Through Gobi Desert Road Trip Itinerary
The Through Gobi Desert Road Trip is an unforgettable experience for every driver. Starting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and ending in Beijing, China, the 3455km journey provides a unique opportunity to explore the landscapes of the Gobi Desert. Along the route, you'll pass through Tsetserleg, Arvayheer, Dalanzadgad, Zamiin Uud, and Hohhot, each of which offer a variety of attractions. The best time to take the road trip is from May to October, when the weather is most favorable.
During the trip, you'll get to witness the stunning UNESCO Heritage Monuments, including the Great Wall of China and the ancient temples of the Gobi Desert. Be aware that some roads along the route may be narrow and that you'll have to go through border crossings. The overall road conditions are not ideal, but the experience makes the journey worth it.
This road trip can be managed with a moderate budget and offers a very high level of experience and memories. It is suitable for every driver and can be completed in about 20 days.
20
number of days
3,438 km
route length
fair
budget
explorer
good for
on the right
traffic direction
fair
accident level
START
Ulaanbaatar
Distance 3,438 km
Driving time 64.9 h
Pace: modest
894.0 kWh
Airports
ULN
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UBN
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Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, is a vibrant city at the heart of the Gobi desert. It is the ideal starting point for the "Through Gobi Desert Road Trip". The city is filled with culture, history, and adventure, offering plenty for travellers to explore. Visitors should not miss out on the Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, and the Bogd Khan Palace Museum.
A great way to explore Ulaanbaatar is by car. The city's international airport, Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN), offers car rental services. Travellers can pick up their rental car and head off on their journey through the Gobi desert.
Ulaanbaatar is a great starting point for a road trip to explore the unique and beautiful Gobi desert. With its rich culture, fascinating museums, and great car rental services, Ulaanbaatar is the perfect place to begin a journey of discovery.
1
Ulaanbaatar
- Tsetserleg
Distance 450 km
Driving time 9.0 h
Pace: modest
117.1 kWh
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Ready for an adventure? Embark on a road trip from Ulaanbaatar to Tsetserleg, and explore the best of Mongolia's attractions. This 451 km drive is filled with historical sites, stunning landscapes, and plenty of chances to take some amazing photos. You'll have plenty of time to take in the scenery as the journey from Ulaanbaatar to Tsetserleg takes less than 9 hours.
Start your journey in Ulaanbaatar where you can explore the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, National Museum of Mongolian History, and the Zaisan Memorial. Then, make your way to Tsetserleg, where you can see the 15th century Erdene Zuu Monastery, and the picturesque Tariat Valley. Don't forget to take a break at the Naiman Nuur National Park to visit the beautiful lakes and mountain views.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road for an unforgettable journey!
Tsetserleg - Mongolia - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
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2
Tsetserleg
- Kharkhorin
Distance 118 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: fast
35.5 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! We invite you to a fantastic 118 km drive from Tsetserleg to Kharkhorin, that will take you less than two hours. You'll pass through some of the most scenic roads in the country and you will be able to take in some of the most stunning views Mongolia has to offer.
Start your journey in Tsetserleg, where you can visit the nearby Erdene Zuu Monastery. The monastery is an incredible complex of ancient temples and stupas, and is a great place to explore the ancient history of Mongolia.
Continue your drive to Kharkhorin, where you can visit the ruins of the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum. The ruins are a great place to explore and learn more about the ancient Mongolian culture.
On your way to Kharkhorin, you can also stop at the Horgo Volcano National Park, where you can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the area.
Once you arrive in Kharkhorin, you can visit the local markets and experience the unique Mongolian culture.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
We hope you enjoy your journey and have an amazing experience!
Kharkhorin - Mongolia - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Kharkhorin
- Arvayheer
Distance 152 km
Driving time 3.3 h
Pace: modest
39.4 kWh
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Embark on an incredible road trip from Kharkhorin to Arvayheer! This 152 km journey will take you less than 4 hours and you’ll get to experience the beauty of Mongolia’s landscapes. As you drive, be sure to keep an eye out for the narrow sections of the road. Along the way, you’ll pass through the beautiful steppes and the stunning Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfall. You can also visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery, the oldest and most important monastery in Mongolia, and the ruins of Karakorum, the old capital of the Mongol Empire. Make sure to take plenty of pictures and admire the amazing views. As you arrive in Arvayheer, you’ll find numerous attractions such as the Naran Tuul market, the Manzushir Khid monastery, and the local museum. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the itinerary of this stage.
