We left to visit the Gobi desert after a brief rest from the caves. It was really hot out (34C) but at least there was no humidity.
The first thing we did was to ride the camels. It was a 40 minutes trek through the desert with a guide leading a string of camels. Pretty fun and relaxing. Yes this is a tourist trap but now I can check riding a camel into the desert off of my list!
Afterwards I found a couple people from my tour who wanted to ride the helicopter and would split the cost. It was a quick ride but easy to see the crescent lake oasis from above.
Two videos from sections of the flight:
I did not have enough time to do some sand sledding or hike up the dunes as a lot more tourists showed up. But I went to the oasis to get more water and walk with new friends from the tour for awhile before heading to the bus.
Back at the hotel for a shower and then walk to the night market to look around.
We are a local spicy potato dish with some beer and stopped at a seller of black Jade. I bought 3 glasses with lids and a Black Jade bead bracelet. In the light you can pick out there green though the rock itself is black.
