TOUR INTRUDUCTION: Imagine that you're walking in the Mongolian beautiful nature. Our trek will take you
Day by day itinerary
Day 1. – Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (Abbr-UB)
Day 2. – City tour.
Day 3. – Start of the Expedition. Hustai National Park.
Today we start our Mongolian Gobi & Trekking Expedition. You can stop for photos as often as you wish along the whole tour and we shall stop and provide refreshments and snacks. After breakfast we drive to reach the Khustai National Park, which is famous for the wild Takhi horses, a species which has been brought back from the brink of extinction. Wild horses or Przewalsky that had gone extinct in 1970-es were recently re-introduced to their historic homeland from those survived in various European zoos. A brief but informative presentation on the wild horses and other wild life of the area will be given by the Park Ranger. We will then go to see the wild horses and possibly marmots and roe-deer. We will stop en route in the sand dunes to have picnic lunch. In the afternoon drive to reach the "Piece of Sand", locally known as "Little Gobi, the unique natural appearance - sand dunes among mountains. The landscape is an open steppe with rolling hills and mountains in the background. There will be an opportunity to hike in sand dunes in the late afternoon. Set up our 1st camp.
Day 4. – Cultural tour at Karakorum, Hot Spring Spa.
In the morning, we drive for about 2 hours to Karakorum, the site of ancient Capital of the Great Mongolian Empire. The city served as the Mongolian capital for only 40 years (up until when Khubilai Khaan moved it to what is now Beijing). Most of the city was later destroyed by Manchurian soldiers. The remnants of the city were reputedly used to build the Erdene Zuu Monastery in the 16th century. On arrival in Karakorum the first and most obvious landmark is the massive wall of the Erdene Zuu Monastery, which was the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. We visit this monastery museum, which houses the best of Buddhist architecture and many of religious art works. We’ll then continue and see symbolic ruins of Karakorum. After lunch on the bank of Orkhon river, hit the road onto Tsenkher hot spring spa. This is a beautiful place amidst mountains covered by thick larch forests, and lush meadows with grazing yaks and horses. We pitch our tents by the Mineral spa resort to enjoy Japanese style hot shower and lovely swimming pool.
Day 5. – Start of the trek.
Today we will stretch our legs as we start our 5-day trek climbing over “Rashaany” Pass. You may leave some clothes or some personal belongings here for your return if that is desired. We walk about 15 kms each day guided and supported by local horsemen. After taking a break on the top of “Rashaany” Pass, we will descend through a valley of yellow flowers eventually reaching a wide valley surrounded by gentle hills. Make camp by another mineral hot spring with small wooden hut. It is believed that the spring water has healing qualities for joints and bone fractures. Therefore local people often visit the place. We will camp nearby and dinner will be served about 7 pm.
Day 6. – Trek to the Holy mountain
Today we will have a great trek exploring through beautiful forest and open meadows. It is here that the terrain begins to steepen and we focus on the mountain ridges ahead of us on our way to the Holy mountain - Suvarga Hairkhan. Some pieces of our trail may get muddy on rainy days. The flora and fauna of the area are immense in its variety including wild boars, deer, wolves and foxes. We are now close to the Holy mountain. Easy to moderate day.
Day 7. – Arrival at the Holy mountain
A hard day. In the morning we load up the horses and leave the vehicles behind. A group of horsemen will be now assisting us and move our camp on pack horses.
Today we reach a small picturesque lake at the foothill of the Suvarga Hairkhan mountain. The path to the mountain is a steep one and is covered with dense vegetation. The Suvarga Hairkhan is the highest mountain in the area and is worshipped by local people who ascend to its top to pay homage every year. They bring various offerings to the mountain spirit. We camp on a lower slope of the Holy mountain.
Day 8. – Ascent or rest (optional)
In the early morning we will take a strenuous climb up to the mountain top elevated 3180 meters above sea level. According to local custom, women are not allowed to do so. Respecting this custom is highly appreciated by locals and our company. For those strong men who goes it will take 4 hours to make it to the summit and back. Your sweat will be rewarded with breath taking views which are extraordinary. The rest of the group can relax and recuperate from the last couple of days trekking. When everybody is back to camp there will be a coffee break by 11 am.
We will then continue to win our last pass on this trek. After a short way down we cross a stream which is the source of mighty Orkhon river. Our final ascent starts here and takes about an hour. Fantastic views opening from the summit make it a worthy lunch spot. A faint trail will lead us down through forests of larch and pine to our greatest campsite. There will be some time for washing in the river or exploring the neighborhood.
Day 09. – Final trekking day
Today we stroll down widening valley till we meet our vehicles near “3 Bridges” of Tamir River. There might be some ice left in shadowed parts of the valley.
We will have a big dining tent to celebrate our successful trek. At the party we sing and dance together with our horsemen celebrating our last night of trekking.
Tonight there will be a chance to taste a true Mongolian delicacy – ‘khorkhog’, a lamb or goat slowly cooked on a fire in a pot partially filled with hot rocks. Dinner will be served by a camp fire. Tomorrow we drive to Tsetserleg town for a hot shower!
Day 10. – Tsetserleg town. Shower.
Drive to northeast along Tamir river towards Tsetserleg, which literally means “Garden”. We will take a chance to experience the lifeways of nomadic people and visit a nomads’ ger. We will learn about their lifestyle, including cow milking and dairy product processing. No doubt, we will be invited to try their traditional foods and drinks that are their staple diet. Continue to reach Bayankhongor where we will visit a colorful ethnographic museum and enjoy hot shower.
Day 11. – Drive back towards UB, Last camping.
In the morning, we leave Tsetserleg for Hogno Khan Mt, a perfect place for afternoon hiking. Here, we have the opportunity to spend the afternoon just relaxing or exploring the area including the Hidden Temple. There will be an opportunity to visit a famous fortuneteller and ask a few questions as she welcomes foreign visitors to prophet his or her future etc...
