Area: Southern and Central Mongolia Potential dates: from May to October, in each year. Duration: 14 days/13 night Tour price: 2390 USD per person (Based on 2pax)
Marvel at incomparable landscape of the Gobi Desert (very different form the Sahara!) - Explore the world renowned paleontology sites at Bayan Zag where numerous dinosaurs’ bones and eggs have been discovered. (Archeologists suggest that there are many still remaining to be discovered). Enjoy the sand dunes of Khongoriin Els and visit a camel breeders’ family. You will also see & explore the picturesque gorge called the Eagle Valley which contains ice, even during summer months in the hot desert.
Day1. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, capital city of Mongolia, and drive to Khustai National Park. (80km)
On arrival in Ulaanbaatar the biggest, capital city of Mongolia, you will be able to see the stunning view of clear blue sky and feel the freshest scent of air of this sunny country located at the Central Asian Plateau. After breakfast at the finest restaurant we will head out west. The drive takes about 2 hours until we reach Khustai National Park where re-introduction of the wild Przewalski horses has taken place since 1992. After we would have camped, we have lunch. The afternoon will be spent at leisure hiking in the surrounding mountains with an evening visit to the wild horses while they come to drink in the evening. Dinner and overnight at Khustai tourist camp.
Day2. Piece of Sand Dunes, a northern edge of Gobi Desert. (200km)
Breakfast. Today’s destination includes Piece of Sand Dunes in the central part of Mongolia, a historical mountain Khognokhaan where an Oirat s western Mongolian senseless military ruler gelded some lamas (Buddhist monks) during Mongolian tribes’ internal war in the 17th century. Surroundings’ nature scenery is wide-open steppe with rolling hills in the background. We will stop for lunch along the way. Overnight in a Ger, traditional Mongolian dwelling, at Bayan Gobi tourist camp.
Day3. Karakorum, ancient Mongolian historical city. (150km)
Drive to historical city Kharakhorum which was the main administration city of Great 13th century Mongolian Empire. Once, it called as ‘Silk Road’ by westerns, bridged Asia and European countries, like Greece & Rome once were the biggest cities in the World. Also, you will see & explore there a monastery named ‘Erdene Zuu’, which built as the first Mongolian Buddhist monastery by Abtai Sain Khaan (a Mongolian King) in 1587. Overnight in tourist Ger camp.
Day4. Ulaantsutgalan waterfall (145km)
Today we will have a short trip to Orkhon Waterfall. This valley is known as the cradle of Mongolian civilization as many of Mongolia’s ancient monuments lie within its borders. The Orkhon Waterfall marks the halfway point of the Orkhon River, the longest River in Mongolia. The area surrounding the waterfall is green and forested and we will spend the day walking in the area and having a picnic lunch. This area of Mongolia is well known for producing the best ‘airag’, or fermented mares’ milk, in the country. Many locals will love to challenge you to a singing game, the loser having to consume a whole bowl of the ‘airag’, so beware when visiting local families! The drive from Karakorum is about two-and-a-half hours and in the afternoon we will drive to a ger camp in the area for dinner and night.
Day5. The edge of Gobi Desert (200km)
Today we start driving towards the Gobi Desert. The scenery will change into the vast open steppe that meets with the horizon. There will be occasional nomadic families’ Gers in the distance.
Day6. Lake Orog. (150km)
Today we will reach the furthest most point of your tour. After breakfast we will drive to the White Caves of Tsagaan, located in the Tsakhir Mountain. In 1996, it was discovered that this cave housed Stone Age man some 700,000 years ago, and has subsequently become the site of numerous archeological digs. We will have dinner and camp overnight near the Tsakhir Mountain. Views of the Altai Mountain Range.
