ADVENTURE MONGOLIA July 6-19, 2019 August 10-23, 2019
ADVENTURE MONGOLIA Explore Mongolia on foot and horseback, by Bactrian camels, and in four-wheel drive vehicles on this active trip through unforgettable steppe, desert, and mountain scenery. Adventure Mongolia is designed for explorers who want to travel off the beaten path through the pine forested mountains and meadows of the central Mongolian countryside and across the dramatic landscapes of the Gobi Desert. A true adventure, this journey includes the Orkhon Valley, the cradle of Mongolian civilization, where Erdene Zuu Monastery was erected from the ruins of the legendary city of Karakorum; the hot springs and summer ger camps of Mongolia s nomadic herders; and the towering sand dunes and red sandstone cliffs of the Gobi. Those joining our July departure will have the unique opportunity to travel by horseback to the famed Naadam Festival, and observe the incredible feats of strength and skill displayed in wresting, archery, and horse racing competitions.
Y O U R J O U R N E Y DEPARTURE DATE(S): JULY 6-19, 2019 AUGUST 10-23, 2019 RECOMMENDED FOR: Adventurous explorers who want to experience a variety of activities, from hiking to camel riding, while traveling off the beaten path through the Mongolian countryside. Most nights will be spent under the stars in tents and gers, the traditional dwellings of Mongolia s nomads. HIGHLIGHTS: Yol Valley Hongoryn Els Sand Dunes Historic Orkhon River Valley Horse and camel trekking Naadam Festival (for July departure only) ACCOMMODATIONS: 2 nights at the Shangri-La in Ulaanbaatar 2 nights in tents 7 nights at ger camps 2 nights at the award-winning Three Camel Lodge Day 1 WELCOME TO 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 highrises. Upon arrival at the airport our travelers are welcomed by their Nomadic Expeditions guide and transferred to the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel located within walking distance of various museums and shops. (Shangri-La Hotel) Day 2 ULAANBAATAR HUSTAIN NURUU NATIONAL PARK Begin today 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. Next, 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. In the afternoon, 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 among 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 3 KARAKORUM ERDENE ZUU MONASTERY In the morning, drive to Karakorum (4 hours). Karakorum was destroyed in 1388, but traces of this once-magnificent city still exist at Erdene Zuu, Mongolia s largest monastery, which was reputedly built from its ruins in the 16th century. Surrounded by 108 stupas, Erdene Zuu has been a place of Buddhist activity for centuries. Explore the monastery grounds and observe the monks as they perform their daily prayers and rituals in temples decorated with spectacular Buddhist art. Continue to Karakorum museum, which displays the ancient heritage of the Orkhon River valley and its people.
Day 4 KARAKORUM NAADAM FESTIVAL For those participating in the July Departure: In the morning, attend Naadam Festival, which includes wrestling, archery, and horseracing competitions. These three sports traditionally measured the courage, strength, and pride of nomads and warriors and are referred to as the three manly sports, although men, women, boys, and girls all compete in today s Naadam games. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Mongolian meal during dinner at camp. For those participating in the August Departure: In the morning, explore Shankh Hiid, a monastery within a short driving distance of Erdene Zuu and Karakorum that was once frequented by Zanabazar, the renowned Buddhist artist and religious leader. In the afternoon, we will visit a local nomadic family to experience their true hospitality Day 5 HORSE TREK TOWARDS BAT-ULZII SOUM In the morning, begin the horse trek toward Bat-Ulzii soum, located in the Uvurkhangai province (5-6 hours riding), an area that is covered with volcanic stones and larch forest. Historically, the area is known as The Hideout of Zanabazar, who was