Essence Of The Gobi | Mongolia tailor made tour | 7 Days

• Experience the Gobi as the ultimate road trip - embracing vast distances and rugged roads that reveal the desert’s raw beauty.
• Diverse Landscapes – Travel through towering sand dunes, dramatic gorges, 2,800-metre peaks, gravel plains, and rare Saxaul forests within a single itinerary.
• Wild Extremes – Discover how life at the edge—human, wildlife, and livestock—adapts to the Gobi’s demanding and ever-changing climate.
• Immersive Experience – Go beyond the surface to witness the Gobi’s diversity condensed into a short but meaningful journey.
• Stay Local – Rest in small, family-run accommodations supported through our long-term community partnerships, ensuring your stay directly benefits rural families.
• Travel with one of our intergenerational Mongolian teams — a skilled male driver and a female trip assistant — who feel less like guides and more like friends you’re joining for an adventure.
• Discover Ulaanbaatar through a local lens - gaining a real perspective of Mongolia’s capital.
• Visit a long-established, family-run tree-planting project - that’s making a lasting impact on its local environment.
• Stay with a herding family - whose resilience and hospitality bring the Gobi to life.
• Enjoy a complimentary day trip - to the iconic Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue and the dramatic landscapes of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.
• Time to Pause – Find stillness and space for reflection in Mongolia’s vast landscapes, beneath some of the clearest night skies on earth.

Journey into the heart of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert—a land of vast horizons, dramatic contrasts, and resilient life. From sand dunes and canyons to windswept plains and rare saxaul forests, this itinerary captures the Gobi’s raw, untamed beauty. Designed for those seeking both adventure and depth, this short tour offers a powerful introduction to one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes.

Key Facts

• Tour Dates: Any date or season
• Duration: 7 days but can be shortened or extended
• Group Size: Flexible although currently priced up to six
• Maximum Altitude: Approximately 1,220 m - 2,500 m+ across the loop
• Trip Style: Tailor-made, immersive road trip
• Who it’s for:This experience is designed for curious, open-minded travellers of all ages—whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with friends. No special level of fitness is required, but you should be comfortable spending extended time in a tour vehicle and adapting to simple conditions. What matters most is a flexible mindset and a willingness to engage with local communities and real life as it unfolds. Accommodation is shared and basic, with outside squat or long-drop toilets and access to showers every 2–4 days. However, as this is a private trip, we’re happy to upgrade elements of the itinerary to suit your comfort preferences.
• Your Local Team: Throughout your journey, you’ll be supported by one of our inter-generational Mongolian teams—a male driver and a female trip assistant—who not only handle the logistics but also offer genuine warmth and insight along the way. Founder Jess and office manager Tuya are available throughout your trip via WhatsApp for any questions or additional support.

Essence Of The Gobi In Detail

The Gobi is a vast landscape of extremes. Within its immense expanse lie granite and limestone outcrops, endless gravel plains, towering sand dunes, 2,800-metre peaks, dramatic gorges and canyons, and the rare Saxaul forest. It is a demanding and challenging environment where life – whether human, wildlife, or livestock – exists on the edge, shaped daily by the forces of climate and change.

At its heart, the Gobi is the ultimate road trip. The distances cannot be shortened, and nor should they be. Instead, embrace the journey – weather, roads, and all – and you’ll be rewarded with its raw, unforgettable beauty. Only then does the Gobi reveal itself for what it truly is: a force of nature.

This itinerary is designed to bring you that diversity and intensity. Although within a short timeframe, this is a journey through the full spectrum of the Gobi’s landscapes and the power that defines them.

• Date To Suit You: 'Intro To Ulaanbaatar'

Join us for an informal introduction to Mongolia’s capital through local eyes, a local-style lunch, and a welcome drink

Your choice of accommodation in Ulaanbaatar | Local lunch & welcome drink \ Complimentary airport transfer

• Day One: Baga Gazriin Chuluu Rock Formations

Travel through the vast open steppe to the dramatic and sacred granite formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu.