Day7-8. Khongor sand dunes. (300km)
Today we drive to Khongor sand dunes that extend along the northern side of Sevrei and Zoolun mountain ranges for 180 km, get to ger camp, explore the area, climbing up the Singing Dunes. They extend for 185 kilometers and include dunes that can reach 20 meters in height. The sound produced by the masses of moving sand can be heard from afar, and when it occurs, it is said that it can be mistaken for the sound of an aero plane. Hence their name is 'singing sands', or 'musical sands'. Near Hongor Gol (Hongor River) at the northern edge of the dunes, there is an oasis. We will be riding on camels today to explore these massive sand-dunes. The two-humped camels are very comfortable to ride, as they walk slowly and gently and we will be well supported by the humps, sitting comfortably between them. Our camel man will take us to the sand-dunes. We will stay overnight in a ger camp close to the dunes. Visit to Nomads Family. Interaction with local nomads. Participate in the nomads’ daily chores - Milk the local yaks and cows. According to Mongolian tradition, the women do the milking of the goats, cows and horses whilst the men hunt for marmot – Get involved as you chose! In the evening, there will be a time to get involved around an outside fire. You also taste traditional Mongolian vodka. It is fermented with cow’s milk according to the special nomadic technology! A must if you like the odd alcoholic beverage or two!’ You will be treated to a traditional picnic lunch called Khorkhog.
Day9. Yolyn Am (211km)
After a relaxed breakfast we will drive towards Yolyn Am, or Eagle Valley. The Yoliin Am, a protected site since 1965, is 62 kilometers north-west of Dalanzadgad. Very wide at the entrance, it narrows gradually into a remarkable gorge. A 2-3 kilometer long spring winds its way through the defile, and in July it freezes into a thick corridor of ice that stretches along a considerable distance. Following the canyon to the very end, one emerges into a beautiful wide valley. Once here, you will marvel at the beauty and mystique of the Gobi desert and its famous its mirage.
Day1O. Bayanzag Saxauls (150km)
On arrival at the airstrip in the Gobi you will be met by a driver and jeep and drive to Bayanzag, a distribution of saxauls (100 km). You will explore the Gobi’s landscape while riding on camel back. Attractions include spending time at the places where Roy Andrew Chapman discovered fossilized dinosaurs skeleton and eggs in 1920s. Overnight at tourist camp.
Day11. Back to Ulaanbaatar
Today we fly back to Ulaanbaatar. The flight from Dalanzadgad to Ulaanbaatar takes one-and-a-half hours and your guide will accompany you. We will have a packed lunch at the airport in Dalanzadgad. On arrival in Ulaanbaatar you will be taken to your 3-star hotel.
Day 12. City tour – Sightseeing and Gorkhji-Terelj National Park.
On arrival at the ‘Chinggis Khaan’ international airport in ‘Ulaanbaatar’ the biggest, capital city of Mongolia, you will be transferred to 3 star hotel. After lunch at the hotel restaurant you can do afternoon sightseeing in the city, including visits to the Bogd Khaan Winter Palace Museum where Mongolia’s last king and religious leader resided. Also, you will have a sightseeing tour including Gandantegchilen the main Buddha’s monastery, temple of Megjid Janraiseg a kind of Buddha sculpture, National History Museum and visit main square with Chinggis Khaan’s monument. Dinner will be held in BD’s Mongolian barbeque. After lunch we will go to see Mongolian national folk music concert in Tsuki House concerting hall.
Day13. See and enjoy the Chinggis Khaan’s cavalry rides show. (100km)
The largest festivals will be never before seen thirteenth century re-enactment of Chinggis Khaan’s magnificent warriors on March. During this spectacular event, to be held in a steppe approximately 55 km from Ulaanbaatar, warriors of Chinggis Khaan will show their attacking techniques demonstrate their military skills with the 13th century weaponry, and parade the spectators.
Day14. Departure After breakfast you will be taken to the airport for your international departure.
Price includes:
One domestic flight, transportation with Toyota Land cruiser 80, standard twin accommodation in a 4 star hotel (This hotel is well located, new one in UB and all of their service is excellent http://www.narantuulhotel.com/. However, you can choose out of biggest hotels like Bayangol, Chinggis Khaan or Ulaanbaatar, single accommodation can be arranged at an additional cost. Tourist camp accommodation while on trek, three meals a day, English-speaking guide service, OW domestic flight, all sightseeing costs, camel or horse hire where specified, support staff including drivers, horse /camel men and camp assistants, mineral waters and government taxes.
Price doesn’t include:
International transportation, travel insurance, visas, departure tax, alcoholic drinks, gratuities, items of a personal nature. It would be your responsibility to be fully covered with travel and medical insurance while traveling in Mongolia.
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