As seen on
Culture & Landscapes of Central & NW Mongolia
Mongolia
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Essential info
- Packing list
Grade:
Intermediate
Type:
Cultural
Transfers
Duration:
9 Nights
3 - 3
Group size
Leaders
Highlights
- Ghengis Khan Statue & Visitor Centre
- Aryabel Meditation Temple & Terelj National Park
- Erdene Zuu Monastery
- Eagle hunting demonstration, and introduction
- Ger camping in comfortable tourist camps
- Guided tour of Ulaanbaatar
Get to know Mongolia through visiting the beautiful National parks of Terelj & Khustai, a fine example of conservation and ecosystem preservation where the wild Takhi horse has been successfully re-introduced. Feel small (actually & figuratively!) next to the 40m high Equestrian Genghis Khan statue and enjoy an introduction into the history of this wonderful country. We will also explore the capital Ulaanbaatar to see its temples, traditional dancing and feast on delicious Mongolian food.
During the communist period in Kazakhstan, many Kazakhs fled to Mongolia and settled in Bayan-Ölgii Province, bringing with them their tradition of hunting with golden eagles. There are an estimated 250 eagle hunters in Bayan-Ölgii, which is located in the Altai Mountains of Western Mongolia. Their falconry custom involves hunting with golden eagles on horseback, primarily for red and corsac foxes during the cold winter months, when it is easier to see the gold-coloured foxes against the snow.
We will stay in ger camps and with a local family and take an amazing round trip adventure riding horses towards the Altai Tavan Bogd base camp amongst the National Park’s stupendous mountain peaks in this vast frontier.
Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Transfer
Breakfast
Guest house
After arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After settling in and a bite to eat (depending on arrival times), you will be met by your guide for a wonderful city tour including the National Museum of Mongolia, Sukhbaatar Square and Gandan Monastery.
During your first evening in Mongolia, enjoy a traditional folklore show. Stay overnight in your 4* hotel.
Day 2: Terelj National Park
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ger
Drive to Chinggis Khan Statue Complex, 34km east of Ulaanbaatar; an architecturally impressive visitor centre with 36 columns representing the 36 khans from Genghis to Ligdan Khan. The striking and photogenic statue of Genghis Khan, sitting powerfully astride his horse, is 40m high and built of steel. Visitors can take an elevator to the viewing deck on the horse’s head to breathe in the magnificent Mongolian steppe.
From here you continue the drive to Terelj National Park, a stunning destination within a surprisingly short distance of Mongolia's capital city. Take a leisurely strolls on meadows carpeted with variety of wild flowers, view fascinating rock formations against a backdrop of pine covered mountains and wander along the wooded banks of a mountain stream. This afternoon is about absorbing the incredible scenery. There is the option to hike to Ariyabal Meditation temple which is a fabulous viewpoint, and also to walk to Turtle Rock - a huge rock formation shaped by the wind and rain. Tonight you stay in traditional gers at Terelj tourist camp; a premier ger camp offering comfortable ger lodges, a restaurant serving Mongolian, European & Asian cuisine, bar, garden and terrace, with stunning panoramic views.
Day 3: Khustai National Park
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ger
Visit another beautiful preserved Mongolian national parks; Khustain Nuruu National park, around 100km to the West of UB. In 2002 it was certified by UNESCO as a member of the world biosphere network of natural reserves and is rich in wildlife, with over 46 species of mammal and 223 species of bird.
Visit the museum and watch a short documentary for information about the conservation and protection of ecosystems and historical sites in the park, as well as learning about Takhi - the last species of wild horse, which have been re-introduced into the wild. There is the opportunity to watch the Takhi, also known as Przewalksi's horse, the only wild horse to survive in modern times. The species were returned to Mongolia from world zoos and reserves within the National Park.
You spend the night in another comfortable get tonight, at a 'tourist camp'.
Day 4: Elsen Tasarkhai sand dune & Kharkhorin
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ger
Drive to Elsen Tasarkhai, the area of Mongol Els sand dunes which stretch along the Tuv, Uvurkhangai and Bulgan provinces of Mongolia. Enjoy a guided walk in the striking sand dunes and surrounding hills.
In the 13th Century, Genghis Khan began the largest empire the world has ever seen; stretching from the Sea of Japan to the Danube in Hungary. He founded the cosmopolitan city of Kharkhorin (also known as Karakorum) as his capital, although it was later moved to Peking by his grandson. After lunch near the dunes, you travel to the historic city, which was seriously damaged by invading Chinese forces in 15th century. Once again you overnight in a comfortable and well situated tourist ger camp.
Day 5: Erdene Zuu Monastery & Ulaanbaatar
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
4 star hotel
Today you will visit and explore the stunning temples of the 16th Century Erdene Zuu Buddhist Monastery, surrounded by monumental walls and 108 white stupas. It is probably the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery in the country, having withstood (though been significantly damaged by) the purge of monasteries in 1939 by Communist leaders. Since the 1990s the monastery has become, once again, a place of Buddhist worship. You will notice another rock turtle guarding the walls of the lost city!
You return to Ulaanbaatar this afternoon, to stay overnight in your 4* hotel and prepare for the second 'half' of your adventure in North West Mongolia.
Day 6: Flight to Ulgii
Flights
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
We take a short national flight to Ulgii (flight included), the capital of the Bayan-Ölgii Aimag (province) of Mongolia, located in the extreme west of the country, bordering the Russia Federation on the West & North, and China on the SW. It is a remote area with high Mountains; the Mongol Altai - Tavan Bogd mountains, whose peoples have a different culture from the Mongols; herding yaks and goats and hunting with trained eagles.
Around 90% of the population here are muslim Kazaks, although there are many ethnic groups also; Khalkh, Durvud, Uriankhai & Tuva.
We will be met at Ulgii airport by local drivers to take us to the local museum to learn more about our magnificent surroundings. This afternoon we visit our first Eagle hunter family to learn about their lifestyle & culture, before staying overnight with a host family (ger accommodation).
Day 7: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
We set off on a long drive this morning (200km) which can take up to 6 hours, but unlike a journey back home, the travel is part of the adventure, and we will be journeying at times on the plateau at 2500 - 3000m.
Breathtaking views, and glimpses into how life is played out in this striking region, will keep you glued to the vehicle windows! We get a feel for the sheer magnitude of the country as we reach our destination; the gates of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
Tonight you will stay in a tented camp (pre erected tents) within the park.
Day 7:Alta Tavan Bogd National Park
3 star hotel
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is a vehicle free region, so today we have the wonderful option of horse riding, totally in keeping with the traditions of the area. . We trek toward the Altai Tavan Bogd mountains (the riding distance is a manageable 8km from the base camp). We enjoy a packed lunch with the most magnificent views of the surrounding mountains before returning to base camp and driving back to Ulgii to stay in a local hotel.
Day 8: Return to Ulaanbaatar
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
4 star hotel
We leave Ulgii on a flight back to the capital for some free time for wandering, sightseeing and souvenir shopping. Overnight stay at 4* hotel.
Day 9: Return Home
Transfer
Breakfast
We will transfer you to the airport in time for your flight home.
- International flights & baggage (including excess)
- Cost for any optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single room supplements
- Alcoholic drinks
- Comprehensive travel insurance
Compulsory
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Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Enquiry Process
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Click on 'Send Enquiry' (receipted).
We will be in touch as soon as we are able, to answer your questions and help you plan your adventure.
+44 207 846 0197