Arrive at Dalanzadgad airport where you will be met by your private guide and driver.

Of all the world’s arid lands, the Gobi has the greatest air of mystery, perhaps because it lies at the heart of Asia’s remotest hinterland between the Siberian wilderness to the north and the Tibetan Plateau to the south. Contrary to the sameness that the word ‘desert’ suggests, the Gobi is a diverse and fascinating region, and includes sites of some of the most important paleontological discoveries of the 20th century. Explore the stunning landscapes of the Gobi, habitat for Bactrian camels, Argali Mountain sheep, goitered gazelle, Golden Eagles, Saker Falcons, jerboas (similar to kangaroo rats), and many endemic reptiles.

From the airport head to Yol Valley National Park (45 minutes), nestled at the heart of Zuun Saikhan Mountain of the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan Mountain range. This seven-mile valley is a lush landscape best known as a prime habitat for Yol vultures (lammergier), or bearded vultures. Lammergiers nestle atop the cliffs and when the air is warm, they fill the sky, soaring with the sun. Wonder why this valley is named for them? Simply look up, and the sheer number of vultures gliding through the sky will show you.

The Yol Valley is a wondrous place where ice formed during the winter does not melt until late June. It is a place where pikas jump from bush to bush. These amazing little rodents are in the squirrel family and can only survive in elevations higher than 3,000 feet. Birds, from white-rumped swifts to wall creepers, are plentiful in the Yol Valley, too.
Visit the small, but informative museum to learn more about the local wildlife of the Gobi region before driving 10 km/ 6.5 miles to the starting point for your hike. The narrow valley with a stream running through the center delivers a rewarding hike for outdoor enthusiasts.

After exploring the valley, drive (1 hour) to the award winning Three Camel Lodge – your home away from home for four nights. The Lodge is located at Bulagtai Mountain on the edge of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. The lodge offers a wide variety of activities such as horseback riding, archery, nature walks, a library with interesting books on Mongolia, a screening room for watching documentary films about nomadic culture, learning traditional Mongolian games, or enjoying a relaxing massage.

In the afternoon, reconvene with your guide in our Snow Leopard den for an informative session on the Gobi ecosystem, wildlife, fauna, geology and paleontology.