SPIRIT OF GOBI

GENERAL INFO

The Gobi desert is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mongolia. You will enjoy a combination of big sand hills, rocky mountains with old canyons, as well as wide forests consisting of small saxaul trees, riding all the way back to Ulaanbaatar through endless steppes. The Gobi is the fifth biggest desert in the world and is home to a wide range of animals such as antelopes and Bactrian camels, of which you will see lots! The highest part of the Gobi is 1,580 meters and the entire area has over 1.2 million km², a true enduro paradise. The first dinosaur fossil eggs have been found at the red "Flaming Cliffs" of Bayanzag, where you will probably experience one of the most beautiful sunrises you have ever seen. Riding through the hidden 'White Stupa' rock formations which are millions of years old — all in all an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience.

ITINERARY

DAY 1

ARRIVAL IN ULAANBAATAR

You will be picked up at the airport and taken to UB Grand Hotel (or alternative hotel of choice), right in the city center next to Chinggis Khaan Square. By the end of the day, all riders will have tried their gear, received a safety briefing and are ready to leave Ulaanbaatar early next morning. There will be a welcome dinner with all riders that night.

DAY 2

220KM

BAGA GAZAR ROCKS

The astonishing granitic formations of Baga Gazariin Chuluu, translated as ‘stone of the little place’, are located in the northwest of the province of Dundgovi, at a height of 1,751 meters. They form a granite canyon erected in the heart of the steppe. The erosion polished the rock faces of the cliffs.

DAY 3

230KM

WHITE STUPA

Exciting day ahead! Once a floor of the ocean, this scarp looks like a white stupa, hence the name Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa). This white limestone rock formation is 400 meters long and has been shaped strangely as a result of thousands of years of wind and water erosion. After a rain, the water pouring down the scarp makes it look like a huge waterfall.

DAY 4

220KM

ONGI MONASTERY

The location of the monastery is spectacular among the Gobi Desert mountains, nestling on the south and north banks of the Ongi River bend. Ongi was one of the important monasteries in the Gobi desert — it had 4 religious institutions and housed over 1,000 monks at its height. Beautiful hiking with a spectacular view from the sacred mountain top.

DAY 5

265KM

HUSKY LODGE & SAND DUNES

Arriving at magical Husky Lodge. Elsen Tasarkhai is a part of the Mongol Els sand dunes, 80 km long and 5 km wide, around 80 km east of Karakorum — the ancient Mongolian capital. The area is surrounded by sand dunes, hills covered with rare bushes and a small Gobi forest, presenting a unique combination of mountains, forests, breathtaking sand dunes and a river crossing — all in one location.

DAY 6

~90KM

LOOP DAY

We are staying over at Husky Lodge that night or alternatively camp in the open wild, depending on weather conditions. It will be a day to enjoy the sands — we will have a drive all along the edge of the dunes and enjoy a proper bonfire evening that same night.

DAY 7

250KM

HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK

We will head to our final destination, the Hustai National Park. Declared as National Park in 1993, it was initially established for the first reintroduction of the Przewalski's Horse and covers more than 50,000 hectares. We will set up our camp close to some stunning rock formations and visit a Nomadic family along the way to experience their way of living, which has barely changed in the last few hundred years.

DAY 8

160KM

ULAANBAATAR

After having returned to Ulaanbaatar, you will have a short break and shower time at your hotel. There will be time to do some cashmere shopping if desired, then we will meet at Ulaanbaatar's best hot pot restaurant for a farewell dinner. Whoever has the energy to continue is welcome to enjoy the city's nightlife — we will show you the best places to go.

DAY 9