TRIP SUMMARY
We invite you to join us on this exclusive departure to discover Mongolia with one of our expert national guides. With a focus on history, nomadic heritage, flora and fauna and geography, this is one of our most comprehensive quests for discovering Mongolia. Our trip begins with a flight north to Lake Hovsgol, Mongolia’s “mother ocean” which contains 1% of the world’s fresh water. The lake is considered to be the headwaters to Lake Baikal located not far away, in Siberia, and is one of the oldest lakes in the world. The journey then continues overland to the 13th century Mongolian capital site of Kharakhorum in Orhon Valley, then south to the Gobi desert where our trip concludes. This ambitious, off-the-beaten-path quest will take us through some of the most diverse ecosystems of Mongolia. We will examine ancient burial sites, historical landmarks, Buddhist monasteries, nomadic families and paleontological localities with a series of interesting talks provided by our expert national guide. You will also have the opportunity to fish, trek and ride horses and camels while enjoying meeting local nomads along the way.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT…
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Expert Guidance: Journey with knowledgeable national guides.
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Comprehensive Exploration: Focus on history, nomadic culture, flora, fauna, and geography.
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Diverse Ecosystems: Experience a variety of landscapes from Lake Hovsgol to the Gobi Desert.
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Cultural Encounters: Engage with nomadic families, visit historical sites, and Buddhist monasteries.
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Activities: Opportunities to fish, trek, and ride horses and camels.
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Educational Talks: Enjoy insights on local history and paleontology.
THIS TOUR IS PERFECT FOR…
- History Enthusiasts: Those interested in Mongolia’s rich past and cultural heritage.
- Nature Lovers: Travelers seeking to explore diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
- Adventure Seekers: Individuals looking for active experiences like trekking and horseback riding.
- Cultural Explorers: People eager to meet local nomads and learn about their way of life.
- Paleontology Buffs: Those fascinated by dinosaur fossils and ancient burial sites.
Trip Map & Itinerary
Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Shangri La or similar(D).
We will spend one full day exploring the city’s best museums and Buddhist temples. (Overnight at Hotel Shangri La or similar; B;L;D)
This morning, we will fly north to the magnificent Lake Hovsgol, which is considered to be the headwater to the Lake Baikal. Overnight in gers.(About 3 hours driving; Ger Camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, enjoy a full 2 day of horseback riding and relaxing along the lake-shore. We will start riding south and return to the camp from its northern direction by making a large loop. Overnight in gers.(Ger camp, B;L;D)
In the morning, drive back to Muron, stopping at lake Erhel for a quick birding stop. We will continue driving until we arrive at Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake where we will stay in a ger camp. (Approx. 6 hours driving; Ger Camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, we will set out for a day trip to explore the local flora and fauna. In the morning, enjoy hiking to the dormant Horgo volcano which offers an amazing view of the surrounding area. After lunch, we will visit the “Yellow dog cave” and spend the rest of the day exploring the lake shore. Overnight in gers. (Approx. 6-7 hours driving; Ger Camp; B, L,D)
After an early breakfast, start your 6-hour drive to Kharakhorum, with a picnic lunch en route. Built by Ogedei Khan, Chinggis Khan’s third son, Kharakhorum is nestled in the scenic Orkhon Valley. This area is rich in historical and archaeological sites, including 2000-year-old burials, deer stones, and ruins predating Chinggis Khan. The city was destroyed in the 14th century by the Ming dynasty, but its remnants were used to construct the Erdenezuu Monastery, which still stands today. Arrive at your ger camp for dinner and overnight. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
After an early morning breakfast, we will begin the morning with a visit to the magnificent Erdenezuu Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most beautiful temple grounds. Next, we will drive to the amazing Tovkhon Monastery, located on the top of one of the Khangai Mountains. It was originally built by Mongolia’s first religious leader and a renowned sculpture Zanabazar as his retreat for meditation. Overnight in gers. ( Ger camp, B;L;D)
Today, begin your overland journey south to the Gobi desert via Ongi Monastery (5-6 hours driving). We will also have our first opportunity to stop along the way and visit a nomadic horse herder family. Overnight gers.(Approx. 6 hours driving; Ger Camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, we will continue driving south until we arrive at the Khongoryn Els, Gobi’s largest of the dunes. In the late afternoon, we will enjoy climbing tallest of the dunes followed by an opportunity to ride Bactrian camels at a camel herder family. Overnight in gers.(Approx. 6 hours driving; Ger Camp; L, D)
After another of Gobi’s magnificent sunrise, we will head east to our next exploration. En route, stop at and explore the Havtsgait Petroglyphs, an amazing collection of early bronze age rock carvings located on the top of a mountain. Overnight gers.(Approx. 4 hours driving; Ger Camp; B, L, D)
In the morning, drive to the Yol Valley located in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, named after the raptor bird the bearded vulture or lammergeier. Overnight in gers. (Ger Camp; B,L, D)
In the morning, we will transfer to the airport for our return flight back to Ulaanbaatar for our last day of exploration. Overnight at hotel. (Hotel Shangri La or similar; B, L, D)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure. (B)
Pricing
- Land transportation as indicated in the itinerary based on using Toyota Land Cruiser jeeps seating 3 passengers each;
- Accommodations in a standard room at hotels and gers in the countryside based on double occupancy;
- Sleeping bags, expedition style tents and mats;
- Airport arrival & departure transfers;
- All meals indicated as B, L or D;
- All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary;
- English speaking guide throughout your stay;
- Private tutoring for field bird watching techniques;
- Bottled waters per person per day.
- Domestic and International airfare;
- Personal laundry;
- Drinks not mentioned in the itinerary;
- Travel insurance;
- Medical evacuation costs;
- Excess baggage charges;
- Visa fees;
- Gratuities;
- Photography and video fees
- Any other item not mentioned as included.
Post-Trip Altai Mountains Extension
Why not extend your journey and visit Altai Tavan Bogd National Park? On this western Mongolian journey, we will visit Mongolia’s highest peaks and trek amidst stunningly beautiful peaks. We will visit local Kazakh hunters’ camps to learn how golden eagles are trained and meet talented Kazakh women who are renowned for their skill of making colorful embroideries.
Photos & Review
We spent 2 weeks in Mongolia, traveling from the top (lakes region) to the bottom (Gobi) including the Nadaam Festival in Kharkhorum (mid way). We traveled as a family (2 adults/3 kids) and had a fantastic time. Mongolia Quest was very attentive and had an amazing guide and 2 drivers for the 5 of us…we did a private tour. With an hour or so it felt like traveling with family and great friends. Mongolia Quest built a custom tour/adventure for us, with emphasis on things we loved to do…culture, horseback riding, the Nadaam festival, history, and traditional art. We were very please and satisfied with the operator and the different ger camps they selected. Mongolia is an adventure! Be prepared for unexpected amazing things, a culture and society very different than our own, different foods, and a rich history and traditions. Highly recommend for the crowd who likes to see the world as it truly is, and get out of their comfort zone. The vista’s were spectacular….Mongolia has such diverse geography and climates…it’s was other worldly. Mongolia Quest made it fun, easy and adventurous!
~David, USA
