Mongolia
Found only in Ulaanbaatar, not in the Gobi.
Very basic hotels or guesthouses are available in larger Gobi towns like Dalanzadgad or Bayankhongor. These cater to local travelers with simple amenities.
This is the predominant and authentic accommodation type in the Gobi.
Wild camping is challenging. Organized tent camping is offered by some tour operators for rustic itineraries.
Traditional felt gers, typically with 2-4 beds per ger. Guests use shared separate toilet and shower blocks, often simple with limited hot water. A central dining ger serves meals.
Offer slightly more comfortable beds, improved shared facilities, or some gers with private (basic) en-suite toilets.
Spacious gers with private attached bathrooms (flush toilets, hot showers), comfortable furnishings, and higher-end dining. Three Camel Lodge is an example.
Facilities are extremely basic, typically with no running water and an outdoor pit latrine.
A comparison of common accommodation types in the Gobi Desert.
Deep cultural immersion, an unique experience. Facilities are very basic (no running water, pit latrine), and a language barrier may exist.
Private rooms and basic amenities. Not available at remote Gobi attractions, often very simple.
Smart booking helps secure your preferred Gobi accommodation, especially during peak season.
These are not available in the Gobi Desert due to its remote nature and lack of urban infrastructure.
While a concept, TrustedHousesitters (Trustedhousesitters.com) is generally not applicable for Gobi Desert travel due to the nomadic lifestyle.
Vacation rental options like Vrbo (Vrbo.com) are not present in the Gobi Desert.
Find the best Gobi accommodation for your travel style and budget.
Standard tourist ger camps, typically provided by most local budget tour operators.
Many well-regarded ger camps offer comfortable beds and slightly better shared facilities.
Three Camel Lodge (Threecamellodge.com) is Mongolia's premier eco-lodge.
Ger camps are family-friendly, with ample space and an unique experience for children.
Join a small group tour to share costs and safety. Many tour operators specialize in small group departures.
Long-term stays are not typical for the Gobi. Most Gobi tours last 3-10 days.
These offer the deepest cultural immersion, allowing you to live alongside local families.
Ger camps themselves are a modern adaptation of traditional nomadic dwellings, providing cultural insight into the nomadic way of life.
A budget accommodation specialist, relevant for Ulaanbaatar stays but not the Gobi: Hostelworld.com.
Many ger camps use solar power; electricity for charging devices might be limited to certain hours. Wi-Fi is generally not available, offering an opportunity for digital detox.
Water is a precious resource in the Gobi. Showers are often communal and may have limited hot water availability, sometimes on a schedule.
Gers are heated by wood-burning stoves, especially during cooler months. Camp staff typically light the fires in the evenings and mornings.
Beds in gers vary from simple cots to comfortable beds with thick mattresses.
Gers generally offer adequate privacy. However, sound can carry between gers in some camps.
