May isn’t usually considered the best season for tourism — especially in Mongolia. But in the spring of 2017, I had enough time and a strong desire to explore the legendary Gobi Desert, so I decided to visit Mongolia despite the unpredictable weather.

Spring had just begun, and the temperatures were gradually rising. As Mongolians often say, “Spring weather is as changeable as a woman’s heart.” One moment it’s warm, the next it’s snowing. In fact, during my stay, the weather forecast in the capital city, Ulaanbaatar (UB), reported both sunshine with temperatures above 20°C and snow on the same day.

Before the trip, I knew very little about Mongolia — just Genghis Khan and the Gobi Desert, nothing more. So I reached out to some friends who had been there before, and almost all of them strongly recommended a visit to the Gobi Desert if I had the chance.

Although it was still the low season for tourism, I was lucky to discover a tour operator called Khongor Expedition, which offered a multi-day Gobi Desert tour. Thanks to my friends’ advice, I had no hesitation in signing up. I registered for their 6-day, 5-night tour, and set out on what would become an unforgettable adventure.

This is the story of my journey through the vast and beautiful Gobi Desert. Let’s Go!!

April 30, 2017/ Sunny

At 9:00, we set off for our first stop, Baga Gazariin Chuluu. It is located in the Middle Gobi Province, about 250 kilometers (155 miles) from Ulaanbaatar (UB). However, this place is not technically part of the Gobi Desert, but rather a countryside area. The actual Gobi Desert lies much farther from UB — over 600 kilometers away. Therefore, it’s impossible to reach the desert in just one day; we have to travel there step by step.

As I mentioned earlier, Baga Gazariin Chuluu is not within the Gobi Desert. However, for tourists, it can be difficult to tell whether this place is part of the desert or not. This is because the term “Gobi” doesn’t refer solely to sandy dunes, but also to areas of bare rock. Currently, we are standing before a vast granite rock formation called Baga Gazariin Chuluu, which means “small rock formation.” This site is considered sacred, and local people hold it in reverence, often worshiping there.

A few monks once lived and meditated here, leaving behind rock paintings that date back to the 17th century. The surfaces of the rocks are flat and smooth because erosion has polished away their roughness. Around Baga Gazariin Chuluu, archaeologists have discovered 64 tombs and tumuli attributed to the Khugnu tribe.

We also visited an eye treatment spa called Nudnii Rashaan (N46°12.253′, E106°01.142′) and the ancient Buddhist temple Tsorge Lamin Khiid, both hidden in this area. Unfortunately, the spring whose water is said to treat ocular illnesses had run dry, so we couldn’t obtain the holy water. However, we enjoyed exploring the cave at Baga Gazariin, where it is said that more than 20 kinds of medicinal herbs grow.

We stayed in a ger, a traditional Mongolian dwelling, and experienced nomadic life firsthand.

 ITINERARY SUMMARY

Day 1. Baga Gaziin Chuluu (small rocky formations)

Day 2. Bayanzag (unique shaped trees and small flaming cliffs)

Day 3. Khongoryn Els (Sand Dune)

Day 4. Yol valley canyon

Day 5. Dundgobi province

Day 6. White Stupa and the way back to UB