+44 (0)20 8741 7390 Steeped in the rich legacy of Genghis Khan, Mongolia is one of Asia s most enigmatic and fascinating destinations. From the vastness of its rich grasslands, to the parched deserts of the Gobi, it is a land of staggering contrasts. This stunning 13-day family adventure takes you from its bustling capital and out into the heart of its vast wilderness. Staying in a variety of traditional ger camps, over the course of your journey you ll have opportunities to ride horses amongst the forested mountains of the Terelj National Park, kayak through the stunning scenery of the Orkhon Valley and swim in the clear pools of the Orkhon Khurkhree Waterfall fun for all the family! In the Hustai National Park you ll find rare wild horses, whilst the dunes of Khogno Khan National Park provide the perfect backdrop for a camel ride. Beginning in Ulaanbaatar, you ll travel deep into the heart of the vast steppes of central Mongolia, visiting an array of national parks, World Heritage landscapes and Buddhist temples, as you discover the rich variety of Mongolia s natural and cultural wonders. This is an unforgettable adventure for kids of all ages! HIGHLIGHTS: Riding, kayaking and walking in the open countryside Climb the giant Genghis Khan Statue and appreciate the outstanding views Go in search of the rare wild horses of Hustai National Park Stay in traditional Mongolian ger camps Swim in the clear pools of the Orkhon Khurkhree Waterfall TOUR INCLUDES: 2 nights four star hotel and 10 nights in Ger Camp s Full Board: 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 12 dinners Private guided sightseeing Private driver and 4WD mini bus Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees 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 Gandan 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 head east to the steppe and spend the day at the 13th Century Camp, tour around the camp stopping at each area to experience life in 13th Century Mongolia, learn about the blacksmiths, teachers, herders, shamans and kings amongst others before driving to Terelj National Park and overnighting at a ger camp within the park. (B,L,D) DAY 3: TERELJ NATIONAL PARK Another full day in the park offers a chance for a horse ride through the beautiful forested mountains. The park's location, some 1,600 metres above sea level, means that the air is cool and the alpine scenery spectacular and you'll find a number of interesting rock formations dotted across the landscape including Turtle Rock and the Praying Lama Rock. For those who would prefer not to ride, there are options for cycling and kayaking too. (B,L,D) DAY 4: TERELJ NATIONAL PARK - HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK Leaving the park this morning, you'll head first for 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 countryside. Continue on towards the Hustai National Park, home to the rare and endangered wild Przewalski horses, where an early evening drive through the park affords an opportunity to see them in their native habitat. (B,L,D) DAY 5: HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK - KHARKORIN After an early morning horse ride, you'll continue onto Kharkhorin today, once the capital of the Mongol Empire. In the 16th century the remains of Kharkhorin were used to build the monastery of Erdene Zuu, probably the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery in the country and a visit to the excellent museum will provide a valuable insight into the region's fascinating history. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: KHARKORIN - ORKHON VALLEY A morning visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery provides an opportunity to watch the mid-morning ceremony and chanting, before you continue into the valleys of central Mongolia. Passing herds of grazing goats, sheep and horses, your destination today is the sacred landscapes of the Orkhon Valley, once the seat of imperial power on the steppes. (B,L,D) DAY 7: ORKHON VALLEY Fed by the waters of the Orkhon River, this beautiful river valley was inscribed by UNESCO as one of the country's most important cultural landscapes. Armed with a picnic lunch today you will take to the waters of the river in kayaks, to paddle your way down a series of small canyons and through the tranquility of the serene countryside. (B,L,D) DAY 8: ORKHON VALLEY - ORKHON KHURKHREE - ORKHON VALLEY A drive this morning brings you to the beautiful Orkhon Khurkhree Waterfall. After heavy rains this is one of the most spectacular sights in the country, especially around late July and August. Just downstream from the falls, a short walk will bring you to a 22 metre deep gorge and the surrounding countryside is a perfect spot for horse riding. After a stop for a swim in the natural pools, you'll then head back to your ger camp in time for dinner. (B,L,D) DAY 9: ORKHON VALLEY - KHOGNO KHAN Heading to Tovkhon Khiid first thing this morning, you'll enjoy an hour's walk through the pine forests to a tiny monastery with spectacular views. Driving on through the valleys and over high mountain passes, you'll then reach the magnificent setting of the Khogno Khan National Park, home to a rich mix of historical sites, wildlife and spectacular scenery. Overnight at a traditional ger camp overlooking the vast Mongolian steppes. (B,L,D) DAY 10: KHOGNO KHAN Covering some 47,000 hectares, the national park is a haven for all sorts of flora and fauna, with ibex, red deer and even wolves being a regular sight amongst the desert steppes. Over the next couple of two days you'll have opportunities to enjoy a walk in the rocky hills, take in the vast stretches of sand dunes, visit local nomadic herders and even experience a camel ride through the dunes. (B,L,D)
DAY 11: KHOGNO KHAN Another day exploring the national park. (B,L,D) DAY 12: 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 13: 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. HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK HUSTAI GER CAMP Located right in the national park, here you will have a good opportunity to see the Prejewalski wilde horses and learn about them in the information centre that has been built to aid their conservation. The camp is large, there is a large building housing the restaurant and offices and separate areas for the research centres. Gers are still traditional and nicely furnished, shower blocks are new and modern. There are plenty of walking and riding opportunities from the camp. 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. ORKHON VALLEY URSA MAJOR GER CAMP With beautiful views of the Orkhon Valley, the Ursa Major Ger Camp is a delightful place to stay. An ecocamp priding itself on working with the environment and local communities; it doesn't have a toilet and shower block, toilets are made from wood and composting and instead of showers hot towels are bought to your ger in the evening and morning. Gers are beautifully decorated inside and out with traditionally painted furniture, doubles and twins and small touches such as a little sink behind a screen, they also have good quality ceramic stoves. There is no electric in the gers but a torch and candles are provided. The bar and restaurant are stylish and provide great food and the service is top quality. With so many activities in the area this camp makes a great base. 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