hiding in the mountains during the Oirad- Mongol Civil War in the 18th century. The ride will take you through the Khangai Mountains, the second largest in Mongolia and home to numerous species of mammals including red deer, corsac fox, musk deer, and marmots. (Tent Camp; B, L, D) Day 6 HORSE TREK TO BAT-ULZII SOUM Continue riding to Bat-Ulzii soum (2-3 hours riding). Upon arrival, drive (2 hours) to visit the stunning 81-foot Orkhon waterfall, one of the largest waterfalls in Mongolia. If time permits, we may have the opportunity to enjoy an excursion to Tuvkhun Monastery, one of Zanabazar s hidden temples nestled in the thick forest of the mountain. Most of his important sculptures were created here in the 18th century. It barely survived the Communist purges of the 1930s and is now under reconstruction. (Local Ger Camp B, L, D) Day 7 KARAKORUM In the morning, drive back to Kharakhorum (4-5 hours). En route visit 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 archeologists from around the world, and many roof tiles found in the area along with other significant artifacts are today exhibited at the newly established museum funded by the government of Turkey. Dinner and overnight at a local ger camp. Day 8 ONGIIN HIID
Continue driving through the vast steppe to Ongiin Hiid (5-6 hours). built in the 17th century, Ongiin Hiid was one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia until its destruction during the communist purges in 1939. The ruins of this monastery are still known as the pearl of the Great Desert, as it sits above the Gobi Desert in a beautiful mountainous region. Overnight in gers. (Local Ger Camp; B,L,D) Day 9 THREE CAMEL LODGE After breakfast, drive to award-winning Three Camel Lodge, located at Bulagtai Mountain on the edge of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park (5-6 hours). Spend the rest of the evening at leisure or explore the surroundings on your own. The lodge offers a wide variety of activities to travelers from reading a book on Mongolia, to watching a documentary about nomadic culture; from learning traditional Mongolian games, to enjoying a relaxing massage. Overnight in gers. (Three Camel Lodge; B, L, D) Day 10 YOL VALLEY HOTOL BULAG Wake to the sight of the sun rising over the vast Gobi landscape. After an early breakfast drive to Yol Valley National Park (2.5 hours) in the foothills of the Gobi Altai Mountains. Located in the northern part of the Gobi, the streams at the base of this surprisingly green valley remain covered in ice until as late as July. Hiking through this prehistoric canyon leads to the habitat of indigenous Lammergeiers, vulture-like birds that feed mostly on the carcasses of dead animals. However, unlike other such birds whose diets consist mainly of meat, Lammergeiers feed primarily on bone marrow, dropping large bones from the sky to break them into smaller pieces. After exploring the valley, visit the local natural history museum for an overview of the flora and fauna of the area, followed by a drive to Dungenee Valley, a deep and narrow gorge where it is possible to view Argali sheep, Altai snowcocks, and ibex. In the afternoon cross the park from east to west, passing the Gyalaan ( Shiny ) Valley, named for the reflection of the sun off its flat, smooth cliffs. Driving through the valley, pass Morin Ovoonii Us Well, a precious water source for local herders. Towards the end of the day, stop to explore the small, isolated town of Sevrei soum, a Gobi village located in the valley near Sevrei Mountain. Overnight in tents near a camel- breeding family. (Tent Camp; B, L, D) Day 11 CAMEL TREK TO HONGORYN ELS Meet the camel wranglers in the morning and start trekking atop two-humped Bactrian camels towards the sand dunes at Hongoryn Els. Crossing vast open plains, the trek will pass between the dramatic Sevrei and Nomgon Mountains. After a picnic lunch, continue to travel by camel across the sand dunes towards the Hongoryn Gol oasis, which lies on the northern slopes of the dunes (4-5 hour trek). Overnight in gers.