Arvayheer - Mongolia - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
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4
Arvayheer
- Bulgan
Distance 311 km
Driving time 9.2 h
Pace: slow
71.5 kWh
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Get ready for an exciting road trip from Arvayheer to Bulgan! This 337 km long journey takes fewer than 10 hours to complete and is best done in a 4WD car. You'll get to experience some of the most incredible views in Mongolia, including narrow winding roads and wide open grasslands. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for interesting sights along the way.
Your first stop should be the mineral springs of Tsagaan Salaa, situated just outside of Arvayheer. Here you'll find hot springs, geysers, and stunning views of the countryside. Once you've taken in the sights, you'll continue on to Bulgan, passing through the picturesque town of Delgerhaan along the way.
Finally, you'll arrive in Bulgan. Here you'll find plenty of attractions to explore, from the open-air market to the stunning Mongolian mountains. Make sure to take a walk through the city's historic centre, where you'll find a variety of unique shops and restaurants.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the itinerary for this stage. With so much to see and do, you're sure to have an amazing road trip from Arvayheer to Bulgan!
Bulgan - Mongolia - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
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5
Bulgan
- Dalanzadgad
Distance 94 km
Driving time 2.8 h
Pace: slow
21.6 kWh
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Embark on a thrilling road trip from Bulgan to Dalanzadgad, a journey of 98km and less than 3 hours of driving. This remarkable stage of your tour will take you through an incredible terrain, where a 4WD car is recommended. As you drive along the narrow and winding roads, you will be surrounded by picturesque landscapes and scenic views. Make sure to keep your camera handy, as you don't want to miss out on the opportunity to take some amazing photos! Along the way, you will find several interesting sights worth visiting, such as the Mongolian desert and the Singing Sands. The journey is sure to be a memorable one that you won't soon forget. For additional information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start packing your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Dalanzadgad - Mongolia - Asia - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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6
Dalanzadgad
- Mandalgovi
Distance 305 km
Driving time 4.0 h
Pace: fast
91.5 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Dalanzadgad to Mandalgovi! This 305 km journey takes you through endless beautiful landscapes and offers you a unique chance to explore the cultural heritage of Mongolia. It will take you less than 4 hours to get from Dalanzadgad to Mandalgovi, so be sure to keep your eyes open and don’t miss the picturesque views along the way.
This road trip is an amazing opportunity to explore the Gobi desert, the Yolyn Am canyon, and the Khongoriin Els sand dunes. The Yolyn Am canyon is especially captivating, with its deep ravines and stunningly beautiful landscape. The Khongoriin Els sand dunes offer the perfect opportunity to go sandboarding, and you can even ride a Bactrian camel across the desert.
Don’t forget to take some time to explore the local culture and cuisine in Mandalgovi. This remote town is home to traditional Mongolian cuisine, and you can find restaurants offering a variety of unique dishes.
Take this chance to experience the wonders of Mongolia’s landscapes and culture. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Mandalgovi - Mongolia - Asia - Road Trip - LibreShot
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7
Mandalgovi
- Zamiin Uud
Distance 587 km
Driving time 16.2 h
Pace: slow
135.0 kWh
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Embark on an incredible road trip from Mandalgovi in Mongolia to Zamiin Uud, a distance of 584km that can be completed in fewer than 19 hours. This is one of the best routes to experience the beauty of the Mongolian countryside. It is advisable to take a 4WD car as some sections of the road are narrow. Along the way, you will come across stunning scenery and many places of interest. In Mandalgovi, be sure to visit the colourful monastery complex of Amarbayasgalant Khiid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other attractions include the ruins of the ancient city of Erdene Zuu and the Yolyn Am Valley, a spectacular canyon filled with snow and ice. In Zamiin Uud, you can see the ruins of the ancient city of Khar Balgas and the sand dunes of Khongoryn Els. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready to experience the wild beauty of Mongolia with a road trip from Mandalgovi to Zamiin Uud!
