AN EXPEDITION TO MONGOLIA Jul 19-31, 2014

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1 Jul 19-31, 2014 Day 1 Sat, Jul 19 Depart The USA (Some Flights May Leave On Jul 18) Day 2 Sun, Jul 20 Arrive Ulaanbaatar Day 3 Mon, Jul 21 Discovering Ulaanbaatar Day 4 Tue, Jul 22 Ulaanbaatar to Lake Hovsgol & Uushgiin Deer Stones Day 5/6 Wed-Thu, Jul Days Exploring at Lake Hovsgol Day 7 Fri, Jul 25 Return to Ulaanbaatar Day 8 Sat, Jul 26 Gobi Gurvansaikhan & the Hongoryn Els Sand Dunes Day 9 Sun, Jul 27 Hongoryn Els & Khavtsait Petroglyphs Day 10 Mon, Jul 28 Yol Valley Day 11 Tue, Jul 29 Fighting Dinasaurs Of Tugrigiin Shiree & Flaming Cliffs Day 12 Wed, Jul 30 Ulaanbaatar, The Fine Arts Museum & Farewell Day 13 Thu, Jul 31 Depart for the USA and arrive in USA Optional Extension Day 13 Thu, July 31 Wild Horses of Hustain Nuruu N. P. Day 14 Fri, Aug 1 Kharakhorum/ Erdene Zuu/ Shankh Hiid Monastery Day 15 Sat, Aug 2 Ulaanbaatar Day 16 Sun, Aug 3 Depart Ulaanbaatar To USA

2 ITINERARY DAY 1 SAT, JUL 19 DEPART THE USA (SOME FLIGHTS MAY LEAVE ON AUG 8) Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Ulaanbaatar DAY 2 SUN, JUL 20 ARRIVE ULAANBAATAR The contrast between ancient traditions and a 21st century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar, where traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries sit side by side with modern high-rises. Upon arrival at the airport you will be welcomed by our expeditions guide and transferred to a centrally located hotel within walking distance of various museums and shops. Meals: None DAY 3 MON, JUL 21 DISCOVERING ULAANBAATAR 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 in which ancient shamanist practices are 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. Experience these exciting developments first-hand at Gandan Monastery. Strolling through the monastery grounds, hear the low tones of the horns used to call the lamas to the temple and observe their daily rituals, including the reading of sutras, the teachings of the Buddha. Also visit the recently renovated 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 the biggest of Gandan s temples. Later, visit the National History Museum for an excellent overview of Mongolia s history and culture. The newly remodeled museum displays traditional implements of daily nomadic life including Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, historical costumes of Mongolia s minority tribes, sacred religious relics, and agricultural, fishing, and hunting equipment. Afterwards, visit Bogd Khan Winter Palace museum, home of Mongolia s last theocrat, Bogd Jabzan Damba Hutagt VIII. The museum displays elaborate ceremonial robes and other personal effects of Mongolia s 8th Living Buddha. In the evening enjoy a performance featuring traditional Mongolian dancers and khoomi throat singers, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner DAY 4 TUE, JUL 22 ULAANBAATAR TO LAKE HOVSGOL & UUSHGIIN DEER STONES Transfer to the airport for your flight north to Muron (1.5 hours), the capital of Hovsgol Province, and continue overland to Lake Hovsgol (2.5 hours). Mongolia s largest lake by water volume, Lake Hovsgol extends 85 miles in length and 18 miles in width, and is fed by over 90 streams and rivers. Water exits the lake through only one river,

3 the Egiin, whose waters eventually reach Lake Baikal in neighboring Siberia. Known as Mongolia s dark blue pearl, this crystal clear alpine lake remains untouched by industry, and is situated among some of the most pristine forests, mountains, and meadows in the world. Bird life and wildflowers abound and there will be ample time to discover the lake's secrets in the following days. En route visit the Uushgiin Deer Stones, one of the best-preserved monuments of its kind in Mongolia. Dating back thousands of years, the Uushigiin Deer Stones are comprised of 14 magnificently preserved deer stones, lined from north to south and often referred to as the graveyard of deer stones. The front stone is carved with a human face on top and is the only one to have been found. Awareness of the Uushigiin Deer Stones has increased recently as a result of the Smithsonian Institute s research work at the site. Overnight in a ger. DAY 5/6 WED-THU, JUL DAYS EXPLORING AT LAKE HOVSGOL Spend these days exploring the lakeshore and surrounding mountains and meadows. Travelers can enjoy nature walks, kayak on the lake, or sample Mongolian-style horseback riding. Those who are interested will also have the opportunity to visit local nomads' dwellings, and experience the ancient nomadic culture first-hand. Overnight at a ger camp on the lakeshore. DAY 7 FRI, JUL 25 RETURN TO ULAANBAATAR After breakfast return to Muron for an afternoon flight to Ulaanbaatar. Along the way, stop for a picnic lunch at Lake Irkh, a small saline 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. In the evening enjoy dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel. DAY 8 SAT, JUL 26 GOBI GURVANSAIKHAN & THE HONGORYN ELS SAND DUNES In the morning fly over vast steppe to the Gobi (1.5 hours), Mongolia s southernmost province of semi-arid desert. Contrary to the sameness that the word desert suggests, the Gobi is a fascinating and diverse region, and includes sites of some of the most important paleontological discoveries of the 20th century. For the next few days, explore the stunning landscapes 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 most rare and elusive mammals, such as the dhole, snow leopard, wild camel, and Gobi bear. Upon arrival drive to the towering dunes of Hongoryn Els (approximately 5 hours), which run 60 miles alongside the Gobi Altai Mountain range. Reaching upwards of 600 feet, these are the most magnificent sand dunes in the Gobi. Explore the area on foot and enjoy the beautiful Gobi sunset over the dunes. Overnight in gers. DAY 9 SUN, JUL 27 HONGORYN ELS & KHAVTSAIT PETROGLYPHS Begin today exploring the dunes known as the Singing Sands for the remarkable low-pitched groan that is emitted when the surface is disturbed by wind. We will have the opportunity to visit a camel-herding family and those who are interested can explore the area on the back of a Bactrian camel. Drive back to the Three Camel Lodge.

