The steppes and the immense scale of boundless landscape varying from flat plains to rolling plateaus and extensive grasslands make up the heart of Mongolia, which is a transition zone between the Siberian taiga forest, the Central Asian steppe, the high Altai Mountains and Gobi Desert.
Apart from the steppes, such outstanding landscapes as Gobi Desert, Lake Huvsgul, high Altai Mountain range, Gorhi Terelj National Park as well as the site of Karakorum, the ancient capital city of Mongolia with Erdene Zuu Monastery and Ulaanbaatar, are all focal points of visiting Mongolia.
Mongolia remains to be one of the few countries to retain its ancient culture and traditions, and the nomadic lifestyle plays an important role in creating a general perception about Mongolia.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Ulan Bator
We arrive in Ulan Bator (or Ulaanbaatar), where we are welcome by our hospitable guide and after immigration and custom formalities we are transferred to our hotel. When arriving from a previous Asian destination, we will have a same-day city tour in the afternoon, with a visit to the National History Museum to see artifacts from Mongolia and Central Asia from the Stone Age to the present, and to the Sukhebaatar Square. Overnight: Palace Hotel, Ulan Bator (2 nights) (Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: The Mongol Naadam
After our breakfast this morning we’ll first visit the Gandan Monastery with its gold-plated 26 m tall Buddha statue, decorated with precious stones. In the afternoon we will attend a replica of the ‘Mongol Naadam’ festivities. The core of the Mongol Naadam is a small version of the famous National Naadam Festival, which is held July 11-13 annually.
The replica features the same three manly games as the National Naadam, and the main purpose of this ‘Mini’ Naadam we hold, is to enable our guests to get closer to the amazing spectacle of wrestling, horseracing and archery. In this way we can capture close-range photos or videos that will last forever as priceless memories of Mongolia. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Ulan Bator / South Gobi (flight)
On this morning we drive to the airport and take a short flight to South Gobi. After we arrive here we’ll have lunch at Khan Bogd Camp followed by a short drive to Yol Valley (18 km). Here we’ll visit the local museum presenting the ‘life in the desert’ as well the flora and fauna. For dinner and overnight we will return to our Camp Base. Overnight: Khan Bogd Camp (1 night) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: South Gobi / Singing Sand Dunes (drive 170 km)
After breakfast we take a jeep drive to Hongriin Els Singing Sand Dunes. After we arrive here we’ll have lunch at camp, followed by a hiking tour to the ‘singing’ dunes. These dunes have got their names from the whistling sound they make when the wind blows. We’ll also see a camel-breeding nomadic family in the Gobi and have a camel riding session. Overnight: Gobi Discovery Camp (1 night) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: South Gobi / Flaming Cliffs (drive 90 km)
Today we continue our Gobi exploration and drive to Flaming Cliffs, where we encounter the Gobi Dinosaur Cemetery and walk along the trail of the famous palaeontologist Roy Chapman Andrews. Overnight: Bayanzag Ger Camp (1 night) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Flaming Cliffs / Saikhan Ovoo (drive)
Our drive today will head across the mountains of Ikh Bogdo and to Saikhan Ovoo. En route we visit the mountainside remains of the Ongiin Monastery, which now has a small number of novices after years of turmoil, and arrive after the picturesque drive to Ongiin River. Overnight: Camp at Ongiin River (1 night) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Saikhan Ovoo / Karakorum (drive)
Today we drive through the famous Ongiin steppe all the way to Karakorum, yet another interesting day is ahead us, as we visit this magnificent capital city of the mighty Mongol Empire. Upon arrival we’ll have easy hiking / walking along Orkhon River to the nearby mountains, overlooking the city.
Will also explore the Erdene Zuu Monastery, which was the first Buddhist Center in Mongolia. In the afternoon we have some free time at leisure till dinnertime. Overnight: Portable Ger Camp (4 nights, different locations) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Karakorum / Tsenhriin Jiguur Hot Spa / Karakorum (drive)
Today we’ll have the full day to visit the nearby villages, to experience their day-by day lives and habits. After lunch we go to the Tsenhriin Jiguur hot springs & Spa, where we will enjoy bathing, followed by a visit to a nomadic family by yak cart. Also here we can try the authentic Mongolian horse riding or can have a yak riding session. Overnight at our Ger Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9: Karakorum / Lake Ugii (drive)
As the day starts we leave for the Ugii Lake. This 25 square kilometers lake attracts a large number of migratory birds. It is a natural bird paradise, where we can observe several rare species, as well other animals. Bird watching, fishing or horse riding along lake shores, will be in our agenda today. Overnight: at Ger Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Lake Ugii / Hustain Nuruu National Park (drive)
We continue our Mongolian tour today and drive to Hustain Nuruu Natural Reserve. Upon arrival here early in the afternoon, we start the ‘search’ for the takhi, the world’s last remaining species of wild horses. The reserve has successfully re-introduced the species to the area after facing extinction. Overnight: at Ger Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11: Hustain Nuruu / “Chinggis Khan’s Cavalry”
After breakfast we are taken to this unique event’s scene, to enjoy the ‘Little Naadam’ at a large scale… A full-day festival fever, packed with traditional folk performances and full-scale Cavalry Event. Overnight: Hotel Mongolia. (1 night) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12: Ulaan Baatar
Today we return to Ulan Baator and visit the Winter Palace Museum of the Bogd Khan, followed by Zaisan Hill War Memorial, from where we’ll have a panoramic view of the city. Overnight: Hotel, Ulan Bator. (1 night) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 13: Ulan Bator departure
After breakfast at the hotel we are transferred to the Airport for our departure. (Breakfast)
- End of our tour and services -
Tour highlights & World Heritage Sites (WHS)
- Gandan Monastery
- Yol Valley, Gobi Desert
- Hongriin Els Singing Sand Dunes
- Gobi Dinosaurs Cemetery and Flaming Cliffs
- Karakorum
- Ugii Lake
- Hustain Nuruu Natural Reserve
- ‘Little Naadam’
- Winter Palace Museum of the Bogd Khaan, Ulan Bator
Tour departure dates for 2008
Jun 30*, Jul 05 & 19, Aug 02 & 16
*Set to witness the National Naadam Festivities in Ulan Bataar
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour prices in 2008
USD: 2,360.00 / CAD: 2,475.00 – per person in double occupancy.
Single supplement: USD: 270.00 / CAD 285.00
*For the marked departure, please add USD: 140.00 / CAD: 145.00 – per person
Price includes:
- All transfers and sightseeing
- Meals as mentioned (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Accommodations as mentioned in the itinerary
- Guide-interpreter & driver throughout itinerary
- All entrance fees
- Air tickets for Ulan Bator / South Gobi sector
- Excursions / safaris / rides as mentioned
Price does not include:
- International flights and all airport taxes
- Visa fees and insurance
- Drinks and beverages
- All other bills, like phone, laundry, bar
- Tips and other such costs
- Other services not mentioned
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Mongolia
Cultural Journey
Wildlife Viewing
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