THE GREAT MONGOLIAN BALLOON ADVENTURE 2013 ITINERARY OVERVIEW - Including Optional Beijing Extension Sat 27 Jul Arrive Beijing 28 Jul Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Drum Tower 29 Jul Great Wall at Jinshanling 30 Jul Trans golian Train Wed 31 Jul Arrive Ulaanbaatar Thu 1 Aug Fly to Dalanzadgad, South Gobi; Yoln Am (Eagle Gorge) - FLIGHT DAY 1 Fri 2 Aug Khavtsgait petroglyphs; Moltsog Els Sand Dunes; Camel Riding - FLIGHT DAY 2 Sat 3 Aug Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) - FLIGHT DAY 3 4 Aug Drive to Ongiin Khiid astery 5 Aug Ongiin Khiid astery - FLIGHT DAY 4 6 Aug Drive to Kharkhorin Wed 7 Aug Erdene Zuu, Kharkhorin - FLIGHT DAY 5 Thu 8 Aug Drive to Tsenkher Hot Springs - FLIGHT DAY 6 Fri 9 Aug Tsenkher Hot Springs - FLIGHT DAY 7 Sat 10 Aug Drive to Bayangobi 11 Aug Bayangobi; Khogno Khaan; Uvguun astery - FLIGHT DAY 8 12 Aug Drive to Ulaanbaatar 13 Aug Ulaanbaatar; Gandan astery Wed 14 Aug Depart In association with:
DATE CHINA - OPTIONAL EXTENSION Incl. Sat 27 July 1 BEIJING Beijing fell to Chinggis Khaan in 1215 and in 1264 his grandson Khublai made it his capital. Khublai was the D emperor of China's Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).The Hutongs and Drum Tower mark the centre of the old gol Empire. Beijing offers some of the worlds most spectacular structures including the Forbidden City, Gardens of the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square and to the north of the city, the Great Wall. Arrive Beijing (please confirm details - flight not included). Greeted at the airport by your guide and transferred to your characterful hutong hotel in the heart of the Chinese capital. Afternoon free to relax in the peaceful courtyard of your hotel or explore the surrounding Hutongs. Pick up from your hotel at 7pm for dinner at a local restaurant. Travel Details - 1 hr drive Airport-City centre Accommodation - Twin Room, Red Wall Garden Courtyard, Doncheng District 28 July 2 BEIJING - TIANANMEN SQUARE - FORBIDDEN CITY Tiananmen Square - the centre of the Chinese universe and the world's largest public square. Here in 1949 Mao Zedong proclaimed the People's Republic of China to an audience of 500,000. The Forbidden City was home to two dynasties of emperors, the Ming and the Qing, who did not stray from their pleasure dome unless they absolutely had to. The land was governed from within these walls and was off limits to commoners for 500 years until the 1911 revolution. A walk in Tiananmen square leads into the Forbidden City- a fascinating journey into the past. Rickshaw-ride through one of the capital s Hutong districts and stop for lunch with a resident family before visiting the Drum Tower. Evening at your leisure to explore the city. Your hotel is located close to famous Wang Fu Jing street. This dazzling pedestrian area attracts strolling locals and visitors alike. Travel Details - No long drive today, just local outings around the city Accommodation - Twin Room, Red Wall Garden Courtyard, Doncheng District 29 July 3 BEIJING - GREAT WALL The Great Wall dates back to the third century BC and extends over more than 4000 miles. Separate walls, constructed by independent kingdoms were linked when China was unified under Emperor Qin Shi-huang (221-207BC). The effort required hundreds of thousands of workers many of whom died and were buried in the wall itself. This is why it is sometimes known as the "Wall of Tears". Meet your guide at reception for your day trip to the Great Wall of China. Visit the world heritage site away from the crowds at the beautiful section of Jinshanling. Evening at your leisure - perhaps sample some world famous Beijing duck for your last meal in China! Travel Details - 2.5 hours drive Beijing - Great Wall (5 hours round-trip) Accommodation - Twin Room, Red Wall Garden Courtyard, Doncheng District 30 July 4 BEIJING - TRANS-MONGOLIAN TRAIN Train The famous Trans-golian Railway between Beijing and Ulaanbaatar runs through northwest China before B reaching the Gobi desert. The train stops at the border between China and golia to