HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES: +44 (0)

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1 +44 (0) The remote wilds of Mongolia are an outdoor lover s paradise. Blessed with a breathtaking vista of vast open steppes, rocky mountains, towering sand dunes and forested valleys, this is country made for hiking and horse riding, where you can really escape the distractions of modern life. This trip is ideal for any honeymooners looking to escape the norm and find peace in nature. After a chance to take in the culture and history of Ulaanbaatar, the country s lively capital, you ll head off into the forested mountains of the Terelj National Park, where you can kayak down the Tuul River before moving on to the remote wild steppes of Gun Guluut. There will be a chance to look for wild mountain sheep and the rare horses of Hustai National Park, before your journey then carries you deep into the rolling hills of Central Mongolia. Here you will begin a four day hike that will take you through the alpine landscapes of the Khangai Hills, home to the famed Eight Lakes of Naimun Nuur. Camping beside the lakes each evening, you ll pass your days trekking through some truly inspiring scenery, before visiting the beautiful Erdene Zuu Monastery of Kharkorin en route to the rich wilds of the Khogno Khan National Park. HIGHLIGHTS: Kayak down the Tuul River in Terelj National Park Trek amongst the mountain passes and famed alpine lakes of Naiman Nuur See the rare wild horses of the Hustai National Park Explore the Buddhist Monasteries of Ganden and Erdene Zuu Enjoy the romance of remote ger camps in the middle of fantastic scenery TOUR INCLUDES: 7 nights ger camps, 4 nights camping and 2 nights hotels Full Board: 13 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 13 dinners Private guided sightseeing Private driver and vehicle Entrance fees included as per itinerary Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

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3 ITINERARY DAY 1: ULAANBAATAR Arrive early in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your hotel. After freshening up, take a tour around the temple complex of Gandan Monastery, one of the most complete monasteries in Mongolia today, where you can see the monks chanting rituals each day around mid-morning. A light lunch is followed by a visit to the National Museum and a walk across Sukhbaatar Square, both of which provide a good introduction to the history of Mongolia. Watch an early evening traditional folk show before dinner in a local restaurant. (L,D) DAY 2: ULAANBAATAR - TERELJ NATIONAL PARK Depart the city this morning and head for the nearby Terelj National Park, the country's first national reserve. Home to forested hills, mountains and river valleys, its stunning rock formations and spectacular views make this a popular attraction. You will be staying in a picturesque valley beyond the Tuul River and this afternoon a hike out to the ruins of the Gunjin Sum temple provides a chance to visit one of the few Manchurian-influenced temples left in Mongolia. (B,L,D) DAY 3: TERELJ NATIONAL PARK - GUN GULUUT A morning visit to a nomadic family will be followed by a three hour kayak down the Tuul River, to visit the great Genghis Khan statue. Over 60 metres high and visible for miles around, it is possible to climb the statue to enjoy some sweeping views across the countryside. After your visit you'll then continue through the remote steppe landscapes of Gun Guluut. (B,L,D) DAY 4: GUN GULUUT - HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK Heading out early this morning, you'll take a walk across the vast open steppe of Gun Guluut, in search of some of the region's wildlife including marmot, Argali wild mountain sheep, bearded vultures and grey wolf. Heading back towards Ulaanbaatar, you'll then continue onto the Hustai National Park, home to the rare and endangered wild Przewalski horses, where an early evening drive through the park affords an opportunity to see them in their native habitat. (B,L,D) DAY 5: HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK - ORKHON VALLEY Today's drive into the rolling hills and forests of the Orkhon Valley takes you past herds of sheep, goats and horses grazing by the roadside. Fed by the waters of the Orkhon River, this beautiful river valley was inscribed by UNESCO as one of the country's most important cultural landscapes and the journey is dotted with tiny encampments of nomadic herders. This afternoon provides a chance to pay a visit on foot to the deer stones, ancient burial markers believed to date back to the Bronze Age. (B,L,D)

4 DAY 6: ORKHON VALLEY - EIGHT LAKES A morning drive to Buurgiin Valley brings you to the place where your packhorses will be waiting in readiness for the trek. After a chance for introductions and preparations, this afternoon you will then set out on your first hike, heading into the Khangai Hills and on towards Shireet Lake, one of the famed Eight Lakes of Naiman Nuur. (B,L,D) DAY 7: EIGHT LAKES WALK Over the next three days you will trek between the lakes, camping by Shireet Lake the first night, Huis Lake on the second night and White Stallion Lake the third night. Created by volcanic eruptions centuries ago, the lakes sit at around 2,400 metres above sea level, lying amidst a landscape of alpine meadows, pine forests and barren mountains. You will be hiking on average around six hours a day, covering some kilometres between each of the lakes. (B,L,D) DAY 8: EIGHT LAKES WALK Continue hiking and camping in the lakes of the region. (B,L,D) DAY 9: EIGHT LAKES WALK Continue hiking and camping in the lakes of the region. (B,L,D) DAY 10: EIGHT LAKES - ORKHON VALLEY Hidden away on a hillside, surrounded by pine forests, lies the tiny and peaceful Tovkhon Khiid Monastery. A lovely walk to the temple this morning provides some beautiful views across the valley, before continuing through the high passes to Kharkhorin, built on the site of Karakorum, briefly the capital of the Mongol Empire during the 16th century. This afternoon you'll visit the local museum, which provide an excellent insight into the region's local history. (B,L,D)

