Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar. The contrast between ancient traditions and the dawning of a 21st century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar where traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries coexist with modern high-rises. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to a comfortable, centrally located hotel within walking distance of various museums and shops. In the evening, sample traditional Mongolian dishes while dining at Abtai-Sain Khan Palace in a large ger like one once owned by Chinggis Khan. Hotel: Ulaanbaatar Hotel or similar. Includes: (D).
Day 2: Ulaanbaatar / Hovsgol. Begin the day with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Woven through Mongolia’s nomadic culture is a rich Tibetan-Buddhist tradition with ancient Shamanist practices still evident. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a “showpiece” for government officials. However, in spite of the government’s efforts to suppress Buddhism and other religious beliefs, Mongolia’s spirituality persisted and a significant resurgence of Buddhism began in 1990 when Mongolia became a democracy. Monasteries across the country are again opening their doors to worshippers and the few lamas who survived the purges are training a new generation. Massive reconstruction and renovation projects were completed and priceless artifacts that were hidden for safekeeping by nomadic families were returned to monasteries.
Experience these exciting developments first-hand at Gandan Monastery. Strolling through the monastery grounds, you will hear the low tones of the horns used to call the lamas to the temple and can observe their daily rituals, including the reading of sutras (teachings of the Buddha). Also visit Chenrezi and Kalachakra Temples, as well as the magnificent statue of Migjid Janraisig (“the lord who looks in every direction”). This 82-foot high statue, gilded in pure gold and clothed with silk and precious stones, completely fills one of Gandan’s temples. After lunch, fly north to Muron, the capital of Hovsgol Province, and continue overland to Lake Hovsgol (4 hours), passing through hilly Mongolian steppe. Overnight in a ger camp. Hotel: Ger Camp. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Days 3-4: Lake Hovsgol. Spend the days exploring the lakeshore and surrounding mountains and meadows. The beauty and mystical qualities of Lake Hovsgol are legendary. Mongolia’s largest lake by water volume, it extends 85 miles in length, and 18 miles in width, and is fed by over 90 streams and rivers. Water exits the lake only through one river, the Egiin, whose waters eventually reach Lake Baikal in neighboring Siberia. This crystal-clear alpine lake, known as Mongolia’s “dark blue pearl,” remains untouched by industry and is situated among the most pristine forests, mountains and meadows in the world. You will have the opportunity to visit a local nomads' dwellings, sample horseback riding—Mongolian style—and hike the hilly shores surrounding the lake. Hotel: Ger Camp. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 5: Muron/Ulaanbaatar. After breakfast, return to Muron for your afternoon flight to Ulaanbaatar. Along the way, stop for a picnic lunch at Lake Irkh, a small, pristine lake in the midst of the steppe that is popular with a variety of birds. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar in the late afternoon, transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening. Hotel: Ulaanbaatar Hotel or similar.
Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6: Ulaanbaatar/Gobi. In the morning, fly over vast steppe to the Gobi (1.5 hours), Mongolia’s southernmost province of semi-arid desert. Of all the world’s arid lands, the Gobi (which means simply “desert”) has about it the greatest air of mystery, perhaps because it lies at the heart of Asia’s remotest hinterland between the Siberian wilderness to the north and the Tibetan Plateau to the south. Contrary to the sterile sameness that the word “desert” suggests, the Gobi holds many fascinations including sites of some of the most important paleontological discoveries of this century. For the next three days, explore the stunning landscape of the Gobi, habitat for Bactrian camels, Argali mountain sheep, goitered gazelle, golden eagles, saker falcons, jerboas (similar to kangaroo rats) and many endemic reptiles. The Gobi is also home to some of the Northern Hemisphere’s rarest and most elusive mammals, such as the dhole, wild camel, snow leopard and the Gobi bear.
