MONGOLIA Epic Mongolian Overland Adventure July 21 - August 4, 2018 August 25 - September 8, 2018 June 15-29, 2019 July 27 - August 10, 2019 August 24 - September 7, 2019
MONGOLIA Epic Mongolian Overland Adventure This epic off-road adventure showcases some of the most spectacular, varied, and historically important sites in Mongolia. Your journey will traverse the entire country from north to south using four-wheel drive off-road vehicles. Begin at Lake Hovsgol, situated among some of the world s most pristine forests, mountains, and meadows. The journey continues south toward the canyons and sand dunes of the Gobi, stopping along the way at ancient deer stones, dormant volcanoes, and the ruins of a 17th-century temple. This extensive adventure follows an ambitious off-road route where the rest of the world seems millions of miles and hundreds of years away.
Y O U R J O U R N E Y DEPARTURE DATE(S): JULY 21 - AUGUST 4, 2018 AUGUST 25 - SEPTEMBER 8, 2018 JUNE 15-29, 2019 JULY 27 - AUGUST 10, 2019 AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 7, 2019 ACTIVITY LEVEL: Adventurous travelers who want to experience Mongolia s diverse landscapes during extensive overland drives, stopping to visit some of the most spectacular and historically important sites in the country. HIGHLIGHTS: Lake Hovsgol Flaming Cliffs of the Gobi Interaction with local nomadic families Historic Buddhist monasteries ACCOMMODATIONS: 3 nights at the Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar 8 nights in ger camps 3 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 high-rises. Upon arrival at the airport you are welcomed by your Mongolian guide and transferred to a centrally located hotel within walking distance of various museums and shops. (Shangri-La Hotel) Day 2 ULAANBAATAR Begin the day with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. 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 democratic nation. 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 one of Gandan s temples. Next drive through downtown Ulaanbaatar to 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. After lunch, drive to Zaisan Memorial, built by the former Soviet Union to commemorate fallen soldiers of World War II. Those who climb the 300 steps will be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the capital city, the Tuul River, and the surrounding countryside. In the evening enjoy dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel. (Shangri-La Hotel; B, L, D) Day 3 FLY TO MURUN LAKE HOVSGOL After breakfast, fly north to Murun (1.5 hours), the capital of Hovsgol Province, and continue overland to Lake Hovsgol (approximately 2.5 hours), passing through Mongolian steppe and forested mountains and by the Uushgiin Deer stones. Mongolia s largest lake by water volume, Hovsgol extends 85 miles in length and 18 miles in width and is fed by over 90 streams and rivers. This crystal-clear alpine lake, known as Mongolia s dark blue pearl, is situated among some of the most pristine forests, mountains, and
meadows in the world. There will be ample time to discover the lake s secrets in the following days. Overnight in gers. Days 4-5 LAKE HOVSGOL Spend these days exploring the lakeshore and surrounding mountains and meadows. For those interested, there will be opportunities to kayak, visit local nomads dwellings, sample horseback riding, or fish for Siberian grayling and lenok (please bring your own rod and tackle.) Overnight in gers. Day 6 UUSHGIIN DEER STONE ZUUN NUUR Drive to the Uushgiin Deer Stones. Dating back thousands of years, the Uushigiin Deer Stones are comprised of 14 magnificently preserved deer stones, lined up 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 of its kind to have been found. Awareness of the Uushigiin Deer Stones has increased recently as a result of the Smithsonian Institute s research at the site. Continue driving south over several mountain passes, including Tariat Pass, Mongolia s highest, and on through Jargalant village to the ger camp near the river Ider. Overnight in gers. (Approx. 7 hours driving.) Day 7 HORGO TERKHIIN TSAGAAN LAKE In the morning, continue driving through the beautiful Arkhangai Province, known for having the largest number of yaks in the country. In the late afternoon, reach the Horgo Volcano and explore this sunken caldera and its volcanic formations, as well as two unique caves, Youth Cave and Yellow Dog s Hell. Continue on to crystal-clear Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, known as the Great White Lake, and the highlight of Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, established for the conservation of spectacular mountain scenery and endangered flora and fauna. The lake was formed thousands of years ago when lava from nearby Horgo Volcano flowed into the Terkh River, creating a natural dam. Overnight in gers. (Approx. 4-5 hours driving)
