people sitting on grass field during daytime

GOLDEN SAND - SAND DUNES FESTIVAL 2026

DURATION: 7N 8D

DISTANCE: 2,115 KILOMETERS

Umnugobi Province hosts the “GOLDEN SAND – SAND DUNES FESTIVAL” every year as a celebrated tradition, taking place from August 15–17. In 2026, the event will be held for the 8th year.

The “Sand Dunes Festival” will be held at the base of the famous Khongor Sand Dunes, also known as the Singing Dunes, located in Sevrei soum. These dunes are one of the nine wonders of Umnugobi Province and the must-see highlight in Southern Mongolia.

Khongor Sand dunes is 180 km west of Dalanzadgad, Umnugobi province and part of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. One of the most spectacular and iconic sights in the Gobi Desert – stretch over 100 km long and up to 7 km wide, covering an area of 965 km2. Theses towering golden dunes can ride up to 300 meters above the surrounding desert plains, offering breathtaking views and unforgettable hiking experiences.

Why “Singing Dunes”? – The dunes are famous for producing a deep, humming sound – similar to an airplane engine – when the wind moves over the sand or when people slide down the slopes. This natural phenomenon is why the tallest dune is called the “Singing Dune” by locals.

Climbing to the top is a real adventure and physically demanding, but for those who prefer an easier hike, the lower peaks still offer the magical experience of hearing the sand sing when gently spread northward against the wind.

Held over three exciting days among the towering sand dunes, the festival offers a wide range of events including sports competitions, cultural performances, and tourism-focused activities — creating a vibrant and large-scale celebration that attracts both domestic and international visitors.

DATE: 13-20 AUGUST

TOUR ITINERARY

Pick up from the hotel/guest house
Drive to Dundgobi province by paved road /270 km/
Lunch in Mandalgobi city
Depart for Tsagaan Suvarga in Ulziit soum, Dundgovi province by off road. /150 км/
Explore the White Stupa - Spectacular wind -carved limestone cliffs in the Middle Gobi that glow white, cream, and rose -like a “stone waterfall”. Locals call it Tsagaan Suvarga /White Stupa/.
Stay at ger camp near White Stupa
Dinner

Meal: --/L/D

DAY 1 UB CITY - DUNDGOVI /13 AUG, 2026/ - 420 KM

Breakfast
Depart for Umnugovi, Yol valley /450 km/
Arrive in tourist camp and check-in
Lunch
Travel to Yol valley /Vulture valley/ - It derives its name from the Lammergeier or Bearded Vulture, known as Yol in Mongolian. Experience the lush green valley and refreshing cool air amidst the summer heat of the Gobi desert. The valley, sculpted by the Yol stream, freezes in winter, forming ice up to 8 meters thick. A pleasant 4 km hike is required to explore the canyon, making Yol a must-see destination. /40 km/
Back to tourist camp
Dinner

Note: Horseback riding tour in Yol valley /At your own expenses/

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 2 DUNDGOVI - UMNUGOVI /14 AUG, 2026/ - 490 KM

Breakfast earlier
Depart for Khongor Sand dunes and festival – 180 km west of Dalanzadgad, Umnugobi province and part of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. One of the most spectacular and iconic sights in the Gobi Desert, the Khongor Sand Dunes – also known as Singing Dunes – stretch over 100 km long and up to 7 km wide, covering an area of 965 km2. Theses towering golden dunes can ride up to 300 meters above the surrounding desert plains, offering breathtaking views and unforgettable hiking experiences.
11:00 – “GOLDEN SANDS – SAND DUNES FESTIVAL 2026” OPENING CEREMONY
11:00 – 13:00 Beginning of wrestling matches: 1st and 2nd rounds, Archery, Knuckle bone shooting
08:00 – 12:00 Traditional knuckle bone shooting
13:00 – 14:00 CC Horse racing
14:00 – 16:00 Continuation of wrestling: 3rd and 4th rounds, Archery, Children’s wrestling
15:00 – 16:00 Foal racing
16:00 – 18:00 Semi-finals of wrestling
20:00 - 00:00 Evening cultural Gala of the “Golden Sands – Sand dunes festival 2026”
Lunch/Dinner included
Stay at the ger camp

ADDITIONAL:

09:00 – 21:00 Sand Art Exhibition

Activities in Khongor Sand dunes:

Hiking the dunes for panoramic desert views
Listening to the mysterious “Singing” of the sands
Sunset and sunrise viewing – perfect for photography

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 3 UMNUGOVI, KHONGOR DUNE - FESTIVAL DAY /15 AUG, 2026/ - 190 KM

Breakfast
07:00 – 08:30 Registration for Tug of war and Arm wrestling
09:00 – 18:00 Sand volleyball competition
09:00 – 18:00 Motorcycle show
18:00 – 19:00 Motocross Professional Rider Performance
19:00 – 20:00 “Open Mic” stage performance
20:00 – 20:30 Amateur Competition
20:30 – 00:00 “Golden sands – sand dunes festival 2026” evening show
Lunch/Dinner included
Stay at the ger camp

