Arbud Sands

Introduction
Gobi Steppe Mongolia

The northernmost and closest sand dune areas to Ulaanbaatar are located at Arburd Sands in Bayan-Önjuul soum. It is a strik-ing area of many nomad’s, steppes and sudden sand dunes. Some 35 km away are also the Zorgol Hairhan Uul, gigantic rock formations in the steppes. Habitat of Argali Sheep and some times also Siberian Ibex. In all, the Arburd Sands area is a half-day drive away from the capital and a natural Gobi escape. Our low impact ger camp, Arburd Sands Ger Camp, is located here. It is owned and operated by a local family that regularly operates our Camel Treks and Gobi Steppe Rides. They are also famous horse trainers in the annual Naadam Games and their herd of horses is large and offers a good selection of horses for both the amateur and the competent rider. 
The area is in the transition zone of Gobi steppes and regular steppes.
Activities here range from Day Hikes to Horse or Camel riding excursions.
Should you consider a more in depth trip in the area, please consult the Gobi Steppe Ride or the Camel Trek itineraries, that also include a stay at Arburd Sands, however on these trips camping is also involved. 

Transfers operate on Tuesdays and Fridays and are thus subsidized as shared with staff. Departures are at 9 AM from UB and returns leave at 2 PM from camp.  Private transfers are available at any time suitable to you. The drive from Ulaanbaatar to Arburd Sands with a 4WD vehicle is 3-4 hours.  The drive south is over treeless steppes. 

Accomodation

Low Impact Ger Camp  

We are committed to the principles of Responsible Tourism in Mongolia and we have entered into a concession agreement with Bayan-Önjuul soum administration to bring about some additional jobs into the area based on traditional livelihoods. These involve provision of camel carts, riding camels, packhorses, riding horses and labor.
The camp purchases milk from the nearby herders. The camp has a maximum capacity of 28 guests in double occupancy gers.
Vehicles are parked away from the camp.
The entire ger camp is fully collapsible and do not have a conventional shower nor WC blocks.
The toilets are long drop style allowing for natural decomposition.
Showers are organized in the small ger with hot water by portable showers.  All trash is separated. The camp can be relocated leaving no more impact on the area than a herdsman family would.  Arburd Sands Ger Camp is indeed a fully collapsible hotel!

Riding

Itinerary

Activity options:

Day Hikes (included): From the camp you can stray into the sands. Arburd Sands is in all 20km long and it is also a wolf hideout. Pugmarks of wolfs can usually be identified. You can order a picnic lunch from camp and make day hikes in any direction. Steppe areas are also fascinating ventures, since numerous herdsmen inhabit the area with their livestock.

Horse riding: Riding is exceptionally good here, since our host in the area belongs to one of the most famous horse trainer families of Mongolia. Hourly, half day and full day rides are organized with local horsemen at an additional cost. Picnic lunch can be provided from the camp. Serious riders are best advised to bring their own hardhat and short chaps. Full day rides should be pre-ordered.  

Camel Riding: Camels are available for optional rides in the dunes or out on to the steppes from camp.

Rates and Dates for Arbud Sands

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Ulaanbaatar hotel
Airport: Ulaanbaatar
Transfer: Ulaanbaatar

Climate: There is a short rainy season in July and August during which most of the yearly rain falls. Around 67-78 percent of all precipitation falls during these three summer months. This rain, however, is just what we get in northern Europe, at about the same time. Occasional strong winds can come and go quickly. Spring and fall pass very quickly.

In Mongolia the Central Asian desert zones meet with the Siberian taiga. Hence, Mongolia is a country of climatic extremes. Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital city on Earth. Mongolia is known as the Land of the Blue Sky. Indeed, this is true throughout the winter. Throughout the year, there are 250 sunny days and 9-23 cloudy days. The duration of the period with a mean daily temperature higher than the freezing point lasts about 170-190 days, increasing to the south and southeast up to 200-215 days.

The summer climate, when most visitors are likely to be in Mongolia, could be described as being similar to Scandinavian summers. However, with somewhat more pronounced extremes. E.g. when raining it tend be heavier and shorter. If extended they can cause floods locally. When a cold front comes, hail storms can come and go quickly. There may be more heat, and sudden strong winds. All in all, the weather pattern is very variable over short periods of time. In July 1996 some parts of Mongolia had drought, whereas at the same time other areas had floods and more rain than normal.