NOMADS OF NORTH MONGOLIA
Overview
Discover the highlights of the green and hilly landscape and the Mongolian steppe. Breathtaking landscapes and the warm hospitality of the nomads will remain unforgettable. The journey begins with a natural spectacle: we drive to a green and hilly landscape, where the monastery "Amarbayasgalant" is located. Then a road trip to the lake, nature reserve "Khorgo" and the semi-desert area, "Elsen Tasarkhai". Finally, we spend a day in the "Terelj" National Park. On the way, we see monasteries and hike to the monastery "Tuvkhun" and in the national park "Khustai". Our trip is a combination of an off-road vehicle and hiking days tour in central Mongolia.
Gallery
Itinerary
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Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, it's recommended that you clear customs and check-in to your hotel and relax from your flight. We begin our city tour by visiting the National Historical Museum. Further, we stroll at the "Sukhbaatar" square where the monument of Genghis Khan and Parliament Building lies. Then we drive to the "Zaisan" hill to enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the whole city. Finally, we get to know about Mongolian traditional art and have a welcome dinner. (Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.)
Ulaanbaatar – Amarbayasgalant
In the morning, we start our journey to the north to see "Amarbayasgalant" monastery. Today we have 360 km road trip which consists of 310 km on the asphalt road and 50 km on the country run. The monastery "Amarbayasgalant" was constructed by the Manchu Emperor Enkh Amgalan Khan in the 18th century as a souvenir for the Mongolian religious leader Zanabazar. It is one of the few monasteries partly escaped the destruction of the Soviet Union in 1937. Since 1998, the lamas have been working to restore the monastery. (Accommodation: Ger-camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)Amarbayasgalant – Erdenet - Uran Togoo
After breakfast, we continue our journey to the third-largest city of Mongolia, "Erdenet". The city is one of the youngest settlements in Mongolia and was founded in 1974 in an area where large deposits of copper had been discovered in the 1950s. The city hosts the fourth largest copper mine in the world, producing 126,700 tons of copper and 1,954 tons molybdenum, and has been sponsored since the Soviet era. Here, we stop to buy fresh supplies at the market. In the afternoon, we arrive at our destination, "Uran Togoo", then we recover from our long trip. From here, we make an easy hike to the mountain. (Accommodation: Ger-camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)The Mongolian pearl "Khuvsgul".
Today we pack up and head to the freshwater lake "Khuvsgul". It is the second largest freshwater lake in the world, after the lake "Baikal", and is also known as Mongolian pearl. The lake covers 2760 km2 area and is surrounded with forests of larches and pine trees and several mountain ranges. Upon our arrival at the lake, we explore the area together. (Accommodation: Ger camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)
Today we head towards the south to the deer stones "Uushigiin Övör". The deer stones are from Scythian times / 1000 BC /. These are 3-4m high obelisks, whose pages are predominantly decorated with the depictions of flying deer. In the present time, 700 samples have been found all over the world, including 500 pieces from Mongolia. In the afternoon, we arrive in Ger-camp and we're at leisure until dinner. (Accommodation: Ger-camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)
This morning we go on a road trip to the south to the lake "Zuun Nuur". The land run leads us through the hilly landscape and the valleys. On the way, we have a picnic and we arrive in Ger-camp at the lake "Zuun Nuur" by the afternoon. (Accommodation: Ger-camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)
Today, we drive to the nature reserve "Khorgo". The lake is 2600m above sea level, 6 km wide, and 16 km long and it covers an area of 61km2. The lake is 20m deep and offers an opportunity to fish, in good weather conditions. There are many pikes and many other fish species to be discovered there. Most of the year, the lake remains frozen. (Accommodation: Ger-camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)
We have one more day to stay in Ger-camp. After we resting for a while, we begin our hike in the direction of an extinguished volcano, "Khorgo". After 2 hours of trekking, we arrive at the foot of the volcano and have a lunch break. Next, we climb up to crater at 2240m altitude, which is 200m in diameter and 70-80m deep. There is a very beautiful area near the "Khorgo" volcano, which consists of solid lava bubbles. Then we conclude our activity of the day with our arrival in Ger-camp. (Accommodation: Ger-camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)
After breakfast, we continue our trip to the hot spring "Tsenkher". The spring water has healing power and is especially recommended for people suffering from joint diseases and diseases of the nervous system. The spring water composed of sodium carbonates, hydrocarbonates, sulfates, fluorites, and hydrogen sulfides. We can enjoy and relieve our fatigue from yesterday in a bath with spring water. Here, you're able to stroll around the area. (Accommodation: Ger-camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)
After breakfast, we continue our journey towards the monastery "Tuvkhun". The path to the monastery is alternately diverse. The first part of the trip will be proceeded by a car and the rest of the trip will continue on foot and we trek 5 km to the monastery. The monastery is a meditation monastery where the Buddhist head of Mongolia, Zanabazar, invented his "Soyombo" script. Here, you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view on top of the mountain range "Khangai". After that, we reach the waterfall "Ulaan Tsutgalan" by the afternoon. The waterfall splashing on the rock creating a rainbow in the sunlight is truly magical. Then we arrive at our ger camp and that concludes the day. (Accommodation: Ger-camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)
