Things to Do in Gobi Desert

The Gobi Desert stretches across southern Mongolia and northern China, creating one of the world's most fascinating and accessible desert wilderness areas. Unlike the sand dunes you might picture, much of the Gobi is actually rocky terrain and sparse grassland, punctuated by dramatic canyons, ice-filled gorges, and yes, some spectacular sand dunes. The Mongolian side offers an authentic nomadic experience where you can stay with herding families, ride Bactrian camels, and witness a landscape that feels genuinely untouched by modern development. The silence here is profound - the kind that makes you aware of your own heartbeat - and the night skies are among the clearest you'll find anywhere on earth.

Food in the Gobi centers around traditional Mongolian cuisine - lots of mutton, dairy products, and hearty stews designed to fuel people working in harsh conditions. Ger camps typically serve family-style meals featuring dishes like khorkhog (meat cooked with hot stones) and traditional milk tea. The food might seem repetitive to some palates, but it's genuinely nourishing and often quite flavorful. In Dalanzadgad, you'll find a few restaurants serving Chinese and basic international dishes, though options remain limited compared to urban areas.

Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the most comfortable weather, with daytime temperatures in the 70s-80s°F and minimal rainfall. Summer can actually get quite hot during the day, while nights remain cool enough to require warm clothing. Winter visits are possible but genuinely challenging - temperatures can drop to -40°F, though you might have the entire desert to yourself. July and August see the most tourists, so shoulder seasons provide a nice balance of decent weather and fewer crowds.