MONGOLIA Kids and Camels
MONGOLIA Kids and Camels A family vacation like no other, this action-packed Mongolian journey leads from the dinosaur halls of Ulaanbaatar s Natural History Museum to the wide open steppe of Gun Galuut Nature Reserve, before heading south into the legendary Gobi Desert, where fossils and dinosaur eggs were unearthed by the 20th century s most daring explorers. Parents and children can share in the thrill of discovering this unique land, its fascinating ancient culture, and the kindness of its nomadic people. Following exploration of Ulaanbaatar, including the Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue, travel through Mongolia s diverse ecosystems, from mountains and steppes in Gun Galuut Nature Reserve to the incredible vistas of the Gobi. Through exciting activities geared for children and adults, such as playing traditional games, riding horses and camels, and visiting local families, discover the nomadic lifestyle and culture of Mongolia and the unforgettable landscapes of the Gobi Desert.
Y O U R J O U R N E Y RECOMMENDED FOR: Families interested in the culture, natural history, and wildlife of Mongolia, who are ready to explore the Gobi Desert by camel, discover the steppes on horseback, and visit sites where legendary dinosaur hunters made their historic discoveries. HIGHLIGHTS: Canyons and sand dunes of the Gobi Yol Valley Gun Galuut Nature Reserve Interaction with local nomads Horseback and camel riding ACCOMMODATIONS: 4 nights at a hotel in Ulaanbaatar 1 night at a ger camp 4 nights at our award-winning Three Camel Lodge Day 2 EXPLORE 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 democracy. Experience these exciting developments firsthand 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. Visit the recently renovated Chenrezig and Kalachakra Temples, as well as the magnificent statue of Megjid 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. Monasteries across the country are again opening their doors to worshippers and the few lamas who survived the purges are training a new generation. In the afternoon drive through downtown Ulaanbaatar to the National 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. (Shangri-La Hotel; B, L, D) Day 3 GUN GALUUT NATURE RESERVE 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. In the afternoon, 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 a welcome dinner in a large traditional ger. (Shangri-La Hotel) After breakfast, begin driving east of Ulaanbaatar to Gun Galuut Nature Reserve. Founded in 2003, the locally run reserve is home to more than 60 mammal species and 80 types of birds, including many nationally and globally threatened species, such as the Argali wild mountain sheep, Siberian white crane, Whitenaped Crane, red falcon, and black vulture. Exploring the mountain, steppe, river, and wetland ecosystems, children will have the opportunity to learn about nature conservation from the reserve s rangers. Stay at a ger camp located within the reserve. (If you are interested, opportunities to ride a yak cart or to enjoy fishing for Mongolian freshwater grayling are available. Please let your expedition specialist know if interested so that we may schedule these activities for you.) (Tent Camp; B, L, D)
Day 4 HORSEBACK RIDING / ULAANBAATAR After breakfast, meet the wranglers and horses and begin a horseback exploration of the scenic and naturally significant sites. If preferred, some of the group can follow the horse-riders in a car. We may also visit nomadic families along the way and the wetland area where rare birds such as white napes cranes are found. Following lunch, drive back to Ulaanbaatar to rest and prepare for the upcoming adventures in the Gobi. Day 5 FLY TO THE GOBI (Shangri-La Hotel; B, L, D) Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Gobi. This is a diverse and fascinating region with stunning landscapes and serves as a habitat to a surprising number of animals. Drive to Three Camel Lodge (2.5 hours), an eco-lodge located near Gurvansaikhan Gobi National Park. Day 6 KHAVTSGAIT PETROGLYPH / BIKING/ FAMILY VISIT Wake early to the sight of the sun rising over the vast Gobi landscape. Following breakfast, drive to Khavtsgait to see the amazing artwork of our ancestors. Preserved at the top of the mountain are some of the precious petroglyphs of the Gobi, ancient and beautiful works of art that can be clearly seen as the sun hits the rocks from the right angle. From the depictions of these amazing petroglyphs we can gain a better understanding of the everyday lives of the people who lived in the Gobi during the Bronze Age. Explore the area on foot and then return to the Lodge for lunch. In the late afternoon travel by bicycle to visit a local nomadic family, experience their warm hospitality firsthand, and learn about the basics of the nomadic lifestyle that dates back thousands of years.
Day 7 TUGRUGIIN SHIREE / TRADITIONAL GAMES Begin the day with a drive to Tugrugiin Shiree, the site where the famous Fighting Dinosaurs (a fossil of a Protoceratops and a Velociraptor locked in combat) were discovered in the 1970s. Explore this white sandstone escarpment and nearby sand dune. Upon returning to the Lodge, spend the afternoon playing traditional Mongolian games that reflect aspects of nomadic life. For centuries, games have been used to pass on Mongolian traditions from generation to generation, and to keep nomadic values alive among herder families. Day 8 MOLTSOG ELS / FLAMING CLIFFS After breakfast drive to Moltsog Els (1.5 hours), one of the few regions of the Gobi covered by sand dunes, to meet with the camel wranglers and learn the basics of riding a camel. Children and parents will then explore the area atop these beautiful animals.following the camel ride, 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 ancient formations of the Flaming Cliffs are rich with fossils, and paleontological expeditions continue to make significant discoveries at this site. Enjoy a picnic dinner at sunset. Day 9 ULAANBAATAR After breakfast drive to Dalanzadgad for the return flight to Ulaanbaatar. In the afternoon, drive to the Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue in Tsonjin Boldog, located 30 miles outside of Ulaanbaatar. Children and adults alike can ascend the colossal statue by elevator to take in the view of the surrounding forest and the Tuul River. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel. Day 10 DEPARTURE After breakfast transfer to the 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.