Oases of Gobi & Hangai Drive
Theme Best seller, Cultural, Authentic
From $2199
Group size2-12
Duration 12 days
Intro text
- Explore the Mystical Taiga
- Visit Reindeer & Khuvsgul Lake
- Explore the Gobi Desert & it’s mysteries
- Join Groups
Why choose this tour
- Take a ride on a reindeer and have a “Santa Claus” experience. Take breathe taking photos
- Have a memorable stop at the Khusvgul Lake, where the water is said to be the purest in the world.
- Take a refreshing swim in the purest waters in the world. It will be an experience of a lifetime.
- Drive across Mongolia & see all the best spots of Mongolia just in 25 days
- Enjoy horse riding among the locals and get to learn more about their amazing nomadic life
Services included
- Shared accommodation at Ger camps
- Private transfers
- English speaking guide
- All meals as listed
- All entrance fee
- Horse, camel ride
- Mongolian barbecue
- Letter of Invitation
- Domestic Flights
Services not included
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Camera fee for museum & monastery
- Travel Insurance www.WorldNomads.com
- Single supplement
- Personal needs
- Laundry and alcoholic drinks.
- Single occupancy USD $220
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Arrive UB airport and meet by our Blue Wolf team. Takes approx 90 minsto transfer to hotel.After short freshen up, we will do city tour starting from Gandan monastery, Sukhbaatar main square, the winter palace of Bogd Jabzan Damba Hutagt VIII, Zaisan Memorial, State department store, Natural Historical Museum. Overnight in Kempinski 5* hotel. (BL)
Day 2 Drive to Baga Gazryn Chuluu NP
Drive to South about 200 km and reach Middle Gobi and BAGA GAZRYN CHULUU. Visit the stones Valley walking and runes of the Sacred Monastery. The monastery is built on the small island in the middle of Lake Burd Nuur by local Mongolians in 16 century. Overnight there in gers tourist camp. (BLD)
Day 3 Explore Yolyn Am
The Valley in the Zuun Saikhan Mountain, located 45 km from Dalanzadgad, in the centre of South Gobi aimag, is called Yolyn Am. The narrow Valley between high rock walls has breathtaking dramatic scenery, and no doubt is one of the beautiful places in the country. In rainy summers hundreds of small waterfalls appear in the rocky walls. Trekking, camel and horse riding tours are available to the valley. After lunch, we keep driving to west and reach Khongorin Dunes, the biggests sand dunes in all Asia. Overnight in gercamp. (BLD)
Day 4 Khongoryn Els (Gobi Desert)
After breakfast, we start driving to west and reach Hongoryn Dunes, the biggest sand dunes in all Asia. The 350-meter high sand dunes in Sevrei soum, South aimag, are called Hongoryn Els. These dunes are 20 km wide and 100 km long. The Hongoryn River flows along the sand dunes and gives birth to oases. Visit the dunes with camel riding. Visit a local camel breeding family and learn about their breeding programs. We will arrive at Gobi Erdene camp to have lunch & take a break for 1-2 hours, then we will drive 15 km to the dunes. We will do some hiking up the dunes up to 800 meters (Optional) & take great photos just before the sunset. Evening, drive back to the camp and have dinner. Overnight in Gobi Erdene/Gobi Discovery ger camp. (BLD)
Day 5 Drive to Kharkhorin
Today is a long drive north, through big open steppe area. We will move from the desert steppes to Khangai Mountain. The nomads live from livestock herding. However, by international standards, it is not densely populated. Near the sands they keep Bactrian Camels. Overnight in gercamp. (BLD)
Day 6 Explore Kharkhorin
After driving few hrs /about 120kms/, we reach KharKhorum. Mongolia’s ancient capital, Kharakhorum, Chinggis Khaan’s fabled city, was founded in 1220 in the Orkhon valley, at the crossroads of the Silk Road. It was from there that the Mongol Empire governed, until Khubilai Khaan moved it to Beijing. The symbolic ruins of Kharakhorum (Harhorin), monumental walls (400 m of length) with 108 stupas, surround the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1586. In 1792, it housed 62 temples and 10,000 lamas; since 1990, it has become an active monastery again. Turtles carved from the stone marked the boundaries of the complex. Nearby, Turkish monuments and rock inscriptions erected in 8-9th centuries in memory of outstanding fighters for independence. Quite a surprise for the scentists was the discovery of a burial of a Mongolian woman which dates to approximately the 14-th century where also two Egiptian masks, a wooden comb and a bronze mirror in a silk case were found. Overnight in gercamp. (BLD)
