Guide to Visiting the Gobi Desert in Mongolia

If you’re visiting Mongolia, it is likely that you’ll want to visit the Gobi Desert and rightfully so. Getting to the Gobi can simply be broken down into two methods: Organizing and trip through a tour guide (hotel) and going by yourself. Unless you have your own vehicle and are permitted to drive in Mongolia, and are a master of navigation, you’ll mostly likely be opting for the tour.

There are a number of tour companies operating in Mongolia so your options are endless. I booked a 6 day tour with Sun Path Guesthouse, which was an excellent choice (regarded as the best among travelers).

For my 6-day journey, I paid $360 total, but a $100 deposit was required before the actual trip so $260 on arrival. I heard stories of travelers paying less, but seeing how my van only had 3 travelers total (including myself) instead of the normal 4-6 I raised no objections.

Contrary to what most people may believe, you’ll be spending a large portion of your day in the van driving to the sites, each day we spent at least 4 hours driving on roads so bumpy that it makes sleeping such a difficult task. On the bright side, the views along the way are incredible.

What to bring to the Gobi Desert?

The Gobi is one of the most isolated regions on earth so it’s best to prepare early. On the day you depart, the driver will drive you to a rather large supermarket where you’ll be able to purchase food, toiletries, and other goods for the journey. There will be an opportunity to visit one other supermarket in the Gobi, but these supermarkets will have a fraction of the goods of the first supermarket (refrigerated goods, western brands, etc) so I advise you buy what you need day 1.

10 items you’ll need in the Gobi

1. Spare camera batteries! There is no opportunity to charge your camera in the Gobi. Mongolia is beautiful. There are endless possibilities for photos. The last thing you want is a dead battery in front of the scenic landscapes of the Gobi. For my Nikon D3200, I brought 4 spares for the 6-day journey, which was just enough.
2. Wet wipes/toilet paper. You’ll be using Mongolian style toilets (hole) without toilet paper or water.
3. More wet wipes. There is no possibility to shower in the Gobi. Unless you enjoy smelling like a Viking, I’d suggest buying at least two packs of wet wipes.
4. Portable mobile charger. Again, there is no possibility to charge your electronics in the Gobi so it’s vital you have a charger, especially if you’re addicted to music like me. I needed my iPhone for music during the 4+ hour daily rides!
5. Sauce. Yes, sauce. Some of the food lacks seasoning, but with a dash of BBQ sauce…bam! A1.
6. Alcohol. I’m not a big drinker myself, but alcohol definitely comes in handy in the Gobi. Every night, you’ll be at a ger camp with other tourists with very little to do. Why not drink and enjoy the sunset together?
7. Hat/sunscreen. It’s hot…unless you’re in Mongolia during the winter (bad idea).
8. A book. The car rides are long. You’ll need entertainment.
9. Toothbrush/toothpaste. You’ll be surprised how many people forget this.
10. Variety of clothes. T-shirt, jacket, etc. Depending on when you go, the weather can be very unpredictable. I visited at the tail end of May and experienced temperatures ranging from 60F/16C to 95F/35C.

I thought the amount of water allocated to us and food portions was more than enough so I did not list them. You’ll receive about 1.5 liters a day, but in reality, you’ll get more if you want. The food, in my opinion, wasn’t too bad and very filling. No need to waste money on a bunch of snacks you’ll most likely will not finish (my mistake).