Simple private guest ger shared as a group at family ger camp | Approx 6-7  hours driving time | B/L/D

• Day Two: Tsagaan Suvraga rock formations

Road trip through the vast open steppe to the dramatic chalk formations of Tsagaan Suvarga—a natural wonder shaped by time and wind.

Simple private guest ger at family ger camp | Outside squat toilet & no showers | Approx 6-7 hours driving time | B/L/D

• Day Three: Dalanzadgad, Gobi Museum of Nature and History

Arrive in the provincial capital of the South Gobi. Explore the Gobi Museum of Nature and History to gain insight into the region’s prehistoric past, then visit the locally run Gobi Burd tree-planting project.

Ensuite hotel room | Approx 5 hours driving time | B/L * dinner independently or with team, your choice 

• Day Four: Yolyn Am & Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park & Khongoryn Els sand dunes

Explore the dramatic Yolyn Am Canyon, nestled within the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, before heading west to the towering dunes of Khongoryn Els.

Simple  guest ger to share as a group at family ger camp | Approx 6-7 hours driving time | B/L/D

• Day Five: Bayanzag | The Flaming Cliffs

Visit the red sandstone landscapes of Bayanzag, known worldwide as the Flaming Cliffs, where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered—one of the Gobi’s most iconic sights.

Simple  guest ger to share as a group at family ger camp | Approx 4 hours driving time | B/L/D

• Day Six: Erdenedalai homestay

Travel north into the wide, open landscapes of the Middle Gobi and the rural community of Erdenedalai, where you’ll be hosted by the Nergui herding family.

Simple  guest ger to share as a group at family ger camp | Approx 6-7 hours driving time | B/L/D

• Day Seven  |  Return to Ulaanbaatar

A full day's drive returns you to Mongolia’s capital, where your journey concludes with a transfer to your chosen accommodation. The EL team remains on hand to offer advice and assistance, and we include a complimentary departure transfer for your convenience.

Your own choice of accommodation |  Approx 6-7 hours driving time | B/L

• Day To Suit You - Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue and Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

As part of your experience, we include a complimentary day trip with lunch to the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue and to Turtle Rock and Aryabal Temple in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, either before or after your Gobi journey.

Your own choice of accommodation / Local lunch / Approx 1-1.5 hours driving time each way

During this journey, you’ll experience a variety of accommodation styles, each offering insight into daily life in Mongolia and shaped by the season and setting:

Mongolian Family Ger Camps

Throughout the experience you’ll stay in a traditional Mongolian gers provided by our partnering families. Each family typically sets up 4–5 guest gers, thoughtfully adapted for the season. While the setup is simple, you’ll always have your own bed and a comfortable personal space.

Facilities: Showers are available every 2–3 days at the local public shower house. Toilets are traditional outdoor short-drop latrines.

Mongolian Style Hotel

You’ll also spend a night in a simple Mongolian-style hotel, typically in a twin-share room. Rooms are en-suite, though please note that hot water cannot always be guaranteed.

Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar on Day One & Seven is not included although we provide recommendations and can help with booking.

Your Local Team

Throughout your journey, you’ll be supported by one of our intergenerational Mongolian teams — a male driver and a female trip assistant — who not only manage the logistics but also bring genuine warmth, insight, and companionship along the way.

Unlike many companies, we don’t bring in freelancers just for the high season. Instead, we invest in our team year-round, building a strong culture of trust and collaboration that we share with you on the road.

You’ll also be welcomed by the local families with whom we’ve built long-standing partnerships — their hospitality and friendship are at the heart of this experience.

And behind the scenes, Jess (founder) and Tuya (office manager) are always just a WhatsApp message away for any questions or additional support.

Meals

Each EL team travels with a simple kitchen, and most meals are prepared by your trip assistant. We don’t ask rural families—with limited access to shops—to provide meals, especially given the number of travellers with dietary needs. However, during each trip you’ll also share some meals with host families, stop at guanz (roadside cafés), and eat in local restaurants.

