Mountains, Lakes and Shaman (Horse Trek) Mongolia

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1 Mountains, Lakes and Shaman (Horse Trek) Mongolia Mongolia, with its vast steppes and open skies, its magnificent mountains and equine tradition, really is the quintessential land of the horse trek. On this tour we will visit the cultural city of Ulaanbaatar before being whisked away to the majestic north of the country, and the southern fringes of the Siberian Taiga; a land of mountains, lakes and shamans. Having saddled up onto our Mongolian steeds, we will ride off into the mountains and lush green meadows, passing through nomadic Mongol family encampments where we shall stop and enjoy their local hospitality. This is a region of dramatic landscapes of snow-capped mountains, turquoise rivers, beautiful lakes in the great meadow of Darkhad Valley, where few foreigners venture. We plan to visit with a famed local shaman who will be known to anyone who has read The Horse Boy by Rupert Isaacson - in his Tee-Pee (similar to the Indian Tee-pees) and witness him at work conjuring up the spirits before then returning to Ulaanbaatar. A trip that will inspire and open your eyes to the uninterrupted wilderness of a beautiful country dotted with beautiful and generous people. Visiting the reindeer herders in northern Mongolia was an amazing experience, it was even more special than I had imagined. The memories willstay with me forever and I thank Wild Frontiers for giving me a window into this magical world, Fiona Cowie Duration: 14 Days Average group size: 5 10 Start: Sun 14 Jun 2015 Finish: Sat 27 Jun 2015 Looking for alternative dates? Check the website or give us a call WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0)

2 TOUR CODE: MSH/A TOUR DETAILS HIGHLIGHTS Exploring the cultural city of Ulaanbaatar Camping in the Mongolian wilderness under stars and clear skies Visiting with shamans Discover the epic Mongolian landscape on horseback as Genghis once did Experience the hospitality of the nomadic Mongols Accommodation: As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip. On this trip we will be in a hotel in the main city of Ulaanbaatar, but for the majority of the time we will be staying in dome tents. While camping there will be a basic camp shower and long-drop loo as well as a communal dining tent. Whilst staying in the village with the reindeer people we will be in a communal tee-pee, and for the last two nights on Lake Khovsgol we will be in a fixed Ger camp with shared facilities. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability. Transport: On this tour we will use minibuses, 4WD, domestic flights and of course a horse. Climate: Although it boasts over 260 sunny days a year and is known as the "Land of the blue sky", Mongolia's climate is extreme. June is typically is a good month for travelling with cooler temperatures and occasionally rain, which fills the rivers and brings fresh grass to the steppes. Weather across the globe is ever changing as seasons and climates alter every year, so always worth travelling with an open mind towards unexpected weather patterns. Is this trip for me? It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. Please therefore take time to read the dossier carefully. All our tours are graded to give an overall picture of the trip but these are only guidelines and you should check the daily itinerary. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office. Adventure Rating Comfort Grade Fitness Level Cultural Interest Additional Comments: Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety may be limited. WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0)

3 RIDING INFORMATION Riding Ability: You should be able to ride to a confident, intermediate standard, and be able to control a horse in open country at all paces. You should be reasonably fit, in a decent state of health and be comfortable riding for long periods of time; you should expect to be in the saddle for between 6-8 hours per day. The ride is varied in pace and there will be plenty of opportunities for long fast canters. Types of Horses: The horses used for this rides are locally bred and ideally suited to the terrain. They are strong and sturdy, between 13 hands and Tack: As Mongolians traditionally ride short and stand in their stirrups, the saddles we use are specially designed for longer legged Europeans. The saddles are designed around a Russian military saddle. Weight Limit for Riding: Maximum weight limit is 90kg, although heavier riders will be considered subject to their riding ability and there may be a surcharge to have two horses available. Please do not hesitate to contact the office to discuss this further. Safety when Riding: Although we understand that a large part of the fun of horse riding holidays is the freedom you derive from riding wild and free over magical terrain, we would like to point out that this form of holiday can be hazardous and it is important you follow a few basic rules: Firstly you must be a competent rider, if you are not sure if your level of riding skill is sufficient for the particular trip you are signing up for, please contact the office for advice. We strongly recommend that you wear a hard hat at least while you get used to the horses. Accidents can happen to anyone at any time particularly while both horse and rider are sussing each other out. A hard hat can be the difference between a minor accident and a very serious problem. Please note that your insurance may not cover you for an accident if you are not wearing your hat. Concentrate particularly over tricky terrain. It is all too easy to get carried away with the scenery, the adventure and the ongoing conversations. Remember you are riding and take care. Until you are sure of your horse s demeanour, try to keep at least a metre apart. Pass messages back. And if you do all that and use your common sense, all should be fine and you will have a fabulous horse-bound adventure holiday. WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0)

