Overview
Take a trip to the Gobi Desert on your Mongolia Vacation
The Gobi Desert, or the Gobi, is a large desert region in Asia, covering parts of north and northwestern China, and southern Mongolia. The largest desert in Asia, and the fifth largest in the world, The Gobi measures over 1,295,000 sq km (500,002 sq mi) and is something to behold on a Mongolia vacation.
Throughout its long history, human habitation of the Gobi mostly comprised nomadic people, and by the early 20th century, the region was under the nominal control of Manchu-China and inhabited mostly by Mongols, Uyghurs, and Kazakhs. The Gobi Desert was a notable region during the Mongol Empire and features several cities on Mongolia tours situated along the old Silk Road.
Situated on a plateau roughly 910–1,520 meters (3,000–5,000 ft) above sea level, as well as being fairly north, the Gobi is a mostly cold desert. Winds coming from the Siberian Steppes can range the desert’s temperatures from–40°C (–40°F) in winter to +50°C (122°F) in summer.
The Gobi Desert is made up of several distinct ecological and geographic regions based on variations in climate and topography. It features high mountains, springs, forests, sands, steppe lands, and a rich animal kingdom. Much of the desert is also made up of exposed bare rock.
The Mongolian Gobi has the vast plains of Europe, the majestic peaks and mountain ranges of Asia, and the sand dunes and sandy valleys of Africa, thereby potentially calling it the land of the three continents, all to be experienced on a Mongolia vacation.
The Gobi Desert is made up of several distinct ecological and geographic regions based on variations in climate and topography. It features high mountains, springs, forests, sands, steppe lands, and a rich animal kingdom. Much of the desert is also made up of exposed bare rock.
The Mongolian Gobi has the vast plains of Europe, the majestic peaks and mountain ranges of Asia, and the sand dunes and sandy valleys of Africa, thereby potentially calling it the land of the three continents, all to be experienced on a Mongolia vacation.
At a Glance
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Mongolian Tögrög (MNT)What do the experts say?
Did you know that Mongolia is the most sparsely populated country in the world? The number of horses is actually higher than the number of people. Mongolia is also home to several unique animals, like the snow leopard. You should also know that the Gobi Desert is the second-largest desert in Asia and the sixth-largest in the world.
I love Mongolia's vast, untouched landscapes, nomadic culture, and rich history. Mongolia's low population provides a sense of solitude and peace not found in most other countries.
I really enjoyed Mongolia's wide-open wilderness, an endless expanse where adventurous drives, hikes, and a nomadic lifestyle are the norm.
The Naadam Festival that takes place across the country on select dates in July is a must-see experience. This festival is one of the primary reasons travelers go to Mongolia and makes for the Summer months being the peak season for travel.
Men with their camels in the Gobi Desert
Walking the sands of the Gobi will be a highlig...
The Gobi covers parts of southern Mongolia and ...
A camel brigade takes a rest
A nomadic woman milking her goats
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