Day 8 Buddhist activity for centuries, Erdene Zuu s temples are richly decorated with spectacular Buddhist art. Overnight in gers. (Approx. 4 hours driving) TAIKHAR ROCK Travel in the morning to Taikhar Rock. This huge rock protruding from the ground inspired a legend that tells of a huge snake that demanded the sacrifice of the area s most beautiful girls. A young hero put the stone on top of the snake s hole to trap him and save the girls. Overnight in gers. (Approx. 4-5 hours driving) Day 9 TSETSERLEG KHARAKHORUM ERDENE ZUU After breakfast, drive to Tsetserleg, provincial capital of Arkhangai, considered to be one of the most beautiful provinces in Mongolia. Visit the picturesque Zayayn Gegeenii Temple. Continue driving to Kharakhorum, built by Chinggis Khan s son, Ogodei, to serve as the capital of the Mongol Empire. Forty years after its construction, Kharakhorum was abandoned and the capital was moved to Khanbalik, in what is now Beijing. Few traces remain of this once-magnificent city, but nearby Erdene Zuu Monastery was reputedly built from Kharakhorum s ruins in the 16th century. Mongolia s largest monastery and a place of Day 10 KHARAKHORUM ONGIIN HIID MONASTERY After breakfast, drive to Ongiin Hiid and explore the ruins of this 17th-century temple, situated in a beautiful mountainous region. Still known as the Pearl of the Great Desert, Ongiin Hiid was one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia until its destruction during the communist purges in 1939. Overnight in gers. (Approx. 5 hours driving) Day 11 GOBI THREE CAMEL LODGE Continue south to Bulagtai Mountain (4.5 hours) near Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, and the award-winning Three Camel Lodge. Spend the rest of the afternoon resting at this luxurious eco-lodge. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. (Approx. 6 hours driving) (Three Camel Lodge; B, L, D)
Day 12 THE GOBI Contrary to the sameness that the word desert suggests, the Gobi is a diverse and fascinating region, and includes the sites of some of the 20th century s most important paleontological discoveries. Explore the stunning landscape 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, and Gobi bear. After breakfast, drive to Yol Valley National Park (2.5 hours), cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. Located in the northern part of the Gobi, this surprisingly green valley was once carved by an ancient river, and its remnant streams create ice formations at the base of the valley that sometimes persist as late as July. Hike through this prehistoric canyon leads to the habitat of indigenous vulture-like Lammergeiers. These predatory birds feed primarily on bone marrow, dropping large bones from the sky in an attempt to break them into smaller pieces. Return to the Three Camel Lodge. (Three Camel Lodge; B, L, D) Day 13 HAVSGAIT VALLEY FLAMING CLIFFS In the morning take an optional drive to the Havtsgait Valley, site of ancient rock drawings left by early Gobi settlers. Hundreds of petroglyphs adorn rocks scattered on the top of the mountain. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, drive to Bayan Zag (1 hour), commonly known as the Flaming Cliffs for its orange glow at 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. To the trained eye, the red sandstone of the Flaming Cliffs is rich with dinosaur fossils, and paleontological expeditions continue to make significant discoveries at this site. Return to the Three Camel Lodge in the evening. (Approx. 5 hours driving) Day 14 ULAANBAATAR (Three Camel Lodge; B, L, D) Drive to Dalanzadgad for the afternoon flight to Ulaanbaatar (1.5 hours.) Transfer to the hotel after arriving in Ulaanbaatar in the late afternoon. In the evening enjoy a traditional Mongolian performance featuring khoomi throat singing, followed by a farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel. Day 15 DEPARTURE After breakfast transfer to airport for departure. (Shangri-La Hotel; B, L, D) B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner Nomadic Expeditions reserves the right to change the above itinerary if necessary.
LAND PRICE 2018 PRICING: $6,595 per person based on double occupancy Internal Airfare: Single supplement: $1,400 2019 PRICING: 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, tents, and gers) Meals as noted in itinerary Horse 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, and luggage tags Bilingual Nomadic Expeditions guide throughout your stay LAND PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: International airfare Passport and visa fees Comprehensive medical and trip insurance Airport taxes Excess baggage charges Photography and video fees $370 per person (subject to change by airlines) 2-5 passengers: $7,300 per person/double occupancy 6-14 passengers: $6,800 per person/double occupancy Internal Airfare: Single supplement: $1,500 $370 per person (subject to change by airlines) Airfare for international flight is not included. Please contact us for details. 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. Tips to guides and drivers 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@