From: € 2,300
A 9-day Mongolia self-drive expedition from the camel herds of the Gobi dunes to the horse country of the Khangai, by way of Karakorum.
Gobi Dunes to Horse Country
01 Start
This route runs the length of the country’s two great halves, and it starts the moment you land. No city night, no hotel lobby, no wasted first morning — you collect your vehicle at the airport and drive south to the edge of the Gobi the same day.
It begins among the granite towers of the northern Gobi, crosses the layered escarpment country at Tsagaan Suvarga White Stupa and Petroglyphs near the Red Stupa, drops into the sand dunes at Moltsog Els and out to the Flaming Cliffs where the world’s first dinosaur eggs were lifted from the rock. Then it turns north, follows the Ongi river out of the desert, and climbs into the green half of Mongolia — a hidden valley of horse herds, the old imperial capital at Kharkhorin, and the dune belt at Elsen Tasarkhai where the sand meets the grassland on a single clean line.
You drive it yourself. Every night of the journey is booked and confirmed before you leave Ulaanbaatar, the vehicle is equipped for the whole route, and a day-by-day roadbook with GPS tracks, waypoints, fuel stops and camp coordinates goes with you. The route follows established tracks throughout and needs no previous off-road experience. Our team in Ulaanbaatar is one message away at any point, 24/7.
The departure is private. Nothing on this itinerary is shared with another party.
1.1 Why choose this tour?
- Camels to Horses: Ride Bactrian camels on the Gobi dunes on day three, and stand among a thousand grazing horses in a hidden Khangai valley on day six.
- You Drive, We Plan: A fully equipped off-road 4×4, a day-by-day GPS roadbook and every night pre-booked — all the freedom of a self-drive, none of the logistics.
- Straight Into the Wild: The only Gobi tour that starts at the airport gate. You are camping under the stars on night one, not sitting in a hotel lobby.
- Two Mongolias in One Trip: Red desert cliffs and singing sand in the south, green valleys, lakes and horse country in the north.
- Empire and Ink: Erdene Zuu Monastery, 108 stupas and the ruins of Karakorum — 800 years of Mongol history in a single afternoon.
- Nine Days, Not Fifteen: The full Gobi and Central Mongolia experience compressed into a route that fits a normal holiday.
02 Overview
- Style: Self-Drive
- Terrain: Asphalt, Dirt Tracks, Sandy Tracks, Sand Dunes
- Tour Level: 4
Our tour levels are graded from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging), with each level reflecting the complexity and challenge based on multiple factors.
4
3
2
4
Gobi Sand Dunes
True Off-the-Beaten-Path Self-Drive
Stay in the Best Lodges of Mongolia
From the Gobi to Green Forests
Valley of Horses
Spectacular Landscapes
03 Itinerary
Day Straight from the runway to the rocks
- Camping or Ger Camp
Arrive in Mongolia, collect your 4x4 at the airport and camp among granite towers the same evening.
Day Sunset at the White Stupa
- Lodge or Camping
Watch the White Stupa cliffs turn violet under one of the darkest skies on earth.
Day Camel country: the dunes at Moltsog Els
- Camping
Ride Bactrian camels on the Gobi dunes and camp between two sand crests.
Day The Flaming Cliffs at dusk
- Ger Camp or Camping
See the Flaming Cliffs burn red where the first dinosaur eggs were found.
Day Ongi Monastery and the road north
- Camping or Ger Camp
Explore the ruins of Ongi Monastery as the desert turns back into grassland.
Day Horse country: the Valley of a Thousand Horses
- Hotel or Ger Camp
Camping above a hidden valley where the horses outnumber the people.
Day Empire and ink at Karakorum
- Hotel or Ger Camp
Walk the 108 stupas of Erdene Zuu Monastery at ancient Karakorum.
Day Mini Gobi picnic and back to the capital
- Lodge or Ger Camp or Camping
Picnic where the Mini Gobi dunes meet the grassland, then drive to Ulaanbaatar.
Day Departure
- Hotel
Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your onward flight.
04 Contact Us
It's natural for you to have questions, and our team is here to answer them!
Complete the form or choose one of the options below to let us know how we can help you have the most amazing time in Mongolia.
05
What's Included
5.1 Basics
Prepare to immerse yourself in everything Mongolia has to offer, as we take care of every detail for you to simply unwind and enjoy!
- Around-the-clock Remote Support
- Curated activities along the route (e.g.: guided horseback riding, boat tour, nomadic family visit and more)
- Detailed Route Map
- Complete Camping Gear
Our goal is to make your journey purely about adventure and completely free of any inconvenience!
5.2 Car
Feel confident driving anywhere in Mongolia with our modern rugged and reliable range of off-road rental cars for Mongolia. We offer a variety of models; choose the one that suits you best.