4 flowers are amazing here. Adding to this, Darkhad Mongolians live with the picturesque hairy yaks and there ll be plenty of photo opportunities along the way. After lunch we ll push on through to Tsagaan Nuur, the most northerly village in Mongolia, with 1500 inhabitants living on the shores of Lake Tsagaan Nuur. The Darkhad and Tuva (Dukha) ethnic groups live up in this area. Horse riding: 45km Day 1: Ulaanbaatar: We start our tour with a walk to the city square and visit to the Winter Palace Museum, the residence of the last king of Mongolia, Bogd Khaan which now houses an eccentric collection of animals, curios and artefacts. There are great views of Ulaanbaatar city from Zaisan Hill, and we ll take a stroll here before a welcome dinner. Bayangol Hotel (or similar) (B, L, D) Day 2: Ulaanbaatar Moron: After breakfast we transfer to the airport to take a lunchtime flight to the northern town of Moron. After a late lunch in Moron and a chance to stock up with supplies for the trip we will drive 20km out of town to where we will set up our first camp. We ll set up our camp near a spring. Day 3: Moron Ulaan Uul Village: Today we ll drive 150km to Ulaan Uul village, travelling through a region of snow-capped mountains and beautiful river valleys. We ll set up our camp overlooking the Bagtakh Gol River. Day 4: Ulaan Uul Village Soyo Mountain Tsagaan Nuur: This morning drive a short distance to meet the horses before starting our ride past Soyo Mountain in the great meadow of Darkhad (one of the ethnic groups of the Mongols). The views of snow-capped mountains, rivers and wild Day 5: Tsagaan Nuur Village - East Taiga: This morning we ll ride to River Shishged and cross by small local ferry. This river is one of the biggest in the north of Mongolia and is absolutely full of fish Lenok, trout and river wolf Taimen (the biggest freshwater fish). We will have an easier ride today with plenty of opportunities for a canter and to enjoy the open country. We ll arrive into camp for a late lunch and as the sun starts to drop in the sky we ll saddle up and take a short ride up into a nearby gorge. Horse riding: 30km Day 6: East Taiga Shaman Ritual: After breakfast we ll ride out to visit the Reindeer people where they live in their Tee-Pees. The ride over the mountain will be slow going as we ll have to pick our way through the forest and the wet ground. We will spend the afternoon visiting the families in their tee-pees, enjoying their hospitality and trying reindeer milk before trying our hand at actually milking. We will have the opportunity here to witness how the Shaman performs rituals. Horse riding: 20km Communal Tee-pee/Tent (B, L, D) Day 7: East Taiga - Dood Tsenher Nuur Lake: This morning we ll say goodbye to the Tsaatan (reindeer people) and return, the way we came, over the mountains. After lunch we will have a long ride over the horizon and down to the Dood Tsenher Nuur Lake. We ll ride around the lake, crossing the river that feeds the lake in time to arrive into camp as the sun is setting. Horse riding: 45km

