Day 1  Ulaanbaatar

 

Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar you will be greeted by our company driver at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

 

Activity Note: Due to the remote locations of this adventure, the itinerary is subject to change. While you will still enjoy all the included features detailed below, frequent updates to local flight schedules may result in a change in the order of your itinerary. You will be sent a personalized letter if your departure will be affected by these flight changes.

                

 Accommodation: Hotel 3*,  Meals: None

 

Day 2  Ulaanbaatar - City Tour

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Morning: This morning, We'll review our itinerary in more detail, including any changes that may need to occur.

Then we are good to go to explore some of important sights of Ulaanbaatar city.

 

The tour begins with a visit to Gandan Monastery, a large, influential center of Buddhism, built in 1838.

Gandan Monastery is a Tibetan-style Buddhist Monastery. Its name means” the big place of complete joy”. Nowadays, hundreds of monks live there. It houses a 26,5-metres (87 feet) gold plated high statue of Megjid-Janraiseg, the Bodhisattva of compassion. As you get acquainted with the complex, admire the tiered-roof architecture and listen for the sound of chanting monks. 

From the monastery, we will head to Bogd Khan Palace Museum, built between 1893-1903. The collections of the museum include unique valuable objects related to Mongolia’s political, religious, and artistic history from 17-th to 20-th centuries. The Zaisan Memorial Hill is our next stop which offers the best views of Ulaanbaatar and the surrounding country. Until recently, it was only known for the Zaisan Hill Monument a top the hill, a beautiful circular structure with a mural honoring Mongol and Soviet soldiers who fell during World War II. Now, the hill is also home to a sprawling modern complex with plenty of amenities for tourists and residents alike.

In the evening, we will enjoy Mongolian traditional cultural show which is featuring traditional performances by singers, dancers, and contortionists. It’s a great chance to hear Khöömii (throat singing) and see some fabulous costumes.
After dinner, transfer to the hotel.

 

Spend the rest of your evening as you wish.

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Accommodations: Hotel 4*. Meals included: B,L,D

 

 Day 3  Baga Gazriin Chuluu

 

Leave the capital and head south through the steppe to the Middle Gobi.  Drive to the Dungobi Aimag region – Middle   Gobi – stopping at the Choir Monastery on the way.  Visit the Choir Monastery before continuing on to a small ger   camp  not far from Mandalgovi, the regional centre. 

 

 Choir Monastery Visit

 Established in 1779, the Choir Monastery had many lamas living there and was a major religious centre in the region. In   the 1930s, there was a time of religious persecution in Mongolia and the monastery was destroyed. Today, its ruins are   protected by the government.

 After Choir Monastery Visit,  drive towards ger camp through rocky mountains called Baga Gazryn Chuluu which  is   situated about 37 km to northwest of the center of Delgertsogt Soum, Dundgobi province. This area of granite   surrounded by flat plains covering 300 sqaure km elevated 1768 m above sea level. In the surrounding mountains and   valley, you can see considerable number of ancient graves, and khirgishuurs. 

Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D

Day 4  Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)

 

In the morning, we will drive towards to Tsagaan Suvarga. We will drive through endless steppes and wild life of the     

Middle Gobi province. Upon arrival your tour guide will inform you about when its right time to visit the place.   Many years ago, there was a big   sea in Bosoo and Khevtee valleys of Tsagaan Suvarga. After the sea dried, it was filled   with many glacis and   escarpments.  Soon, the area got covered by different sedimentary layers and today, Tsagaan   suvarga is a big escarpment with about 200 m (656 ft.) height and 400m (1,312 ft.) long. The harmony of the colors is   what you must look   out for and is where it got its name from. The steep of Tsagaan Suvarga faces eastward and when   there is strong wind or   storms, animals fall off and die. The highest point of the “White stupa” is about 60m (197 ft.) tall   and looks like the ruins   of an ancient city from distance. 

Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D

 Day 5  Yol valley, Narrow Gorge

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After breakfast, we will go ahead to Yol valley.  Another wonder of Gobi Desert in Mongolia is Three Beauties of Gobi, a   massive rocky mountain. This mountain has steep rock walls and a river flow through between the rock walls. The   mountain gorge named after bearded vulture which is called Yol in Mongolian. Yol Valley is forms a gorge that is deep   and narrow. This area has been main attraction of tourists for many decades. However it is very wide at the entrance, it   narrows gradually into a remarkable gorge.