change the bogies as the two railways use different gauges. The restaurant car also changes overnight from Chinese to golian! Transfer to the station in time to board the train at 7:40am and settle into comfortable 2-berth compartments. The 30- hour train ride takes you north through rural China, and on into golia across the sprawling Gobi desert. Please see our separate 'Practicalities' documents for useful train advice, including what to take on board and information about the border crossing. Travel Details - 30 hours train journey Beijing - Ulaanbaatar Accommodation - Shared 2-berth compartment, Trans-golian Train DATE MONGOLIA Incl. Wed 31 July 1 ULAANBAATAR Ulaanbaatar, meaning 'Red Hero', is the capital city of golia. Situated on the Tuul River, it is a mixture of D traditional and modern. The ornate flowing eaves of the monastery temples stand beside communist planned courtyards and modern sky scrapers. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, where you will be met by guide and driver. Transfer to hotel and meet the other teams. The balloons will have arrived a few days earlier and wioll be en route to the Gobi overland, where you will meet up with them tomorrow. If there is time today, have a leisurely walk around the downtown area and visit the National History Museum. We welcome you with a special golian dinner one of the capital's best restaurants. Travel Details - 40 minute drive Airport - or 20 minute drive Station - Accommodation - Twin room, Ulaanbaatar
Thu 01 Aug 2 ULAANBAATAR - DALANZADGAD - YOLN AM - FLIGHT DAY 1 The Gobi Desert, one of the world's great deserts, covers much of the southern part of golia. Unlike the Sahara there are few sand dunes in the Gobi; rather you'll find large barren expenses of gravel plains and rocky outcrops. The climate here is extreme. Temperatures reach +40 C. in summer, and -40 in winter. Precipitation averages less than 100 mm per year, while some areas only get rain once every two or three years. Yoln Am (Eagle Gorge) means "Lammergeyer's mouth" after the huge raptors that inhabit this deep ravine in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains. Even in the heat of the summer months, one can find ice in shaded corners of this valley. The rare and shy snow leopard still prowls these mountains, though you are more likely to see ibex tiptoeing their way across the sheer rock faces above. Meanwhile, hordes of Pallas's Pikas scamper around at ground level. Rise early for your transfer to the airport and flight to Dalanzadgad. Met by your guide and driver for the journey west to Yoln Am which takes you across the desert and through the Gurvan Saikhan hills. The vehicles will park up and you will have a chance for an hour or two's walk through the valley and down to the gorge. Hopefully you may witness Argali sheep and Ibex picking their way across sheer cliffs and lammergeyers soaring above hunting for prey. Afterwards, drive to tonight's camp in time for lunch. In the afternoon check the balloons and meet your truck drivers. Spend time preparing the balloons for an evening flight. After the inaugural balloon flight, enjoy a delicious dinner and your first night sleeping in a "ger" (the traditional golian felt tents), the design of which has changed little over the centuries. Travel Details: 1.5 hour flight UB-Dalanzadgad (time tbc); 2 hr round trip to Yoln Am Accommodation - Standard, Gobi Mirage Camp Fri 02 Aug 3 KHAVTSGAIT PETROGLYPHS - CAMEL RIDING - FLIGHT DAY 2 Khavtsgait petroglyphs - Some of this rock art is thought to date back as early as 3000BC. The engravings that depict wild animals were probably drawn by hunters whilst waiting for their prey. This is still a good location from which to spot wild argali sheep and ibex. About 285,000 Bactrian camels - 30% of the world s population - live in golia, mainly in the Gobi desert. Opinions (and camels) vary, but at peak fitness they can go 5 days without water, cover up to 70km a day, carry 100-200kg of cargo - all before downing up to 100 litres of water at a refuelling stop! A flaccid hump is