5 Day 8: Dood Tsenher Nuur Lake - Renchinlhumbe Village: Today we ride to the village of Renchinlhumbe. On the way we will enjoy amazing views of the mountains and rivers. The area that we ll ride through is vast and it will feel like we are never going to reach the mountains in the distance. Horse riding: 45km Day 9: Renchinlhumbe Village - Jigleg Pass: After breakfast we start riding deep into the mountain valleys, crossing icy rivers as we make our way slowly towards the Jigleg Pass. En route today we will have plenty of opportunities to see local life. Tonight we ll set up camp next to a small river just before the pass. Horse riding: 35km Day 10: Jigleg Pass - Khovsgol Lake: This morning we ride out over the Jigleg pass making our way through the Siberian Taiga, the forested area of Mongolia. After lunch on the hoof we ll start making our way slowly down towards the second largest lake in Mongolia, Lake Khovsgol. We will camp on the shores. Horse riding: 40km Day 11: Khovsgol Lake: Today we ride our horses along the shores of Khovsgol Lake. This amazing lake is 1645m above sea level, 136km long and 262m deep. It s the second-most voluminous freshwater lake in Asia and holds almost 70% of Mongolia's fresh water. We ll ride all the way along the lake to Toilgot Ger Camp for a few cold beers and a very welcome hot shower! Horse riding: 35km Ger Camp (B, L, D) Day 12: Khovsgol Lake: Today we ll ride out from the ger camp and head into the mountains that overlook the lake and make our way slowly to the top of the pass to enjoy the incredible views back over the lake. We ll say goodbye to our horses back down on the lake shore before being driven back to camp for a late lunch. We will have the rest of the afternoon free; if anyone would like to, there s an opportunity to take a kayak out on to the lake for an afternoon paddle. Horse riding: 25km Ger Camp (B, L, D) Day 13: Toilgot Ger Camp Moron - Ulaanbaatar: After breakfast we ll drive the three hour journey back to Moron where we will catch the flight back to the capital. This evening we will take the opportunity to go and see a local folk concert of dance and music before heading out for our farewell evening meal at a local restaurant. Bayangol Hotel (or similar) (B, L, D) Day 14: Ulaanbaatar: The tour ends after breakfast, but for those on the suggested group flight there will be an early transfer to the airport. (B) Extensions: If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Or alternatively you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration. The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries. Here is just a small sample of what you could do: Hustai National Park: Spend more time in Mongolia and head to Hustai National Park which is home to the only truly wild horses on earth; the Takhi horse. Trans-Mongolian Train: For the ultimate adventure, why not take the Trans- Mongolian train all the way from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar (or vice versa)? From the wonders of Red Square, this journey will take you across the Urals on the Trans- Siberian and after time spent at Lake Baikal, the world s deepest freshwater lake, you ll finally cross into Mongolia aboard the Trans-Mongolian. Sample itinerary: Day 1: Join tour in Moscow Day 2: In Moscow - visit the Kremlin & Red Square Day 3: In Moscow visit Tretyakov gallery and free time. PM board Trans-Siberian Day 4: On Trans-Siberian Day 5: On Trans-Siberian Day 6: On Trans-Siberian

6 Day 7: Arrive Irkutsk. Transfer to Olkhon Island - homestay Day 8: On Olkhon Island homestay Day 9: Return to Irkutsk and take the Trans-Mongolian towards the border Day 10: On Trans-Mongolian Day 11: AM - Arrive Ulaanbaatar to coincide with Day 1 of the main itinerary) Spend more time in Mongolia and head to Hustai National Park which is home to the only truly wild horses on earth; the Takhi horse. PRICING Tour price: All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour. For the latest prices, please refer to our website or contact the office. Travelling Solo & Single Supplements: As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it s very unlikely you ll be alone! Our prices are typically based on twinshare accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. WHAT IS INCLUDED? Full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides and drivers Meal plan as detailed in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) with drinking water as required with the majority of meals being taken in local restaurants where viable All transport as outlined in the itinerary. All accommodation 2-man dome tents while camping Ground mats while camping All entrance fees, as per itinerary A carbon-offsetting contribution to Carbon Clear (if booking international flights through WF office) WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED Visas (if applicable) Local airport taxes Tips (always optional, but some guidance will be given in the predeparture information pack you ll receive after booking) Beverages other than drinking water & any costs of a personal nature International flights to/from the start/finish of the trip Airport transfers (unless booking suggested flights through WF office) GETTING THERE On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour, except for Day 6, when you will be in a communal tepee. For the camping nights you would get your own tent. Flights: If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flight (see GETTING THERE) or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know although it should be noted that in most cases we are only able to quote on flights originating in the UK. Please remember that all Wild Frontiers tour prices mean NO hidden extras, NO local payments and NO compulsory single supplements. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are: 13JUN SU2577 LHR-SVO 11:50/18:30 13JUN SU330 SVO-ULN 20:00/06: JUN SU331 ULN-SVO 07:10/09:50 27JUN SU2578 SVO-LHR 11:05/12:05 Key: LHR London Heathrow SVO Moscow ULN Ulaanbaatar SU Aeroflot NB If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. Please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we

