A Backpacker’s Guide to Visiting the Gobi Desert

If you’re visiting Mongolia, it is likely that you’ll want to visit the Gobi Desert and rightfully so. Getting to the Gobi can simply be broken down into two methods: Organizing a trip through a tour guide and going by yourself. Unless you have your own vehicle, are permitted to drive in Mongolia, and are a master of navigation, you’ll likely be opting for the tour. There are a number of tour companies operating in Mongolia, so your options are endless.

How to get Started

I booked a 6 day tour with Sun Path Guesthouse, which was an excellent choice (regarded as the best among travelers). For my 6-day journey, I paid $360 total, but a $100 deposit was required before the actual trip, so $260 on arrival. I heard stories of travelers paying less, but seeing how my van only had 3 travelers total (including myself) instead of the normal 4-6 I raised no objections. Contrary to what most people may believe, you’ll be spending a large portion of your day in the van driving to the sites. Each day, we spent at least 4 hours driving on roads so bumpy that it made sleeping a difficult task. On the bright side, the views along the way are incredible.

The Gobi Desert is one of the most isolated regions on earth, so it’s best to prepare early. On the day you depart, the driver will drive you to a rather large supermarket where you’ll be able to purchase food, toiletries, and other goods for the journey. There will be an opportunity to visit one other supermarket in the Gobi, but these supermarkets will have a fraction of the goods of the first supermarket (refrigerated goods, western brands, etc), so I advise you buy what you need day 1.

Here is a backpacker’s guide to visiting the Gobi Desert and what to expect during the journey.

9 Items You’ll Need in the Gobi

• Spare camera batteries: There is no opportunity to charge your camera in the Gobi. Mongolia is beautiful. There are endless possibilities for photos. The last thing you want is a dead battery in front of the scenic landscapes of the Gobi. For my Nikon D3200, I brought 4 spares for the 6-day journey, which was just enough.
• Wet wipes/toilet paper: You’ll be using the toilet outside without toilet paper or water.
• More wet wipes: There is no possibility to shower in the Gobi. Unless you enjoy smelling like a viking, I’d suggest buying at least two packs of wet wipes.
• Portable mobile charger: Again, there is no possibility to charge your electronics in the Gobi so it’s vital you have a charger, especially if you’re addicted to music like me. I needed my iPhone for music during the 4+ hour daily rides!
• Sauce: Yes, sauce. Some of the food lacks seasoning, but with a dash of BBQ sauce, you have yourself a decent meal.
• Hat/sunscreen: It’s hot…unless you’re in Mongolia during the winter (bad idea).
• A book: The car rides are long. You’ll need entertainment.
• Toothbrush/toothpaste: You’ll be surprised how many people forget this.
• Variety of clothes: T-shirt, jacket, etc: Depending on when you go, the weather can be very unpredictable. I visited at the tail end of May and experienced temperatures ranging from 60F/16C to 95F/35C.

I thought the amount of water allocated to us and food portions was more than enough, so I did not list them. You’ll receive about 1.5 liters a day, but in reality, you’ll get more if you want. The food, in my opinion, wasn’t too bad and very filling. No need to waste money on a bunch of snacks you most likely will not finish.

Accommodation: You’ll be staying in a ger each night, not with families, but next door. The inside of the ger is pretty basic; a fireplace, bed, and sheets.

6 Days in the Gobi Desert

Day 1: White stupa and Tsagaan Suvarga: You will depart in the late morning and first stop at the supermarket to stock up on goods. This is the best supermarket you will find on your 6 day journey, so it’s best to get everything you need here. This will probably be one of the longer days, so you’ll arrive at your ger a bit late compared to the other days.

Day 2. Yol Valley and Three beauties of Gobi: On the second day you’ll be trekking through the Yol Valley and visit three different smaller sites. The Vol Valley is still pretty chilly the end of May, and surprisingly, there is still some snow on the ground.

Day 3. Khongor sand dunes: The third day is one of the shortest days (driving wise) and was my favorite day of the 6 day journey. This is the only time you will actually be in the desert. You’ll arrive in the early afternoon where you can ride camels around the sand dunes. This place is blazing hot, so dress accordingly.

After riding the camel, you’ll have lunch with your group. This man is a former Mongolian wrestling champ!

After a quick nap, we set out to climb to the top of the sand dunes. It doesn’t look too high, but trust me, this was hard. Each step you take, you go back a bit because of the sand.

Day 4: Flaming Cliffs and Bayanzag: I said the sand dunes were hot, but this place is even hotter, hence the name. This place gained popularity when large dinosaur skeletons were found here. I enjoyed the flaming cliffs, but this was probably my least favorite place during the journey.

After the cliffs, we drove for another 3 hours or so for lunch. My friend Marvin & I finished our lunch early, so we decided to explore the area. We stumbled across a basketball court and ended up playing ball with some kids for a minute, which was fun. These guys had some talent!

The last stop for day 4 was a small Tibetan inspired monastery. Incredible view at the top!

After the monastery, we managed to find a nice little river on our way to the ger. By this day, we had gone 4 days without a shower and I had enough of using wet wipes to bathe. We jumped in the first opportunity we had!

Day 5: Nomadic family and wild nature + Karakorum: You’ll begin day 5 at Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongolian empire from 1235 to 1260. Unless you’re a big fan of history, you probably won’t find this place too interesting. The architecture here is quite impressive though.

After Karakorum you’ll make your way to the last ger camp of the journey. This was my favorite ger camp; it was as close to “off the beaten path” as you could get. I truly felt like I was in the middle of nowhere. Behind the ger camp is a huge cliff you can climb with a spectacular overview of the area.

Since it was our last night, our tour guide, with the help of the family, helped prepare a nice traditional Mongolian BBQ meal.

Day 6: Head to Ulaanbaatar: In the morning, you’ll have the opportunity to ride horses and relax a bit before heading back home.

…and there you have it. 6 days in the Gobi Desert. Amazing journey and one I highly recommend!