4 In the evening drive to the Havtsgait Valley, site of ancient rock drawings left by early Gobi settlers for more than 15,000-40,000 years ago. Hundreds of petroglyphs adorn rocks scattered on the top of the mountain. Return to the Three Camel Lodge for dinner and overnight. Hotel: Three Camel Lodge DAY 10 MON, JUL 28 YOL VALLEY Drive to Yol Valley National Park, cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. An ancient river carved this surprisingly green valley, and its remnant streams create ice formations at the base of the valley that sometimes persist as late as July. A hike through the valley leads to the habitat of indigenous vulture-like Lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks, and Argali mountain sheep. Enjoy visiting the local natural history museum for an overview of the flora and fauna of the area. Overnight at Three Camel Lodge. Hotel: Three Camel Lodge DAY 11 TUE, JUL 29 FIGHTING DINASAURS OF TUGRIGIIN SHIREE & FLAMING CLIFFS After breakfast, drive to Tugrigiin Shiree (1.5 hours), first explored by Polish expeditions in the late-1960s and early-1970s. Tugrigiin Shiree is best known for the famous Fighting Dinosaurs, a fossil of a Protoceratops and Velociraptor locked in combat. In the late afternoon, drive to the legendary Flaming Cliffs (1 hour), named for the red-orange sandstone that glows brilliantly at sunrise and sunset. It was here in 1923 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 dramatic formations of the Flaming Cliffs are rich with fossils, and paleontological expeditions continue to make significant discoveries at this site. Return to the ger camp for dinner and overnight. Hotel: Three Camel Lodge DAY 12 WED, JUL 30 ULAANBAATAR, THE FINE ARTS MUSEUM & FAREWELL Fly to Ulaanbaatar and in the afternoon visit the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum. Named in honor of Zanabazar, the renowned 17th century artist and politician, who was also the first Buddhist leader of Mongolia, 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 farewell dinner at a local restaurant. DAY 13 THU, JUL 31 DEPART FOR THE USA AND ARRIVE IN USA After breakfast transfer to the airport for departure. Meals: Breakfast

5 POST-TRIP EXTENSION TO HUSTAIN NURUU N.P. & 13th-CENTURY KHARAKHORUM DAY 13 THU, JULY 31 WILD HORSES OF HUSTAIN NURUU N. P. In the morning, bid farewell to the rest of your group and drive to Hustain Nuruu National Park (2 hours), home to the last remaining species of wild horse, the takhi - commonly known as Przewalski s horse. Twenty-five years after becoming extinct in the wild, the takhi was reintroduced to the Mongolian steppe from zoo populations by the Foundation for the Preservation and Protection of the Przewalski s Horse. Sixteen horses were flown from the Netherlands to Mongolia in 1994, and nearly 400 now roam re-introduction sites in Mongolia and China. Learn about current conservation efforts and the status of the herds found within the reserve at the visitor s center, before trying to spot these beautiful horses in their natural habitat. DAY 14 FRI, AUG 1 KHARAKHORUM/ ERDENE ZUU/ SHANKH HIID MONASTERY After an early breakfast, travel to Kharakhorum (4 hours), site of the 13th century capital of the Mongol Empire. The empire created by Chinggis Khan and his descendants was the largest contiguous land empire in recorded history, and its scope has never been matched. Travelers in the 13th century were impressed not only with the beauty of Kharakhorum, but also by the internationalism and openness of this city where traders, intellectuals, and clergy enjoyed religious freedom. Begin at Shankh Hiid, a monastery within a short driving distance of Erdene Zuu and Kharakhorum that was once frequented by Zanabazar, the renowned Buddhist artist and religious leader. Continue to Erdene Zuu Monastery and the former sight of the capital city of Kharakhorum. Explore the monastery grounds and observe the monks performing their prayers and rituals. Enjoy lunch at a ger camp located on the banks of Orkhon River. If time permits, we will drive to drive to Kultegin Monument, erected during the Turkic Empire in the 8th century. Built in honor of a prince, this magnificent statue has been the subject of research by archaeologists from around the world, and many roof tiles can be found during a walk in the area. Return to your ger camp in Kharakhorum for dinner and overnight. DAY 14 FRI, AUG 1 KHARAKHORUM/ ERDENE ZUU/ SHANKH HIID MONASTERY Drive back to Ulaanbaatar (5-6 hours), enjoying visits with local families and a picnic lunch in the countryside along the way. DAY 16 SUN, AUG 3 DEPART ULAANBAATAR TO USA After breakfast transfer to the airport for departure. Meals: Breakfast

