Question 1

What's included in the price?

Accepted Answer

All multi-day tours include accommodation (ger guesthouse), all meals, a private vehicle and driver, and a local guide. Entry fees to national parks and activities like camel riding are also included unless stated otherwise. For a complete overview of what to expect, read our Gobi Desert Travel Guide.

Question 2

How do I get to Dalanzadgad?

Accepted Answer

There are several ways to reach Dalanzadgad from Ulaanbaatar. Domestic flights take about 2 hours and usually start from around US$100. Shared minivans and public buses are also available and usually take around 9–10 hours. For a detailed comparison of all transport options with real travel times and tips, check out our complete travel guide. If needed, we can help you choose or arrange the best option for your trip. If it becomes difficult to secure seats for the bus or shared van, please feel free to let us know. We will do our best to help figure it out with you, so please do not worry.

Question 3

How do I book a tour?

Accepted Answer

Book one night on Airbnb as your deposit (~$40). Then message us on WhatsApp to confirm your tour, dates, and group size. Pay the remaining balance in cash (USD or MNT) when you arrive in Dalanzadgad. For step-by-step guidance, check our complete travel guide. Note: The amount you have already paid on Airbnb is not an extra charge. It will be deducted as part of the final tour price.

Question 4

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

To confirm your booking, we usually ask guests to book one night through Airbnb as a deposit. The remaining balance is usually paid on arrival.

We prefer cash in USD or MNT, whichever is easier for you.

If needed, you can also find ATMs at the airport and in towns, so many guests withdraw cash after arriving. Please note that there are no ATMs out in the desert.

Card payment is also available, but depending on the card, there may be a small transaction fee, and the exchange rate is usually determined by your bank. For the most convenient experience, we recommend bringing cash.

Question 5

Can I customise my itinerary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All our tours are private and flexible. If you want to adjust the pace, skip a site, add an extra day at the dunes, or change the route — just let us know and we'll arrange it. Learn more about customisation options in our travel planning guide.

Question 6

What is the accommodation like?

Accepted Answer

In Dalanzadgad, we offer both a ger guesthouse and an apartment guesthouse, each with a shower and bathroom. For winter or colder days, we usually recommend the apartment for extra comfort. We also have a centrally located apartment in Ulaanbaatar, which is convenient if you would like to explore the city on foot. At Khongor Sand Dunes, we use an authentic ger camp with shared bathroom facilities. You can view our places on our Airbnb page.

Question 7

What food is provided?

Accepted Answer

All meals are included in multi-day tours. We prepare home-cooked Mongolian food such as tsuivan, khuushuur, and buuz, and vegetarian options are available on request.

Question 8

What is the best time of year to visit?

Accepted Answer

May to September is ideal — warm, dry, and all roads accessible. Autumn (September–October) is especially good: fewer crowds and beautiful light. For more insights on seasonal travel, explore our winter travel guide. Winter is possible but cold (down to -20°C). We run tours year-round.

Question 9

Is the Gobi suitable for solo travellers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many of our guests travel solo. Tours are private, so you won't be grouped with strangers. Solo pricing is slightly higher than group pricing to reflect the dedicated vehicle and guide.

Question 10

How physically demanding are the tours?

Accepted Answer

Most tours are moderate — suitable for anyone reasonably fit. There's some walking on sand dunes (optional) and time in a 4WD vehicle. No hiking experience is required. Let us know if you have any physical limitations. For more details on what to expect, see our travel guide.

Question 11

Is there mobile coverage in the Gobi?

Accepted Answer

Dalanzadgad town has good 4G coverage. In the desert, coverage is patchy or non-existent. Download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline) before leaving town. Bring a power bank. For more practical tips on staying connected, check our travel guide.

Question 12

Can I join a small group tour?

Accepted Answer

We don't run fixed group tours with set departure dates. Instead, we match guests based on their exact travel dates, arrival and departure times, route preferences, pace, and interests. If your dates align well with other bookings and everyone is happy with the arrangement, we'll arrange a shared tour. This approach means you get a flexible, personalized experience rather than being locked into a fixed schedule. Send us your exact travel dates and we'll check if there's a good match for your group.

Question 13

Do you arrange pick up from hostels in Ulaanbaatar?

Accepted Answer

We don't arrange pickups ourselves, but we help our guests arrange transportation. If you're staying in a hostel or hotel in Ulaanbaatar, we can assist you in organizing a pickup to get to the airport or to meet your tour starting point. Just let us know your accommodation details and we'll help coordinate the best option for you.

Question 14

Are there female-only tour options?

Accepted Answer

Yes, female-only tours may be available. If you're interested in a women-only group tour, please contact us directly via WhatsApp or email and we'll discuss the possibilities with you.

Question 15

How much does a Gobi tour cost?

Accepted Answer

Tour prices range from $200 to $1,000 depending on the length of the tour, destinations visited, group size, and specific activities included. Private tours are typically more expensive than shared group tours. For a customized quote based on your preferences, please contact us.

Question 16

If we squeeze the plan into shorter days, does the tour become cheaper?

Accepted Answer

The price is determined more by which destinations are covered and the travel distance, rather than by the number of nights. The biggest costs are the long-distance vehicle use, fuel, and driver time. Because we manage the accommodation ourselves, the accommodation cost is not the main part of the overall tour cost. So shortening the number of days will not necessarily reduce the price if you are visiting the same destinations.

Question 17

Can I travel directly from Ulaanbaatar airport to Dalanzadgad?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can travel directly from Chinggis Khaan International Airport to Dalanzadgad, depending on your arrival time.

If you are not planning to spend a day in Ulaanbaatar, going into the city just to reach the bus station is usually not the most practical option. The airport is already on the way towards Dalanzadgad, so travelling directly from the airport can save time and avoid extra city travel.

Explore Gobi does not operate this transfer directly, but we can help connect you with local drivers who regularly travel this route. The price is USD $80 per vehicle. This works well for couples, friends, or small groups travelling together. The driver can meet you at the airport and take you straight to Dalanzadgad.

If you arrive around midday or early afternoon, travelling directly to Dalanzadgad is usually possible. If you arrive late at night, we do not recommend starting the long drive immediately, as night driving in Mongolia is less safe. In that case, it is better to rest in Ulaanbaatar or wait until early morning.

Method	Duration	Cost	Notes
Domestic Flight (MIAT / Hunnu Air)	~2 hours	From ~$100 USD (per person)	Fastest option. Flights from Ulaanbaatar (UB) to Dalanzadgad. Book early in peak season (May–Sep).
Shared Minivan	~9–10 hours	~₮70,000 (~$20 USD per person)	Departs Old Dragon Station, UB. Affordable and widely used. Seats fill up — book the day before.
Private Car (Taxi)	~8–9 hours	~$80–90 USD (per vehicle, up to 4 passengers)	Most comfortable road option. Can be arranged directly or through us. Flexible departure time.
Public Bus	~10–12 hours	~₮51,600 (~$15 USD per person)	Cheapest option. Less comfortable. Departs Old Dragon Station, UB. Not recommended for long stays.

Plan Your Trip

Transport to Dalanzadgad

Need a transfer from Dalanzadgad airport?

Where to stay before or after your Gobi tour

Ulaanbaatar Apartment

Dalanzadgad Apartment

Private Ger Stay

Shared Ger Stay

Best Time to Visit the Gobi

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Packing List

Clothing

Essentials

Electronics

Money

Frequently Asked Questions

Every trip is different

Still Have Questions?