TRIP OVERVIEW:

Tour length: 13 days
Group size: 4-15 people
Tour prices:

• US$ 2819 per person based on 4 – 5 people
• US$ 2659 per person based on 6 – 9 people
• US$ 2429 per person based on 10 – 15 people

2009 dates:

• May 22-June 3, June 7-June 19
  (Nomad Cultural show in Terelj. Extra US$ 35 per person),
• June 19-July 1,
• August 8-August 20
  (Nomad Naadam Festival in Terelj Extra US$ 45 per person),
• August 26-September 7,
• September 7-September 21

Hot:

• July 8-July 20
  (Naadam Festival in Karakorum and Ulaanbaatar. Extra US$ 139 per person)

Tour level: Moderate
Highlights: Karakorum, the Great Mongol Empire capital city, Erdenezuu Monastery, Bayangobi, Hustain Nuruu natural reserve, Przewalski wild horse, Terelj National Park, Gobi Desert sand dunes and dinosaur ‘cradle’, Yoliin am canyon, Huvsgul Lake, Chinggis Khaan’s Monument at Tsonjin Boldog, opportunities of adventures; horse riding, trekking and boating, cultural experiences; ger building, archery trials, concerts and educational programs including documentaries on dinosaur explorations, wildlife and culture of Mongolia

TOUR ITINERARY:

Day 1 Ulaanbaatar
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel. Tour the Museum of Natural History with its splendid collection of Dinosaur exhibits. Mongolian traditional folklore concert. Evening motor coach tour of Ulaanbaatar, including the War Memorial at Zaisan if time permits. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 Karakorum, ancient capital city
After breakfast coach transfer to Karakorum, the 13th century capital city of Mongolia. On the visit a horse-breeder’s family to see making airag, the Mongolian traditional drink of fermented horse milk. Overnight in gers by the Orkhon River.

Day 3 Hustain Nuruu Natural reserve via Bayangobi
After an early breakfast, visit Erdene Zuu, once one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia and almost destroyed in the 1930s. Tour of the monastery grounds and several chapels with excellent examples of Buddhist iconography dating from the 16th century. Visit to the symbolic ruins of Karakorum, the 13th century capital of the Mongol Empire. Then drive to Hustain Nuruu Natural reserve via Bayangobi sand dunes, where we will have lunch in ger camp. After dinner at Hustai ger camp, watch a documentary about flora and fauna of Hustai Natural reserve. Overnight in Hustai ger camp.

Day 4 Viewing wild horses and Terelj National Park
In the morning, transfer by 4WD vans to view Przewalski wild horses, being raised in semi-captivity at the reserve. After lunch back at the camp, drive to Terelj National Park, via Ulaanbaatar. After being settled in the camp and having dinner at Terelj Lodge, visit the ger museum, where you will attend a brief lecture on Mongolian nomadic lifestyles. Overnight in gers at the camp.

Day 5 Sightseeing and cultural experience in Terelj
In the morning, have an excursion to Turtle rock and come back to the camp for a cultural experiment, taking part in dismantling and building of a Mongolian ger with the help of locals. After lunch, enjoy short horse riding along the national park and participate in archery lessons and trials in evening. Overnight in gers at the camp.

Day 6 Excursion to Chinggis Khaan monument and arrive in Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast at the camp coach transfer to Chingis Khaan grand monument situated in Tsonjin Boldog sight. Photo session and brief introduction to the medieval history of Mongolia and Chinggis Khaan’s life. Lunch at the monument restaurant and transfer back to Ulaanbaatar. Visit Mongolian National History museum. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 7 Fly to Gobi desert, visit Yoliin am canyon
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the airport early in the morning for a short flight to Dalanzadgad, the central town in South Gobi province. After lunch at base camp, visit Yoliin Am (Lammergeyer) Valley National Park for trekking and opportunity to photograph the stunning landscape. Return to the camp. Dinner and free time in the evening. Overnight in gers.

Day 8 A day excursion to Bayanzag and Moltsog els
Breakfast at base camp. A day trip to Bayan Zag, Flaming Cliffs* (50 miles), for exploring the Gobi Cemetery of Dinosaurs and the trail of Roy Chapman Andrews, and Moltsog Els sand dunes. In the evening, watch a documentary about American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews, whose expedition crew discovered the first dinosaur fossils of Mongolia from Bayanzag sight in the 1920’s.

Day 9 Fly back to Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast transfer to Dalanzadgad airport for late morning flight to Ulaanbaatar. After lunch, tour the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum, home of the last Mongolian Khan who ruled from till 1924. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 10 Fly to Murun and transfer to Huvsgul Lake
Morning transfer to airport for flight to Murun, the capital of Huvsgul province. Have packed lunch near the airport and transfer our camp at the Shore of Huvsgul Lake. Free hiking and relaxing in the evening. Dinner and overnight at base camp.

Day 11 Huvsgul lake exploration, visit Reindeer people
Breakfast at base camp and transfer to Reindeer herder’s settlement. Arrive back to the camp for lunch. In the afternoon explore the breathtaking shores of this beautiful lake, enjoy horse riding, trekking or fishing. Dinner and overnight at base camp.

Day 12 Transfer to Murun and fly to Ulaanbaatar
Breakfast at base camp. Drive back to Murun to catch an early afternoon flight to Ulaanbaatar. After lunch, visit one of Mongolia’s cashmere factory outlets. In the evening, welcome and enjoy farewell dinner with traditional musical performance. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 13 Departure flight
Transfer to airport for return flight.