Day 12 HONGORYN ELS FLAMING CLIFFS After breakfast hike to Hongoryn Els, or the Singing Sands, named for the remarkable low-pitched groan that it emits when its surface is disturbed by the wind. These isolated dunes, reaching upwards of 600 feet, are the most magnificent in the Gobi. After lunch, begin your drive to the Three Camel Lodge (4-5 hours). En route visit Bayan Zag, commonly known as Flaming Cliffs for the orange glow of its rock at dawn and dusk. 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. Although not obvious to the untrained eye, the Flaming Cliffs are rich with dinosaur fossils and have been the site of important paleontological discoveries. Overnight in gers. (Three Camel Lodge; B, L, D) In the evening enjoy a performance featuring traditional Mongolian dancers and khoomi throat singers, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (Shangri-La; B, L, D) Day 14 DEPARTURE After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure. B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner Nomadic Expeditions reserves the right to change the above itinerary if necessary. (B) Day 13 ULAANBAATAR Fly to Ulaanbaatar in the morning and 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. Continue to 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.
LAND PRICE: JULY 6-19: 2-5 passengers: $8,400 per person/double occupancy 6-14 passengers: $7,100 per person/double occupancy Internal Airfare: $185 per person (subject to change by airlines) Single supplement: $1,425 AUGUST 10-23: 2-5 passengers: $7,750 per person/double occupancy 6-14 passengers: $6,500 per person/double occupancy Internal Airfare: $185 per person (subject to change by airlines) Single supplement: $1,000 Airfare for international flight is not included. Please contact us for details. LAND PRICE INCLUDES: Ground transportation in Mongolia as described in the itinerary; Transfers on arrival and departure; All accommodations based on double or twin occupancy (hotel rooms and gers); Meals as noted in itinerary; Horse and camel riding as noted in the itinerary; All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary; Extensive pre-departure Travel Guide, reading list, important information about your trip, map and luggage tags; Bilingual Nomadic Expeditions guide throughout your stay. LAND PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: International airfare Tips to guide and drivers Passport and visa fees Comprehensive medical and trip insurance Airport taxes WHY TRAVEL WITH NOMADIC EXPEDITIONS? Unrivaled Expertise Nomadic Expeditions was founded in 1992. Nothing can compete with the experience we have attained over 25 years of designing luxury adventure travel to Asia. While each trip we design is slightly different than its predecessor, our breadth of knowledge, network of contacts, and experience in the field is unrivaled. Our People We hire the best in the business to create and execute memorable journeys for our clients. From our Expedition Specialists in the United States, Ulaanbaatar, Lhasa, and Thimpu who turn wish lists into reality to our English-speaking, professionally trained guides who share their extensive knowledge of the culture and natural history of our destinations, our staff is what makes Nomadic Expeditions successful. Passion for Travel While our journeys open your eyes to a whole new world of experiences, we understand that choosing to book a trip with us requires time spent away from friends, family, and work. Your time is precious and we take that to heart. It s why we design journeys that go beyond a checklist of attractions. When you travel with us, we want you to remember drinking tea with a nomadic family or digging for fossils with a renowned paleontologist. We imbue our trips with encounters, whether it s with a local resident, a high-ranking government official, or a renowned wildlife conservationist, so you take home more than a set of photographs to frame on your nightstand. Our Philosophy Nomadic Expeditions was founded on the principle of treading lightly long before sustainable travel was a buzz phrase. Every expedition is undertaken with the greatest respect for the lands we explore and the local people we meet. Those who travel with us do so with the assurance that the preservation and protection of the ecosystems and cultures we visit is of the utmost importance to us, both as individuals and as a company. Respect for the places we travel to is at the heart of everything we do, but over our 25 years we have realized additional opportunities where we can lend a hand. We have gone beyond simply treading lightly and have wholeheartedly partnered with local communities and regions. Read more about our sustainable practices and philanthropic efforts here. Excess baggage charges Photography and video fees Food and beverages not included in the group meals Items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundry and telephone calls Other items not specifically mentioned as included. We would love to share this exceptional adventure with you! Our Expedition Specialists are available from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM EST, Monday thru Friday Nomadic Expeditions Inc., 1095 Cranbury-South River Road, Suite 20A Monroe Twp., NJ 08831 USA Phone: or 609-860-9008 Fax: 609-860-9608 Email: info@