On the vast expanse of the steppes, the beauty and wonder of Mongolia are intertwined with the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle, which is renowned for its hospitality. Here life has little changed through the passage of time. Mongolian culture is shaped by the nomadic lifestyle, Buddhism and the unique classic animal husbandry. While the Mongols enjoy their peaceful life and the famous Naadam Festival, the Tibets in China keep trying to save their religion and traditions in the harsh Chinese communism.
The Naadam festival is the biggest and most joyful celebration for Mongolians. It takes place on the 11-12th of July each year. The festival originated from the era of Khunnu Empire and was originally organized as a competition to test the skills of Mongolian Warriors between tribes. The festival comprises the "Three Manly Sports": wrestling, horse racing and archery. A fascinating and interesting event for all is where the 9 White Flags of Chinghis Khan are carried in a ceremonial parade from the State Parliament House to the Central Stadium.
Bayanzag (Flaming Red Cliffs) is internationally famous for its fossilized dinosaur remains. Dinosaur nests with eggs were found here as well as whole fossilized skeletons. There are many places in the Gobi desert - Hermen Tsav, Zulganai, Tugrugiin Shiree and Naran Daats, which are famous for their dinosaur remains and their unusual geological formations. On this trip you will have the opportunity to visit and explore these places.
Mongolian Bactrian Camel: People can travel almost anywhere by camel. In olden days, camel was the biggest and strongest form of transport. Camel may look imposing but they are actually very calm and easy to ride. One of the most interesting parts of this journey will be to ride a camel over the sand dunes for a panoramic view the natural beauty of the Gobi.
Yoliin Am (Vulture Gorge) is a narrow valley located in the Zuun Saikhan Mountain range, with thick pieces of ice almost all year around hidden in its depths. This area is home to rare animals such as the Argali (wild sheep) and Ibex as well as Vultures and other large birds. There are impressive herds of gazelles and occasional sightings of the rare Khulan (Asiatic wild ass) grazing on the endless steppe. You will visit a local herding family, famous for their hospitality.
Potala, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasure altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. In the afternoon visit Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where innumerable pilgrims come for worship everyday.
Drepung monastery the sacred land of Gelukpa sect., which was created in 1416 and the second, third and fourth Dalai Lama once resided in. In the afternoon visit Sera monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called "the court of wild rose". Today still 200 lamas live in there.
On the way Lhasa for Shigatse via Gyantse you will drive to the holy lake of Yamdrok Tso (4441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of water fowls in south Tibet. There enjoy the unforgettable vista of its spear-shaped expanse of turquoise water, with the mysterious Mt. Donang Sangwari (5,340m), and the snow peaks of Nojin Gangzang (7,191m) in the distance. The lake and the Yarlung-Tsangpo River (3570) is separated by a mountain and the shortest distance between them is only 6 kilometers. The 800m height difference contributes a rich water resources to this region. Many Tibetans believe that the life of Tibet will no longer continue when the lake dries up.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrival in Beijing, transfer to hotel, rest.
(L) (D)
Day 2-3:
Visit Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven. Pecking Duck Dinner & Opera. Visit the Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Sacred Way.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 4:
Take the flight to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolian capital city. Transfer to hotel. Sightseeing in city: The Museum of National History, Museum of Natural History and Gandan Monastery.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 5:
Flight to South Gobi, drive to Yoliin Am, the famous valley in Gurvan Saikhan. Then to Bayanzag - Flaming Cliffs to explore the dinosaur remains and walking in the saxaul forest.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 6:
Full day camel ride: "Ride the Ship of the Sands" along the golden dunes, admire the wilderness and the nature beauty.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 7:
Flight back to Ulaanbaatar, transfer to the hotel, shopping, visit Zaisan Memorial and see traditional folk concert by Tume Ekhe ensemble.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 8-9:
July 11-12. Naadam Festival Days. Enjoy the joyful atmosphere of the nomadic festival and see the wonders of the Mongols.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 10:
Flight back to Beijing and visit the Summer Palace.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 11:
Transfer to the airport for flight Beijing-Lhasa. Arrive Lhasa and transfer to the hotel.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 12-13:
Visit Potala Monaster, Jokhang Monastery, Barkhor Street. Drepung Monastery, Sela Monastery.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 14-15:
Visit Yamdrok Tso Lake, Gyantse, Chode Monaster, Shigatse. Stay in Shigatse. Tashilunpo Monastery, Brahmaputra River. Get back to Lhasa.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 16:
Morning free in Lhasa. After lunch, transfer to the airport for flight to Beijing. Arrive Beijing and transfer to Hademen Hotel.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 17:
Transfer to the airport after breakfast.
(B)
Tour dates: 4 - 20 July 2006.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
4 - 6 persons: $2700.
Discount conditions:
- 1 free space for 16 +1 PAX;
- For children below 11 years old of family trip.
Included in the price:
- Accommodation in double occupancy in hotel, ger camps;
- All domestic flights + Tax;
- Guiding and interpreting service;
- Renting transport + driver with petrol, lubricants, maintenance;
- Full board meals (all kinds of drinks are on your own);
- Sightseeing and cultural show admissions according to the itinerary;
- Entrance fees for protected areas and national parks;
- Naadam tickets & arrangements;
- PEK-ULN-PEK flights;
- Camel riding fees + Camel keeper.
Not included: Visa cost, International Airfare, Travel insurance, Gratuities.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Mongolia
China
Cultural Journey
Castles/Palaces
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