Breakfast with a Nomadic Family
We woke up early on the third day of our journey, savoring our last breakfast with the nomadic family before we set out for the next leg of our adventure with plenty of typical Mongolia offroad fun. The morning air was crisp, and there was a mix of excitement and bittersweet goodbyes as we packed up both cars—one car with our family, and the second car with our friends, a young couple from Korea. Today, we were heading to Mini-Gobi, for a day filled with driving on dirt roads, exploring the sand dunes, and camping under the stars.
Driving on Dirt Roads in Mongolia
The convoy of two cars left the nomadic family’s camp, and as we hit the dirt roads, the sense of freedom was palpable. The bumpy roads, the dust rising behind us, and the wide, endless steppe ahead gave us the feeling of true adventure. We used walkie-talkies to chat between cars, sharing jokes, spotting wildlife, and pointing out the stunning sights around us. We made a few scenic stops along the way—observing some wild horses grazing in the distance and taking in the sheer vastness of Mongolia’s landscape. As we drove, the scenery began to change, and the grassy plains slowly gave way to sand dunes as we approached Elsen Tasarkhai.
Arriving at Elsen Tasarkhai (Mini-Gobi)
When we finally reached Elsen Tasarkhai, we were greeted by a breathtaking sight—the rolling sand dunes, surrounded by stretches of grassland, offered a beautiful and unexpected contrast. This unique location, although not as big and grand as the Gobi Desert‘s famed Khongor Sand Dunes, allows travelers heading north into Mongolia’s green mountain and forest areas to get a quick taste of the Gobi Desert. Elsen Tasarkhai is part of a landscape that stretches for around 80 kilometers, shaped by wind and erosion over thousands of years.. Historically, this spot has served as a stopping point for travelers and nomads, thanks to the nearby water sources and grazing grounds for livestock.
Exploring the Sand Dunes
We parked our cars near the sand dunes and got out to explore. The kids ran off immediately, their laughter echoing as they climbed up the dunes and played in the soft sand. Our friends from Korea joined us, and we were all in awe of the natural beauty around us. There are also a number of tourist camps that operate in this area, offering Mongolian yurts for accommodation, providing travelers with a comfortable and traditional stay. We decided to take a classic desert adventure and ride camels on the dunes. The camels, Bactrian camels with their two humps, were perfectly adapted to the harsh environment of Mongolia, and it was an experience that made us feel even closer to this unique landscape.
Setting Up Camp at the Sand Dunes
After exploring the dunes, we chose a camping spot nearby to set up for the night. We quickly set up our rooftop tents on top of our cars—these tents are incredibly easy to set up and surprisingly comfortable, which made the camping experience much more enjoyable. As the sun began to set, we worked together to prepare dinner, creating a cozy camp atmosphere. The smell of food cooking and the sound of the children playing brought warmth to the chilly desert evening.
Traditional Mongolian Meal Under the Stars
Once dinner was ready, we all gathered around to share a meal under the stars. The night sky was absolutely stunning, with countless stars visible against the clear, dark canvas above us. As we ate, we chatted with our friends about the day’s adventures and their experiences so far. It was during these conversations that we truly bonded as friends, sharing stories and laughter that deepened our connection. The young couple expressed their excitement about exploring Mongolia, and we talked about how Mongolia is becoming a popular destination for Korean travelers.
Sleeping Under the Mongolian Sky
Gradually, the children began to tire and retreated to their tents, falling asleep under the watchful gaze of the stars. The adults stayed up a little longer, sharing a quiet moment of reflection by the campfire, enjoying the peacefulness of the desert. The feeling of isolation and tranquility was profound—just us, the dunes, and the endless night sky.
Nighttime in the Desert
As the night deepened, the silence of the desert became almost tangible, broken only by the gentle rustling of the wind over the dunes and the occasional distant call of an animal. It was a reminder of how far we were from civilization and how connected we were to nature in this place. Sleeping by the sand dunes, surrounded by such beauty and vastness, was a unique and humbling experience that we would all carry with us for a long time to come.