Mongolia The Challenge #breakthecycle 3rd -11th September 2016 Join us for a once in a lifetime 9-day adventure across the wild plains of Mongolia. Take part in this adventurous challenge for the chance to experience a range of physical and cultural activities set against the backdrop of the spectacular Mongolian landscape.
Get involved... These last two weeks have changed my life and how I see my world. The people I have met, the friends I have made, the things I have experienced, the people I have helped and the people that have helped me. I have done things that terrified me, I feel bigger and smaller all at once, I care more for the really important things and less about the insignificant. Genuinely wasn t expecting that Sean Miller - Australia, Previous Challenger Date: 3rd 11th September 2016 Fundraising target: 3,500 * (includes 250 non refundable deposit) *equivalent to $5,000 / AED 18,365 / EURO 4,441 / AUS$ 7,000 at time of print. Funds due: 75% by 1st July and final 25% by 20th August You will experience local nomadic culture and see diverse flora and fauna whilst testing your mettle over three active sections: mountain biking, hiking and horse riding. Nights are spent camping under the stars, nearby rivers, forest and mountainous steppe land. Our final destination will be the Christina Noble Children s Foundation s flagship project in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar, where you will be met by the wonderful children of the Blue Skies Ger Village. Embark on a life changing journey, push yourself to go beyond the routine, wake up with fabulous views every morning and discover how you can make a positive impact on the lives of underprivileged children. The Christina Noble Children s Foundation supports the most vulnerable children in Vietnam and Mongolia, working to break the cycle of poverty through medical, educational and community support. The money raised on the Mongolia Challenge will go directly to the Blue Skies Ger Village, the Foundation s flagship project in Ulaanbaatar, providing a safe and loving home for street children and orphans. You will have the chance to volunteer in the Ger Village and experience first hand the impact your funds will have. Join the Foundation s Mongolia Challenge today, fund vital projects and help us to #break the cycle.
We need you... What is included in my fundraising target? Pre event support for training and fundraising. Your accomodation, meals (excluding free time), transfers, horses, bikes, a local guide and of course your donation to the Christina Noble Children s Foundation. What is not included: Flights, visa s, insurance, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, bicycle helmet and personal expenses are not included in your fundraising target. What will the accommodation be like? 2 nights in the Bayangol Hotel, 1 night in a tourist Ger camp and 5 nights in a tented camp. All accommodation is on a twin share basis; single travellers will be paired with someone of the same sex to share a room or How fit do I need to be? This challenge is described as strenous and involves trekking, cycling and horse riding for up to six or seven hours a day at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health to undertake this trip. As this is a multi activity trip it is important to be comfortable and confident trekking and cycling for up to 6 hours per day. You do not need to be able to horse ride before the trip. The more physically fit and cycle ready you are, the more you will enjoy the challenge. We will provide a training schedule and tips on how to prepare for your challenge. How do I sign up? Complete and return your application form to tammy.urwin@cncf.org. Your place is not confirmed until your 250 non-refundable deposit is received. Your deposit will be deducted from your fundraising target and will secure your place on the challenge. Places are limited for each challenge so we recommend signing up early to avoid disappointment. A truly life changing experience that really does make a difference where it s needed. Your only regret would be not doing it. Jane Barrell - UAE, Previous Challenger
The challenge is 9 days of cycling, hiking and horse riding. Without a doubt the best way to discover this spectaular country as you wake up to the sun rising over the open plains and fall asleep under the brightest stars you have ever seen. Join us on a journey that will take you through the history and culture of the country with stunning landscapes and experience Mongolian hospitality at its best. Itinerary Day 1: Arrive at Ulaanbatar & local sightseeing Once arrived in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia s capital, the group will be transferred to the hotel where there will be an orientation meeting and a chance to explore downtown Ulaanbaatar. In the evening we ll head out for our first dinner together after a cultural performance where participants can see traditional Mongolian throat singing, dancing and music. Day 2: Drive from Ulaanbaatar to countryside then cycle from Janchivlan to Shohoi Tsagaan We depart early after breakfast to drive for a few hours into the countryside to our start point. Here we ll set up the bikes and ready ourselves for the fist leg of our challenge. We start with a short climb (to get the legs working!) followed by an undulating route that takes us through valleys and over one significant pass at 1950m. Experience your first night camping under the stars. Our trusty cooks will serve up a hearty meal as we settle in to see the sun set on the Mongolian steppe. Cycle approx: 70 km Day 3: Cycle from Shohoi Tsagaan to Khan Khenty National Park Today s ride gets a little more adventurous, and a little more romantic, as we tackle river crossings, rocky passes and downhills on our way to the borderlands of Khan Khenty National Park, a region famous as it is said that it contains both the birthplace and burial site of Genghis Khan. We ll pass by several encampments of local herding families that tend horses, sheep and goats, and their white canvas and felt dwellings, the ger, will dot the landscape. After crossing the Tuul River we ll make our way to an impressive campsite by a stream for the evening and the end of our cycling leg. Accommodation: tented camp Cycle approx: 80 km Day 4: Hiking to the base of Altan Mountain We switch modes today and head for the hills on foot with a 20km hike to the base of Altan Mountain. The hike takes us up along ridgelines that give us spectacular panoramas over a sea of trees, rocky outcrops and mountains with a packed lunch picnic along the way. Hiking approx: 20 km In partnership with:
Itinerary Continued... In partnership with: Day 5: Hiking up Altan Mountain Our hike today takes us to the summit of Altan Mountain at 2600m. It s a challenging hike of 8 hours or more, but incredibly rewarding for the views that will meet you at the top overlooking the Siberian taiga forest. North of here, human influence wanes, and the world s largest biome begins, home to an incredible array of wildlife including reindeer, moose, bears, wolves, Siberian tiger, lynx and sable. We ll return to camp and put our feet up for a rest for the remainder of the day. Hiking approx: 20 km Day 6: Horse Riding from Altan Mountain to the Tuul River Today we ll change pace once more and saddle up to travel like the locals for a horse trek back down to the Tuul River Valley. Mongolian ponies are renowned for their hardiness as work horses and, with our local horsemen to guide you, you ll learn how to ride Mongolian style. Our ride takes us over reasonably flat terrain in wider open rolling valleys, with a few river crossings and gullies to cross, where we ll set up camp by the river once more. Horse riding approx: 35 km Day 7: Horse Riding from Tuul River to Terelj National Park Our second day s riding continues along the Tuul River into Terelj National Park and it s picturesque forested riverside and mountain scenery. We ll make our way to our home for the evening at a traditional style Ger camp where you ll get to experience the comfortable coziness of these unique dwellings. Dinner will be held in the main dining Ger where we ll toast the completion of our challenge. Horse riding approx: 40 km Day 8: Drive from Terelj NP to Ulaanbaatar Today, after breakfast, we drive back to Ulaanbaatar (2 hours) and visit the Blue Skies Ger Village and meet the Christina Noble Children s Foundation team and the children they support. In the evening, we ll head out for our final celebratory dinner with a traditional style Mongolian meal. Day 9: Time to say Goodbye The challenge comes to an end but you take away amazing memories and friends for life. Transfers to the aiport or feel free to extend your stay to explore this wonderful country. To take part in the challenge of a life time then get in touch with us: E: tammy.urwin@cncf.org W: www.cncf.org T: +971 4 431 5374 M: +971 50 104 7206