5 DAY 11: ORKHON VALLEY - KHARKHORIN Hidden away on a hillside, surrounded by pine forests, lies the tiny and peaceful Tovkhon Khiid Monastery. A lovely walk to the temple this morning provides some beautiful views across the valley, before continuing through the high passes to Kharkhorin, built on the site of Karakorum, briefly the capital of the Mongol Empire during the 16th century. This afternoon you'll visit the local museum, which provide an excellent insight into the region's local history. (B,L,D) DAY 12: KHARKHORIN - ELSEN TASARKHAI A morning visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery (probably the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery in the country) provides an opportunity to watch the midmorning ceremony and chanting, before you continue on to Khogno Khan National Park, home to a rich mix of historical sites, wildlife and spectacular scenery. Take an afternoon walk in search of ibex and wolf, or perhaps enjoy a camel ride into the nearby sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai. (B,L,D) DAY 13: ELSEN TASARKHAI - ULAANBAATAR There is an opportunity if you wish to take a final early morning walk before heading back to the capital. Alternatively, you may choose to head straight back to Ulaanbaatar to enjoy some more sightseeing. (B,L,D) DAY 14: ULAANBAATAR Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)

6 ACCOMMODATION ELSEN TASARKHAI SWEET GOBI Set right on the edge of Elsen Tasarkhai dunes in a stunning wilderness location, this eco-camp has stylishly appointed gers with double beds, comfy mattresses, Egyptian cotton sheets and traditional soft furnishings and design features. In keeping with their environmental credentials the toilets are compost facilities stylishly and cleanly maintained, plus there is a bathroom ger where they provide a personal head massage and hair-washing service. Their large ornately carved dining ger provides delicious meals, a range of beers and wines and outstanding views of the surrounding plateau. GUN GALUUT NATIONAL PARK STEPPE NOMADS Steppes Nomads Ger Camp sits on the steppe in the Gun Guluut region close to a river and hills home to ancient burial sites and wild sheep. The only other signs of civilisation in the area are the distant herder families gers giving you a real feel of isolation out on the steppe. The gers are simple and comfortable with single beds and stoves, a larger block has a few rooms and bathrooms as well as a restaurant with balcony to provide beautiful views. There is also the option of staying in small cabins. HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK HUSTAI GER CAMP Located right in the national park, here you will have a good opportunity to see the Prejewalski wilde horses and learn about them in the information centre that has been built to aid their conservation. The camp is large, there is a large building housing the restaurant and offices and separate areas for the research centres. Gers are still traditional and nicely furnished, shower blocks are new and modern. There are plenty of walking and riding opportunities from the camp. KHARKHORIN MONKH TENGER CAMP A lovely camp on the edge of the city with 25 gers, all beautifully furnished with traditionally painted day beds, plus extras such as wardrobes, tables, a sink and a sofa. Gers have double, twin or triple beds and are still spacious, with 14 Gers providing ensuite facilities. A restaurant provides good food and there is a small toilet and shower block. The grassy areas between gers has plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the mountain views. ORKHON VALLEY

7 URSA MAJOR GER CAMP With beautiful views of the Orkhon Valley, the Ursa Major Ger Camp is a delightful place to stay. An ecocamp priding itself on working with the environment and local communities; it doesn't have a toilet and shower block, toilets are made from wood and composting and instead of showers hot towels are bought to your ger in the evening and morning. Gers are beautifully decorated inside and out with traditionally painted furniture, doubles and twins and small touches such as a little sink behind a screen, they also have good quality ceramic stoves. There is no electric in the gers but a torch and candles are provided. The bar and restaurant are stylish and provide great food and the service is top quality. With so many activities in the area this camp makes a great base. TERELJ NATIONAL PARK TERELJ LODGE GER CAMP Set away from the main road and within sight of just two other camps, the Terelj lodge offers guests luxury accommodation, plenty of activities and a great restaurant. Guests are accommodated in 25 standard gers, seven deluxe gers and ten wooden cabins. Cabins have double beds and large windows on to terraces, standard gers are simple with beds set around the ger and deluxe gers have a double bed and an end suite shower room. All are decorated traditionally and very thoughtfully. The bathroom block is large, very clean and modern. There is a bar/cafe ger as well as a large restaurant and wooden verandahs from which to enjoy the views. Activities on offer include hiking, horse riding and archery and there is also a small play area. The outdoor space comprises a seating area ideal for evening drinks, plus an outdoor basketball court for those more active guests. ULAANBAATAR ULAANBAATAR HOTEL Set right in the city centre, just a couple of minutes walk from Chinggis Khan Square, this is one of the oldest hotels in Ulaanbaatar having opened during Socialist times. The architecture is representative of this but the rooms are large and modern with pleasant decor and good amenities although no longer new. A coffee shop is open on the ground floor and there are two restaurants also. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0) info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com