7 recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions. Insurance: Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Travel & General offer a tailor-made policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers trips. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available - Standard and Elite. Cover explained: Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel except where it has been previously agreed. Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel. For this trip the minimum requirement would be the Standard policy. These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday and can be purchased on a trip-specific basis or annual cover. For more information please refer to the details on our website or by calling Travel & General direct on + 44 (0) This insurance is available to EU residents (excluding Norway & Switzerland) up to the age of 75. It covers horse riding, mountain walking, trekking, white-water rafting and all other activities we offer as part of our tours. If you are over 75 and/or a resident of a non-uk European country then you may still be able to get your insurance arranged by Travel & General Insurance Services Limited. Please contact us for assistance with this. If you do decide to purchase alternative insurance, then you must ensure that it covers you for every aspect of this trip. Please pay particular attention to ensuring that you are covered for horse-riding. Wild Frontiers Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Travel & General Insurance Service Ltd, details of which can be found at the website of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Please note that no insurance policy will cover every eventuality and terms and conditions will apply in the event of any claim. Visas: Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency for this trip, details of which are below:- Travcour +44 (0) For this tour, UK passport holders currently require a visa for Mongolia, which needs to be obtained before departure. Non-UK passport holders or non-uk residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.

8 Responsible Travel: Responsible travel and sustainable tourism are fundamental ideas that Wild Frontiers has been committed to since our birth. It is our strong belief that these words should not be simply tagged on to dossiers and websites but should be at the very core of each trip, and our adventures are therefore designed with the local people, culture and eco-system in mind. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our clients, but that it also benefits the peoples whose lands we are privileged to visit. In 2012 we were delighted to be awarded the Guardian Observer Best Ethical Travel Award. please contact the office or follow this link:- The Environment: Trying to do our bit for the environment, in 2005 we were among the first UK-based travel companies to automatically offset every client s international flight (if booked with us) with a payment to Carbon Clear to help promote sustainable energy. To read more about the work of Carbon Clear, please follow this link:- For more information, please refer to The Wild Frontiers Foundation: In order to facilitate an enduring support structure for the communities we visit, and to show a commitment to these values, Wild Frontiers has set up a charitable foundation through which we can channel funds to both existing NGOs and our own development projects. In addition to organising ethically sensitive tours, having our own charitable foundation allows us to raise money through the cost of our tours, charity trips and fund raising events which can then be used to fund various projects in education, sanitation, reforestations and a number of other important issues facing developing communities. Wherever possible we are happy for our clients to visit these projects to see for themselves where and how this money is being spent. Our website has more information about our responsible travel policy, the foundation and also has a full list of partner NGOs. Should you wish to read more or donate to the foundation AITO Membership: Wild Frontiers is a member of AITO, the Association of Independent Tour Operators. AITO s charter states that its exclusive members strive to create overseas holidays with high levels of professionalism and a shared concern for quality and personal service. The Association encourages the highest standards in all aspects of tour operating. AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, finance and quality which must be satisfied before new companies are admitted to membership. All members are required to adhere to a Code of Business Practice which encourages high operational standards and conduct. British Foreign & Commonwealth Office: The travel advice of the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office ( FCO) highlights potential hazards people might experience when travelling abroad and as an advocate of their Know Before You Go campaign we strongly suggest that you refer to it

9 before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Details can be found on the website below. earn you up to 10% in discounts off of all tours. For more information visit this page - Facebook: Keep up to date with the latest news and special offers by liking our Facebook page - Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments. MONGOLIA THE FACTS Wild Frontiers Community If you re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Clients Views: See what other travellers have said about our trips Blogs: See what our tour-leaders, staff and clients have posted from the road - Videos: They may not find their way on the list for Oscars nominations but we have an extensive (and growing) collection of short videos giving you an insight in many of our destinations Photos: Our popular Photo of the month competition has added to the vast gallery of photos we already have from around the world. See them here - Mongolia offers adventurers some of the most beautiful and untouched landscapes in the world, and the vast cultural richness of what became the largest empire humanity has ever known. Located in the landlocked plateau of Central Asia, between China and Russia, Mongolia covers an area of 1,567,000km, and is the 15th largest country in the world. The total area of Mongolia is larger than the combined areas of Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy and is the seventh biggest country in Asia by the size of its territory. Events: From time to time we hold informal presentations, photo exhibitions and dinner evenings mainly in the London area. To find out more see here Wild Miles Club: Everyone that has booked a trip directly with us will become an automatic member of the Wild Miles Club gaining instant access to a range of exclusive discounts from a variety of travel partners from bookshops to outdoor clothing shops. In addition, regular direct bookers will earn Wild Miles which can Boasting some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, Mongolia entices visitors for a variety of reasons. As a country with a wide territory, it has unique natural and climatic conditions with rich resources and favourable conditions that are ideal for all kinds of activities. Attractions include the Gobi mirage, the stunning steppe landscape, a wealth of

