MONGOLIA

Dates: July 10 – 22, 2024

Duration: 13 days / 12 nights

Number of participants: 7 – 12

Cost per person:

• 2 990 USD subject to 11 – 12 participants,
• 3 150 USD subject to 9 – 10 participants,
• 3 290 USD subject to 7 – 8 participants.
  

10% early booking discount (in case you book before February 10, 2024)

Everything is included, except for:
- international flight to Ulaanbaatar roundtrip,
- domestic flight Ulaanbaatar – Ulgii – Ulaanbaatar
- international medical insurance,
- visa of Mongolia (if needed depending on the citizenship).

Estimated cost of international flight Moscow – Ulaanbaatar – Moscow: from 700 USD (to be purchased by your own).
Estimated cost of international flight Istanbul – Ulaanbaatar – Istanbul: from 800 USD (to be purchased by your own).
Estimated cost of domestic flights Ulaanbaatar – Ulgii – Ulaanbaatar: 400 – 500 USD (to be purchased by your own).

Single supplement: 560 USD (provided for all nights, but Days 3 and 4 in Ulgii)




TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to Mongolia


Day 1. July 10, 2024 (Wednesday). ARRIVAL IN ULAANBAATAR

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar city, the capital of Mongolia, by air with international flight.
Meet the guide in the airport. Transfer to Ulaanbaatar and check-in at Premium hotel 4*.
After breakfast, we will drive to Gandan monastery – the main temple in Mongolia. After that, we will drive to national history museum. Then a lunch at MN tower.
After lunch we will go to take a rest for 3 hours. In the evening, we will see traditional concert of Tumen Ekh ensemble. The ensemble presents a rare selection of ancient Mongolian performing arts and culture to local and international audience. The ensemble comprises artists who perform all types of Mongolian song, music and dance.
Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

* Recommended arrival:
- direct flight from Istanbul with MIAT Mongolian Airlines, departure from Istanbul on July 9 at 14:05 , arrival in Ulaanbaatar on July 10 at 3:25 am,
- or by train from Irkutsk or Ulan Ude (Russia) (if available, according to the train schedule),
- or by any flight from Istanbul, Dubai, Frankfurt, Beijing, Irkutsk, Ulan-Ude, Bangkok, Almaty or any other city with arrival in Ulaanbaatar no later than at 9:00 am on July 10.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Premium hotel 4*, DBL/TWIN rooms


Day 2. July 11, 2024 (Thursday). NAADAM FESTIVAL IN ULAANBAATAR

After the breakfast, drive to Naadam festival opening ceremony. It will take place from 09:30 am to 13:00 at the city stadium.
The Naadam festival is the biggest and most joyful holiday celebration for Mongolians. The festival comprises the "Three Manly Sports": wrestling, horse racing, archery. 1024 wrestlers compete on the green wrestling field-there, where there is no weight division. Mongolian wrestlers wear traditional Mongolian boots and special clothes for wrestling, Zodog – small open-fronted vest and Shuudag-shorts.
Lunch in the restaurant in Ulaanbaatar.
At 3 pm join to Horse racing of Naadam festival at Khui 7 Khudag, which lasts until 6 pm. There are 6 different categories of horse racing depending on the age of horses.
Dinner in the restaurant in Ulaanbaatar. Back in Premium hotel 4* for rest.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Premium hotel 4*, DBL/TWIN rooms


Day 3 – 5. July 12 – 14, 2024 (Friday – Sunday). ULAANBAATAR – ULGII – KAZAKH EAGLE HUNTERS FAMILIES

Depending on the domestic flights schedule, early or not departure to the airport of Ulaanbaatar to catch the flight to the extreme west of Mongolia. Domestic flight to Ulgii, Bayan-Ulgii province.
The western province is elevated at least 2500 meters above sea level. Mountain range and landscape is picturesque even with its naked (no tree and wood) cliffs and mountains.
When we land in Ulgii city, we drive by Land Cruisers 100 or 105 to local open market to buy food supply for next few days.
We will join and spend 2 nights in 2 different Kazakh eagle hunter families. Depending on the time schedule for the return flight, the night 5 or night 3 will be spent in the Makhsum hotel in Ulgii.
This area is famous and rich with its eagle hunters and history. The tradition of hunting with eagles goes back thousands of years in central Asia.
We explore the real way of living of regular nomadic families, personally experience their friendliness and hospitality. The eagle hunters will show us their training methods and you will be introduced to the art of eagle hunting and can talk with the hunters (through an interpreter) about how he trains and hunts with his eagle.
We watch hunters to train their eagle for hunting, ride horse, try eagle hunters' outfit, take photos, participate in meal with housewives, play children with their traditional games, walk and hike.
For photographers we will arrange sunrise and sunset photo sessions with hunters and their eagles, as well as photo sessions inside the ger.
Days and 2 nights in traditional Kazakh ger, together with the locals, with basic conditions and no shower.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 2 nights in traditional ger with Kazakh family and 1 night in Makhsum hotel in Ulgii, DBL/TWIN


