The Gobi semi-desert is actually abundant in vegetation and does support life. Due to the numerous wild animals and even people who live within it, Mongolians simply call it “Gobi.” Foreigners have named it the “Gobi desert” because to them, the word Gobi connotes a central Asian unique semi-desert.The Mongolian Gobi is the world’s fifth-largest desert and the continent’s biggest, coldest, and sixth-largest in Asia. The Mongolian Gobi is also the world’s largest and coldest desert in Asia. The Gobi Desert encircles Mongolia’s southern part, as well as northern and northwestern China. The Gobi Desert covers 1.3 million square kilometers, making it the fifth biggest in size; it rises approximately 1500 meters above sea level. Because of the Himalayas blocking weather, water scarcity occurs in the desert from the South.
Selecting an Appropriate Accommodation
If you’re on a budget, select the right guest house. Make sure you pick the right guest houses if you’re on a tight schedule. There are some clean guesthouses available, at least those with accessible bathrooms. The countryside guest homes/gers are not the same as other country’s guest houses. The Gobi desert is desolate and lacks access to electricity and water. Ger camps, on the other hand, have more amenities than other types of camping sites and are more accommodating to Westerners.
Ensure you have a safe trip by choosing the right car and an experienced driver.
The roads in the Gobi Desert are tough, with many bumps and some sandy areas. You should choose a reliable car driven by an experienced driver. The vehicle should also be equipped with spare tires, shocks, and a shovel. Download the car model’s manual at Workshop Manual for your reference. Visit a tire repair shop should you need a replacement before you leave. From our experience, four-wheel drive jeeps like Toyota Land Cruisers, Hyundai Starexes or Mitsubishi Delicas are good choices. We do not recommend Russian vans like UAZ 452s and 469s because they make the ride even more bumpy and there is no air conditioning unless you consider their easy maintenance an advantage .
What sort of meals will there be?
The meals served in ger camps will differ, depending on whether they are nomads or guests. You’ll discover more about Mongolian cuisine here. The ger camps provide more Western-friendly meals, while the nomads cook traditional meaty food. If you stay at a guestger/guesthouse, your guide will prepare for you. Check to see if the trip includes three dinners each day, as well as bottled water, before traveling. If you have any dietary restrictions, allergic reactions to anything, or are vegetarian , inform the tour company immediately. It’s better to let them know ahead of time.
Is there any additional baggage charge when traveling?
Always check for additional fees that may not be initially included in the cost of the tour, such as hidden expenses, activities you should pay for while travelling, or meals that are not included. Some tour companies do not even include essentials like bottled water or entrance fee to attractions. Be sure to also find out if there is a credit card or bank transfer fee when you pay for the tour.
Visiting the Nomads
Some of the simplest things to keep in mind when visiting a nomad are: do not lean against the ger column, do stop on the threshold, and touche people’s heads. Instead, give and take items using only your right hand or both hands. Mongolians use bowls for tea instead of cups, so be careful as they will likely be hot. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, simply tell your guide who will then communicate this to the family. This way, they will not be offended by your refusal of their hospitality.
Electricity
The Gobi Desert is quite remote, and there are no major roads leading to it. Unless they have a solar panel such as efficient Oregon solar panels, nomads and guesthouses/guestgers do not have electricity in the Gobi. The majority of ger camps do not have access to 24-hour central power, which means you can charge your battery by dining at their restaurant. The electricity remains on in the ger camp until 11 PM. As a result, please bear this in mind when considering your battery charge.
Gobi Accommodation Heating
The traditional Mongolian dwellings, known as gers, in the camps do not have air-conditioning due to a shortage of electricity. If you are planning on traveling to the Gobi desert during spring or autumn, please be aware that the gers will not be heated by fire most of time as there is also a wood shortage.
Prepare for the temperature change.
The Mongolian Gobi desert is the coldest in the world, but can heat up to a balmy 40°C during summer days. However, remember that evening/morning/night-time temperatures can fall about 20°C or even below freezing, so pack accordingly.
Don’t forget to put on sunscreen so you don’t get sunburned.
Please take your time when choosing a tour company in Mongolia; research their services, reviews and client feedback to ensure you make the best decision. We offer tours of the Gobi desert and pride ourselves on having experienced staff who are passionate about providing an authentic experience.
Be prepared for long drives.
Mongolia is huge, especially the Gobi desert. You should anticipate long drives on bumpy roads lasting 3.5 to 6 hours each day while you’re here. This may not sound appealing at first, but it’s actually one of the best parts about visiting Mongolia because it allows you to get a sense for how big the country is and see all the different landscapes and wildlife as well as how people live their lives.
Choose the Right Tour Operator
Please take your time when choosing a tour company in Mongolia; research their services, reviews and client feedback to ensure you make the best decision. We offer tours of the Gobi desert and pride ourselves on having experienced staff who are passionate about providing an authentic experience.