 In winter season, a narrow stream in the valley creates ice on the bottom of the valley that even lasts during the summer   months.
The high cliffs that flank the valley are very impressive. You may be lucky enough to spot wild life such as mountain goat,   grazing high on the cliff walls and birds flying over in the air.,
 

 Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D

 Day 6  Khongor Sand Dunes 

 

Today, we will drive through the wilderness of the Gobi to the beautifulThis is the biggest sand dunes in the area. They   also are known as "singing sands" - because sand is moving with the wind.

 Those impressive dunes of 270 meters high in some places, stretch from East to West over more than 180 km. Behind   the sand dunes we will see the impressive black rocky mass of the Sevrey Mountain. Vast lands of Gobi have everything:   mountain ranges, steppes, sand dunes and forests. In summer it's usually covered with dried grass, but after rare rain   you actually can see fresh green grass and flowers growing rapidly.
Once you are up on the top of sand dunes, the sound of the people or animal is heard clear, the people and the cars in     the slope of the dunes will look like a tiny bug. Many tourists are visiting the Mongolian Gobi. The sand dunes will make   you extraordinary comfort and infinite peace.  You will have a great experience visiting to the Mongolian Gobi.  

 

 Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D

Day 7  Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)

 

On this day, our trip will continue to Bayanzag (Flaming cliffs) which is a famous for containing exceptional dinosaur  fossils in the heart of the Gobi Desert. 

Explore the Flaming Cliffs - a world renowned archaeological site for the vast amount of dinosaur bones and eggs found here. Many discoveries were made by an American Paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews and his team.  First they  excavated in 1922, it renowned throughout the world because of the number of dinosaur bones and eggs found in the  area while he was researching trace of the ancient people. That is why; they contributed Bayanzag “Flaming Cliff “  became  famous in the world. 

The cliff made of red sandstone, these cliffs and canyons offer visitors a scene of breathtaking beauty. Take some time   to explore.

Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp. Meals: B, L, D

Day 8  Ongi, Middle Gobi

 

 Following breakfast, we will travel through the huge open landscape called Ongi steppe, which is over 80km wide   steppe in the Gobi zone and after arrival we will visit the Ongi Monastery. ,It  was founded 17th century and consisted of   two temple complexes on the North and South banks of the river Ongi. At its heyday.  Ongi monastery was consisted of   over 30 temples and over 1000 monks at a time. During 1930s, spread throughout Mongolia and both complexes were   completely destroyed in 1939 during anti-religious purges, over 200 monks were killed, and many surviving monks were   imprisoned or forced to conscript into the Communist controlled army. Other monks escaped becoming herders’ and   common workers. In 1990s, after democratization in Mongolia, some monks returned to the monastery and began their   Buddhist education.  At present, one temple has been rebuilt and a small museum. See the ruins and learn the sad   history of the place.

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Accommodation: Tourist Ger camp. Meals: B, L, D

 Day 9  Karakorum & Erdenezuu Buddhist Monastery

 

In the morning, head to Kharkhorin, a small village, and one of the country’s major tourist destinations. Historically   known as Karakorum, which was an ancient capital of Mongolia Empire founded in the 13th century by Ogodei Khan.   (Chingis’s third son and successor). For several centuries it was a major city with foreigners having religious debates,   caravans coming and going, main trading centre, as well as the centre for entire Mongolian empire. After lunch, we will    visit local museum of Karakorum and learn more about the beautiful ancient Karakorum city and Genghis Khan.   Continue to visit the magnificent and the oldest Buddhist Monastery complex of Erdenezuu. In 1580s, by the order of   Dalai Lama first temple of Erdenzuu monastery was built on the ruin of Mongolian capital Karakorum. At its peak the   monastery housed over 1000 monks and held 62 temples,  later in 1930s, monastery suffered greatly in the communist   religious purges and  most of the temples were destroyed and monks killed. Nowdays the monastery is slowly being   restored. The monastery was registered “in “Heritage of Mongolia” by UNESCO and if we are lucky -listen to the monks   chanting. 

 Dinner and overnight at Tourist camp.

Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D

Day 10  White Lake National Park 

 

Drive to one of the natural highlights of Arkhangai province, the awe-inspiring Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park   comprises of two famous attractions: Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake or Great White Lake and dormant volcano Khorgo.  On the   way, we will pass through Tsetserleg city of Arkhangai province, which is located slightly west of the country’s center, on   the northern slopes of the Khangai Mountains. We will stop there for lunch and wonder around the city a bit.  In the late   afternoon we will be arriving to our destination and check in our gers and spend your rest of the day doing some more   optional activities recommended by your tour leader. 

 

 Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp. Meals: B, L, D

 Day 11  Khorgiin Togoo Volcano/Terkh White Lake 

 

After breakfast, take a short drive around the area.  Khorgo Togoo Volcano and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake area is extremely   rich in wildlife and flora, which was designated as a national park to protect the spectacular mountain scenery and   endangered species.

 Visitors climb the volcano on stairs and trails, and upon reaching the top, walk along the volcano rim with outstanding   views of surrounding areas; a small village can be seen from the volcano as well as a bird’s eye view of Terhkiin Tsagaan   Lake.

 After another beautiful day we will enjoy our dinner at the ger camp.

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 Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp. Meals: B, L, D

Day 12  Jargal Hot Springs – Northern Mongolia

 

Today we will drive towards to Khangai province through beautiful nature routes, vast grasslands cross high Mountain  passes and arrive at the Jargal Jiguur Tourist camp where the natural hot springs can be found.  
The spring comes out from a depth of 150m and its water is not mixed with soil water due to its high temperature. The  camp provides hot water via pipes. Relax in the natural hot spring. Enjoy the stargazing in the hot spa in the pool.

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Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp. Meals: B, L, D

Day 13  Khuvsgul Lake National Park

 

 In the morning, we will continue driving to Khuvsgul province which is in the north side of the country. Make sure be   prepared to be amazed by some of the most iconic scenery of nature made itself. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at   your destination Khuvsgul lake, one of Central Asia's clearest and deepest blue lakes.  The Lake holds approximately 2%   of the earth's liquid surface freshwater. You can’t find it on the world list because of the less touched, and unpopular   which makes it a more unique place. You will be located at east shore of the lake, where the beautiful camp will be   provided with a local delicious dinner at the proper time. After a long ride, relax and rest at the ger camp.

 

 Accommodation: Tourist Camp. Meals: B, L, D

 Day 14  Full day at Khuvsgul Lake 

 

A new day starts at Khuvsgul lake, now it is time to discover the place and enjoy the view while relaxing on the shore of   the lake. Also, there are some optional activities are available such as, kayaking, ride motor boat, horse riding or visiting   a tsaatan family who is one of indigenous reindeer herding people. They come down from remote Taiga area during   summer to share their custom, tradition and way of life with others. Enjoy your dinner after spending your whole day at   this beautiful place. 

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Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp. Meals: B, L, D

 Day 15  Fly to Ulaanbaatar

 

Early this morning, we will drive to the local airport in Murun town and take a return flight to Ulaanbaatar.
On the way, we will visit Uushig ancient Deer Stone Monument as another wonder of the Khuvsgul region. This is most  clearly depicted deer stones left behind by bronze-age men. A deer, an arch, a shield, a horse, a knife, the moon, the sun and a mirror figured belt were engraved on the stones.
Upon arrival in the city airport and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure for your individual activities.

Accommodation: Hotel 4*. Meals: B, L

Day 16  Terelj National Park & Genghis Khan’s Statue Complex 

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Drive to Genghis Khan’s Statue Complex.  Forty meters tall, it is the largest equestrian statue in the world.  It commemorates Genghis Khan, whom many consider one of the greatest military geniuses of all time.  At its zenith, the Mongolian Empire was larger than the Roman Empire.

We’ll explore the statue complex and enjoy the panoramic view from the top.

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From the statue complex, we continue our drive to the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.  At 1600 m above sea level, the park offers spectacular alpine scenery.  

 

We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at Ger camp in the National Park before continuing onto the famous Turtle Rock formation.

We’ll stretch our legs and get a bit of (not too strenuous) exercise by hiking up to the Ariyabal meditation temple – surrounded by scenic mountains with massive rock formations. If we are in luck, we will be able to hear the monks chanting.  But no matter when we arrive, we will be blessed by the inner calm that this beautiful site engenders.

After a full and satisfying day, we will head back to Ulaanbaatar and rest. 

 

 Accommodation: Hotel 4*. Meals: B, L, D

Day 17  Departure 

 

You will be free at leisure in your hotel or wander around on your own until being escorted to the airport for your departure.