a sign of poor condition, and when fully watered their humps are erect. After breakfast (and perhaps following another morning's flight, depending on weather and preference), drive to Khavtsgait where you can hike up a loose escarpment to a spot with spectacular views across the vast Gobi desert. Dry river beds, that once carried snow melt, stretch across the open desert below. Search the rock surfaces for the ancient petroglyphs. Afternoon at leisure based at the camp or you may like to travel to the sand dunes at Moltsog Els for a camel ride. The conditions may also may be perfect for another balloon ride... Travel Details - 1 hour drive each way to Khavtsgait and/or Moltsog Els Accommodation - Standard, Gobi Mirage Camp Sat 03 Aug 4 BAYANZAG - FLIGHT DAY 3 Tent Bayanzag is one of the most famous palaeontological sites in the world. Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the OR world's first nest of dinosaur eggs here in 1922 and unearthed over 100 dinosaurs. The area is nicknamed the "Flaming Cliffs" after the red sandstone buttes and cliffs that glow at sunset - accentuating the sureally beautiful and dramatic features of the valley of the dinosaurs. Today you head an hour North to Bayanzag, where you will camp near the rock formations. This will enable you to be able to fly over the cliffs without having to drive there and back at ridiculous times of the day. After having set up camp nearby, it's time to explore Bayanzag - known as the 'Flaming Cliffs' - on foot in this stunning location, and prepare the balloons for an aerial view of the area at sunset or at dawn the following day. Travel Details - 1.5hrs drive to Bayanzag Accommodation - Camping (2 per tent) OR Standard, Camp (tbc) 04 Aug + 05 Aug 5 + 6 ONGIIN KHIID - FLIGHT DAY 4 The ruined monastery of Ongiin Khiid lies in two halves on the banks of the Ongiin river. It was destroyed by the communist purges of the 1930s and is being restored by a number of monks. It is an amazing site and stretches across the valley in the mountainous area around the river. Drive north to Ongiin Khiid and take a look around the monastery site including the small ger museum and the rebuilt temple. This halfway point is a convenient stop en route to the central heartland of golia. As you'll get here quite late on the Thursday afternoon, you will have 2 nights here to be able to enjoy the area, and more importantly get another flight in, without being too rushed. Travel Details - 5 hours drive Bayanzag - Ongiin Khiid (); No long drive on Accommodation - Standard, Ongii Nuuts Camp
06 Aug 7 ONGIIN KHIID - KHARKHORIN Kharkhorin, formerly known as Karakorum, was the once the capital of the Chinggis Khaan's gol empire in the 13th century. Artisans from all across the empire were brought here to embellish the city. Famed for their religious tolerance, the Khaans split their time equally between the different faiths and twelve religions co-existed within the OR Tent town. Foreign and gol coins were both legal tender. After the move to Beijing, and the fall of the empire, Karakorum was abandoned and then destroyed by vengeful Manchurian soldiers in 1388. After breakfast, travel north to Kharkhorin. As you head north you will notice the change from the flatter, earthy and more arid landscape of the Gobi to the greener steppeland and rolling hills of central golia. Arrive at your camp on the banks of the Orhon River, before walking up to the monument of the 3 Empires. After dinner we hope you will be able to enjoy a concert of golian music that includes the art of Khoomi (throat) singing. There is a chance that over these 2 nights you will camp on the banks of the Orhon River, south of Kharkhorin. However, this will be decided closer to the time based on final group numbers, logistics and weather. Travel Details - 6 hours drive Ongiin Khiid - Kharkhorin Accommodation - Standard, Dreamland Camp (tbc) OR Camping (2 per tent) on Orhon River Wed 07 Aug 8 KHARKHORIN - ERDENE ZUU MONASTERY - FLIGHT DAY 5 The remains of Kharkhorin, destroyed by the Manchurians, were used to help build Erdene Zuu (Hundred Treasures), the first Buddhist monastery, in the 16th century. 