2008 DEPARTURE DATES & BOOKING STATUS:
9 Jun - 23 Jun - Open
22 Jun - 6 Jul - Open
13 Jul - 27 Jul - Open
4 Aug - 18 Aug - Open
17 Aug - 31 Aug - Open
PRICE PP:
- 2 pax: 2168 USD
- 4 pax: 1785 USD
- 6 pax: 1582 USD
Single supplement: 75 USD.
Trip is guaranteed to run when 2 participants sign up. Then the trip status changes from “Open” to “Guaranteed”. The trip status changes to “Closed” when the maximum number of participants is reached.
TOUR INTRODUCTION:
15 days fully supported trekking tour to Western frontiers of Mongolia, home to Argali sheep, Ibex, Lynx and the elusive Snow Leopard. Trek through green meadows, lush forests and icy gorges, cold glaciated peaks and vast moraines, huge spiritual challenge, rich cultural experiences. Comfortable camping, good food throughout the trek.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO ULAANBAATAR (UB), MONGOLIA
Arrival and transfer to a cozy 4 star hotel (B/B) in UB downtown. After a short briefing we explore a Palace of the last Mongolian King, an interesting display of religious art work and the King’s daily use items. A colorful performance of Traditional Mongolian Song and Dance will be followed by a welcome dinner in a local restaurant. (hotel, L,D)
DAY 2: FLIGHT TO BAYAN-ULGY, THE ONLY MUSLIM PROVINCE IN MONGOLIA
Morning transfer for a 3 hours flight to Ulgy, capital of the westernmost province of Mongolia. Kazakh people living in the area are the largest national minority and practice Sunni Muslim. Whole array of ethnic groups also inhabit the province.
Your guide accompanies you on board of a small 34-45 seater jet. Upon meeting our support team we’ll have picnic and start driving towards west. At the end of 3 hours drive across mountainous desert we camp in the valley of mighty Khovd river. Here we make our first contact with friendly locals. (tent, B,L,D)
DAY 3: HURGAN LAKE, HOTON LAKE
Hurgan and Hoton are pretty alpine lakes at an altitude of 2073m. A number of moraines, which are the result of earlier glaciations, and spectacular mountains, covered in snow surround these two lakes. Our campsite at Khoton lake is truly idyllic. It has one of the largest petroglyph galleries in Mongolia and some distinctly well preserved ancient burial sites. You may go swimming, explore the surroundings or laze in the camp. Water temperature permitting we go for a swim before a delicious meal served by our chef. (tent, B,L,D)
DAY 4: TREK TO ARAL TOLGOY HILL
After a solid breakfast we start our trek. This is a warm up day. The terrain is made of gentle hills and small flat valleys that lie along Hoton lake. The area is dotted with white yurts of Kazaks, living in the area, who sometimes will approach to greet you. Several streams flowing into the lake from neighboring mountains are to be crossed or waded. You will spot a couple of ancient tombs, a circular stone fill with another circle of rocks around its perimeter.
Our support team will drive ahead and choose a campsite by a swift mountain stream. We dine with our Tuvan camel drivers, who join us in the evening. (tent, B,L,D)
DAY 5-6: WILDERNESS TREK ALONG WHITE WATER RIVER, 40KM
We leave the lakes behind and enter the mountains. The White Water River runs from vast glaciers of the “Five Saints” massif, the highest range of Mongolia. Its waters are milky white because of glacial dust.
The first day we trek along the White Water river and follow one of its fast tributaries the next day. Though fenced by high rocky ridges rising on both sides, the river valley is rich in flowers and vegetation. With a bit of luck you may even spot a Mountain Goat (Ibex) or a marmot. Our camp and kitchen will be moved by camels.
