THE TREASURES OF THE GOBI
Mongolia is a wild land defined by its rugged terrain, vast expanse of blue sky and a fascinating culture rooted in ancient traditions. Three Camel Lodge is an excellent base for exploring the Gobi’s must-see destinations. Encounter vastly different eco-systems, exotic wildlife, and the region’s most fascinating sites of historical and natural significance.
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, where in 1923 came the discovery of dinosaur eggs here, establishing the Gobi as one of paleontology’s most important research destinations. Ask our Expeditions Specialist about arranging a custom experience where you may join a fossil dig under the guidance of a paleontologist from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences.
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.
Moltsog Els Sand Dunes
This once-in-a-lifetime adventure introduces you to a local camel herding family and allows you to ride Bactrian camels across Moltsog Els, a magnificent array of dunes situated to the northeast of Flaming Cliffs. This cinematic adventure gives a dramatic sense of place and beautifully connects you with the earth and the history of the East.
Tugrugiin 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.
Ancient Petroglyphs
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.
Bulgan Sum
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.
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.
at Home
