At the Three Camel Lodge, there is no shortage of adventures to savor. The lodge is the ideal base from which to explore the Gobi’s must-see destinations. You will encounter vastly different eco-systems, ancient petroglyphs or use indigenous wildlife, and the region’s most fascinating sites of historical and natural significance.
Our travel experts are the world’s foremost authorities on Mongolia can also create and guide you on custom journeys suited to your exact interests and specifications. Our sister company Nomadic Expeditions is the premier tour operator in Mongolia with more than 29 years of operational experience.
Here are three of our most popular day trips set here in the Gobi.
Day 1
Yol Valley National Park
Cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains, Yol Valley National Park is a deep desert valley named for the bone-eating bearded vultures that make their home here. An ancient river carved this surprisingly green valley, and its remnant streams create ice formations at the base of the valley that sometimes persist as late as July. A hike through the valley leads to the habitat of indigenous vulture-like Lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks and Argali mountain sheep.
Day 2
Tugrugyn Shiree
Located in Mongolia’s southernmost province of semi-arid desert is an escarpment of white sandstone that once encased the famous “Fighting Dinosaurs,” the fossils of a Protoceratops and a Velociraptor locked in combat position. Discovered in the 1970s, Tugrugiin Shiree helped further Mongolia’s standing as one of the world’s most important countries for paleontology. The country has seen the discovery of 40 species of dinosaurs.
Bulgan
Visiting the small town of Bulgan allows visitors to experience firsthand the village life of the region’s nomadic families. Located near a natural spring, Bulgan has one of the only farms in the Gobi, which supplies local ger camps with fruits and vegetables. This is a prime example of local businesses being supported by eco-tourism. Known for delicious organic produce, small villages like Bulgan are where children from nomadic families go to school and where adults access necessary services such as banking, medical, and government.
Havtsgait Valley
A winding drive up switchbacks through rugged mountain brings you to a vantage point dotted with flat rocks that serve as canvas to hundreds of petroglyphs left by early Gobi settlers for more than 5,000-7,000 years ago. The Bronze Age images depict horses pulling carts, hunting game, the animals of the region, families, and settlements. Truly this is a living museum.
Day 3
Moltsog Els Sand Dune
One of the few regions of the Gobi covered by sand, Moltsog Els is a magnificent array of dunes. This cinematic adventure gives a dramatic sense of place and beautifully connects you with the earth and the history of the East. Explore on foot or atop a Bactrian camel. You may also have the opportunity to visit a local camel herding family and experience first-hand their warm hospitality. Return to Three Camel Lodge for lunch.
Flaming Cliffs
In the afternoon drive to Bayan Zag, commonly known as the Flaming Cliffs, perhaps the most famous and dramatic sight in the Gobi Desert. The evening sun casts a magical glow on these red sandstone cliffs. It was here in 1923 that Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews and his exploration team from the American Museum of Natural History found the first nest of dinosaur eggs, establishing the Gobi as one of paleontology’s most important research destinations.
Custom Experiences
As the world’s leading experts and guides for Mongolia and the Gobi—we can create custom excursions tailored to your exact interests. From exclusive access to cultural sites to an overnight camping trip to the Hongoryn Els sand dunes… Let us unlock the exquisite riches of this enchanting land through one-of-a-kind experiences.