Our trip assistants are not trained chefs, but they know how to keep you well-fed. Meals are based around local, seasonal produce with a focus on food miles. You won’t find elaborate international dishes, but you can rely on hearty, filling food that sustains you. If five portions of fruit a day are a must, you may find this challenging in remote Mongolia.

We can cater for vegetarians, some dietary restrictions, and food allergies—but only with advance notice. Please share your requirements when booking so we can advise what’s possible and set realistic expectations.

Drinks

We provide filtered drinking water, tea, and coffee throughout. Alcohol and soft drinks are not included but can be purchased en route. Choice is limited in the countryside, so if you enjoy a good bottle of wine or whisky, we recommend stocking up in Ulaanbaatar before departure.

Since rural areas lack running water and recycling is minimal, we avoid bottled water. Each team carries large containers and filters water from town stations. Please bring a reusable bottle (a filter bottle is even better). A detailed packing list is provided on booking.

Showers

Running water is rare in rural Mongolia, so showers are limited. On this itinerary we use town shower houses—simple cubicles with plenty of hot water, which many travellers describe as a highlight! You will need to bring a towel.

We also provide bowls and soap powder for hand-washing clothes if needed. Just to be clear: there are no washing machines.

Toilets

Think: a loo with a view!

Mongolia has very few public toilets, so on drives it’s a case of finding a private spot in nature (your trip assistant will give what we call “the toilet talk”).

At host family homes, expect Asian-style squat or long-drop toilets.If squatting isn’t second nature, you may want to practice before travelling—several of our guests recommend it.

These toilets aren’t designed to shock you; they’re simply part of everyday rural life. We provide toilet paper (though not the aloe vera variety!).

Transport

Our driving team is made up of men we know personally and have worked with for years. Their English is limited, but their road skills are unmatched—whether navigating tough terrain or practicing mongolchlokh (improvising the Mongolian way) when a tyre bursts or a vehicle breaks down. And yes, breakdowns do happen—this is Mongolia, after all. By travelling with us, you’re supporting the long-term employment of experienced, traditional men who use their income to provide for extended families.

Each driver owns their own vehicle, which may include Furgon 4×4 vans, Toyota Land Cruisers and Lexus models, Hyundai Starex, or Mitsubishi Delicas. Because they’re driver-owned, interiors and seating layouts vary, and each vehicle is fitted with either lap or seat belts.

We assist with maintenance fees, and all vehicles undergo:

• Annual assessments by the Mongolian Government for tourism standards
• Standard MOT checks
• Licensing for tourism use

Map Of Route

Click on the link below to access the map

Group Size & Pricing

We price our tailor made journeys up to six but can run this experience for larger groups. Solo travellers are always welcome, with a surcharge to cover the costs of private travel.

Sliding Price Scale

The more people who travel together, the lower the cost per person — so everyone benefits:

• 2–3 guests: US$ 2,765 pp
• 4 guests: US$ 2,705 pp
• 5 guests: US$ 2,450 pp
• 6 guests: US$ 2,245 pp

We know your holiday funds are precious. This sliding scale keeps our trips personal and immersive, while making them more affordable when shared — so if you know someone who might like to join, invite them along and enjoy the savings together.

Why Travel with Us?

We know budget is personal, and every traveller has different priorities. Our prices may be higher than those of larger or budget-focused operators, but here’s what your payment supports:

• Small-scale, ethical tourism – we welcome just 100–150 travellers a year, keeping experiences personal and meaningful.
• Fair group sizes – groups of 2–6, giving you the flexibility of a private trip with the social feel of a small group.
• Thoughtfully designed itineraries – crafted by our founder, Jess, with an emphasis on flow, balance, and season rather than profit.
• Long-term partnerships – we invest in our local team and host families, rather than hiring freelancers seasonally or arriving unannounced.
• Positive impact – your payment supports local employment, community initiatives, and responsible travel practices.
• Not luxury, but genuine – we prioritise authenticity, fairness, and connection over fancy extras.

Curious where your money goes? See the breakdown on our Positive Impact tab.

