+44 (0)20 8741 7390 Blessed with nomadic hospitality, rich expansive landscapes and the cultural legacy of Genghis Khan, Mongolia remains one of the most fascinating destinations in Asia. This stunning 10-day journey through some of its natural and cultural highlights takes you from its bustling capital and deep into the heart of its vast wilderness. Beginning in Ulaanbaatar you ll venture into the Terelj National Park, where you can ride horses amongst the forested mountains before flying on to the edge of the Gobi Desert. Here, surrounded by ancient rock paintings and the remains of prehistoric beasts, you ll journey through a rapidly changing landscape from the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag and lush fertile grasslands. You ll climb the Khongoryn Els Dunes, some of the highest dunes in the country, take in the expansive views, walk through canyons that are home to soaring eagles and grazing camels and visit the crumbling remains of the old Mongolian capital of Kharkhorin. A visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery is then followed by a chance to explore the Khogno Khan National Park, before the return to the capital marks the end of this quite extraordinary journey of discovery. HIGHLIGHTS: Walk and ride through the forested valleys of the Terelj National Park Discover the varied landscapes of the Gobi Desert Climb the magnificent dunes of Khongoryn Els and enjoy the views Visit centuries-old Buddhist monasteries Enjoy the hospitality of traditional Mongolian Ger Camps TOUR INCLUDES: 6 nights ger camps and 3 nights hotels Full Board: 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 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 above are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: ULAANBAATAR Arriving in the Mongolian capital early today, you'll transfer to your hotel for a rest before enjoying a sightseeing tour of the city. A visit to the Ganden Monastery affords an opportunity to see one of the most complete temples in Mongolia, whilst a tour around the National Museum provides a good introduction to the historical traditions and geographical make up of the country. This evening you'll watch a traditional folk show, before dinner in a local restaurant. (L,D) DAY 2: ULAANBAATAR - TERELJ NATIONAL PARK Leaving Ulaanbaatar today, you'll drive to the expansive landscapes of the nearby Terelj National Park. The country's first national park, its stunning rock formations and spectacular views of forested mountains makes this a popular attraction for local day-trippers escaping the capital. A late morning arrival allows time to explore the park on foot, before overnighting at a ger camp within the park. (B,L,D) DAY 3: TERELJ NATIONAL PARK - ULAANBAATAR This morning you will head out on horseback, to explore the surrounding valleys before driving on to the great Genghis Khan statue on the banks of the Tuul River. Over 40 metres high and visible for miles around, it is possible to climb the statue to enjoy some sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. Return to Ulaanbaatar this afternoon. (B,L,D) DAY 4: ULAANBAATAR - DALANZADGAD - YOLYN AM VALLEY A flight south this morning brings you to the edge of the vast Gobi Desert and the town of Dalanzadgad. This will be your gateway out into the desert and on to the Yolyn Am Valley, a small hidden canyon that is covered in a glacier for much of the year. A walk through the canyon can often reveal a mix of local wildlife, with wild sheep, ibex and huge lammergeier vultures occupying the valley landscapes. Driving on to the desert plateau, you'll overnight this evening at a traditional ger camp. (B,L,D) DAY 5: YOLYN AM VALLEY - KHONGORYN ELS A climb to the top of a small hill this morning unearths a number of ancient petroglyphs that date back some 7,000 years. Continuing on through the desert, you'll then take a road that winds its way through the rocky mountains and past herds of grazing goats and camels. Your ger camp for this evening is located close to the impressive Khongoryn Els Dunes and an early evening climb to the top affords stunning views out across the rippling sands towards the desert beyond. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: KHONGORYN ELS - BAYANZAG - ONGIIN KHIID Home to some of the most important paleontological finds ever made, the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag lie just two hours by road from Khongoryn Els. The rich red cliffs, rising up from the desert sands, provide a stunning area to enjoy a walk and a picnic. The afternoon then sees you heading north, through more green and fertile landscapes. Your destination is Ongiin Khiid, on the banks of the Ongiin Gol River, where you'll find the remains of what was once one of the largest monasteries in the country. (B,L,D) DAY 7: ONGIIN KHIID - KHARKORIN As you journey into central Mongolia today the landscape changes again, with thick forests of pine and rolling hills providing the backdrop as you head towards Kharokin. Briefly the Mongol capital, before being deserted, in the 16th century the remains of Kharkorin were used to build the monastery of Erdene Zuu, probably the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery in the country. On arrival you'll have time to have a look around the museum. (B,L,D) DAY 8: KHARKORIN - KHOGNO KHAN A morning visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery provides an opportunity to watch the mid morning ceremony and chanting, before you continue on to the Khogno Khan National Park. Home to a rich mix of historical sites, wildlife and spectacular scenery, the park provides some excellent walks and some stunning backdrops. There are rocky mountains and sand dunes, green grasslands and open steppes. Take a walk in the mountains, ride a camel or visit some local herders, before heading across the steppes later to your ger camp. (B,L,D) DAY 9: KHOGNO KHAN - ULAANBAATAR The drive back to the capital will take most of the morning, but the afternoon is free to spend a little more time exploring Ulaanbaatar at your own pace. Take in more of its monasteries and museums or enjoy some last minute shopping before dinner. (B,L,D) DAY 10: ULAANBAATAR Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
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. GOBI MIRAGE GOBI MIRAGE GER CAMP High on a plateau with views stretching as far as you can see across the desert, the Gobi Mirage is home to 30 gers, each large ger has twin beds and a small table. No stoves are needed for the warm nights and meals are taken in the large restaurant ger. There is a basketball area and plenty of space for games. The shower block is large, modern and clean. 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. KHONGORYN ELS GOBI DISCOVERY 2 Each of the 40 gers at the Gobi Discovery 2 faces south towards the towering sand dunes stretching in front of the mountains. The gers themselves are simple, carpeted and with twin pine beds, tables and chairs. A new wash block is spacious with modern and clean showers and toilets and a new restaurant and bar provide very good food. The camp is perfectly positioned for heading to the dunes with the highest just 20 minutes away and a local family offering camel rides. ONGIIN KHIID
ONGIIN NUUTS GER CAMP Ten minutes away from the Ongiin Monastery by foot is the award winning Ongiin Nuuts (Secret History Camp). The 45 gers face down towards the river, each has an unusual top protruding from the centre with little glass windows giving plenty of light and unusual curved wooden doors. The gers have two traditional day style day beds, and a table and chairs, there is also an electric light and power socket. The bar and restaurant are in a large wooden building with temple style roof. There are spacious and modern toilets and showers and also a sauna and massage on offer. 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)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com