In the afternoon of the second day we will make our way across a 3400m pass called “Worship” and descend into the valley of White River, which takes its source from the longest glacier in Mongolia named after a Russian traveler Potanin. This is the home of our Tuvan friends and we camp nearby their yurts. Hospitality of locals is unparallel, there is always someone to invite you home to sample their tea and food. (tent, B,L,D)
DAY 7: TREK TO WHITE RIVER VIA THE PROTECTOR MT ROCK CARVINGS, 15KM
This morning we trek to the Protector Mt. to see its rock carvings. They date to Neolithic period and the Bronze Age and depict numerous hunting scenes, and representations of wild and domestic animals. From there we descend to the banks of the White river. As we approach to descend, the emerald green river glows winding down below and, the icy peaks of the “Five Saints” rise in the back. In the camp we reunite with our support vehicles and drivers who will have made a drive around to meet us. (tent, B,L,D)
DAY 8: REST DAY IN WHITE RIVER VALLEY
Enjoy this well deserved rest day. Around lunch time we visit a yurt of one of our camel drivers. Nomadic yurt is a simple but reliable dwelling, perfect in extreme weather conditions and suitable for frequent moves from one place to another. Simple life and beautiful nature has shaped these extremely friendly and tough people. Their knowledge about nature and survival is unparalleled. A traditional meal and milk vodka will be offered to you. (tent, B,L,D)
DAY 9: TREK TO BASE CAMP OF THE TAVAN BOGD PEAKS
After a hearty breakfast we’ll trek to base camp of the Tavan Bogd. This gradual ascent takes us through a high mountain terrain of rocks and wetlands. Not needing luck you will see some of the wildlife that inhabit the area including marmots, hares and a number of birds such us Golden Eagles, Black Vultures and Falcons.
Our tents and provision will be again transported by camels. Upon completing two thirds’ of the way there open majestic perspectives of Potanin and Alexander glaciers backed by the icy peaks of Khuiten (4374m), Nairamdal (4082m), Snowchurch (4071m), Malchin (4050m), and Cradle (4113m). This evening we camp at 2900m. (tent, B,L,D)
DAY 10: CLIMB MALCHIN PEAK (4051M)
The 4051m Malchin is the lowest of the Five Peaks. We hike along Potanin glacier moraine for an hour to start climbing the scree. Malchin’s ridgeline overlaps with the borderline of Mongolia and Russia and provides a spectacular bird's eye view of Potanin glacier, glaciated peaks and Russia. Over to the north, weather permitting, you will see the massif of Mt. Iiktu (3900m) lying in Russia. That is the absolute top of Altai mountain range. Back in camp we reward ourselves with a tasty meal. (tent, B,L,D)
DAY 11: RETURN TREK TO WHITE RIVER
Today we trek back to our camp in the White River valley. This time it is a gentle downhill and easy stroll. It is a chance to glance into every single valley of the “Five Saints” massif and witness how the initial stream of glacial dust transforms into a mighty White river. Back to our vehicles we will celebrate our trek, you will be served one of delicacies of the Mongolian cuisine – “besbarmak”. Literally meaning "five fingers" this is a delicious assortment of stewed meat, vegetables and flour eaten with hands. (tent, B,L,D)
DAY 12: RETURN DRIVE TO ULGY OVERNIGHT IN YURT
Saying “good bye” to our Tuvan friends we take a 7 hour drive back to desert airstrip. Tonight is your chance to sleep in a Kazak yurt. Hot shower and a cold beer will highlight the day. (yurt, B,L,D)
DAY 13: RETURN FLIGHT TO UB
In the morning we’ll catch our return flight to Ulaanbaatar. We arrive in early afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this vibrant city, renowned as a city of contrasts. We will meet for a dinner in one of local multinational restaurants. (hotel, B,D)
DAY 14: LEISURE DAY IN UB
This is a spare day to spend for shopping and self-exploration. You may refer to recommendations of our team in order to make most out of it. (hotel, B)
DAY 15: DEPARTURE
Morning transfer airport for your return flight home. (B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
PRICE INCLUDES:
All accommodation (twin shared), internal transportation, internal flights, arrival & departure transfers, meals as indicated (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), sightseeing & environmental fees, camping equipment, English speaking trekking guide, expedition chef, camel drivers.
PRICE EXCLUDES:
Departure taxes, excess luggage fees on internal flights, items of personal nature, meals not indicated, gratuities.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Mongolia
Hiking & Trekking
Ecotourism
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