Gobi and Altai Drive
This tour is the best way to get acquainted with the country and the different aspects of the traditional Mongolian way of life. This journey will bring us to both desert steppe and mountain areas of the Gobi .The Gurvansaikhan Mountains is an extension into the Gobi of the Altais. In the desert steppe we will probably be able to see gazelle and fox.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to 3* or 4* hotel . Depending on time of arrival, you will have a short city site seeing tour.Lunch time in a typical Mongolian Restaurant.
Zanabazar Museum
Choijin Lama temple
The winter Palace
Buda Big Statue on the Hill
Central market (black) (if we have time)
Typical folkloric Mongol performance ( songs and dances), in the theatre.Dinner.Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Monastery . To Bogd Khaan Nat.Park
Explore Gandan Monastery,Buddhist center in Ulaanbaatar(early in the morning to assist to the ceremonies ), and full day meditation there.In the evening, start to drive towards Bogd Khaan Nat.Park.Overnight in tourist gercamp. (45 km).
Day 3: Bogd Khaan Nat.Park
Visit the Manzshir Monastery, Meditation, and climb the Sacred Mountain TSETSEEN GUN. Meditation.The surrounding area is a typical steppe zone and horse back rides can be easily arranged. To learn a bit about Nomadic lifestyle, for instance (fermented mare's milk), the national drink.This place is ideal for trekking and walking.If we have time after lunch horseriding.Overnight in The National Park in Tourist gers Camp.
Day 4: Fly to Altai Town
After arriving in Altai, we drive about 50km north from Altai city and come to HasagtKharkhan Strictly protected area. This area is unique in the world, because it has forest, mountain and Gobi desert.Highest peak is 3578m. Meditation in this Sacred area. Overnight in tent
Days 5-6: To Eej Khairkhan Uul
Drive south about 310 km towards EejKharkhan. Driving through Biger Khonkhor.If you are lucky, we can see the wild horses, argali /mountain sheep/, ibex / mountain goat/ on this desert valley. Overnight in tent. Next day we come to EekKhairkhan Uul.
Days 7-8: EejKhairkhan Uul
EejKhairkhan Uul, 2.275 m. is single mountain in the middle of GOBI desert. The mountain is rich in wild animals. The mountain has 9 big holes and water comes from one to others. The holes are 2-3m wide,2-4m deep and 2-7 far from each other. This three days we can do Meditation, trekking and climb the Mountain. Overnight in tent.
Sacred mother mountain Eejkhairkhan :This is a sacred area to Buddhists and was worshipped long before Buddhism. The Sacred Mother Mountain was declarated a national monument in 1992. The area of the site is 216 km2. . It takes 58 km to circumnavigate it completely. As a sacred place of pilgrimage Mother Rock is visited by Mongolians seeking solace and wisdom. The peace and quiet of the place allow the traveler be insight himself, meditate, and rest. The mountain appears to be alive with colour and movement. Climbing the Mountain, from a height you can see streams flowing between boulders on the pilgrimage trail, known as the “nine pots”. We can also see well-preserved rock paintings near the base of EejKhairkhan Uul.
Day 9: To Boon Tsagaan Nuur
Today drive to north-east towards the larger semi fresh lake of the biggest of the lakes, the 240 sq.km. Böön Tsaagan Nuur and pitch camp there for one night.
The elevation of this sacred lake surface is 1336m above sea level. The Baidrag River empties into the lake. Obvious birds here include Whooper Swan, Mute Swan, Bar-headed Goose, Swan Goose. Pallas' Eagle and Great Black-headed Gull. Explore nature and meditation. Overnight in tent.
Day 10 To Tsagaan Agui and Orog Lake
Half day drive and we reach the cave /Tsagaan Agui/ on the east of Ikh Bogd Uul. This cave is about 40m long and 700000 years ago people have lived there , meditation inside or near the famous cave.After driving 20km, we explore the 140 sq.km. Orog Lake and its immediate surroundings. The sacred lake sits next to Ikh Bogd (Big Holy) Mountain (3957m) at 1200m above sea level. Meditation at the feet of the holy mountain.. There are also some nearby sand dunes. Tuin River empties into the lake from its journey from Hangai Mountains . The abundance of food attracts plenty of birds. There is a small island with some 60 pairs of Grey Herons nesting on the ground! The world's longest fault line is visible through the terrain. It came about in 1957 and extends for some 270km westwards from Orog Lake.Overnight in tent.
Days 11-12 To Hot Springs and Hachin Lamyn Temple
After driving about 190 km, we reach the hot springs Shargaljuut.There are over 100 small hot springs ( 90^C ).Next day, we will visit Hachin Lamyn Temple. Meditation all morning . After picnic lunch, drive to south and come to Shataryn Chuluu,where you can see the archeological sites like deer stones, graves and carved stones with face. Meditation.Overnight in tent.
Days 13-14: To KharaKhorum
These two days we drive about 360km towards the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, Kharakhorum, and explore the magnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery. Karakorum city was established in IV-IX century and in 1220 Genghis Khan declared it a capital city of his Empire. Since that time many other Mongolian Khans considered and used Karakorum as a capital of their Empires. Today the city still holds many interesting sites such as turtle shaped rock, big stupas and ruins of the city. Our visit of the city includes Erdenezuu (Hundred Treasures), which was the first Buddhist monastery, established in 1586 on the initiative of Abtai Saiin Khan at Karakorum. The monastery has a rectangular shaped perimeter wall, 420 m / 459 yards long with wide sides, 108 stupas and over 10 temples. Today Erdenezuu monastery still retains much of its former glory and the remains of many religious objects.Overnight in Gercamp
Day 15: To UB
Full day drive by paved road and come to Transfer into your hotel.Dinner in a typical Mongolian Restaurant P.m.
Day 16: Depart UB
Transfer to airport and catch your flight to outside.
Some recommendations: Summer months in Mongolia are from early June to mid September.Although the Mongolian summers are hot and dry with occasional rain, the temperature can fluctuate as much 20 degrees centigrade between day and night.So be prepared for all weather conditions.
What to bring: Binoculars,sunscreen,a hat,gloves,long underware for travel in the high mountains,comfortable footware,lip balm,sanitary hand wipes,sunglasses,prescription medications,(if needed),rain gear,flashlight.
Transport: This journey is supported by a jeep or minibus on the Gobi road tracks.
Staff: A Mongolian English speaking local guide will accompany the group at all times. A cook will follow. Plus drivers.
Meals: Our cook will prepare the meals. We pride ourselves in having cooks adapt with both western and Mongolian cooking on our trips. There are always vegetables available, and we have no problem accommodating vegetarians.
Overnights: This is a vehicle supported camping trip. Tents and mattresses will be provided for the camping nights. You need to bring your own sleeping bag. A portable camping shower will be provided.
Price:
USD 1870 per person (min 2 members)
Group size: 2-18
Discounts available for groups.
Includes: English speaking guide, breakfast every day, and all meals outside Ulaanbaatar. All overnights in hotels and gers ( or with family) , camping equipment and all local transport / UB-Altai flight /, all Border and National park permits.
Excludes: Drinks, airport tax on departure, laundry, Lunch and dinner in Ulaanbaatar.Visa fee. Single room/tent/ger supplement is USD 20 per night.
Dates : 2013
If there is enough participants, this expedition can be done any time during the period from the beginning of May through mid September.
