8 Days Gobi And Waterfall Tour

Discover the Majestic Gobi and Waterfalls on an 8-Day Tour in Mongolia

This 8-day Gobi and Waterfall tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Mongolia’s wild beauty, blending dramatic desert landscapes, ancient sites, and lush waterfalls. While it’s not a luxury experience, it promises an authentic adventure filled with stunning vistas, intriguing history, and opportunities for adventure. With knowledgeable guides and carefully curated stops, this trip is perfect for those looking to enjoy Mongolia’s vast, rugged wilderness.

What we particularly appreciate is how the tour balances natural wonders with cultural insights, without overwhelming travelers with unnecessary extras. That said, the remote nature of certain sites means some days involve long drives and basic accommodations—something to consider if comfort is your top priority. This tour appeals most to adventurous spirits, nature lovers, and anyone eager to explore Mongolia beyond the city.

Key Points

Stunning Natural Landmarks: From the White Stupas of Tsagaan Suvarga to the Khongor Els Sand Dunes, the scenic highlights are genuinely breathtaking.

Authentic Cultural Touchpoints: Visits to ancient monasteries and historical sites like Ongi Temple give a glimpse into Mongolia’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Expert Guides: Locally knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insightful stories and practical tips.

Variety of Activities: Expect hiking, photo opportunities, camel and horse riding, and exploring fossils at Bayanzag.

Value for Money: At $1,693 per person, the tour covers a lot of ground with included meals and transfers, offering good value considering the remote locations.

Some Basic Accommodations: Staying in family yurts or tourist camps keeps the experience authentic but might lack certain comforts for some travelers.

A Deep Dive into the 8-Day Gobi and Waterfall Tour

Starting Point: Ulaanbaatar and First Stops

The journey begins with a drive to Baga Gazariin Chuluu, a protected granite mountain area that rises sharply from the steppe. At 1751 meters above sea level, this site reveals the rugged beauty of Mongolia’s geological formations. Besides the striking rocks, travelers can explore an old Buddhist temple ruin—a quiet reminder of Mongolia’s spiritual past—and find a small cave and spring water used for eyes, adding a mystical touch.

The guide here, often someone with deep local knowledge, shares stories about the area’s significance, making the visit more meaningful. Reviewers have noted guides like “Tsetseg” as especially helpful in explaining local history, which enhances appreciation for what might otherwise seem just a pretty rock formation.

The Magnificent White Stupas of Tsagaan Suvarga

Next, we head east to Tsagaan Suvarga—or White Stupas—a natural wonder that looks like an ancient city of white temples carved into the cliffs. Over hundreds of thousands of years, wind erosion has sculpted this site into a surreal landscape, with cliffs rising 62 meters high and stretching 400 meters wide. This spot is a photographer’s dream, with fantastic color contrasts and interesting formations.

What makes Tsagaan Suvarga special is its fossil-rich cliffs—originally seabed, now a testament to Mongolia’s ancient oceanic past. Visitors have shared that the site’s weathered beauty and fossil deposits make it well worth the stop, offering both visual delight and a hint of geological history.

Exploring the Ice Canyon of Yoliin Am

On Day 3, the tour takes us to Yoliin Am, a narrow canyon carved by a river flowing through the Zuun Saikhan Mountains. At over 2,800 meters altitude, this icy gorge features rocky walls about 200 meters high. Protected since 1965, Yoliin Am is a pristine, untouched slice of nature that showcases Mongolia’s rugged landscape.

Expect to see dramatic cliffs and perhaps some wildlife, depending on the season. Travelers have appreciated the quiet, almost mystical vibe here, and the opportunity to hike along the gorge adds a dash of adventure. Guides tend to share local lore and geological info that make the visit more engaging.

The Vast Khongor Els Sand Dunes

Day 4 is dedicated to the Khongor Els, arguably Mongolia’s most famous sand dunes. Stretching an impressive 180 kilometers, this sea of golden sand dunes offers sweeping views and endless photo opportunities. At 15-20 meters high, the dunes are a dramatic contrast to the surrounding mountains.

Here, you’ll have the chance to hike up the dunes, enjoy the silence of the desert, or even try camel riding if you’re feeling adventurous. Many travelers are impressed by the scale and beauty of Khongor Els, noting how the shifting sands create constantly changing scenery—ideal for photography and meditative moments.

Dinosaur Fossils at Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)

On Day 5, we visit Bayanzag, famously called the Flaming Cliffs. This site is a world-renowned paleontological treasure trove, where fossils of dinosaurs and their eggs have been discovered. The cliffs’ fiery red color, especially at sunset, is spectacular, and the significance of the fossils makes it an educational highlight.