ADDITIONAL:

09:00 – 21:00 Sand Art Exhibition

Activities in Khongor Sand dunes:

Hiking the dunes for panoramic desert views
Listening to the mysterious “Singing” of the sands
Sunset and sunrise viewing – perfect for photography

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 4 KHONGOR DUNE - FESTIVAL DAY /16 AUG, 2026/ - 10 KM

Breakfast
10:00 – 13:00 UAZ Off-Road cross racing
Lunch break
13:00 – 15:00 Sand Sumo competition
16:00 – 17:00 Long-Distance running marathon
17:00 – 18:00 Traditional Mongolian Wrestling on sand
18:00 – 19:00 Closing and Awarding ceremony
Visiting a Nomad family experience in Gobi Desert – This immersive cultural experience offers a rare opportunity to visit a real nomad family, leran about their dily lives, traditions, and deep connection with nature. /ger, dairy products, clothing, homemade tea, nomadic heritage/
Dinner
Stay at the ger camp

ADDITIONAL:

09:00 – 21:00 Sand Art Exhibition

Note: Short camel riding and photo session in the sand dunes /At your own expenses/

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 5 KHONGOR DUNE - FESTIVAL DAY /17 AUG, 2026/ - 10 KM

DAY 6 KHONGOR DUNE - BAYANZAG /18 AUG, 2026/ - 150 KM

Breakfast
Drive to Bulgan soum for Bayanzag /Flaming cliffs/ by off road (150 km) - Wind-sculpted red sandstone escarpments that blaze orange at sunset – hence “Flaming cliffs”.
Arrive in tourist camp and check-in
Lunch
Explore the dinosaurs’ fossil adventure and Flaming cliffs - The area is one of the world’s most famous dinosaur fossil sites; 1920s expeditions found the first known dinosaur eggs here, plus species like Protoceratops and Velociraptor. Walking, especially beautiful at sunset.
Return at the tourist camp
Dinner

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 7 BAYANZAG - IKH GAZRIIN CHULUU /19 AUG, 2026/ - 485 KM

Breakfast earlier
Head to Dalanzadgad city by off road (100 km)
Lunch
Travel to Ikh gazriin chuluu /Stone Formation/ – A Hidden Gem of the Gobi: It is one of Mongolia’s most fascinating natural wonders – a striking granite mountain range rising dramatically from the flat plains of the Gobi Desert. The highest peak reaches 1,706 meters, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Stretching about 20 km from west to east, these rugged rock formations are located in Gurvansaikhan soum, Dundgovi province. This area is rich in not only geological beauty but also cultural heritage, with legends, rock carvings, and sacred sites scattered throughout the landscape. /385 km/
Dinner
Stay at the tourist camp/ger camp

Note: It’s perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers and those seeking a deeper connection with Mongolia’s ancient land.

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 8 IKH GAZRIIN CHULUU - UB CITY /20 AUG, 2026/ - 360 KM

Breakfast
Depart for Mandalgovi city /80 км/
Lunch in Mandalgovi city
Drive back to UB city – Our “Golden Sand – Sand Dunes Festival” tour, which includes all the beautiful highlights of the Gobi, will conclude upon returning to Ulaanbaatar. /280 km/
Drop-Off at the hotel

Meal: B/L/--

TOUR DETAILS

Certified

GUIDE & DRIVER

DISTANCE

TRANSPORTATION

Alphard MPV /

Russian Van

2,115 km

7N 8D

DURATION

GER CAMPING

HOTEL

5 Nights

2 Nights

GROUP SIZE

1-2

3-4

5-6

7-8

PRICE /PER PAX

1,990 USD

1,290 USD

1,090 USD

890 USD

LAND PRICE

Pick up and Drop-Off shuttle services
Transportation during trip
- Alphard MPV /1-2/
- Russian Van /3-8/
Experienced tour driver
Professional local English/Chinese-speaking tour guide
Accommodation:
- Ger camp /5 nights/
- Tourist camp /2 nights/
Meals inclusive:
- Breakfast /7 times/
- Lunch /8 times/
- Dinner /7 times/
All Protected Areas/National Park fee
- White Stupa
- Yol Valley
- Khongor Dunes
- Flaming Cliffs
Daily Bottled water
Travel Insurance

INCLUSION

EXCLUSION

Accommodation in UB city
Other meals that not mentioned
Other services that not mentioned
Horseback riding /in Yol Valley/
Camel riding /in Khongor Dunes/
Tips and gratuities
Personal belongings

CHECKLIST AND REMINDERS

Passport
Backpack (Comfortable and lightweight)
Power bank (If needed)
Suitable clothes /Cap, sunglasses etc/
Vacuum flask for cold drinks
Personal ID & emergency contact details
Extra cash for shopping & emergencies
Respect nature & Local communities
Medication Reminder: If you have regular medications or suffer from high blood pressure, ensure you have them with you at all times.
Dietary Requirements: Please inform us in advance if you are a vegetarian.
Kindly note: Let us know in advance if you have any food allergies.