Mongolia has a wonderful composition of ethnic groups like Khalkha Mongols, Darkhad, Buriyat, Kazakh, Khoton, Uzemchin, Torguud, Bayad, Oold, Tsaatan and many more. The ethnic groups all have their distinctive features from one another and today they all keep their unique traditions and culture. And it's amazing to see that they are living in their own ways tending their livestock. Taking part in this wonderful trip, you will visit the majestic western Mongolia and meet many ethnic groups of Mongolia.
There are 29 ethnic groups in Mongolia, all of whom are the descendants of either Mongolian nomadic tribes or groups of Turkic origin who have become Mongolized over time. Khalkh Mongols constitute 86% of the population. The other significant ethnic groups are Kazakhs , Oolds, Torguuds in the western part of the country. Ethnic distinctions among the Mongol subgroups are relatively minor. They speak Mongolian and they have their own dialects. Tribal differences are not a political or social issue. The Mongols are a peaceful nation. However, there are more Mongols living outside the borders of Mongolia than inside. 3.5 millions of Mongola live in China called as "Inner Mongolia" and 1 million in Russia called "Buriyats, Kalimags, Tuvas etc" without counting the descendants of the conquered hordes who are in Central Asia (Yunnan, Nepal, Afghanistan) and as far as Turkey.
The majestic western Mongolia is definitely the most beautiful part of the country. The mountainous area climate is extreme with very little vegetation, giving the surrounding landscape a barren appearance. The stunning mountains of Altai are home to wild animals such as the globally endangered Snow Leopard, Argali and Ibex, as well as wolves and many bird species.
Altai area is a place where many ethnic groups inhabit. You will meet the Kazak, Tuva, Torguud and many other small groups and enjoy their distinctive traditions and lives. The Kazakh is a small ethnic group of Turkic origin that was one of Genghis Khaan's tribes. They are Muslims and now live peacefully keeping their completely different customs, strict traditions, religion and inhabit the Altai Mountains. Not like their realtives in Kazakhstan, they speak in their own Kazakh language as Mongolian government gave them the rights to keep and conserve their native language and religion.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to hotel. Sightseeing, including: Gandan Monastery; Sukhbaatar Square; and the National History Museum. In the evening enjoy a folklore show. Lunch, dinner at local restaurants. Overnight in the hotel.
(L) (D)
Day 2:
We will take a morning flight to Ulgii. On arrival we will drive to Namarjin Valley for 110 km. There we will set up our tented camp. Dinner and the night in the camp.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 3-4:
Meeting Oold and Kazakh families and enjoying horse riding, wildlife etc. The Oold are famous for their braveness among the other Mongolian ethnic groups. There are many Oold heroes in Mongolian History. And the Kazakh are from the Turkish origin and well-known for their trained hunter eagles and wonderful embroideries. Tented camping at the most beautiful spots.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 5-7:
Visit Khokh Serkh National Park. We will meet the Uriankhai people here. The Uriankhai is also from Turkish origin and well-known for their gorgeous costumes. A day with Uriankhai families - spend a day with local nomadic families. Uriankhai people have rich traditions of hunting. We will visit Monkh Khairkhan - is the second highest mountain in Mongolia. Tented camping.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 8-10:
We will visit the Tsenkher Cave rock paintings - drive to Chandmani soum, famous for its bi-phonic, or so-called, throat singers. Tsenkher Caves with 15,000 year-old rock paintings. We will make our camp for the next two days close to Chandmani soum. Drive towards Khovd. The road takes us along the Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain, overlooking Khar Us Lake, a huge freshwater lake - a birds' paradise. Tonight we will camp by the Buyant River.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 11:
We will drive to Khovd for some sightseeing. We will catch the flight to Ulaanbaatar in the later afternoon. On arrival in Ulaanbaatar transfer to hotel. Dinner at a Restaurant.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 12-13:
This morning we will drive to the amazing Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve for 2 hours. On the way we will admire the wonderful White Cranes, Hooded Cranes, Whooper Swans, and many other species of birds. Transfer to Steppe Nomads tourist ger camp. Hiking to Mt. Baits to view the Argali sheep. Horse riding in the beautiful nature reserve. Visit a local Khalkha family and see their lifestyle. Optional kayaking/hiking/fishing. Meals and overnight at the tourist ger camp.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 14:
After breakfast drive back to Ulaanbaatar, transfer to hotel. Visit the Palace Museum of the Mongolian Last King, Buddha International park and Zaisan Memorial. Shopping for souvenirs. Meals at local restaurant.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 15:
Transfer to the airport after breakfast.
(B)
2006 Tour dates: May 24-June 07, June 11-25, July 2-16, 18-Aug 08, Aug 13-27.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
3 pax: 1888 USD;
4-5 pax: 1720 USD;
6-8 pax: 1676 USD;
9 and above: 1497 USD.
Discount conditions: 40% for courier who brings min 6 pax.
Included in the price:
- Accommodation in double or triple occupancy (hotel, ger camps, tents);
- Guiding and interpreting service;
- Air flights to/from Bayan Ulgii;
- Renting transport + driver with petrol, lubricants, maintenance;
- All meals (all kinds of drinks are on your own)
- Sightseeing and cultural show admissions;
- Entrance fees for protected areas and national parks;
- Cook for the camping days;
- Border and relates permissions;
- Return ticket confirmation.
Not included: Visa cost, International Airfare, Travel insurance, Gratuities.
Note:
- Travelers are advised to bring their own sleeping bags and mats.
- Single supplement 220 USD is available.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Mongolia
Cultural Journey
Wildlife Viewing
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