10 rare animals and historical monuments (which related to the great Genghis Khan, the nomads and the rain people), which are very rarely seen in other countries. Mongolia is not only bursting with picturesque virgin lands, decorated with an array of flora and fauna, but is also home to a great historical and cultural heritage that has been maintained by the Mongolian people through many difficult times. History: The history of the Mongol warriors started 750,000 years ago, and is subdivided into eight parts according to historians: 1. Clan Structure - this generation covers the time from when the first men lived on the current land of the Mongols until the 3rd Century BC. 2. Ancient Empires of the Mongols- the first Mongol and the first nomadic empire Khunnu was established in 209 BC on the vast land of Central Asia for the first time - up until the 13th Century AD. 3. Great Mongolian Empire and Mongol Empire - 13th-14th century. 4. Political splitting of the Empire - 15th- 17th century. 5. Colony of Manchu Qing - 18th-19th century. 6. The Autonomy of Mongolia The Communist Revolution and the communist regime Democratic Revolution and Democratic Rules 1990 modern day. The people: Most people know of the legendary Genghis Khan, but Mongolian culture encompasses far more than the warrior spirit. Altan Khan converted his empire to Tibetan Lamaism after holding a competition between various religious envoys to his court. Declaring the leader of the Yellow Hat sect the winner, he granted him the title of Dalai Lama, meaning Ocean of Wisdom in Mongolian. The chanting of lamas still resonates in Buddhist monasteries today. The rituals of shamanism also continue to be practiced, reflecting the nomad way of life much as it did for the Plains Indians of North America. When Karakorum was the centre of the world, Mongol emissaries wore engraved metal disks around their necks, the world s first passport. They also carried a letter of introduction. Painted on animal skin, the letter introduced Mongols as the five animal people, depicting the horse, camel, yak, sheep and goat. Then, as today, most Mongolians subsisted on the milk and meat of these animals, using the skins and wool for clothing and shelter. The ancient letters are almost as accurate today as they were when Marco Polo wrote of his visit to the great court of the Golden Horde. The Gobi and Karakorum: Lush green oases set among rock outcroppings and sandy deserts, dramatic canyons, dinosaur fossils, and the warmth and hospitality of the Gobi nomads are to name a few attractions to the Gobi desert. The Gobi is the least densely populated region in the country, which creates a mesmerizing area of pristine open spaces, dotted with rare and interesting wildlife such as the Gobi Bear, wild ass, wild camels and even the odd snow leopard! Karakorum, established in 1220 and the capital of the empire for 140 years, is nestled in the fertile Khangai region in the centre of the country, and is

11 surrounded by a wonderful display of lakes, rivers, mountains and forests. The Erdene Zuu monastery, one tenth the original size of Karakorum, was built on the site in 1586 under the order of Abtai Sain Khan, a distant relative of Genghis Khan. During its peak period of activity, this flourishing monastery housed over 100 temples and 1000 lamas. Today, it remains a sacred place of worship for Mongolians and a centre for traditional arts, sculpture and embroidery. Traditional Dwelling the Ger: The Ger has been used since the Mongols started nomadic life all those centuries ago. It consists of felt covers (deever, tuurga), wooden columns (bagana), a toono (a square window) and uni or thin wooden poles and floor, and is held up by a khana or wall (wooden lattice attached together with animal's hide ropes) and ropes. Most of the materials are made of animal-like felt, ropes, camel or sheep wool, horse or yak's tail, and of course wood. The size of the ger depends on the owner's wealth, with the biggest ger in Mongolia and in the world, called Bat-Olziit, having a diameter of 40m, with a total of 32 khanas. A usual Mongol Ger has 5 khanas and 88 unis.

