The Gobi is a massive desert region, extending over 1,200,000 square km (463,322 square miles) in area, over Mongolia, and parts of northern and north-western China. The Gobi Desert is a remarkable landscape, because it is not just empty wilderness. Most of us think that a desert consists of all sand and shrubs, which is not the case here. Sand dunes are only found in certain parts of the desert, while gravel or rocky terrain covers most of the landscape. In some areas, you will also come across magnificent cliffs, as well as the saxaul trees. The Gobi Desert is like a gigantic mysterious playground to curious and adventurous travelers!
Ever wonder how it feels to be in the middle of a vast desert? Staying at the Gobi Mirage Tourist Camp offers you a rare opportunity to be a part of the great Gobi Desert.
An extraordinary experience in a Mongolian Ger
Staying in a traditional Mongolian hut, known as a ger, is a valuable lifetime experience. A ger is always round, because corners are deemed inauspicious to the Mongolians. While most locals sleep on a mat in a ger, most tourist camps come with bed frames and mattresses to provide comfort to the guests. The Gobi Mirage is a comfortable tourist camp in southern Gobi. There are more than 20 gers in the camp, and each ger comes with 2 or 3 beds. The temperature in the Gobi is extreme, and can drop more than 20 degrees celsius compared to the temperature during the day when night falls. A traditional heater is available in each ger, however you do need wood to keep the fire burning. The staff will set them up for you, but you can add in more wood when it gets colder during the night.
Shared bathroom with shower facilities
Mongolians do not shower everyday, as the harsh weather conditions of the desert can have a tendency to dry out their skin. Most tourists from developed countries may be used to taking a daily shower, so it is great that there are shower facilities available. As the temperature dips significantly after day light, avoid taking a shower after 8pm as you may catch a cold. There is no blow-dryer to dry your hair, unless you bring a travel dryer along with you. The best time to shower would be between 5 to 6pm after a long day out, and before the sun sets. As this is a shared bathroom, the walking distance will depend on where your ger is located. Late at night, there may be some dim lights on in the field, but you need a torch to get to the bathroom. Alternatively, use the “natural” bathrooms outside of your ger, like the locals, if you need to take a quick leak.
A local guide will get you there
Finding your way around the desert to the Gobi Mirage is not easy. You will be amazed at how the local drivers find their way around the desert with no signage anywhere. You can contact the owner via the official website, so that they can pick you from the South Gobi airport. They can also arrange a local tour for you. Alternatively, link yourself up with a local agency from the capital Ulaanbaatar so they can arrange for your stay, as well as a tour around the Gobi Mirage. There is a list of tour agency partners on the official website of Gobi Mirage that you could choose from as well.
Delightful local cuisines served at a common ger
Meals are served at a large common ger with several tables and a kitchen. The Mongolian primary diet consists of meat, dairy products, and animal fats. Most dishes will consist of mutton served with rice or noodles. If you are not a big fan of mutton, you could notify them in advance, and most likely you will be served vegetables. Seafood is not common, especially in Gobi, so you are very lucky if they are able to serve fish. Mongolians consume a pretty high amount of alcohol, especially in the Gobi where they have to keep themselves warm. Vodka is one of the popular alcoholic drinks, as well as other local grain spirits, so try some especially if you are feeling cold in the desert!
Lasting impression on every traveller
The Gobi is a magnificent landscape waiting to be explored, so mark it down on your bucket list today! Staying in a ger for urban dwellers is definitely exciting and interesting. The Gobi Mirage will leave you with precious memories of your visit in the great Gobi Desert, one of the world’s most amazing natural landscapes.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to