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18 Days The Land of the Blue Sky Tour Package Beijing encapsulates China at its most dynamic and we find its spirit and vivacity, not to mention its wealth of historic monuments, the perfect warm-up as we embark on this 18-day adventure through Mongolia. Hopping over into Mongolia's capital, Ulaanbaatar, we touch down in a charming metropolis reminiscent of a neglected 1950s European city and prepare for our next-day departure for the inhospitable Gobi Desert region. A place of barren beauty and sparse populations of inhabitants, the Gobi makes for a truly otherworldly experience and our trip to the Yol Valley sees us exploring a surprisingly lush and green area rich in dinosaur fossils, unique rock formations and massive arrays of exotic bird- and animal- life. We overnight in 'gers', traditional moveable dome structures that nomads have used for generations, adding that little bit of authenticity to our expedition, and set a course for the strikingly beautiful sceneries of the pristine wilderness of the Jalman Meadows. We stop in at some of the richest historical and archaeological sites in Central Asia, admiring 400-year-old temples and ruins, before ending our tour with a bang at the Naadam Festival, the largest annual celebration in Mongolia. Tour Itinerary Day 1 Arrive in Beijing Arrive in Beijing, China. Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China. While many of its elements are common to other Chinese cities, the sum of this city--its scope and presence in history--has no equivalent in China or anywhere else in the world. Beijing is not only the political and administrative center of the People's Republic of China, it is also China's single greatest repository of monuments and treasures from the imperial era. It is also the second-largest and fastest growing municipality in today's China, the home and workplace of 9.3 million people. The city proper extends over 16800 sq km (6,486 sq miles). It is divided into 10 districts (including 4 urban districts) and 9 counties. Overnight in Beijing. Dinner if required. Day 2 Beijing, China - Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Today we fly from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to our hotel. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, has the look and feel of a neglected 1950s European city. The old Soviet cars and buses have been replaced by newer Japanese versions. Overnight in Ulaanbaatar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 3 Ulaanbaatar - Hustai Nuruu Reserve We depart by (bad) road for Hustai Reserve (approx 100 km) and arrive at a ger camp in the reserve. Hustai is Mongolian for birch, and nuruu means mountains.The reserve covers about 57,000 hectares. In the afternoon we visit the center of the reserve and, with luck, see free roaming Przewalskii Horses (Takhi), released here in a unique conservation program aiming at reintroducing this last remaining wild ancestor of the domestic horses. Classified as extinct in the wild, Przewalski's horse is the last true wild horse, and the only ancestor of the domestic horse that has survived to the present day. The common name refers to the Russian explorer Nikolai Przewalski who first discovered the subspecies in the 1870s. We spend our first night in a traditional 'ger'.* Gers are the moveable domed structures used by nomads for centuries. Made of a latticed wood structure covered with layers of felt and canvas, each ger is heated by a wood stove and furnished with comfortable wood-framed beds. The traditional ger has a lattice-work frame of narrow birch and willow boards held together by leather strips. Traditionally, the "door" consisted of a felt curtain over the door-frame; this is now replaced with a carved or painted wooden door. The entrance of the ger always faces south because the winds usually blow from the north-east. Though basic, gers allow us to visit areas that lack travellers' accommodations, and most visitors find their stays at ger camps to be among the most enjoyable experiences in Mongolia. The camps have a maximum capacity of about 20 guests in double occupancy gers that are fully collapsible, and most have shower and WC blocks. The toilets are long drop style allowing for natural decomposition. Showers can be organized in the outdoors with hot water by portable showers and a shower tent that is provided. Personal water basins for washing are provided and water always kept topped up. A stove is placed in the middle of each ger and the staff will attend to it in order to provide warmth on cool nights. Towels are provided. Soft drinks, wine and bottled water are all available for purchase from the camps. * Single gers are NOT available. Single supplements reflect sharing in gers and single rooms in hotels in cities. Overnight at Hustai Ger Camp. All meals. Day 4 Hustai - Hoghno Khan Mountain Area We depart this morning for a drive to the steppes of Kharkhorin (Karakorum). There