12 How to book: In order to confirm your booking we need to have a completed signed booking form for each client together with a 400 deposit per person. You can either return your booking form to us by post or by booking online at You can contact the office by to info@wildfrontierstravel.com or we are very happy to take your call on + 44 (0) Protection for you money: You can book your holiday with Wild Frontiers in complete confidence that all monies you pay to us for your tour are fully protected. Wild Frontiers is fully bonded and licensed by ABTOT (The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Ltd) in respect of all land only tour packages. Our ABTOT number is Under the terms of the bond, monies are secured by a bank guarantee. For further information visit If you choose to book your international flights with us then you will also be ATOL protected as we hold an Air Travel Organiser s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Our ATOL number is In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will arrange to refund any monies to you that you have paid for an advance booking and ensure that you are not stranded abroad. For further information visit We recommend that you take out adequate travel insurance at the time of booking in the event that you are no longer able to travel as all deposits are non-refundable full booking conditions can be found on the booking form and online at our website. As I m sure you can appreciate, Wild Frontiers trips can be quite complex affairs to arrange and certain elements (such as permits, visa authorisations, trains and flights) may need to be requested several months in advance. As such, wherever possible, we would encourage you to plan ahead and book early to avoid disappointment. Moreover, by booking early you are always guaranteed to get the best price with us as we will automatically offer you a retrospective discount if we happen to reduce the price of the tour later on. For further details, please refer to Further information: When you make a confirmed booking with Wild Frontiers we will send you a pre-departure information pack giving you details on visas, health and vaccinations, packing lists, suggested reading on the region, photography and other useful tips to make your trip more enjoyable.

13 Why Wild Frontiers? As a young and innovative independent company, Wild Frontiers is delighted to have been voted one of the Top 10 Tour Operators by Wanderlust readers each of the last 6 years - coming third in 2007 and second in When National Geographic Adventure Magazine awarded us a similar accolade in 2010, we were equally thrilled. We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Below are a few of the factors that we believe set us apart from our competitors and form the reasons as to why our clients travel with us again and again Personal Service & Expertise: Our London office is manned by experienced expedition leaders and most trips we run stem from our first-hand knowledge - in short, we run the kind of holidays that as passionate travellers, we like to do ourselves. When you ring our office, you can be guaranteed to chat to someone who knows the region and the terrain and is able to offer sound and practical advice. Authentic Experiences: Our unique, original itineraries allow you to take journeys that venture beneath the surface of the region. We rarely run any group tour more than a couple of times a year and they are typically on routes we have discovered for ourselves, meaning we are able to give a truly authentic, offthe-beaten-track experience. Be the First: Our style of travel is all about exploration, and nothing excites us more than opening up new routes to genuine travellers. We keep abreast of new destinations and are often the first to return to places that have vanished from the tourist map. We were the first back into Pakistan after 9/11, the first to return to Kashmir after a decade of tourist isolation, and amongst the first to run a commercial travel trip to Afghanistan for almost 30 years. Since then we have helped bring Colombia, Yemen, Georgia and Bangladesh back into the tourist fold, specialising in ground-breaking reconnaissance trips and imaginative expeditions. Small Group Size: On our escorted tours, we believe it is imperative to keep the group sizes small. Most trips are limited to an average maximum of 12 travellers, thus giving you more access to fragile cultures, better opportunities to interact with local people, and the knowledge you are making less of an impact while there. Having been a bit apprehensive about joining a group as a single traveller, I found myself surrounded by interesting, friendly, helpful people who I hope to catch up with again on future trips. Angela Chick, Kashmir Group Tour Cost of Group Tours: We believe in an honest, upfront pricing structure so you know exactly what the tour will cost before you book. On our group tours we avoid local payments, optional extras or forcing our clients to go through the annoying procedure of splitting every meal bill. Our tours are provided on a predominantly full board basis, with drinking water, government permits, entrance fees and transport all included. Our clients: Your companions can make or break a trip, and it s lucky therefore that our clients are often our greatest asset. Travelling to remote regions is not for everyone, and as such we tend to attract openminded travellers looking for genuine experiences, and a desire to reach those hard to get to places. Responsible Travel: Awarded 5 star status by AITO (Association of Independent Tour operators), responsible tourism (RT) has always been an integral part of our company ethos and our adventures are designed with the local people, culture and eco-system in mind. In 2012 we were awarded the Guardian Observer Best Ethical Travel Award. For further details please refer to the RT section of our website -