Mongolia: Secrets of the Gobi Desert

In the heart of Central Asia, Ulaanbaatar stands as a frontier town straddling past and present. Nestled in a narrow valley, its dusty streets hum with activity as modern buildings rise beside traditional markets. Mutton kebabs sizzle on street-side stalls, mingling with the incense wafting from Gandan Khiid Monastery, where a majestic 75-foot Buddha statue watches over the city. At the Chinggis Khaan Museum, life-sized replicas of Genghis Khan’s armour and ancient weaponry evoke the grandeur of the Mongol Empire. Sükhbaatar Square, dominated by a grand monument to Genghis Khan, offers a glimpse into local life.  

In the vast Gobi Desert, ancient nomadic traditions endure amid sweeping landscapes. From the undulating dunes of Moltsog Els to the rugged canyons and cliffs of Yol Valley, experience Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage and diverse terrain. See the dunes of Moltsog Els on the back of a Bactrian camel, settling into a hypnotic pace and soaking in the sight of sand dunes. Sleep over in a tented ger camp, and stargaze from your canvas-lined accommodation. Explore the Yol Valley's verdant crags by 4X4 and delve into paleontology at Tugrugiin Shiree, where the extraordinary ‘Fighting Dinosaurs’ were originally found. Here, groundbreaking discoveries at the fossil-rich Flaming Cliffs reshaped our understanding of prehistoric life.