will be steppe landscape all the way, and upon reaching the Hoghno Khan Mountain area we will see Mongol Els sand dunes in the middle of the steppes. They are locally known as "Little Gobi" and next to them there is a very small lake where waders such as herons and ducks may be seen. Transfer from the main road to our ger camp tucked away in a secluded valley at Hoghno Khan Mountain. Overnight at Hoghno Khan Ger Camp. All meals (picnic lunch). Day 5 Hoghno Khan & Kharakhorum Full day excursion in this fascinating area. We will drive approx 2 hours / 80 km on the recently refurbished road to Kharkhorin (Harhorin). We visit Erdenezuu Hiid, a functioning monastery in constant renovation to its former splendour. This is one of the historically and archeologically richest places in Central Asia. Once, 1000 monks used to inhabit Erdenezuu. Built in 1586, it was constructed from the ruins of the buildings that had once made up the city of Kharkhorin. The architecture exemplifies the skill of Mongolia's master builders, and is even complete with an ancient freshwater supply system from the nearby Orkhon River. It had some 100 temples within its 400 by 400 meters long walls. The monastery was sacked during the purges of 1937 and only the walls and 3 temples remain. Erdenezuu is still one of the most fascinating sites of Mongolia, and usually we will be able to witness the prayers. Return to Hogno Khan. Overnight at Hogno Khan Ger Camp. All meals. Day 6 Hoghno Khan Area Today is free for optional activities. The Hogno Khan Mountain is a giant rock formation in the middle of the steppes. The small Erdene Khombo monastery, which can be reached by bus or on foot, is now being restored. It was destroyed during the purges of the 1930s. This is an interesting area where many nomadic herdsmen and women live. We can do some day walks into these areas, visit some nomadic families, do some horse riding, or vehicle-supported trips at additional cost. Overnight at Hogno Khan Ger Camp. All meals (picnic lunch). Day 7 Hogno Khan - Ulaanbaatar We drive back to the capital and have the evening at leisure. Overnight in Ulaanbaatar. All meals (picnic lunch). Day 8 Ulaanbaatar - Gobi Desert / Yol Valley We transfer to the airport for our flight south to Dalanzadgad, gateway to the Gobi region, not far from the Chinese border. Many visitors regard the Gobi as a remote, exotic and mystical place. While it is some of those things, it is also mainly grass, shrubs and rocks. Oases and sand cover only about 3% of the desert. It is, however, a land of extremes--it only rains every 2 to 3 years, and it can be well over 40C (105 F) during summer and below -40C (-40 F) in winter. Sand and dust storms can be fearsome in spring. The word Gobi refers to a shallow, wide basin. We travel to the Yol Valley in the Gurvansaikhan National Park. This park is rich in dinosaur fossils, extraordinary sand dunes, rock formations and a gorge so narrow and deep that the ice within it lasts for most of the year. The surprisingly green park is cradled between the peaks of the Altai Mountains and home to over 200 species of birds, including the Mongolian Desert Finch, Cinerous Vulture, Desert Warbler and the Houbara Bustard. The sparse vegetation manages to support black-tailed gazelle, snow leopard, ibex, argali sheep and endangered species of wild camel. Later today we arrive at our camp. Overnight at Dungenee Ger Camp. All meals. Day 9 Bayan Zag & Hongor Sands We drive south to see the dunes of the Gobi Desert and spend a night near the dunes. A full-day drive will bring us to the famous Hongor Sands, a giant sand dune stretching lengthwise some 180 km away in the distance. Sometimes it is just a couple of hundred meters wide, sometimes as wide as 7-20 km. During this day we might be lucky enough to spot herds of endangered Asiatic Wild Ass (Hemionus hemionus), that are called Khulans in Mongol. We also stop at Bayanzaag (Flaming Cliffs) where a large number of dinosaur fossils have been (and continue to be) found. The bright red sandstones of the Djadokhta rock formation contain Protoceratops fossils, dinosaur eggs, prehistoric mammals and even hadrosaurs. In the setting sun these sandstone cliffs are tinged a bright orange / red colour, hence their name. Our camp is located near the giant sand dune of Hongor Sands. It is very high and has a small stream following the leeward side. Herdsmen also live nearby; for those who are interested there is the chance to ride a camel through the dunescape (depending on our time of arrival today, these activities may take place tomorrow instead). Overnight at Juulchin Gobi Ger Camp. All meals. Day 10 Hongor Sands - Dungenee Ger Camp We have a full day's drive back through the Gobi Altai Mountains, a surprisingly green area home to over 200 species of birds, including the Mongolian Desert Finch, Cinerous Vulture, Desert Warbler and the Houbara Bustard. The sparse vegetation manages to support black-tailed gazelle, snow leopard, ibex, argali