8 Essential Things to Know Before You Travel to the Gobi Desert

1. How Far is the Gobi Desert from Ulaanbaatar?

The Gobi Desert lies in southern Mongolia, and its gateway is Dalanzadgad, the capital of Umnugobi (South Gobi) province.

• By air: The quickest way is to take a domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad, which takes about 1.5 hours. From there, most major destinations like Yolyn Am (Vulture Gorge), Khongoryn Els (Singing Dunes), and Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) are accessible by short drives.

• By road: Overland tours take you across 570+ kilometers of mixed paved and off-road routes, usually lasting 7 to 9 hours one way. Most land tours include scenic stops and overnight stays in ger camps at places like Baga Gazriin Chuluu or Tsagaan Suvarga along the way.

2. Be Aware of Stinging Nettles

Although the Gobi is known as a desert, only about 30% of its area is covered by sand dunes. The rest is a diverse landscape of gravel plains, rocky mountains, and semi-arid steppe, rich in plant life.

One plant to watch out for is the stinging nettle. Its fine hairs can cause a burning or itching sensation upon contact. If you’re traveling with children, it’s especially important to warn them not to touch unknown plants. Always ask your guide before handling local vegetation.

3. Prepare for Off-Road Adventures

Much of the Gobi’s beauty lies off the beaten path. While some areas are connected by paved roads, many journeys involve long stretches of off-road driving. Expect bumpy, dusty, or muddy rides, especially after rain.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, be sure to bring:

• Plenty of drinking water

• Motion sickness pills

• Comfortable neck support

Natural landmarks in the Gobi—such as the Flaming Cliffs, Singing Dunes, and Yol Valley—can be 80 to 300 kilometers apart, so prepare for full-day drives between attractions.

4. What to Wear and Pack

The Gobi Desert experiences dramatic temperature changes between day and night. While daytime can be hot and sunny, nighttime temperatures often drop significantly, even in summer.

Here’s what to pack:

• Light breathable clothing for daytime

• Warm layers for evenings and nights

• Good walking shoes or hiking boots

• Sandals or flip-flops for relaxing at camps

• Long-sleeved shirts for sun and insect protection

• A wide-brimmed hat, binoculars, and a light scarf (to cover your face during dust storms)

5. Don’t Forget Protection from the Elements

The Gobi’s climate is extremely dry, with strong UV rays and little shade. Pack a small bag with essential personal care items:

• Sunscreen

• Lip balm (preferably with SPF)

• Sunglasses

• Sun hat or cap

• Insect repellent

• Wet wipes and tissues

• Small medical kit with any personal medications

• Moisturizer or hand cream

• Portable power bank

• Camera and extra batteries/memory cards

Most of these items are not available for purchase once you leave Ulaanbaatar, so plan ahead.

6. Visiting a Nomadic Family

A highlight of many Gobi tours is visiting local nomadic families who live in traditional gers (yurts). These encounters offer insight into Mongolia’s pastoral way of life.

If you’d like to bring a small gift, consider:

• Swiss Army-style knives or multi-tools for men

• Flashlights or batteries

• Candy, colored pencils, or small toys for children

• Scarves, sewing kits, or small household items for women

Mongolian hospitality customs:

• You’ll likely be offered milk tea, camel milk, or airag (fermented mare’s milk). It is polite to accept with both hands and at least take a sip, even if you don’t plan to finish.

• Avoid pointing your feet at the fire or household altar, and never touch a person’s head, especially a child’s.

7. Limited Internet and Electricity Access

Don’t count on consistent Wi-Fi or power in remote areas. Some ger camps have electricity and limited mobile network coverage, but many do not.

Tips:

• Bring a fully charged power bank or solar charger

• Charge your devices when you stop at restaurants or ger camps with generators

• If you need connectivity, buy a prepaid SIM card with data from providers like Unitel, G-Mobile, or Mobicom in Ulaanbaatar before departure

8. Toilets and Bathroom Stops

Toilets in the Gobi can be a bit of an adventure. Here’s what to expect:

• Ger camps usually have flushing or pit toilets

• In between destinations, you may only have access to “nature toilets” (i.e., behind a rock or hill)

• Always carry toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer

• A small travel shovel and biodegradable bags are useful if you want to minimize impact on the environment