Things To Do
in Saynshand
Saynshand is a provincial town in southeastern Mongolia perched at the edge of the vast Gobi Desert. The town serves as a practical stopover for travelers exploring the Gobi, with wide open skies, dusty streets, and a friendly nomadic vibe. Life here blends traditional herding culture with small scale services, making it easy to observe rural Mongolia up close.
From Saynshand you can venture into desert landscapes, meet nomadic families, and enjoy starry nights far from city lights.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Saynshand airport and feel the crisp, wide-open air of the Gobi steppe as you collect your bags. Meet your local guide and transfer to a traditional ger camp where you can refresh and unpack. Wander around the camp to stretch your legs and take in panoramic views of the horizon dotted with distant hills.
Enjoy a hearty lunch of buuz and local vegetables in the camp’s communal yurt. Take a stroll into the small town center to visit the local market, sampling dairy treats and handwoven crafts from friendly vendors. Stop by the Dornogovi Province museum to catch an introduction to regional geology and nomadic artifacts.
Gather for a welcome dinner cooked over a wood fire, featuring roasted lamb and fresh salads. Share stories with fellow travelers under a canvas sky as the sun sinks behind the dunes. Finally, step outside to marvel at a dazzling blanket of stars, uninterrupted by city lights.
Rise before dawn for a hot air balloon ride over rolling sand dunes and desert grasslands, watching the sunrise paint everything gold. Back on solid ground, pile into a 4x4 and set off on rugged tracks toward the heart of the Gobi. Keep your eyes peeled for hardy desert wildlife like the kulan and Siberian ibex grazing on shrubby patches.
Pause for a picnic lunch beside a seasonal stream where desert flowers bloom in surprising color. Continue deeper into the wilderness to see wind-carved rock formations and fossil-rich outcrops. Your guide shares stories of dinosaur finds and ancient trade routes that once passed through these vast plains.
Arrive at a remote ger camp and settle in before dusk. Take part in preparing traditional dairy tea and snacks with your host family. As night falls, sit by a crackling fire to listen to throat singing echoing across the desert.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 💧Bottle of water 1.5L | $0.5-1 |
| 🛏️Guesthouse / budget hotel per night | $12-25 |
| 🚍Local transport short ride | $1-3 |
| 🧭Local SIM card with data | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Accessible desert landscapes with a calm pace
- Friendly locals and an authentic glimpse of rural Mongolia
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
- Long travel times to major cities and remote services
- "Сайн байна уу?" - Hello
- "Баярлалаа" - Thank you
- "Уучлаарай, би ойлгож чадахгүй байна" - Sorry, I don't understand
- "Энэ үнэтэй вэ" - How much is this
- "Туслаарай" - Help please
- "Би хоол идмээр байна" - I would like to eat
Places to Visit in Saynshand
Visit one of these nice places.
A high overlook on the town outskirts offering sweeping views of the desert horizon and the town below at sunrise or sunset.
Low dunes and barren sands along the desert edge provide dramatic silhouettes during golden hour.
Camps with traditional gers provide colorful backdrops for portraits and candid life in the steppe.
Away from city lights, the night sky reveals bright stars and the Milky Way on clear evenings.
Food in Saynshand
Saynshand Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed dumplings filled with beef or mutton, a staple at most eateries.
Must-Try!
Fried meat pastries similar to dumplings, crisp on the outside and savory inside.
Noodle stew with meat and vegetables, a warming desert dish.
Fermented mare's milk served cold, a traditional refreshment in rural settings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market where you can try dumplings, grilled meat, dairy products and fresh produce.
Casual stalls along the town's main thoroughfare offering khorhguur fried snacks and warm soups.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly hello Sain bainaa uu and a smile. Show respect to elders and hosts.
If invited into a ger, remove shoes and accept tea or snacks if offered.
Ask permission before photographing people or private spaces; avoid pointing feet at people.
Safety
Tipping in Saynshand
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in rural Mongolia is appreciated but not always expected. A small tip to guides or drivers (5-10 USD or 5000-10000 MNT per day) is common if service is good or if there are multiple days of service.
Cash (MNT) is widely accepted in Saynshand. Some shops and cafes may accept USD or mobile payments; cards are less common in rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with cool nights; carry water, wear sun protection, and plan morning or evening outings to avoid the worst heat and dust.
Very cold, dry, and windy; pack multiple layers, a good coat, thermal wear, and be prepared for travel delays on rough roads.
Saynshand at Night
Hiking in Saynshand
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short hikes along the Gobi desert edge offering panoramic views and birdlife common to semi-arid habitats.
Gentle walks near traditional gers, a chance to observe daily life and landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Saynshand by plane.
Main international gateway to Mongolia; located near Ulaanbaatar; most travelers connect here and then take a domestic flight or overland trip to Saynshand.
Regional airport in Ömnögovi Province; serves domestic flights to Ulaanbaatar and is a common access point for Gobi trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are ethnic Mongols living in a rural town setting, with families connected to herding and farming.
Seasonal workers, herders, and nomadic families who move between pastures across the year.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
An enduring Mongolian tradition; many visits include riding through steppe landscapes.
A traditional sport often witnessed at cultural events and festivals.
A common desert activity offering slow, scenic travel through the Gobi.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Saynshand.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Mongolian cuisine is meat heavy, but vegetarian options exist in Saynshand. Look for noodle dishes with vegetables, dairy based soups, and vegetables from market stalls. Communicate clearly with cooks and avoid meat stocks if needed.