sheep and endangered species of wild camel. Overnight at Dungenee Ger Camp. All meals (picnic lunch en route). Day 11 Gobi Desert - Ulaanbaatar Today we transfer to the Juulchin Gobi Airstrip for our +/- 2 hour flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Overnight in Ulaanbaatar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 12 Ulaanbaatar - Jalman Meadows This morning we drive from Ulaanbaatar to Jalman Meadows. In the uppermost parts of the Tuul River Valley is Jalman Mountain and Jalman Meadows. It is a huge meadow along the Tuul River with a lot of wildflowers in the summer. It is located within the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area, Mongolia's only true wilderness area, extending all the way to the Russian-Siberian frontier. We stay in a ger camp located next to the Tuul River and Jalman Meadows. The first part of our route consists of driving on the tarmac road towards Baganuur. We drive out of the cityscape and enter a region of treeless steppe after which we switch to jeep tracks and drive for an hour through a steppe valley devoid of any telegraph poles and inhabited by numerous herdsmen with their livestock. The last part of our journey is through patches of larch and birch forests up the Tuul River Valley. Overnight in Jalman Meadows Ger Camp. All meals. Day 13 Jalman Meadows We have the day to explore the Jalman Meadows. The area is in the transition zone of steppes and taiga forests in the uppermost parts of the Tuul River Valley, a mere full day's ride from where the river originate. Hence, there are steppe valleys, meadows along the Tuul River, larch forests with patches of birch. Wildlife such as wolf, lynx, brown bear, red deer, gazelle, moose, wild boar are certainly present but hard to see during the summer. Jalman Meadows is located in the autumn and winter pastures of nomadic herders of Erdene soum. A few remain, but most families vacate the area with their animals to allow for good seasonal pasture. Possible activities today include day hikes and swimming. The Tuul River is in its most pristine here and is next to the camp. The water may be cold, but usually pleasant during parts of July and August. The river is crystal clear and transparent, with regular deep pools with excellent fishing. Horse riding: Hourly, half days and full day rides can be organized with local horsemen (extra charge USD 20 per per person full day. USD 10 per half day. USD 5 one hour). You might also enquire about a gentle rafting trip on the Tuul River. Or you could relax and take advantage of the camp's library resources. Overnight in a ger camp. All meals. Day 14 Jalman Meadows - Ulaanbaatar We travel back to the capital and visit the Mongolian Museum of History* which chronicles effectively Mongolia's history on three floors. The museum is located on a square near the imposing and impressive Parliament Building. * NOTE: Due to flight variable timings, this museum visit may occur elsewhere in our programme. Overnight in Ulaanbaatar. Breakfast and dinner. Day 15 Ulaanbaatar: Naadam Festival With UB as our base, we'll experience the Naadam Festival. The Naadam Festival, or "eriyn gurvan naadam," is the biggest Festival of the year for Mongolians. Occuring in July, it runs for three days in all parts of the country and highlights the greatest athletes in horse racing, archery, and wrestling: Mongolia's most popular sports. Women participate in all but the wrestling category. The word Nadaam means game or competition in Mongolian. Today we witness the opening ceremony at the Central Stadium. Horse races, archery and wrestling are the main events of this very competitive festival. We attend the opening ceremonies at the national stadium followed by archery and Jarmag horse racing in the afternoon. Overnight in Ulaanbaatar. All meals (picnic lunch). Day 16 Ulaanbaatar: Naadam Festival This morning we drive to "Naadam Camp" in Yarmag village. Naadam horse racing participants from all the provinces of Mongolia organise the camp and horse races in the area. The jockeys average between six and nine years old! The atmosphere is electric and there is always plenty to watch. The largest Nadaam is held in Ulaanbaatar every year along with other celebrations. Riotous in comparison with the Mongolian landscape, the wrestling, racing and archery make for an exciting few days, and an opportunity to experience one of Mongolia's rarest events--crowds of people! Overnight in Ulaanbaatar. All meals (picnic lunch). Day 17 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Beijing, China Today we fly from UB to Beijing. Overnight in Beijing. Breakfast and dinner. Day 18 Departure Departure from Beijing. Breakfast. BON VOYAGE! Save time, money and stress! For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our Mongolia Adventure Vacation specialist Contact: Travelwizard.com Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252 6/09 |
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