Day 7 Drive to Khorgi (Terkhiin Nuur Nat. Park)
Driving westwards, you will stop next to ‘Taikhar chuluu’, a huge rock which related to the local mythology. The next stop of the day will be the ‘Chuluut canyon’ observation point, and the holy “100 branches tree” which stands next to it for hundreds of years. Khorgo Volcano is a dead volcano covered with basalt lying in the east of the Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan (National Park) in Arhangai aimag. Interesting bubbles of solidified lave named “Basalt ger’. Possible a visit to yak’s herders. Arhangai aimag, the north-east slope of the Hangai chain, is called “the Switzerland of Mongolia” for its forests, rivers and wooded hills. Overnight in gercamp. (BLD)
Day 8 Drive to Murun & Tsagaan Nuur village
First day, our route turns to west and drive to the western side of the Hangai Mountains. Taiga is a boreal coniferous forest, comprised primarily of Siberian Larch (Larix sibirica) and Siberian Pine (Pinus sibirica). Coming to town Murun, get gasoline. 110kms drive to north and reach Hatgal village and overnight in gercamp. (BLD)
Day 9 Drive to Khustai Nat. Park
Driving by mostly open remote and mountain areas, you have a chance to visit some nomadic Mongolian families and feel their grade hospitality. Overnight in tent.In the evening of second day we reach Hustai Nat. Park. Overnight in gercamp. (BLD)
Day 10 Explore Khustai Nat. Park & drive to Ulaanbaatar
Hustai National Park is the site of a unique re-introduction scheme of Przewalskii’s horse (Equus przewalskii), by Mongolian’s called Takhi. It became extinct in the wild and have since 1992 been successfully re-introduced to Hustai from zoos around the world. It has been an international effort monitored to The Foundation for the Przewalskii Horse of the Netherlands and MACNE (Mongolian Association for Conservation of Nature and the Environment). The national park is rolling Steppe Mountains with rather large patches of birch and aspen forests. There are also visible remains of neolithic graves. In addition Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) and Wolf (Canis lupus) have increased quite a bit during the last few years, as well as Mongolian gazelle. Species that are in Hustai but usually not seen are Lynx, Argali Sheep and Roe Deer. After breakfast, we will make a trek through the varied habitats of Hustai National Park. Starting out from the ger camp we will hike the ridges with views over the distant Moltsog Sands as well as the partly forested Hustai Mountains. We will trek up a gully and get to incredible look out points, while having a reasonable chance to see Red Deer, Black Vultures and other numerous raptor’s such as eagles and falcons. After lunch drive to UB /100kms/. Transfer to 4* hotel. (BL)
Day 11 Explore Terelj Nat. Park
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is located near Ulaanbaatar, about 60 km. The Park is a great getaway destination for short and long time visitors. If time allows, spend a night at one of the Mongolian Ger camps in Terelj Park to get the taste of Mongolian culture. Among local attractions are famous “Turtle” Rock, man-made park with dinosaur statues, “Arraybal” buddhist temple, “Khagiin Khar” Glacier Lake, and relaxing views of Tuul River valley.We can offer a full range of sightseeing tours with “Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex” and “XIII Century National Camp”. is located 54 km from Ulaanbaatar among beautiful natural scenery on the bank of river Tuul, in the place called “Tsonjin Boldog”, memorial place connected with historic events. Overnight in gercamp. (BL)
Day 12 Depart UB
After early breakfast, transfer to UB airport. Leave Mongolia with full of Memories. (B)
DESCRIPTION
Hangai (Northern Mongolia)
Northern Mongolia has attracted the hearts and minds of many travelers throughout the year. Northern Mongolia is home to the densely forested mountains of Khangai and Sayan, Khuvsgul lake that shimmers like a borderless blue pearl, the Darkad Tsenkher depression (a huge valley of rivers flowing from high mountains), and the mystical deer stones. The Taiga’s nomads, reindeer herders by trade, live here. In the deep forests of the mountains, they worship the sky and nature. The Khotgoid ethnic group live around the fast-flowing Tes River. They’re skilled pathfinders. Khalkh people who worship their colossal mountains and the hard working Darkhad people all live in this area.
