21D Nomadic Mongolia

2010 and 2011 Dates

• May 24 – Jun 13, 2010
• Jun 14 – Jul 04, 2010
• Jul 05-25, 2010
• Jul 26 – Aug 15, 2010
• Aug 16 – Sep 05, 2010
• May 30 – Jun 19, 2011
• Jun 20 – Jul 10, 2011
• Jul 17 – Aug 08, 2011
• Jul 31 – Aug 20, 2011
• Aug 14 – Sep 02, 2011

Trip Cost

• USD $2,999 per person

Itinerary

Day 01 / Arrive Ulaan Baatar
Arrive in Ulaan Baatar at any time.

Day 02 / Ulaan Baatar (B/-/-)
As the city used to be a Russian protectorate, Russian architectural styles remain alongside traditional Mongolian gers (tents) and modern shops. You have free time to explore the Museum of Natural History with its dinosaur exhibits, the Choijin Lama Temple Museum with displays of Buddhist artifacts, or perhaps the Ganden Monastery, the most important in the country.

Day 03 / Horbund (B/L/D)
Head south through the steppe to Horbund where we visit the ruins of an ancient monastery. See gazelle, cranes, and eagles in the surrounding countryside.

Days 04-05 / Yolyn Am (2B/2L/2D)
Visit the restored Monastery of Ongi Khidd on the way to the Flaming Cliffs area, made famous for the fossils and dinosaur eggs discovered there in recent years. Yolyn Am, the “Vulture’s Mouth” is an incredible gorge in the desert. Hike deep into the gorge to where ice remains, even in summer.

Days 06-07 / Shine Ider/ Great White Lake (3B/3L/3D)
Travelling through the desert we get to explore some of the largest dunes in the Gobi.

Day 08 / Guvchin-Us (B/L/D)
The small provincial town Tsetserleg, situated in the valley of the Delger River, provides vistas of remote, untouched beauty and a treat in the form of the Tsenher Hot Springs.

Day 09 / Karakorum (B/L/D)
We visit the ancient capital city and the beautiful Erdene Zuu Monastery.

Day 10/ Tsensher hotsprings (B/L/D)
Relax in the hot spring water at the ger camp or hike the nearby hills.

Days 11-12 / Great White Lake (2B/2L/2D)
Continue across the green hills to Great White Lake. This natural volcanic lake surrounded by rocky mountains provides a surreal landscape in Khorgo. Climb up to one of the peaks for spectacular views of the nearby area.

Day 13/ Grasslands (Shine Inder) (B/L/D)
Our drive takes us deep into the steppe to really experience the nomad life as we head towards Khovsgol Lake.

Days 14-16 / Khovsgol Lake (3B/3L/3D)
Journey through emerald green grasslands dotted with the white ‘gers’ (traditional tents) of nomads to the pure waters and pristine wilderness of Khovsgol Lake. Swim in the icy waters or hike through the nearby forests.

Days 17-18 / Selenge River (2B/2L/2D)
Soak in the beautiful surroundings of the picturesque Selenge River region.

Day 19 / Khustai National Park (B/L/D)
Khustai National Park is home to the wild Takhi horses, the last truly wild horses in the world.

Day 20 / Ulaan Bataar (B/-/D)
Head back to the capital through the grasslands to explore Ulaan Baatar once again.

Day 21 / Depart Ulaan Bataar (B/-/-)

Inclusions

• Entrance to Yolyn Am National Park, volcano hike, Grasslands stay, entrance to Erdene Zuu Monastery, entrance to Karakorum monument, visit to lava tubes and second volcano hike, authentic Mongolian barbecue

Notes

• Start/Finish Ex-Ulaan Baatar
• Group Size Average 10, Maximum 15
• Group Leader Tour Leader, local guides
• Accommodation Hotels (03 nights), nomad family stay/camping (03 night), Mongolian multi-share ger camps (14 nights)
• Transport 4WD Jeeps, walking
• Meals 20 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 17 dinners; Budget USD $60 for meals not included