Day 6. July 15, 2024 (Monday). KAZAKH EAGLE HUNTERS FAMILY – ULGII – ULAANBAATAR

Breakfast. Depending on the time of the return flight, first half of the day we spend with eagle hunters.
Lunch in the nomads camp or on the way in Ulgii (or in Ulaanbaatar, if the flight is very early). We may visit the local bazaar, where you can find traditional souvenirs and handcrafts. Or, if we have time, we will visit museum.
Transfer to the airport. Flight back to Ulaanbaatar.
Transfer to the Premium hotel 4*.
If time permits (depending on the flight schedule), we visit to the Choijin Lama Museum, Bogd Khaan Palace and Gobi cashmere factory store.
Dinner together and overnight in UB at Premium hotel 4*. Rest before wonderful journey to South Gobi.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Premium hotel 4*, DBL/TWIN rooms


Day 7. July 16, 2024 (Tuesday). ULAANBAATAR – TSAGAAN SUVARGA – MANDALGOBI – DALANZADGAD – SOUTH GOBI

Early in the morning by Land Cruisers 200 we start driving to South Gobi province center – Dalanzadgad city, located 580 km from Ulaanbaatar. It is long distance, but the road is good and paved, we can do it for some 7 hours.
Lunch in the restaurant in Mandalgobi en route.
We visit beautiful mountain Tsagaan Suvarga, which is a copper ore deposit. People can take amazing photos during sunset and enjoy the nature. People will amaze with quietness and wilderness very much. Some wild animals like white tailed gazelle or black tailed one too we can watch if we are lucky. We'll see the scarp of Tsagaan Suvarga which is located in Ulziit soum, Dundgobi province. It is interesting to see the sheer slope, facing east, which is 30 meters high and 100 meters wide. People feel like to be on Mars, when they get here.
Upon arrival in Dalanzadgad city, we head further to the steppe up to Khan Bogd tourist camp to check in.
Stay in the DBL/TWIN rooms.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Khan Bogd tourist camp or Dungenee tourist camp, DBL/TWIN (common showers and toilets in the block)


Days 8 – 9. July 17 – 18, 2024 (Wednesday – Thursday). SOUTH GOBI – YOL VALLEY – KHONGOR SAND DUNES

We have a breakfast at the camp and drive to Yoliin Am in the middle of the Gobi desert National Park which is a strictly protected area, covering 70sq.kms. The mountains here are the highest in the Gobi Desert and the rocky scenery is quite interesting, especially the ice in a gorge remains till mid July. We'll walk 3kms through a narrow valley, then 3 kms back to the jeep. Some of you can try to ride a horse.
Back to the tourist camp and have a lunch. Then depart to next destination, to Khongor huge sand dunes (195 km). We accommodate nearby Khongor sand dunes and stay for two nights.
Lone gers and nomads on camelback hang suspended in the mirages, whilst the desert floor is strewn with a range of colorful rocks and unusual minerals. This is the Gobi at its stark best – there are many opportunities to stop and take photographs of the landscapes and people.
We climb up to the peak of sand dunes, which sings sometimes when people slide down to the base. Here we visit Gobi nomad families and try to ride camels (optional). Southern Gobi province we get experienced of hospitality of genuine nomad herdsmen's life such as meal, milking goat or camel, dairy products, watching people how to make rope around ger and string with camel wool etc.
We'll see beautiful views, huge sand dunes and a cold water spring with a creek that leads to two small ponds. Also, if you wish, you may walk alongside the creek for about 10 km. We arrange a camel riding trip to the sand dunes for a couple of hours.
We can also optionally arrange traditional Gobi camel herders to bring the caravan on the dunes in the morning or in the evening, for taking photos and videos (optional at extra cost).
Stay 2 nights at Gobi Erdene Camp in South Gobi.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Gobi Erdene Camp, DBL/TWIN (common showers and toilets in the block)


Day 10. July 19, 2024 (Friday). KHONGOR SAND DUNES – KHAVTSGAIT PETROGLYPHS – BAYANZAG (FLAMING CLIFFS)

After breakfast, we drive to Khavtsgait Petroglyphs place. We will stop and hunt the hills for this exceptional collection of petroglyphs dating from between 8000 BC and 3000 BC. From the parking area trail head, a rocky path gains 120 meters in elevation (up to1822 m) (it is not difficult if you take time and no rush) as it winds up a ridge littered with art. In under an hour you'll see petroglyphs aplenty.
Then reach to Gobi Mirage Lodge and have a lunch. After that we will take few minutes rest in private gers, we can play with anklebone (knucklebone) following nomad ethnic group people's way. Enjoy the wilderness and unique nature formations, walking and jogging is pleasant here to make.
Before sunset, driving to Flaming cliffs of Bayanzag, where first dinosaur egg set was ever found in human history. Explore around for dinosaur remains and walking in the rich saxaul forest. You can even find real dinosaur bones and eggs yourself, if you are lucky! People watch sunset or sunrise at Flaming Cliffs.
Back to Gobi Mirage lodge. Dinner at the lodge and stay overnight.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Gobi Mirage lodge, DBL/TWIN (with private shower and toilet in the room)