108 stupas are spaced evenly along the walls which enclose an area of 1,600 square metres and several temples which escaped the communist purges of the 1930's. An early morning flight and then breakfast back at camp. Later on in the morning visit Erdene Zuu astery in time to hear the young monks calling the other monks to prayer. Enter and watch the proceedings and hear the chanting in the beautifully decorated Tibetan Style temple. Afterwards visit at the aptly-titled fertility stone just outside of town, and perhaps the local market. Lunch back at camp and afternoon at leisure. Travel Details - No long drives today Accommodation - Standard, Dreamland Camp (tbc) OR Camping (2 per tent) on Orhon River Thu 08 Aug 9 KHARKHORIN - TSENKHER VALLEYS - FLIGHT DAY 6 Nestled in the foothills of the Khangai mountains, the Tsenkher Valleys contain some of the lushest green forested countryside of mountains and rivers in golia. Continue North-West through fertile valleys to a remote countryside spot at Tsenkher, where you will be staying at a ger camp next to the natural hot mineral springs. Enjoy a bathe in the hot springs and maybe treat yourself to a massage, before an evening flight. Travel Details - 3.5 hours drive Kharkhorin - Tsenkher Valleys Accommodation - Standard, Tsenkher Hot Springs Camp Fri 09 Aug 10 TSENKHER VALLEYS - FLIGHT DAY 7 Nestled in the foothills of the Khangai mountains, the Tsenkher Valleys contain some of the lushest green forested countryside of mountains and rivers in golia. Today's flight will take you past the Khangai hills, with views of snow-capped mountains to the West. If you fly south you will view the forested hills and valleys, with the Tsenkher and Orhon Rivers wending their way through the lush countryside which is also home to many nomadic herding families. There will also be an opportunity today for you to ride horses, trek into the surrounding hills and visit local nomadic families. Perhaps they will teach you how to milk their lifestock or to make traditional golian food. Tonight you will dine at a local family's ger, where you'll have a chance to eat 'khorkhog' - a traditional golian feast of lamb and vegetables cooked over a fire in a pot with hot stones, which sears and cooks the meat from the inside. Travel Details - No long drive today Accommodation - Standard, Tsenkher Hot Springs Camp Sat 10 Aug 11 TSENKHER VALLEYS - BAYANGOBI Bayangobi, the most northern part of the Gobi, is a unique combination of the Bat Khaan Mountains and desert- type sand dunes - the gol Els - which run for a distance of 200 kms. It is home to families of camel herders and provides a heartland alternative to the Gobi desert in the South. Say goodbye to your hosts and head back East to Bayangobi. Arrive after lunch at your destination - perhaps stop to eat at a traditional golian guanz (cafe) en route. Once at camp you may choose to ride camels on the sand dunes or horses in the open steppe nearby. Afternoon/evening at leisure or preparing for ballooning. Travel Details - 5 hours drive Tsenkher Valleys - Bayangobi Accommodation - Standard, Bayangobi Camp
11 Aug 12 KHOGNO KHAAN - UVGUUN KHIID - FLIGHT DAY 8 The red rocky mountain of Khogno Khaan (1967m) rising from the steppe is part of a 46,500 hectare natural reserve. Nestled in the foothills is the small monastery complex of Uvgun Khiid - the current monastery down on the valley floor was reopened in 1992, 70 years after the purges which had destroyed the previous buildings. The area is a perfect place for walking and horse riding and good for spotting ibex, wolves and many varieties of hawk. The ruins of the older Uvgun monastery, destroyed by the western Oirat gols in the 17th century, are hidden in one of its numerous valleys in the southern slope. The buildings are located in a serene bowl shaped valley and a walk up the steep valley sides offers grand views across the plains. If wind conditions are right, today's flight will take you up over the dunes at Bayangobi towards