If you’re travelling to Mongolia for the first time, Ulaanbaatar (UB) will most likely be your first stop upon leaving Chinggis Khan International Airport or UB Railway Station.
While, there is no lack of interesting things to see and do in UB, a journey into the countryside is definitely not to be missed. After all, this is the country that’s best known for its steppes, endless expanses of grasslands and nomadic lifestyle.
See Also: 10 Must See & Things To Do In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
This post will cover the first part of my adventure in Mongolia where I went on a 7 days tour of the Gobi Desert with Sunpath Mongolia. I’ll be letting the pictures and their accompanying captions do most of the talking.
Day 1
On the road to Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)
Catching the sunset from Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)
Tsagaan Suvarga was a seabed made of colorful limestone rocks. Its rocky formations was created by wind erosion over thousand of years. When viewed from the east, the shapes of the limestone rocks looks similar to Buddhist’s stupas. Hence, how it got the name “White Stupa”.
Day 2
Getting accustomed to the Mongolian Ger
A Ger, the traditional dwelling of the nomads, can easily be assembled and disassembled. We stayed at a different Ger camp each day. Every camp that we arrived in, we would first be greeted by the friendly host and invited in for tea and snacks before getting sent off to retire in our assigned Ger. These would vary in size but they mostly accommodate four to five people each.
On the road to Yol Valley
Seeing Yol Valley in Gobi Gurvan Saikhan (Three Beauties of Gobi) National Park
Yol Valley is a deep and narrow gorge in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains home to thriving flower and fauna. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to experience its famous ice fields during my time there in Summer. Nevertheless, it was a very enjoyable hike!
Having tea and curds with our host
Hike up a random hill just behind our Ger
Day 3
Getting friendly with (more) goats & camels
Riding a camel to the Khongor sand dunes
Journeying to the top of the dunes
It is popularly known as the “Singing Sands” because of the strong sound that’s made from the shifting of sand caused by wind and small avalanches.
The climb up was so tough and tiring. Every step up felt like I was rewarded with 2 steps down. The non athletic me took 40 minutes to ascend to the top but the satisfaction and view from the top makes it all worthwhile in the end.
Day 4
Discovering the Flaming Cliffs
Most famous for being the site where dinosaur eggs were discovered. Many dinosaur fossils were also found here.
Day 5
Walking through the Ongi Monastery Ruins
Enjoying tea with our host
…while everyone cooed over the adorable baby sleeping on the carpet.
Day 6
Exploring Erdene Zuu Monastery in Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of Mongolia
Checking into our last Ger camp
Milking goats with the host
Riding a horse into the night
Day 7
Catching the sunrise from atop a hill
The rest of day 7 consisted of our long drive back to UB while I reminisced about all the sights and experiences over the past week.
Aside from the new experiences and sights, I’m also glad to have made new lifelong friends among my tour mates and guide. So here are a few parting shots of us!
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