Gobi (Southern Mongolia)
The clay from the former shores, hills, and soil of the Cretaceous period look like they are on fire during the sunrise and sunset. You may feel like you are on a different planet. But it’s actually the southern region of Mongolia or Gobi Desert. Dinosaur fossils from millions of years ago still can be found here. Most are small and often hidden by Saxaul forests, which are ubiquitous with the Gobi, so you may pass them by without noticing. Desert plants look dry and withered but capable to store the rainwater for a long period of time due to their tenacity to survive in arid lands. Even though the footprint you made in a sand dunes can be erased by a wind, but the footprint of the Gobi desert will stay in your heart forever.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Prices: As we’ll customize your journey based on your preferences and needs, please note that this indicative price is just a rough estimate. Prices may vary depending on season, type of accommodation and activities/experiences chosen (private vs. shared) etc.
- This journey outline is by no means conclusive. It is just a guideline and can be tailored according to your comfort level, interests and preferences for every detail from accommodation to activities.
- Health: Travellers to Mongolia should ensure that they are up-to-date with routine vaccination courses and it may be advised that further vaccines are sought. Please talk to a health professional 4 – 6 weeks before travelling. It is recommended that most travellers are vaccinated for Hepatitis A and Tetanus but it is also worth discussing Hep B, Typhoid, Meningitis, Tuberculosis, Tick-borne Encephalitis and Rabies.
- Long bumpy rides: Be prepared for some epic long car rides in some old school furgons (Russian UAZ vans). As few of the vans have speakers or a method of playing music, you might like to bring along your own portable speakers and an MP3 player (but bear in mind others may like to enjoy the serenity!) It is not unheard of for people to feel a little travel sick, so if you are prone to this, remember to bring your tablets and feel free to ask your guide/driver to stop as frequently as you wish.
- Guide:
An English speaking Mongolian guide will accompany the group at all times. The guide will be a native Mongolian person with great local knowledge who can deal with any requests and ensure that your holiday to become one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. - Occupancy: Single $220
You can stay in a single, twin or double room/ger/tent (where applicable). Single occupancy may not be possible during the Naadam festival (July 5th -15th) at ger camps. At community-based camps and ger homestays, single occupancy is subject to availability. Single and twin/double occupancy at ger camps require an extra supplement. - The best time to make this trip
May to September is the best season, with the peak season in July for the Naadam Festival. July and August are also the wettest months of the year, but be assured, our climate is such that you will still have many sunny days at this time. - Accommodation:
We believe that comfortable, welcoming accommodation is vital to the enjoyment of your trip. You will be stay in a standard 3-4 star hotel in Ulaanbaatar and a tourist ger camp (traditional dwelling) with currency (220V), shower and other useful services (2 to 4 people per ger) in the countryside. All accommodation offered by Blue Wolf is personally checked by our staff to ensure high standards.Meals:
In Ulaanbaatar, you will be dining at fine European and Asian cuisine restaurants. Mutton, beef, rice and noodles form the basis of the Mongolian diet, so your meals will be based around this. However, the trail rations may include vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, cheese and sometimes yak! On some days there will be lunchboxes from tourist camps. It is good food and our experience has been that guests are happy with this arrangement. Please let us know in advance if you are a vegetarian. Alcohol is not provided on the trip but tourists are free to bring their own. - Transport:
We use the highest level, most comfortable, air-conditioned private vans or 4WD vehicles for the maximum comfort on your touring days. A day’s drive in the countryside will be approx 200-250km. - Personal things to bring with you:
Binoculars, sunscreen, a hat, gloves, long underwear for travel in the high mountains, comfortable footwear, lip balm, sanitary hand wipes, sunglasses, prescription medications (if needed),pills for motion sickness, rain gear, flashlight, universal plugins for charger - Alternative connections to Olgyi: Entering or exiting across the land border with Russia, we can pick you up or leave you at Gorno-Altaisk or Barnaul, in southern Siberia (Russia).
