Region in South Gobi, Mongolia
Gobi Desert for solo travelers
Is Gobi Desert good for solo travel?
Southern Mongolia's desert is one of Asia's classic overland trips: dunes, red cliffs, canyons and camels. Roads are rough and distances huge, so tours via Ulaanbaatar are the usual way.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Very friendly |
| English | Rare |
| Safety | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Solo women | Solo women are safe in camps and with tours. Choose reputable operators and a female or couple tour mate if you can. |
How to meet people in Gobi Desert
Join a shared-group jeep tour booked via a Ulaanbaatar guesthouse, or share a camp with other travelers. Hospitality at family gers is warm; a guide handles translation.
Good things to do alone
- Climb the Khongoryn Els singing dunes at sunset
- Walk Yol Valley's ice canyon in summer
- Watch sunrise at the Flaming Cliffs
- Ride a camel through the dunes
- Stay with a herding family in a ger
Where to stay in Gobi Desert
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Dalanzadgad | Provincial capital with airport, shops and 4x4 hire |
| Khongoryn Els and Yol Valley | Singing dunes and canyon, most ger camps |
| Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) | Red cliffs and dinosaur fossil sites |
Solo travel across Mongolia
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Gobi Desert | 4/5 | Rare |
| Terelj | 4/5 | Limited |
| Lake Khuvsgul | 4/5 | Rare |
| Ulaanbaatar | 3/5 | Limited |
Quick answers
Is Gobi Desert good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Southern Mongolia's desert is one of Asia's classic overland trips: dunes, red cliffs, canyons and camels.
How do you meet people in Gobi Desert?
Join a shared-group jeep tour booked via a Ulaanbaatar guesthouse, or share a camp with other travelers. Hospitality at family gers is warm; a guide handles translation. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Gobi Desert?
Rare.
Is Gobi Desert safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women are safe in camps and with tours. Choose reputable operators and a female or couple tour mate if you can.
More about Gobi Desert
Going to Gobi Desert solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Gobi Desert meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.