6 HOTELS ROOM HOTEL RAMADA HOTEL GER CAMP THREE CAMEL LODGE

7 RATES LAND INTRA-TOUR AIR TOTAL DOUBLE $5895 $790 $6685 SINGLE $6995 $790 $7785 INCLUDED: All accommodations based on a twin occupancy as noted in the itinerary (Deluxe rooms at Ramada Hotel, standard gers everywhere) All meals and non-alcoholic drinks at meals as noted in the itinerary Beer, wine or mixed drink during the welcome and farewell dinners All land transportation in Mongolia (bus in the city and Land Cruisers in the countryside) One group airport transfers on arrival and departure dates (any other individual airport transfers can be arranged at additional cost) All entrance fees, activities and excursions as noted Baggage handling whenever possible, airport departure taxes, and hotel taxes Services of a bi-lingual Expeditions Guide throughout the tour Coda Tours representative with minimum participation Bottled/purified water throughout the trip. NOT INCLUDED International airfare and internal airfare; passport and visa fees (no visa is required for American passport holders); Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance evacuation costs; gratuities to the guide, drivers, chef and field staff including horse wranglers; excess baggage charges; photography and video fees; food and beverages not included in the itinerary; items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages (not included in the tour price), laundry and telephone calls; other items not specifically mentioned as included.

8 FACTS CLIMATE The Mongolian Climate is one of extremes - hot summers and freezing cold winters. Known as the 'Land of Blue Skies', it has over 260 sunny days each year. The winter is long and cold with temperatures often well below -30 Centigrade. Despite these temperatures, the blue winter sky makes it often feel warmer. There is very little snowfall but it and ice can remain for several weeks at a time. The rainy season is from July to September, but the showers are often brief. The summer is a very pleasant time because; although, temperatures can reach +40 Centigrade, the air is very dry. OLGIY JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC HIGH LOW RAINFALL ULAANBAATAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC HIGH LOW RAINFALL DALANDZADAGAD JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC HIGH LOW RAINFALL ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS You must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended stay in Mongolia. An entry/exit visa is not required if you are visiting for fewer than 90 days. On July 8, 2010, the Government of Mongolia passed a law requiring foreign citizens to carry their residency permit card or passport at all times while in Mongolia. Mongolian authorities now have the legal right and responsibility to stop people and request their documents. Persons found to be non-compliant with the law are subject to a fine. CURRENCY Banks and exchange offices in Ulaanbaatar will change money with relative efficiency. Banks in provincial centers are also fine; they change dollars and give cash advances against debit and credit cards. However, since they are so remote it s still a good idea to leave the capital with enough cash to keep you going for a week or so. EXCHANGE AS OF 9/11/2013 $1= SHOPPING Most of the shops and markets in town have fixed prices which are often displayed on the goods. Do not try to bargain here. At the black market, tourists are unlikely to be charged very much more than the locals, unless they are buying antiques, jewelry and other cultural items. By all means try and get a price down but be reasonable. For example, as a guide, don't try for less than 60-70% of the asking price. And only start bargaining if you're seriously interested in buying the item. TIPS Tipping - Tipping in restaurants, bars and cafes is not expected although, as more and more tourists are providing tips, the staff are of course very appreciative. Most places will charge a 13% sales tax on top of their menu prices so be aware of this. If you wish to leave a tip, 10% of your total order is a very reasonable amount. Bargaining - The

9 only place to think about bargaining now is at the black market. AIRPORT TAXES International and domestic airport taxes are charged. Most of the time, these taxes are already included in your air ticket. CLOTHING Even in the summer it can be quite cold in Mongolia and during the night you ll need warm clothes. ELECTRICITY The power supply in Ulaanbaatar is now very reliable and there are only the occasional black-outs. Electricity is 220V, 50Hz. The sockets throughout the country accommodate the European-style 2-pin plugs. In the countryside, the power supply still has frequent interruptions. In many cases this is due to the cost of fuel. Wiring in many places needs updating and so care should be undertaken TIME Mongolia s time zone is GMT+7 HEALTH Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumpsrubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.