ACTIVE ADVENTURES

EASTERN MONGOLIA OVERLAND

Date: Sep 15-28, 2024

TRIP SUMMARY

Mongolia is one of the last places on the planet Earth with vast expanses of untouched land with little to no evidence of human influence. For centuries, traditional local herders have been following their domestic animals in search of good pastureland; moving from place to place, based on changing seasons as well as rainfall. Similar to people, most of the wildlife pursue a similar nomadic lifestyle, roaming a territory the size of Alaska without any discernable migratory patterns. The eastern steppes of Mongolia, known as Dornod, are vast grasslands seven times the size of Serengeti. They are inhabited by Mongolian white-tailed gazelles, the largest hoofed-mammal population outside of the African continent. The best way of exploring this large, open landscape is to travel overland. Join us on this exceptional adventure through the Mongolian steppe, passing through the land of ancient volcanoes and entering the mystic Gobi Desert, stopping by old monastery ruins and present-day places of worship for local peoples.

BRIEF DAILY ITINERARY

Day 1-2: Arrival/ Brief Ulaanbaatar Tour

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to your hotel, and enjoy a welcome dinner with a pre-trip briefing. Explore the capital, visiting Gandan Monastery and the National History Museum to learn about Mongolia’s rich heritage. Experience traditional music, dance, and local cuisine. (Hotel Blue Sky or similar; B, L, D)

Day 3: Dornod province,Choibalsan city

Morning transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Choibalsan in the Eastern Steppe. Eastern Mongolia is home to the world’s last remaining wilderness steppe ecosystem, housing rare animals like the Mongolian white-tailed gazelle and various rare birds. Upon arrival, drive eastward to Lake Buir via the famous Menengiin Steppe (approx. 350 km). (Tent Camp, B, L, D)

Day 4-5: Buir Lake

Drive to Buir Lake, passing through the eastern steppes with chances to spot Mongolian gazelle. Set up camp on the Khalkhiin River bank, explore sandy beaches, and interact with locals. Continue southeast, passing Ikh Burkhand, a significant Buddhist site. Camp for the night near the Khalkh River valley. (Approx. 4-5 hours driving on Day 4, 7 hours driving on Day 5; Tent camp; B, L, D)

Day 6: Ikh Burkhand / Khalkh gol

Pack in the morning and drive southeast, passing by Ikh Burkhant, one of the largest Buddhist heritage sites in the country. A significant Buddha figure adorns a hillside, a unique Buddhist architecture in Mongolia. Continue south to the next campsite in the beautiful valley of Khalkh River, near Sumber village. Overnight in tents. (Approx. 7 hours driving; Tent camp; B, L, D)

Day 7. Sep 21- Tashkhai lakes

Continue through the vast eastern Mongolian steppe, offering opportunities to spot Mongolian gazelles. Make stops to explore local flora and fauna, and obtain travel permission at a military outpost on the Mongolian-Chinese border. In the afternoon, reach the Tashkhai Lakes, some of which vary in water levels based on the year’s rainfall. Overnight in tents at one of the lakes. (Approx. 6 hours driving; Tent Camp; B, L, D)

Day 8-9.Sep 22-23- Exploring Dariganga

Explore Sukhbaatar province, known for skilled blacksmiths and prized silverware in Dariganga. Visit Baruun Urt, the provincial center, and its museum. Spend the night in a traditional ger camp. Explore the geological and human history, including Taliin Agui cave, Ganga Lake, Altan Ovoo volcano, and Shiliin Bogd. Overnight at the same ger camp. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)

Day 10.Sep 24- Sainshand soum

Enter the Eastern Gobi region, celebrated for its diverse flora and birdlife within natural grasslands. Contrary to common belief, the Gobi is not solely a desert landscape. Drive into Sainshand city, located along the Trans-Mongolian railway line, connecting to the Trans-Siberian rail line. Overnight at a local hotel. (Local Hotel; B, L, D)

Day 11.Sep 25- Khamar Monastery

Explore Hamriin Hiid Monastery, founded in the 1820s by Mongolian lama Danzanravjaa, known for his advocacy against societal inequalities. Visit the monastery ruins, a revered pilgrimage site, and explore the local ethnographic museum. Overnight in Sainshand. (Local Hotel; B, L, D)

Day 12.Sep 26- Ikh Nart Nature Reserve

Travel to the Ikh Nart reserve in the eastern Gobi, home to endangered Argali sheep. Learn about ongoing research by organizations like the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and the Denver Zoological Foundation. Gain firsthand knowledge of Argali behavior and ecology. Overnight in a rustic ger camp. (Rustic ger camp; B, L, D)

Day 13-14.Sep 27-28- Return to Ulaanbaatar/Departure

Explore the park in the morning before returning to Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy a farewell dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. After breakfast on Day 14, transfer to the airport for your departure flight home. (Hotel Blue Sky or similar; Day 13 – B, L, D; Day 14 – B)

Print Full Itinerary

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Travel to the eastern three provinces of Mongolia for the most comprehensive exploration of unique ecosystems;
Drive through the endless plains of eastern Mongolia and experience the skyline like never before;
Learn about local plants and trees, including the medicinal plants
Discover the battlegrounds of 1939 war with Japan known as “Nomunkhan incident”
Enjoy meeting local Mongolian and join them over dinners at their homes
Explore the Ikh Nart and Gobi’s lesser known sites and sounds
Enjoy camping in the hands of expert expedition staff

GALLERY

PRICING

2 travelers:

$3,500 per person, twin occupancy

3-5 travelers:

$3,390 per person, twin occupancy

6-9 travelers

$3,150 per person, twin occupancy

10 and more travelers:

$2,890 per person, twin occupancy

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ACCOMMODATIONS & TRANSPORTATION

Hotel Ulaanbaatar

Located centrally in Ulaanbaatar, Bayangol Hotel offers comfortable accommodations with easy access to the city’s attractions. Accommodations at Bayangol Hotel cater to every need, from cozy standard rooms to luxurious suites, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests.

Field camps

Throughout the most part of our country, we will be staying expedition style tents. It is one 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!

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.