CULTURAL EXPLORATIONS
Mountains, Temples and Treasures of Mongolia
TRIP SUMMARY
“Mountains, Temples and Treasures” is one of our most comprehensive journeys. As one of the least industry affected regions left in the world, Mongolia is home to some of world’s most unique and diverse collections of wildlife. For centuries, explorers arranged quests to discover its wildlife and sought to traverse across its vast land on horse or camel. Our expedition begins in the remote Altai Mountains of western Mongolia, home to ethnic Kazakhs and Uriankhai people Our journey then continues across the Orkhon Valley down to the Gobi desert, which is home to the elusive snow leopard, the wild camels and world’s only desert bear, mazaalai. This expedition will take us through three distinctive ecosystems of Mongolia: The Altai Mountains, Orkhon Valley grassland and the Gobi Desert.
Brief Daily Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2. Ulaanbaatar
We will spend one full day exploring the city’s best museums and Buddhist temples. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3. Ulaanbaatar / Ulgii
In the morning, fly west to the Altai Mountains and drive to a Kazakh family for overnight in gers.
Day 4. Riding with Eagle Hunters
Enjoy riding with eagle hunters and learn how Golden eagles are trained for hunting. Overnight in gers.
Day 5. Tsambagarav Mountain
Drive south to Tsambagarav, a worshipped mountain inhabited by ethnic Uuld people. Overnight in tents.
Day 6. Hiking at Tsambagarav Mountain
We will hike in this pristine mountain valley. Try climbing to the peak and get bird’s eye view of the surrounding area.
Day 7. Hovd / Ulaanbaatar
Early in the morning, we will drive to Hovd city and fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8. Ulaanbaatar / Kharakhorum
Begin driving to the Orkhon Valley, considered as the cradle of Mongolian civilization. Visit Erdenenzuu monastery. Overnight in gers.
Day 9. Kharakhorum / Ongi Monastery
We will drive south to the Gobi desert and reach Ongi Monastery, located at the beautiful Ongi river. Visit the Ongi Monastery ruins. Overnight in gers.
Day 10. Ongi Monastery / Hongoryn Els
In the morning, explore the magnificent Hongoryn Els, the largest of the sand dunes in the Gobi. Then, transfer back to a ger camp at Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park.
Day 11. Hongoryn Els / Gobi Gurvan Saikhan Park
In the morning, we will drive to the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park and visit petroglyphs sites. Overnight in gers.
Day 12. Yol Valley / Flaming Cliffs
This morning, visit Yol Valley where ice stays until late July. In the evening, visit the legendary Flaming Cliffs nd enjoy Gobi’s sunset. Overnight in gers.
Day 13. Gobi Desert / Ulaanbaatar
This morning, we will fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Dinner at a fine local restaurant.
Day 14. Gorkhi Terelj National Park / Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue
This morning, we will visit the Gorkhi Terelj national Park and visit the Chinggis Khan equestrian statue. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15. Departure
Farewell and transfer to the airport for departure.
Trip Highlights:
- Explore Mongolian Altai Mountains and explore its flora and fauna Visit ethnic Kazaks and watch how Golden Eagles are trained for hunting;
- Explore Kharakhorum, the 13th century Chinggisid capital of Mongolia and Erdenezuu monastery;
- Enjoy hiking in the mountains and the desert, in search of saiga antelope, black tailed gazelles, the wild horse takhi and wild mountain sheep and goats;
- Explore the country from west to south, exploring one ecosystem transitioning to another;
- Be one of the first to explore Mongolia’s most remote regions beyond the mountains and the deserts;
DATES & PRICING
Trip Date:
June 15 – 29, 2023
Prices:
2 travelers:
$4,270 per person, twin occupancy
3-5 travelers:
$4,120 per person, twin occupancy
6-9 travelers:
$3,930 per person, twin occupancy
10 and more travelers:
$3,800 per person, twin occupancy
Domestic flights:
$590 per person.
Optional single supplement:
$550 per person.
GALLERY
ACCOMMODATIONS & TRANSPORTATION
Hotel Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar
Hotel Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar is conveniently located in downtown Ulaanbaatar and is a 5 start hotel with a friendly staff. All major atractions of UB are located with a walking distance of the hotel.
Field camps
In some areas, 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!
Ger camps
Throughout the program, we will be staying at ger camps, rustic, eco lodges. Ger camps offer authentic Mongolian experience.
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.
