ACTIVE ADVENTURES
Mongolia: From Sunrise to Sunset
TRIP SUMMARY
Join us on an Epic Journey through the far eastern and western Mongolia together with local experts, visiting some of the most obscure—and most scenic—sites not visited by regular folk. Meet Kazakh hunters with their trained Golden Eagles, as well as look for the herds of the largest population of hoofed mammals outside of Africa. These are white tail or Mongolian gazelle in the eastern steppes; these gazelles have no apparent migratory patterns and are true nomadic animals similar to the people sharing the same land. Not many know that Mongolia’s vast grasslands are seven times the size of Serengeti and the human population density in this region is the lowest in the country. The trip is perfect for adventurers with cameras who love natural landscapes as well as local culture. This journey will allow you to explore Mongolia from one end to another, revealing its fascinating array of ecosystems and all the landscapes, cultures and wildlife in between.
Brief Daily Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Enjoy a short city tour followed by a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant
Day 2. Ulaanbaatar
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in UB to acclimatise. Visit Gandan Monastery and National History and Fine Arts museums.
Day 3. Dornod Choibalsan
Early In the morning, we will fly east to the Choibalsan city, home to world’s last remaining wilderness steppe ecosystem and such animals. We will meet our ground staff and begin driving to Buir Lake.
Day 4. Buir Lake
We will arrive at the Buir Lake and enjoy swimming at its warm, clear waters. Entering one of the biggest stretches of unfenced land in the country known as the famous steppes of Minen. Overnight in tents.
Day 5. Ikh Burkhant / Khalkh river
In the morning, drive to the Ikh Burkhant Buddist site, built in the 19th century. Continue driving and arrive at Khalkh river.
Day 6. Arrive Matad village
Passing through waves of eastern plains, we will arrive at Matad village area and overnight in tents.
Day 7. Choibalsan
We will turn westward towards Choibalsan where on the outskirts we will spend our last evening in tents. Time permitting, visit Toson Hulstai Park.
Day 8. Ulaanbaatar
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Rest during the remainder of the day. Enjoy dinner at
one of the centrally located restaurants.
Day 9. Hovd/Tsambagarav Mountain
We will fly west to the Hovd province and drive to the majestic Tsambagarav mountain.
Day 10-12. Altai Mountains ecosystems
In the next days, we will explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes and regions of western Mongolia including alpine lakes, rugged rocky mountain valleys, local Kazakh family visits and camping at river side.
Day 13. Ulgii
Drive back to the town of Ulgii for our final night in western Mongolia. We will
visit a local mosque and town market. Overnight in a local hotel.
Day 14. Ulgii / Ulaanbaatar
In the morning, transfer to the airport for our flight (3 hours) back to
Ulaanbaatar. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant.
Day 15. Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure.
Trip Highlights:
- Travel through Mongolia’s vast grassland, mountain systems and the steppe, which conjure up the image of wild open landscape and endless skyline.
- Enjoy hiking in some of the most scenic trails in Mongolia while learning about birds, flowers and geology
- Visit the eastern Dornod steppes, central grassland and the western Altai mountain region
- Visit the habitat areas of Mongolian gazelles and world’s rarest crane species
- Meet local kazakh hunters who train Golden Eagles for hunting
- Enjoy camping under Mongolia’s blue skies and enjoying tasty field meals
- Enjoy meeting with nomads and exploring the nomadic culture of Mongolia
DATES & PRICING
Trip Date:
Aug 14 – 28, 2023
Prices:
2 travelers:
$3,850 per person, twin occupancy
3-5 travelers:
$3,670 per person, twin occupancy
6-9 travelers:
$3,400 per person, twin occupancy
10 and more travelers:
$3,200 per person, twin occupancy
Optional single supplement:
$480 per person
Domestic flight:
$530 per person
GALLERY
ACCOMMODATIONS & TRANSPORTATION
Hotel Ulaanbaatar
Hotel Ulaanbaatar is conveniently located in downtown Ulaanbaatar and is a very well established hotel with a friendly staff. All major atractions of UB are located with a walking distance of the hotel.
Field camps
In the countryside, most of our accommodation will be arranged in expedition style tents. These are some of the best camping grounds in the entire country and be sure to watch for the northern stars and the entire Milkyway spanning over us!
Ger camps
Through some portion of the program, we might have an opportunity to stay at cozy and authentic ger camps with western bathroom and restaurant facilities. Most visitors find staying in gers as one of the highlights of their trip to Mongolia.
Land Transportation:
Land transportation is provided by Toyota Land Cruiser jeeps seating 3 passangers per vehicle. Some roads can be bumby and hard but our drivers are some of the most experienced and reliable in the country.