Zamiin Uud - Mongolia - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
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8
Zamiin Uud
- Erenhot
Distance 11 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: slow
2.5 kWh
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Are you ready for a fun and exciting road trip from Zamiin Uud, Mongolia to Erenhot? This 11km route will take you less than an hour to complete and will take you across the Mongolian-Chinese border! Along the way, you can stop and explore the amazing sites in both places, such as the stunningly beautiful Mausoleum of Genghis Khan in Zamiin Uud and the incredible Buddhist temples of Erenhot. Don't forget to take a few pictures and enjoy the scenery! If you want to get even more out of this trip, you can find more attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" section of this stage. So, come and join us on this amazing journey from Zamiin Uud to Erenhot!
Erenhot - Mongolia - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
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9
Erenhot
- Hohhot
Distance 398 km
Driving time 5.4 h
Pace: fast
119.5 kWh
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Are you ready to take a road trip from Erenhot to Hohhot in Inner Mongolia? This 387 km journey will take you less than 5 hours and will be an unforgettable experience!
The first stop is Erenhot, located on the border of China and Mongolia. Here you can visit the Erenhot Amusement Park and see the beautiful Erenhot Grand Fountain. Then you can check out the Erenhot Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts and artworks from the area.
Your next stop is Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia. Here you can visit the Dazhao Temple, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Hohhot. You can also explore the nearby Hohhot City Wall, which is a great place to take in the city's skyline. After that, you can take a walk through the Hohhot Botanical Garden to admire the stunning flowers and plants.
For a unique experience, you can visit the Xilamuren Grassland and try some authentic Mongolian cuisine. You can also visit the nearby Genghis Khan Mausoleum, which is a great way to learn more about the history and culture of the area.
More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Erenhot to Hohhot!
Hohhot - Mongolia - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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10
Hohhot
- Ordos
Distance 273 km
Driving time 3.5 h
Pace: fast
81.8 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Hohhot to Ordos? This route is around 273km and the estimated driving time is less than 4 hours, so you'll have plenty of time to explore the most interesting places!
Start in Hohhot, the capital city of Inner Mongolia, where you can visit the Dazhao Temple, one of the largest temples in northern China, or the Hohhot Mosque, the oldest and most famous mosque in the city. The Five Pagoda Temple is another interesting place to see, with its five pagodas and two stone tablets.
When you reach Ordos, make sure to visit the Genghis Khan Mausoleum, a memorial to the great Mongolian conqueror. The Ordos Museum is also a great place to explore, with its collection of ancient artifacts. The Mausoleum of Genghis Khan's Mother is a must-see, with its sculptures, carvings, and statues.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your amazing road trip from Hohhot to Ordos!
Ordos - Mongolia - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
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11
Ordos
- Datong
Distance 389 km
Driving time 4.4 h
Pace: fast
116.6 kWh
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Are you ready for a road trip adventure starting in Ordos, China and ending in Datong? This 389 km route will take you fewer than 5 hours to drive and you will be able to discover some of the most interesting sites in both cities.
Starting from the Yulin Grottoes in Ordos, you can marvel at the Buddhist sculptures and carvings in the cliffs of the Yulin Valley. You can also visit the ancient city of Yulin, which boasts numerous historical relics. As you make the journey towards Datong, you will pass by some of the UNESCO Heritage sites including the Hanging Monastery, the Yungang Grottoes, and the Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian.
This is just one of the stages of your road trip, and you can find more details about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Datong - Mongolia - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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12
Datong
- Beijing
Distance 351 km
Driving time 5.1 h
Pace: fast
105.4 kWh
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Embark on a 5-hour road trip from Datong to Beijing and explore the best that China has to offer! Start off by visiting the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Datong, and marvel at the ancient Buddhist art and architecture. As you make your way along the 351km road, make a detour to Badaling – home to the Great Wall of China – for a breathtaking view of the ancient fortification. After you have taken in the grandeur of the wall, continue your journey to Beijing and explore the city’s many historical and cultural attractions. Make sure to visit the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace for a glimpse into China’s imperial past. Along the way, soak in the picturesque scenery of the surrounding countryside, and don’t forget to check out our itinerary for more information on attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites.