Upon arrival, drive to the Three Camel Lodge, an eco-lodge located near the Gurvansaikhan Gobi National Park. After lunch, journey to the legendary “Flaming Cliffs” (1 hour), named for the red-orange sandstone which glows brilliantly at sunrise and sunset. It was here, in 1922, that Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews and his exploration team from the American Museum of Natural History found the first nest of dinosaur eggs the world had ever seen. To the trained eye, the ancient formations of the Flaming Cliffs are rich with fossils, and paleontological expeditions continue to make significant discoveries at this site. Drive back to the Three Came Lodge, stopping to visit the town of Bulgan, a local settlement established near a natural spring. Bulgan has one of the only farms found in the Gobi and they supply local ger camps with fruits and vegetables (an example of local businesses being supported by ecotourism). Hotel: Three Camel Lodge. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7: Hongoryn Els. Wake up to the sun rising over the vast Gobi. After breakfast, drive overland to the towering sand dunes of Hongoryn Els (2 hours), which run 60 miles alongside the Gobi Altai Mountain range. These dunes, reaching upwards of 2,500 feet, are the Gobi’s most magnificent sand dunes and due to their isolation, the secret of this area’s beauty has been kept safe for thousands of years. Overnight in gers. Hotel: Ger Camp. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8: Hongoryn Els. After breakfast, explore the dunes, nicknamed by locals the “Singing Sands” for the remarkable, low-pitched groan emitted when its surface is disturbed. You will have the opportunity to camel trek across the dunes to see the landscape on top of the region’s traditional mode of transport. Return to the Three Camel Lodge in the afternoon. While relaxing on the veranda of the Three Camel Lodge, take in the wild beauty of the Gobi and watch local nomadic families water their livestock—horses, camels, cows, sheep and goats— at the Three Camel Lodge’s community well. Enjoy dinner and overnight. Hotel: Three Camel Lodge. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 9: Yol Valley. After an early breakfast, drive to Yol Valley National Park (2.5 hours), cradled between the foothills of the Altai Mountains. An ancient river carved this surprisingly green valley. Now, its remnant streams create ice formations at the base of the valley that sometimes persist as late as July. A hike through the valley allows you to discover habitat for indigenous vulture-like lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks and Argali mountain sheep. Return to the Three Camel Lodge in the late afternoon. Hotel: Three Camel Lodge. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 10: Gobi/Ulaanbaatar. Fly to Ulaanbaatar in the morning. Enjoy a tour of the stunning Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum. Named in honor of Zanabazar, the first Buddhist leader of Mongolia and renowned sculptor, artist and politician from the 17th century, the museum contains one of the best collections of Buddhist art and artifacts in the world, including many of Zanabazar’s original works. In the evening, enjoy a performance featuring traditional Mongolian dancers and hoomi (throat) singers, followed by a farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant. Hotel: Ulaanbaatar Hotel or similar. Includes: (D).
Day 11: Departure. Transfer to the airport for your international departure. Includes: (B).
Trip Format: Independent Trips are designed for independent-minded travellers who like to travel on their own (without a Horizon escort), but still want to experience our superbly designed itineraries at reasonable prices. The itinerary and prices are always fixed, and the departure dates may be flexible or fixed depending on the specific trip
Trip Series: Our Exploratory Series of trips are designed for travellers who are over 35, luxury-conscious, risk-loving, spiritually-curious and non group-travel oriented. The itineraries are built with a focus on personal freedom to allow you to savour experiences, haggle in the marketplace, linger over meals, or imbibe wine with the locals at the cafe.
Level of Activity: Moderate: Rolling terrain at low altitude, strolling through city streets, valley walking, horse riding, camel riding, occassional optional hiking. Suitable for travellers in reasonable shape. Many opportunities for extended walks.
Level of Luxury: Casual. These trips are designed with a focus on the richness of the experience rather than the cost of the accommodation, and thus the level of luxury in everything from hotels and meals to transportation is relatively modest (at least by Horizon & Co. standards). That said, there are no horsehair shirts to be worn - all itinerary choices are driven by a combination of convenience, comfort, charm and value. Accommodation tends to be in charming 3-4 star boutique hotels or luxury wilderness lodges, the food is focused around fresh ingredients and regional specialties, the transportation is comfortable and efficient, the guides are charming and knowledgeable, and the events are unique and intimate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- All accommodations on a shared twin/double room basis
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- All domestic flights
- All transfers, events & local experts as indicated
- All special events and on-trip surprises
- All pre-departure materials, including documents wallets and destination details.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Mongolia
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
Food & Wine
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