Orkhon valley - Kharakhorum
Today we travel east to Kharakhorum, which was the capital of the Genghis Khan's Mongol Empire between 1235 and 1260, and of the Northern Yuan in the 14-15th centuries. In the 13th century, the capital not only became the hub of the imperial administration and a center of trade and crafts through its tolerant attitude towards the new and unknown, but also a melting pot of different religions, cultures, and people. After lunch in Ger-camp, we visit the "Kharakhorum" museum and we visit "Erdene Zuu" monastery on the way. (Accommodation: Ger-camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)
After breakfast, we make our way to the magnificent rock formation of Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve. Here, we discover the semi-desert steppe. Astonishing granite rock mountains and 80 km long sand dunes are the characteristics of this dry area called the "mini Gobi". In the afternoon, we walk to the "Erdene Khamba" monastery, where "Khugnu Khan" was built on the south slope of the mountain in the 17th century. (Accommodation: Ger-camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)
After breakfast, we drive to the Khustai National Park. We soon reach the park and leave our car in the parking lot to begin our 3 hours hiking over the hills. Of all the parks, Khustai is known for its population of Przewalski horses or Takhi in Mongolian. After lunch in Ger-camp, we drive a bit into the national park. These critically endangered horses were expelled again in 1992. About 15 horses were brought over. At present, there are over 400 horses in the National Park. (Accommodation: Ger-camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)
After breakfast in Ger-camp, we continue our trip to the National Park "Terelj". First, we head out to the east for the world's largest equestrian statue. This place is also known as the uprising point "Genghis Khan". Genghis Khan, on his way back from a visit to Tooril Khan of Karaites, found a whip at this place. Finding a whip is considered as a lucky charm for Mongolians. That being the case, the world's largest equestrian statue was built here. At the lookout point, we enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of its surroundings. After lunch, we drive to Ger-camp in the National Park. After lunch, we drive into the National Park to settle at Ger-camp. On the way, we see a rock formation similar to a turtle. Further, we visit "Aryabal" monastery. You may go to the monastery on foot if you prefer and that approximately takes an hour and a half. The rest of the day is at your disposal. (Accommodation: Ger-camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)
Terelj national park - Ulaanbaatar
Return to the capital. After arriving in the hotel, you have free time at your disposal. In the evening, we all have dinner together. (Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.)
You will be free at leisure in your hotel or stroll around on your own until our guide escorts you to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight. Your driver will assist you with flight check-in and luggage, and see you off at the point of security check. (Breakfast)
Map
Inclusions
This price includes:
- All transfers for arrival/departure
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English speaking tour guide at all times (Other languages upon request)
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All transfer & Transportation + experienced drivers
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15 nights’ accommodation;
- Good 4* hotel in the city – 2 nights, based on double/twin.
- Good countryside - 13 nights, based on share
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All the meals as listed in the itinerary: Breakfast - 16, Lunch - 13, Dinner – 15
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“Wonders of Mongolian Art” performance with Tumen-Ekh ensemble
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Internal flights, free luggage allowance is 15kg
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All sightseeing and entrance fees are mentioned as program
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All service charge, local and Gov’t tax
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Road & toll fees
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Visa invitation letter if required
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Complementary drink water during the tour
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Camping equipments
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Museums and cultural performance
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Included all taxes
This price doesn’t include:
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Visa to Mongolia (Get in advance)
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International flights & Mongolia visa fees
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Hotel early check-in and late check-out
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Tipping and other personal expenses
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Other services not mentioned in the itinerary
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Excess luggage charges – 1.5$ per kg for internal flights
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Travel insurance
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Personal equipments
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Alcoholic drinks
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Sleeping bag
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Optional activity cost
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Single room supplement