Standard
UAZ
Patriot
Premium
Toyota
Land Cruiser 76
Luxury
Toyota
Land Cruiser 250
5.3 Accommodation
5.4 Acccommodation
Experience the perfect balance of comfort and adventure with carefully selected stays along the route, including some of the best lodges of the Gobi. From comfortable hotels at the beginning and end of your journey to authentic ger camps and unforgettable nights under the open sky, each stay connects you deeply with Mongolia’s landscapes. Your evenings are as enriching as your days—combining relaxation, nature, and a true sense of place.
5.4 Not Included
5.3 Not Included
We aim to make your trip as easy and enjoyable as possible, and we're always on hand to answer questions or provide assistance. However, please note that you will need to manage your own food and fuel needs during the journey.
Nature's Nomad
- Under Mongolia's endless canopy of stars, our camping nights offer an unparalleled embrace with nature, where every whisper of the wind tells a story of the wild.
- Basic
Free - Premium
€0
Mixed Nomad
- Nestled in the heart of Mongolia's breathtaking landscapes, beautiful Lodges and Ger camps provide a gateway to the nomadic way of life, blending ancient customs with home comforts.
- Basic
€400 - Premium
€860
Comfort Nomad
- With excellent lodges and hotel stays, we ensure your journey includes nights of comfort, allowing you to refresh and recharge for the continued adventure ahead.
- Basic
€800 - Premium
€1,740
(Click to view summary)
07 Book Now
7.2 Upgrade your ride
Our standard car is the rugged and reliable UAZ Patriot
Upgrade To Toyota Land Cruiser 250
Offroad in luxury with a state of the art 2024 Land Cruiser 250
Upgrade To Toyota Land Cruiser 76
Upgrade to the legendary Landcruiser 76
7.3 Upgrade your Trip
Insurance Upgrade
Loss Damage Waiver with reduced excess to 503EUR, Gravel Protection, Sand and Ash Protection, Tire and Windshield Protection, Roadside Protection.
Backseat Passenger
Add up to two additional passengers per car
Driver Service
Sit back and relax as a SIXT professional driver takes you on your adventure (price per day).
08 Custom Tours
09 FAQs
What is the "Gobi Dunes to Horse Country" tour?
It’s a 9-day Gobi Desert and Central Mongolia off-road self-drive expedition. You drive a fully equipped 4×4 yourself along a pre-planned GPS route, with every night booked in advance and 24/7 remote support from our team in Ulaanbaatar.
How long is the Gobi Dunes to Horse Country self-drive tour?
Nine days and eight nights, covering roughly 1,800 km. It is our shortest route that still takes in both the Gobi Desert and the historic sites of Central Mongolia. The route can be extended and other Gobi Highlights like Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes can be added.
Can I ride camels and horses on this tour?
Yes. Camel riding with a herding family on the dunes at Moltsog Els is included on day three. Horse riding can be arranged in the Valley of a Thousand Horses on day six and at Kharkhorin — just let us know in advance.
Do I need off-road driving experience?
No. The route follows established tracks used throughout the season and is graded Tour Level 3. You receive a full vehicle briefing and handover on arrival, plus a day-by-day roadbook with GPS tracks, waypoints and fuel stops.
What are the main highlights of the tour?
Tsagaan Suvarga (the White Stupa), the sand dunes and camel herds at Moltsog Els, the Flaming Cliffs at Bayanzag where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered, Ongi Monastery, the Valley of a Thousand Horses, and Erdene Zuu Monastery at Kharkhorin — the site of ancient Karakorum.
Does this tour visit Khongoryn Els or Yolyn Am?
No. This route trades the long southern detour to Dalanzadgad for a faster loop, which is what makes nine days possible. If you want the Singing Dunes and the Yolyn Am ice gorge, we can extend the tour by two days, or look at our longer Gobi routes.
What kind of accommodation is available?
Wild camping with full equipment provided, traditional ger camps, provincial hotels and a spa hotel at Kharkhorin. You choose the balance when you book, from mostly camping to a hotel or ger camp every night.
When is the best time to do this tour?
Mid-May to late September. June and September offer the most reliable light and the most comfortable temperatures, while July brings the naadam season and the greenest steppe.
What time do I need to land in Ulaanbaatar?
The tour drives south on the day you arrive, so a morning or early-afternoon landing is required. If your flight arrives in the evening, we simply add a night in Ulaanbaatar and start the following morning.
How much does the tour cost?
The starting price is EUR 2,300 per person, not including personal expenses such as food and fuel.
What is included in the tour package?
Airport transfers, vehicle handover and route briefing on arrival, 24/7 remote support, a route map and GPS roadbook, all accommodation on the route, and curated activities along the way.
Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes. Food and fuel are managed by you, and a 4,000,000 MNT car rental deposit is not included, along with flights, visa fees and travel insurance.