Day 11. July 20, 2024 (Saturday). BAYANZAG – BAGA GAZRIIN CHULUU

After breakfast, we depart from the camp heading to beautiful mountains Baga Gazriin Chuluu and check-in at Goviin Shine Khurkhree tourist camp.
The astonishing granitic formations of Baga Gazariin Chuluu ("stone of the little place"), are located in the northwest of the province of Dundgovi, in the heart of the steppe, 250 km towards south of Ulaanbaatar. At a height of 1751 meters, they form a granite canyon erected in the heart of the steppe. The erosion polished the rock faces of the cliffs. Some of the lateral entries of the canyon are not very accessible, but most of them permit to enter and to make wonderful hikes in this rocky maze. You may manage to see on the rock the inscriptions written by two venerated monks who lived there in the 19th century. We can visit on the site the ruins of an old temple dating from the 17th century.
Visiting and hiking in canyon before sunset.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Goviin Shine Khurkhree tourist camp, DBL/TWIN (common showers and toilets in the block)


Day 12. July 21, 2024 (Sunday). BAGA GAZRIIN CHULUU – CHINGGIS STATUE – NP GORKHI TERELJ – ULAANBAATAR

Today we say goodbye to Gobi and after breakfast we drive back towards UB city (320 km), also visiting highlights of the eastern part of the country. On our way, stopping for photography and to the big statue of Chingis Khan. Visiting of impressive monument, which with 40 meters height appears the world's highest equestrian statue.
Short transfer to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, beautiful place among the green alpine meadows on the hill slopes and bizarre cliff formations. We visit famous Turtle rock, discover some other beautiful places and hike to the Buddhist monastery.
Dinner in the vicinity of the park, among quirky cliffs.
In the evening we get back to the capital Ulaanbaatar to stay in a Premium hotel 4*.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Premium hotel 4*, DBL/TWIN rooms


Day 13. July 22, 2024 (Monday). ULAANBAATAR – INTERNATIONAL RETURN FLIGHT

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. International return flight.

* Recommended arrival:
- direct flight to Istanbul with MIAT Mongolian Airlines, departure from Ulaanbaatar on July 23 at 7:55 am, arrival in Istanbul on July 23 at 12:25 pm (extra night in Ulaanbaatar is to be paid),
- or by train to Irkutsk or Ulan Ude (Russia) (if available, according to the train schedule),
- or by any other flight to Istanbul, Dubai, Frankfurt, Beijing, Irkutsk, Ulan-Ude, Bangkok, Almaty or any other city with departure from Ulaanbaatar any time on July 22.

Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: no


* The operator reserves the right to change the order of executions, visits and activities of the program subject to keeping of all activities if possible. It would mainly depend on the flights schedule, weather conditions, as well as festivals availability (if any).

* The participant of the expedition to Kazakh eagle hunters should be motivated, respect the culture of the Kazakh nomads, be aware of the purpose of the trip and possible adjustments to plans depending on weather conditions, be in a good shape (physical conditions) and the ability to adapt to the strange environment and culture.

Cost includes:

• Accommodation in hotels, tourist camps as per the program in Gobi, Ulgii city and Ulaanbaatar on TWIN/DBL basis
• Accommodation in gers with Kazakh eagle hunters, together with local families
• Full board meals (3 meals a day)
• Drinking water on daily basis 2 liter per person per day
• Transport: 4x4 off road SUVs Land Cruiser 200 as per the whole itinerary (in Ulgii area - Land Cruiser 105 or Land Cruiser 100)
• Airport transfers
• Full time guiding service in English
• Team leader, translation into Russian
• Entrance fee to protected areas and national parks
• Special Permission fee to state reservation
• Nomad families' visits, all visits and entrance tickets as per the program

Cost excludes (additionally paid) :

• International flight (or train) to Ulaanbaatar and back
• Domestic flight Ulaanbaatar – Ulgii – Ulaanbaatar (roundtrip)
• Medical travel insurance
• Optional activity cost
• Excess baggage charge for the flights
• Personal expenses and equipment
• Alcohol and drinks
• Gratitude tips for guide, drivers
• Single room supplement

To take with:

- wear sets fitting weather conditions (fleece jacket or wool jumper, cotton t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, lightweight trousers, shorts, warm hat)
- warm and windstopper clothes, thermal underwear
- forehead torch
- raincoat
- set of long sleeve clothes
- comfortable closed trekking footwear
- sun and wind protection means (cream, sunglasses, sun hat)
- insect repellents
- personal hygiene means
- personal medical kit (analgetics, antiseptic, antibiotic, your personal medications)
- backpack/ big tourist bag/ suitcase for the luggage
- small backpack for radial walks
- photo and video camera
- drone
- spare batteries
- insurance confirmation copy