Private Journeys in Gobi Desert

Things to See and Do in the Gobi Desert

Jiayuguan Fort and the Westernmost Great Wall

At the eastern edge of the Gobi lies Jiayuguan Fort, a striking fortress crowned with a three-tiered pagoda roof guarding a narrow mountain pass. Built in the early 1300s, this “Impregnable Defile Under Heaven” was a critical defense point of the Chinese empire. Nearby, climb a watchtower of the Great Wall (rebuilt in the 1980s) to enjoy sweeping views over the desert and mountains.

The Mogao Caves: Home of 1,000 Buddhas

Just outside Dunhuang, the Mogao Grottoes hold nearly 500 caves filled with one of the world’s richest collections of Buddhist art. Explore paintings and sculptures from the Tang dynasty, reflecting a blend of Indian, Tang, and Tibetan artistic influences. Your guide will unveil stories behind the caves’ monasteries and ancient trade routes.

Desert Adventures: Sand Play and Camel Treks

The Gobi’s vast dunes invite adventurous activities like dune buggy rides, camel treks reminiscent of Silk Road caravans, and simply sliding down sandy slopes barefoot—an unforgettable desert playground.

Best Time to Visit the Gobi Desert

September is ideal for visiting the Gobi Desert. The weather is pleasantly warm yet cooler than summer, and it precedes the first snowfalls in nearby mountain passes—perfect for combining the desert with a broader Silk Route journey.