Dinosaurs of the Gobi

Teaming up with some of Mongolia’s top paleontologists, Nomadic Expeditions is able to conduct digs in fossil-rich regions only the experts have knowledge of. Our team of knowledgeable guides and skilled paleontologists will ensure you have an authentic experience unleashing your inner paleontologist. Nomadic Expeditions has been supporting Mongolian Paleontology for over two decades. With over a dozen joint paleontological journeys under our belt, we are well-versed in the best locations for fossil digs throughout the richest localities in the Gobi Desert. Let us take you on a fossil-filled 12-day journey that will enrich your mind and fill your soul with wonder as you discover treasures of the past.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1-2 | Ulaanbaatar

This Mongolia group tour begins with your arrival in the capital. Explore Gandan Monastery, as well as the Paleontological Laboratory of Mongolia to witness displays of fossils.

Day 3-4 | Tugregiin Shiree

Fly to the Gobi. Upon arrival, visit Tugregiin Shiree. Spend next two days on excursion here exploring this white-sandstone escarpment and nearby sand dunes. Overnight in tents.

Day 5 | Hongoryn Els Sand Dunes

Drive to Hongoryn Els Sand Dunes, known as the “Singing Sands”. Those who are interested will have the opportunity to visit a camel-herding family and explore the area on the back of a Bactrian camel. Overnight in local camp.

Day 6-7 | Nemegt Basin

Visit Nemegt Basin, the site where the famous “Tarbasorous Bataar” fossil of a distant cousin of the T-Rex was found in the 1970’s. Spend the next two days discovering hidden treasures of Mongolian Paleontology, which are an indescribable amount of dinosaur fossils. Overnight in tents.

Day 8 | Ukhaa Tolgod

Drive to Ukhaa Tolgod, a legendary site discovered by the American Museum of Natural History in the mid-1990s where an almost complete fossilized embryo in an egg was unearthed with several nests with the mothers on top. Overnight in tents.

Day 9 | Hongoryn Els

In the morning, drive back to Hongoryn Els sand dunes (4 hours). Upon arrival, settle at local camp and spend rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in gers.

Day 10 | Three Camel Lodge

Drive to the award-winning Three Camel Lodge, located at Bulagtai Mountain on the edge of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure or explore the surroundings on your own. Overnight in gers.

Day 11 | Yol Valley & Flaming Cliffs

In the morning, visit Yol Valley, a surprisingly lush region cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. After exploring the valley, visit the local natural history museum for an overview of the flora and fauna of the surrounding area.  In the evening, drive to Bayan Zag, commonly known as the Flaming Cliffs for the orange glow of its rock at dawn and dusk. Overnight in gers.

Day 12 | Ulaanbaatar

Fly to Ulaanbaatar and discover the Bogd Khan Winter Palace, home of Mongolia’s last theocrat, Bogd Jabzan Damba Hutagt VIII. The museum displays elaborate ceremonial robes and other personal effects of Mongolia’s 8th Living Buddha. Overnight in hotel.

Day 13 | Departure

Activity Level

Moderate touring & camping. Cultural Journey, Small Group Journey.