2009 DEPARTURE DATES & BOOKING STATUS:
13 Jun - 23 Jun - Open
01 Jul - 13 Jul - Open
01 Aug - 11 Aug - Open
14 Aug - 24 Aug - Open
31 Aug - 10 Sep – Open
TOUR INTRODUCTION:
Since time unmemorable every known civilization of Mongolia settled in the valley of Orkhon River. It was an inevitable site for nomadic tribes to build their capitals or fortifications here. Fed by waters from Khangai mountain range, Orkhon River has supported nomads whose lifestyle has changed little since then.
On this journey local nomads will introduce you to their homeland and help you experience their perspectives onto life and nature. Stocky Mongolian ponies will carry you through wide open steppes, riversides, wooded mountains. It is a an opportunity to experience the life of 800 years ago time!
RIDING DAY'S DESCRIPTION:
A riding day starts with a breakfast at 8:00AM. Riding starts at 9:00AM. As soon as the riders leave accompanied by guides, camp will be pulled down and loaded by drivers and cooks. They will catch you up and prepare lunch at an agreed spot. After serving lunch kitchen drives ahead to the campsite where they put up tents and prepare dinner. You will be only riding. Each day you will reach camp by 4 or 5 PM. You can ride at your own pace enjoying scenery and making as many photo-stop as you wish.
DAY 1: ARRIVE ULAANBAATAR
Transfer to a cozy hotel within walking distance from downtown. After lunch and briefing we explore the Palace of the last Mongolian King, an interesting display of religious art work and the King’s daily use items. Then we make a city tour of Ulaanbaatar, a vibrantly modernizing city of over a million inhabitants. A performance of traditional throat singing and contortions will be then followed by a welcome dinner in a local restaurant. (L,D)
DAY 2: DRIVE TO ORKHON RIVER, 400KM 7 HOURS
After early breakfast we travel west of Ulaanbaatar. We mostly drive on a tarmac road which runs through wide open steppe with rolling hills in the background. It is one of the main transport veins in the country, therefore busy with cars and trucks loaded with wool, cashmere, meat and other items to be sold in Ulaanbaatar. Hundreds of horses, cows, sheep and goats graze alongside.
In the late afternoon we arrive to our campsite in the valley of Orkhon river. Here we meet our riding guides. (B,L,D)
DAY 3: HORSE RIDING TO HUJIRT RIVER 30-35KM
After a hearty breakfast the riding journey begins. A horse will be selected for you to fit your riding experience. Accompanied by guides we ride up along the Orkhon river to a place called Hujirt river. This is an easy riding day that allows good acclimatization. (B,L, D)
DAY 4: HORSE RIDING TO WHITE CHURCH VALLEY 35KM
We gallop across wooded hills to reach a wide open valley of White Church river. The hills are covered with lush forests of larch, poplar, pine and silver birch. There is a group of hot springs in the valley, and we can enjoy medicinal bath after the ride. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: HORSE RIDING TO ONGOTSOT 20KM
Today we re-enter the Orkon valley. It now turns into a spectacular region of volcanic craters and rushing streams. There is a rich cradle of human history. Many ancient tribes lived within its boundaries and left numerous “kereksurs” or tombs behind. Your riding guide will give you an entertaining account of their history. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: HORSE RIDING DAY TRIP TO TUVHUN MONASTERY 28KM
Today we ride to an important historical site – Tuvhun monastery. Built in 1653 and named as a “Land of Happy Solitude” the monastery served as a meditation refuge to the first Mongolian Buddhist Lord – Zanabazar. He was the one to introduce the religion with a hope to unite Mongols under banners of the Yellow Faith.
The monastery is nestled near the summit of Shiveet Ulaan Mt. There are several temple halls restored in recent years with the revival of Buddhism in Mongolia. A cave called “mother belly” is believed to purify your sins in the next rebirth if you crawl into it. We return to our camp in the afternoon. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: HORSE RIDING TO ORKHON WATERFALL
There is a 20km volcanic fault that the Orkhon river flows through. A swift side stream drops into it from a height of 24m and forms the waterfall of Ulaan Tsutgalan, highlight of the area. We cross Orkhon and gallop to reach the waterfall. The horses will inevitably quicken pace feeling the vicinity of their homes.
The surrounding area is densely forested and, is famous for its best ‘airag,’ or fermented mares’ milk in the country. This slightly alcoholic fizzy drink is amazingly refreshing. Of course, you need to be a bit curious and have a taste for unusual to like it immediately. (B,L,D)
DAY 8: REST DAY
Enjoy this well deserved rest day. Around lunch time we visit a ger of one of our riding guides. Nomadic yurt is a simple but reliable dwelling, perfect in extreme weather conditions and suitable for frequent moves from one place to another. An “essential” airag will be offered to you as well as milk vodka.
Back in camp you are free to hike, fish or just laze around. A delicacy of Mongolian cuisine – “khorkhog” will be served for dinner. Chunks of meat are pressure cooked with heated rocks together with vegetables. (B,L,D)
DAY 9: DRIVE TO ‘LITTLE GOBI DUNES VIA KARAKORUM, 6 HOURS
Our riding adventure is over and we head back to the east. En route we stop to visit Karakorum. Little remains from the once glorious capital of the Mongol Empire.
Present Karakorum houses the largest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia - Erdenezuu. It is surrounded by a massive wall compound with about a dozen temples inside the yard. We spend sometime in the peaceful premises of the monastery and walk the earthen hills nearby which still contain the old city.
After lunch we drive to a place locally called “The Little Gobi”. This is a combination of spectacular sand dunes, green meadows, arid plains and granite rock faces, perfect for some evening hiking. (B,L,D)
DAY 10: RETURN DRIVE TO ULAANBAATAR, 5 HOURS
We drive back to Ulaanbaatar. After hot showers and some rest we gather for a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 11: DEPARTURE
This morning you'll be transferred for your return journey home. (B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
PRICE INCLUDES:
All accommodation (twin shared), internal transportation, arrival & departure transfers, meals as indicated (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), sightseeing & environmental fees, camping equipment, English speaking guide, expedition chef, horse riding guides, horse hire.
PRICE EXCLUDES:
Travel insurance, departure taxes, gratuities, items of personal nature, meals not indicated.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Mongolia
Horse Riding
Camping
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