that contrasts with the surrounding immensity and shelters a discreet yet abundant biodiversity .
The day ends with a special moment of exchange during a meeting with a nomadic family . You will discover their way of life, dictated by the seasons and their movements, for a simple and authentic immersion into the heart of local traditions.
Day 2 -
Tsagaan Suvarga
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 220km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 5 km
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today you'll traverse the vast, rocky plateaus to reach the "White Stupa." This 60-meter-long limestone cliff seems to rise from the earth like a petrified ancient city. A hike allows you to explore its gradient of colors, ranging from powdery pink to fiery red, offering a natural spectacle worthy of a geological rainbow.
Day 3 -
Yol Canyon
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 190km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 10 km
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A change of scenery awaits in the Bearded Vulture Valley (Yolyn Am). Deep within these narrow gorges, you'll hike to icy streams that persist even in the height of summer. Keep your eyes peeled: the rocky cliffs are home to ibex, mouflon, and the majestic birds of prey that give the area its name.
Day 4 -
The Singing Dunes of Khongor
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 180kmper day
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h per day
- Distance 10 km
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The adventure reaches its climax facing the Khongoryn Els Dunes, a colossal massif stretching 185 km. Nicknamed the "Singing Dunes" for the whisper of the wind on the sand, they rise to a height of 200 meters. The climb (physical but rewarding!) offers a striking contrast between the gold of the desert and the green of the steppe. A camel ride completes this Saharan experience.
Days 5 to 6 -
Bayanzag
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 178km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 3 km
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The route leads to the "Flaming Cliffs." This world-renowned site is the cradle of modern paleontology: it was here that the first dinosaur eggs were discovered. At sunset, the ochre of the rocks literally blazes. You will also see the saxaul forests, these robust trees that defy the advancing sand.
Day 7 -
The Ruins of Ongiin Khiid
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 275km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Distance 3 km
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You begin your journey north. Along the Ongii River, the ruins of an ancient monastery tell a darker story: that of the purges of the 1930s. Today, silence and serenity reign over this site, once home to a thousand monks. A meditative walk among the ruins will allow you to experience Mongolia's spiritual resilience.
Day 8 -
The Orkhon Valley
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 3 km
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Entering the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley, the landscape changes dramatically: lush grasslands, yaks, and volcanic waterfalls give way to breathtaking scenery. You'll discover Ulaan Tsutgalan Falls, a spectacular cascade formed by ancient eruptions, in the heart of a land where the pulse of nomadic culture still beats.
Day 9 -
The Tövkhön Hermitage and Hot Springs
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 140km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A hike through larch forests leads you to Tövkhön Monastery, perched at an altitude of 2,312 meters. Founded by the saint Zanabazar, this retreat offers a 360° view of the Khangai Mountains. After the exertion, the day ends in the soothing hot springs of Tsenkher.
Day 10 -
The Empire of the Steppes
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 120km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Distance 3 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Arrival in Karakorum, the former capital of Genghis Khan. You will visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery, a jewel of Buddhist art surrounded by 108 stupas. Your evening will be spent at the Anja Eco Camp, a model of sustainable tourism where Franco-Mongolian cuisine takes center stage.
Day 11 -
The Little Gobi and the Sacred Mountain
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 100km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 5 km
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The Khugnu Khan site offers a unique microcosm of Mongolia: sand dunes (Elsen Tasarkhai) and granite mountains stand side by side. You will visit the hidden temple of Uvgun Khiid, nestled in a rocky cirque. It's a moment of absolute peace amidst desert, forest, and spirituality.
Day 12 -
Return to Ulaanbaatar
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 270km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Return to the capital for an afternoon of relaxation or shopping (cashmere, handicrafts). In the evening, a traditional show of diaphonic singing and dancing will bring this trip to a beautiful close, followed by a farewell dinner with your team.
Day 13 -
Departure
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 50km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Day 14
Accommodation
- Individual tent
- Double tent
- Triple tent
- Quadruple tent
- Single room
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Quadruple room
- Single-sex shared dormitory
- Mixed shared dormitory
- Single room
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Quadruple room
Located in the Orkhon Valley, near Karakorum, Anja Camp is both a yurt camp (rated 2 Flowers) and a fully-fledged ecological project (plantations, recycling, vegetable garden, etc.). You stay in a modern and comfortable yurt and can enjoy Mongolian and French dishes at the camp's restaurant.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Quadruple room
- Single-sex shared dormitory
- Mixed shared dormitory
Anja Camp welcomes you to one of its 20 traditional yurts (sleeping 2 to 4 people) or its 4 double rooms. For your comfort, our sanitary facilities (hot showers and toilets) are modern and meet European standards.
Our restaurant is located in the large main yurt, where we can accommodate up to 55 guests. Upon entering, you'll be charmed by our small shop featuring local crafts. To complement your meal, our bar offers a selection of beers, wines, and soft drinks.
The vegetables come directly from our vegetable garden.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Private 4x4 vehicles with driver + fuel + road taxes
- Accommodation: hotel or guest yurt; yurt camp
- French-speaking accompanist/interpreter
- Full board during the stay (Mongolian and Western dishes)
- camping and cooking equipment
- Entrances to the sites mentioned: museums, monasteries, parks, Mongolian show, etc.
- camel ride
- airport/hotel/airport transfers
The price does not include
- the international flight + airport taxes
- visa fees
- travel and repatriation insurance
- your personal expenses during the trip
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Camping equipment provided (tents, Tatonka, Quechua T3 XXL)
- Sleeping arrangements: Handmade felt sleeping mat. Sleeping bag (-5°C) available upon request.
- Additional equipment: Kitchen equipment, folding tables and chairs
The Anya team
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