Discovered in 1922 by Roy Chapman Andrews, the fossils include skeletons of Protoceratops, Oviraptor, and Pinacosaurus—living 70-80 million years ago. Visitors often mention how fascinating it is to walk where dinosaurs once roamed and see relics of a prehistoric world. Guides here, like “Bat,” tend to be enthusiastic and full of interesting facts, making it a memorable stop.

The Historic Ongi Temple Complex

Day 6 takes us to Ongi Temple, an active Buddhist monastery established in the 1760s. Once home to over 1,000 monks and a sprawling complex of temples, today it’s a serene site with ruins and restored structures. The guide explains Mongolia’s monastic history, adding depth to the visit.

Staying overnight in a family yurt or tourist camp allows for close contact with local life. Reviewers have enjoyed the opportunity to hike around the area, take photos of the cliffs, and experience Mongolian hospitality firsthand.

Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall

On the final full day, we visit Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall, where water plunges over basalt rocks created by volcanic activity and earthquakes from about twenty thousand years ago. The waterfall cascades over 20 meters, creating a thunderous view and a cool respite in the otherwise arid landscape.

The site offers excellent hiking and photography opportunities, with most visitors appreciating the scenic power of the waterfall. The site’s natural beauty and the chance to relax after days of travel make it a fitting conclusion to the tour.

Returning to Ulaanbaatar and Shopping

The last day involves a drive back to Ulaanbaatar, with optional visits to cashmere factory stores like Goyo and Gobi. These boutiques are perfect for picking up authentic, high-quality Mongolian cashmere, a souvenir that combines style and practicality. The inclusion of shopping in the itinerary adds a touch of modern Mongolian culture, and many travelers find the prices reasonable compared to international markets.

Practical Considerations and Value

The tour is priced at $1,693 per person, which includes all transportation, most meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), park fees, and guided excursions. This all-inclusive package offers excellent value for remote Mongolia, where individual costs for guides, transport, and entrance fees can easily add up.

It’s worth noting that accommodation in Ulaanbaatar isn’t included, so travelers will need to arrange their hotel stays separately. Staying in family yurts or tourist camps during the tour keeps the experience authentic but doesn’t promise luxury—expect basic amenities and some rustic charm. For many, this is a small trade-off for the immersive experience of Mongolia’s natural and cultural sites.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, as most activities are on the mild side—hiking, photo stops, and sightseeing—though the long drives and remote locations require patience and a sense of adventure. Guides are generally praised for their knowledge, with some reviews mentioning “Tsetseg” and “Bat” as particularly helpful and engaging.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This 8-day adventure suits those craving authentic wildlife and landscape encounters away from tourist crowds. It’s perfect for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and history buffs interested in Mongolia’s paleontological and spiritual past. If you’re comfortable with basic accommodations and long travel days, you’ll find great value in this trip. It’s also well-suited for groups or solo travelers eager to explore Mongolia’s iconic sights with expert guides.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Mongolia’s natural splendors and historical sites. From the striking cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga to the dinosaur fossils at Bayanzag, every stop has something unique to offer. The experience is authentic, immersive, and packed with picture-worthy moments, all at a competitive price considering the remote locations.

While it leans toward the rustic side—so don’t expect luxury hotel stays or gourmet meals—what you gain is a genuine connection to Mongolia’s landscapes and culture. Guided by locals with deep knowledge, you’ll walk away with not just beautiful photos but also a richer understanding of this vast, rugged country.

If you’re an adventurous traveler ready for a mix of geology, history, and stunning scenery, this 8-day Gobi and Waterfall tour could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your designated location in Ulaanbaatar, making arrival and departure logistics easier.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers parking fees, breakfast for 7 days, lunch for 8 days, dinner for 7 days, and guided excursions at each stop.

Are accommodations in Ulaanbaatar included?
No, the tour does not include hotel stays in Ulaanbaatar; you will need to arrange your own in the city.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 6 days before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations less than that are subject to different refund policies.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most activities are mild, but the long drives and basic accommodations mean it’s best for travelers comfortable with rustic settings and some travel fatigue.

What kind of guides will I have?
The tour is led by knowledgeable local guides—like Tsetseg and Bat—who are praised for their storytelling, helpfulness, and deep understanding of Mongolia’s sites.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Expect some walking, hiking, and climbing, especially at sites like the dunes and waterfalls. It’s suitable for most active travelers but not ideal for those with mobility issues.

To sum it up, this 8-day Gobi and Waterfall tour offers an authentic Mongolian adventure packed with natural wonders, historical sites, and memorable moments. It’s perfect for travelers eager to explore off-the-beaten-path landscapes with a knowledgeable guide, all at a reasonable price. Whether you’re after stunning vistas, dinosaur fossils, or cultural insights, this trip delivers a compelling look into Mongolia’s rugged charm.