Beijing - Mongolia - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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Beijing
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Beijing is the perfect end point for any road trip through the Gobi desert. As the capital of China, it boasts a variety of cultural and historical attractions. The Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, and Tiananmen Square are all must-see attractions for any visitor. Other popular sights include the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and the Lama Temple.
For those looking for a more modern experience, Beijing has plenty to offer. Shopping centers, restaurants, and nightclubs can all be found in the city's bustling downtown area. The city is also home to numerous parks, including the beautiful Beihai Park.
For those traveling by car, the Beijing-Tibet Expressway provides an easy route into Beijing from the Gobi desert. Alternatively, Beijing Capital International Airport (IATA: PEK) is the main international airport for the city, located just 30 kilometers from the city center.
Beijing is a great end point for any road trip through the Gobi desert. With its mix of history and modernity, it is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Through Gobi Desert Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Ulaanbaatar
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End:
Beijing
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Distance:
3,438 km
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Stay:
20 days
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Getting there:
Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport (ULN),
Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN)
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When to drive:
June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Experience the grandeur of the Through Gobi Desert Road Trip, a remarkable expedition stretching from the bustling streets of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to the historic grandiosity of Beijing, China. Covering an impressive distance of approximately 3,455 kilometers (2,147 miles), this route invites adventurers to explore the captivating expanse of the Gobi Desert, delve into the ancient traditions of nomadic cultures, and marvel at the awe-inspiring cultural heritage sites scattered along the ancient Silk Road.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia's capital, offering a mix of modern amenities and traditional Mongolian culture, including the Gandantegchinlen Monastery and the National Museum of Mongolia.
- Tsetserleg: Nestled in the Khangai Mountains, this charming town is known for its scenic beauty and the Taikhar Chuluu rock formation, as well as ancient Buddhist temples like Tsetserleg Monastery.
- Arvaikheer: A cultural hub where one can experience the bustling Naadam Festival in July, explore local markets brimming with crafts, and visit informative museums that showcase Mongolian history and culture.
- Dalanzadgad: The gateway to the iconic Gobi Desert attractions, including the breathtaking dunes of Khongoryn Els, the stark beauty of the Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag), and the icy wonder of Yolyn Am gorge.
- Zamiin-Uud: A vibrant border town that offers a glimpse into the cross-border trade and an opportunity to experience the dynamic blend of Mongolian and Chinese influences.
- Hohhot: The capital of China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, it provides a rich tapestry of Mongolian and Chinese cultures, with sites like the Dazhao Temple and Zhaojun Tomb.
- Beijing: The journey's culmination, a city steeped in millennia of history, featuring the iconic Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Best Time to Go:
The ideal time to embark on this Road Trip is from May to October, when the climate is most accommodating, allowing travelers to comfortably explore the desert landscapes and cultural sites.
Potential Risks:
- Inconsistent Road quality, including narrow or unpaved sections.
- Stringent border crossing procedures between Mongolia and China.
- Seasonal weather changes that could affect driving conditions.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Total distance: Approximately 3,455 kilometers (2,147 miles).
- Estimated travel time: Around 20 days, offering ample time for exploration and immersion.
- Budget: The journey can be undertaken on a moderate budget, with options for both economical and upscale accommodations and dining.
- Driver suitability: Ideal for those with a sense of adventure and a passion for cultural discovery, regardless of prior off-Road driving experience.
A good choice for:
The Through Gobi Desert Road Trip is more than just a drive; it's an odyssey through time and terrain, offering a panorama of stunning natural beauty, unparalleled cultural encounters, and the opportunity to tread in the footsteps of ancient caravans. It is a journey sure to enrich the soul and provide an anthology of tales for the intrepid traveler.
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