Road-trip through the Gobi’s vast, changing landscapes
Travel slowly, letting the journey shape each day
Explore dunes, canyons, monasteries, petroglyphs, rock formations and open plains
Spend time with the Nergui nomadic family in the Gobi
Stay in small, family-run camps within each landscape
Take part in a community tree-planting project including planting your own tree
Climb the singing sand dunes for sunset

Our Gobi experience is for those who enjoy the in-between places as much as the destinations themselves. The Gobi is one of our favourite landscapes including for our guide Aidaa because of how it changes, day by day. As she says: “My favourite place is the South Gobi — especially Bayanzag, the White Stupa and the sand dunes. All of the nature there is beautiful, and it’s hard to believe it was once an ocean. I love seeing travellers’ reactions at sunrise and sunset, and noticing how everything is different, naturally, every day.”

Along the way, you’ll spend time with the people who live within this environment and adapt to its extremes — the Nergui family, who herd livestock across the desert steppe; Dembee and Bataa, herders who call the granite rock formations home and who’ve created a small tourism camp to remain connected to their land; and members of the Gobi Burd tree-planting project, working patiently to restore fragile ecosystems. These encounters are part of everyday life in the Gobi and place the landscape firmly in human context.

The Gobi is vast, harsh, and deeply beautiful. Rather than flying in to tick off famous sites, this journey slows the pace — a true road trip through sand dunes, monasteries, petroglyphs, canyons, rock formations and wide open plains. You’ll ride camels, watch the sun set, drink tea with herders, look up at Mongolia’s vast night skies, and experience the Gobi as it is best understood: from the road.

You’ll find the key locations below. For the full day-by-day flow (and the why behind it), please email us. We share the detailed itinerary by email so we can explain the pacing, driving days, and options in context. We also keep a few moments back as a quiet surprise.

Ulaanbaatar
Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Tsagaan Suvraga
Del Uul rock paintings
Dalanzadgad including Gobi Museum of Nature and History
Yolyn Am
Khongoryn Els
Bayanzag
Khavtsgait Petroglyphs
Erdenedalai

Duration: 8 Days but can be shortened or extended to suit you.
Trip Style : Book as-is or customise based on your preferences. For example, we can upgrade the accommodation.
Locations: Ulaanbaatar, Gobi Desert (including Yolyn Am, Khongoryn Els sand dunes and Bayanzag)
End of Trip: Concludes on Day 8 on transfer to your accommodation in Ulaanbaatar
Including: arrival and departure transfers
Complimentary: Day tour to the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue & Terelj NP
Who it’s for: This journey is designed for curious, open-minded travellers of all ages. You don’t need to be especially fit—while the trip isn’t physically demanding, you should enjoy road journeys. What matters most is being comfortable with the realities of simple local accommodation, and basic facilities (think squat toilets and showers every 2–4 days). Above all, a flexible attitude, a sense of adventure, and a genuine enjoyment of life on the road are essential.
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.

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.

The current accommodation focuses on supporting our long-term local community partners but if you would like to upgrade, this is possible for an additional cost.

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.

Map Of Route

Click on the link below to access the map

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

1 person: US$ 3,615 pp
2-3 guests: US$ 2,525 pp
4 guests: US$ 2,345 pp
5 guests: US$ 2,075 pp
6 guests: US$ 1,895 pp

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
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 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.