the rocky outcrop of hills that rise up over the steppe at Khogno Khaan where you can visit the small restored monastery complex of Uvgun Khiid. Enjoy a walk around the monastery perhaps with one of the three generations of Buddhist women who have organized the rebuilding and running of the temples. These wonderful women are the descendents of one of the lamas who suffered here during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s. You then have the option of taking an hour's hike (2 hour round-trip) into the mountains to explore the magnificent ruins of the first Uvgun astery. Then travel back to your ger camp by the dunes at Bayangobi. Travel Details - No long drives today Accommodation - Standard, Bayangobi Camp 12 Aug 13 BAYANGOBI - ULAANBAATAR After breakfast head back to UB. You will stop en route for lunch at a local guanz (café) for your last countryside meal of good hearty local golian food. A hot bath awaits at the hotel! Evening at leisure. Travel Details - 6-7 hours drive Bayangobi - UB Accommodation - Twin room, Ulaanbaatar 13 Aug 14 ULAANBAATAR - GANDAN MONASTERY - SHOPPING Gandantegchinlen Khiid (Gandan for short) is the largest and most important monastery in golia. The B, D monastery's main attraction is the magnificent Migjid Janraisig Temple which houses a 25m high, 20 ton guilded statue. It is a working monastery with ceremonies every morning and 150 monks in residence. After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, you'll head off to Gandan astery in time to watch the ceremonies which take place mid-morning. Before you leave golia you may want to stock up on some of the things that have caught your eye during your stay and other items that can be purchased at very reasonable prices. We'll be on hand to guide you around the State Department Store, Gobi Cashmere and anywhere else that takes your fancy. Alternatively just spend the day relaxing. A farewell dinner at one of our favourite restaurants rounds off your golian journey. Travel Details - No long drive today, just local outings around the city Accommodation - Twin room, Ulaanbaatar Wed 14 Aug 15 DEPART B Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Travel Details - 30 min drive City Centre-Airport; Flight tbc (Please confirm details. Flight not included) Accommodation - None Group Size - 20 People/4 Balloons THE GREAT MONGOLIAN BALLOON ADVENTURE 2013 CHINA EXTENSION MONGOLIA Departs Days Price pp* Departs Days Price pp* 27 July 4 $1,090 31 July 15 $5,985 Optional - Int'l Flight Prices: London-Beijing Rtn c.$1,200 (BA or Air China); UB-Beijing c.$225, Rtn c.$400 (MIAT). Other airlines and routes available on request. Prices are in US$. We accept payment in, $ or. Conversions will be made at the exchange rate on the day of payment Prices Include: International train tickets (for optional Chinese extension) Balloon Team participation & flights subject to weather (incl. share of int l shipping costs and gas for the balloons) Accommodation (based on shared twin rooms/gers see single supplement prices below) Meals as specified in right-hand column above (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) English speaking guides Surface transportation Park & museum entrance Fees Airport transfers Co-ordination and logistics management by Gone with the Wind directors Phil and Allie Dunnington Prices exclude: International flights (quoted for separately as optional extra above) Horse/Camel riding Travel insurance Passport Visa & vaccination charges Private excursions Alcoholic drinks Laundry Telephone calls & items of a personal nature Further information and advice can be found on our golia Travel Guidelines which should be read in conjunction with this itinerary and which are provided after booking. *Deposit $1,500pp Single Supplement: China & golia - $470 (hotel only, not single-occupancy on train) / golia - $260 Goyo Travel Limited, Talbot Lodge, Ardley Road, Middleton Stoney, Oxfordshire, OX25 4AD www.goyotravel.com- info@goyotravel.com - Tel. +44 (0) 1869 866 520 Registered in England and Wales - Company No. 8226046