Included in the price

• All meals outside of the city of Ulaanbaatar unless otherwise stated: These are mainly prepared and cooked by your local team so they are fresh and it means we offer more flexibility for any dietary requirements. We also provide filtered drinking water (not bottled), tea, and instant coffee.
• You’ll be supported by one of our experienced intergenerational teams—made up of a male Mongolian driver and one of our English-speaking female trip assistants—helping create an immersive and well-supported experience. Jess and Tuya are also available throughout your journey via WhatsApp.
• Our complimentary 'Intro To Ulaanbaatar' experience including a local lunch and welcome drink
• Transportation to and from the airport or train station on arrival and departure days
• Entrance fees to monasteries, temples, and museums are included when you are with the local team. Please note this excludes camera tickets.
• Festival tickets are provided if listed in the itinerary.
• Camel or horseback rides (please note, riding helmets are not provided)
• Thoughtful Extras – We add a few gentle surprises—small touches that express our thanks for choosing to travel with us.

Not included in the price

• International airfare to and from Mongolia
• Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar: Our trip pricing excludes the price of accommodation in UB though. Why?  Everyone is different is the standard of accommodation they prefer at the start and end of a trip. As there is now such a variety of hotels in UB it is easier to exclude this cost. I provide a list of ideas covering varying standards and budgets and I can also help with booking. There’s everything from a homestay through to Airbnb, US$10 guesthouses and the Shangri-La!
• Domestic flight where/if applicable including any fees for excess luggage
• Transfers to/from the airport 
• Passport and visa fees: Let us know your nationality at the time of booking and we’ll confirm whether you need to apply for a Mongolian visa. It is a relatively easy process depending on your nationality and we can help with some of the formalities.
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Gratuities: Each member of the local team receives a responsible but fair salary and none have to rely on receiving gratuities to supplement their income.  In addition, we make sure that everyone who works with us or helps us is fairly rewarded for their work and the service they provide. At the end of the tour, if you wish to make a gratuity to the local team then thank you – it is not compulsory but it is appreciated when given. We give detailed information on booking.
• Personal Expenses: We provide detailed guidance on booking
• Alcohol: Alcohol is available to buy in shops and supermarkets throughout your trip, and your team will make regular stops.

We have a detailed FAQ page covering everything from packing lists to payments, but here are answers to the most common immediate questions:

Visa

Requirements vary depending on your nationality. You can check the most up-to-date information at evisa.mn. If you need assistance, we’ll help once your booking is confirmed.

International Flights

All international flights arrive at Ulaanbaatar’s Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN). We don’t book flights, but we can advise on routes and airlines. Most travellers fly via Korea, Turkey, China, or Japan. Airport transfers are included in your trip unless your journey begins in Ölgii, Mörön, or the Gobi.

Domestic Flights

Some of our experiences include internal flights within Mongolia, operated by MIAT and Hunnu Air. These are small aircraft, and schedules are subject to weather and operational changes, so flexibility is key. Tickets are excluded unless stated otherwise, but we handle all bookings on your behalf.

• Standard allowance: 15kg check-in + 5kg hand luggage

• Excess baggage: usually $1–3 per kilo (often not applied)

Packing List

We provide a detailed, tailored packing list when you book your trip. This ensures you bring everything you need for Mongolia’s varied weather and rural conditions, without overpacking.

Booking Conditions

Our booking terms and conditions cover payments, cancellations, and other key details. You can read them here.

If you decide to cancel your trip, by choice or necessity, up to 10 weeks before departure, we will fully refund your deposit (and balance if paid). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.

If you decide to cancel between 10 and 31 days before departure, we will fully refund your balance (if paid), and your deposit will be held as credit to be used on a different trip instead (with no cut off date. This can be transferred to a friend or family member). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.

If you cancel within 30 days of departure, we will retain the following percentage of your deposit and balance.

30 days before departure - 50% of holiday cost

29 – 15 days before departure - 90% of holiday cost

Less than 15 days before departure - 100% of holiday cost

Notes

There is no time limit on when you may use your deposit credit, but it is non-refundable if you decide to cancel in future.

Failure to join the tour will also mean you forfeit the tour cost. We will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.