Day 12. – Arrival in UB
Return to Ulaanbaatar, stopping for a picnic lunch en route. Overnight in Ulaanbaatar.
Day 13. – Shopping and private arrangements. (Spare day)
A free day in Ulaanbaatar. Time to explore the town and to shop for souvenirs – cashmere and leather products make great buys. The evening concert of Folk song and music followed by a farewell dinner will complete your Mongolian experience. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 2. – City tour.
Day 3. – Start of the Expedition. Hustai National Park.
Today we start our Mongolian Gobi & Trekking Expedition. You can stop for photos as often as you wish along the whole tour and we shall stop and provide refreshments and snacks. After breakfast we drive to reach the Khustai National Park, which is famous for the wild Takhi horses, a species which has been brought back from the brink of extinction. Wild horses or Przewalsky that had gone extinct in 1970-es were recently re-introduced to their historic homeland from those survived in various European zoos. A brief but informative presentation on the wild horses and other wild life of the area will be given by the Park Ranger. We will then go to see the wild horses and possibly marmots and roe-deer. We will stop en route in the sand dunes to have picnic lunch. In the afternoon drive to reach the "Piece of Sand", locally known as "Little Gobi, the unique natural appearance - sand dunes among mountains. The landscape is an open steppe with rolling hills and mountains in the background. There will be an opportunity to hike in sand dunes in the late afternoon. Set up our 1st camp.
Day 4. – Cultural tour at Karakorum, Hot Spring Spa.
In the morning, we drive for about 2 hours to Karakorum, the site of ancient Capital of the Great Mongolian Empire. The city served as the Mongolian capital for only 40 years (up until when Khubilai Khaan moved it to what is now Beijing). Most of the city was later destroyed by Manchurian soldiers. The remnants of the city were reputedly used to build the Erdene Zuu Monastery in the 16th century. On arrival in Karakorum the first and most obvious landmark is the massive wall of the Erdene Zuu Monastery, which was the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. We visit this monastery museum, which houses the best of Buddhist architecture and many of religious art works. We’ll then continue and see symbolic ruins of Karakorum. After lunch on the bank of Orkhon river, hit the road onto Tsenkher hot spring spa. This is a beautiful place amidst mountains covered by thick larch forests, and lush meadows with grazing yaks and horses. We pitch our tents by the Mineral spa resort to enjoy Japanese style hot shower and lovely swimming pool.
Day 5. – Start of the trek.
Today we will stretch our legs as we start our 5-day trek climbing over “Rashaany” Pass. You may leave some clothes or some personal belongings here for your return if that is desired. We walk about 15 kms each day guided and supported by local horsemen. After taking a break on the top of “Rashaany” Pass, we will descend through a valley of yellow flowers eventually reaching a wide valley surrounded by gentle hills. Make camp by another mineral hot spring with small wooden hut. It is believed that the spring water has healing qualities for joints and bone fractures. Therefore local people often visit the place. We will camp nearby and dinner will be served about 7 pm.
Day 6. – Trek to the Holy mountain
Today we will have a great trek exploring through beautiful forest and open meadows. It is here that the terrain begins to steepen and we focus on the mountain ridges ahead of us on our way to the Holy mountain - Suvarga Hairkhan. Some pieces of our trail may get muddy on rainy days. The flora and fauna of the area are immense in its variety including wild boars, deer, wolves and foxes. We are now close to the Holy mountain. Easy to moderate day.
Day 7. – Arrival at the Holy mountain
A hard day. In the morning we load up the horses and leave the vehicles behind. A group of horsemen will be now assisting us and move our camp on pack horses.
Today we reach a small picturesque lake at the foothill of the Suvarga Hairkhan mountain. The path to the mountain is a steep one and is covered with dense vegetation. The Suvarga Hairkhan is the highest mountain in the area and is worshipped by local people who ascend to its top to pay homage every year. They bring various offerings to the mountain spirit. We camp on a lower slope of the Holy mountain.
Day 8. – Ascent or rest (optional)
In the early morning we will take a strenuous climb up to the mountain top elevated 3180 meters above sea level. According to local custom, women are not allowed to do so. Respecting this custom is highly appreciated by locals and our company. For those strong men who goes it will take 4 hours to make it to the summit and back. Your sweat will be rewarded with breath taking views which are extraordinary. The rest of the group can relax and recuperate from the last couple of days trekking. When everybody is back to camp there will be a coffee break by 11 am.
We will then continue to win our last pass on this trek. After a short way down we cross a stream which is the source of mighty Orkhon river. Our final ascent starts here and takes about an hour. Fantastic views opening from the summit make it a worthy lunch spot. A faint trail will lead us down through forests of larch and pine to our greatest campsite. There will be some time for washing in the river or exploring the neighborhood.
Day 09. – Final trekking day
Today we stroll down widening valley till we meet our vehicles near “3 Bridges” of Tamir River. There might be some ice left in shadowed parts of the valley.
We will have a big dining tent to celebrate our successful trek. At the party we sing and dance together with our horsemen celebrating our last night of trekking.
Tonight there will be a chance to taste a true Mongolian delicacy – ‘khorkhog’, a lamb or goat slowly cooked on a fire in a pot partially filled with hot rocks. Dinner will be served by a camp fire. Tomorrow we drive to Tsetserleg town for a hot shower!
Day 10. – Tsetserleg town. Shower.
Drive to northeast along Tamir river towards Tsetserleg, which literally means “Garden”. We will take a chance to experience the lifeways of nomadic people and visit a nomads’ ger. We will learn about their lifestyle, including cow milking and dairy product processing. No doubt, we will be invited to try their traditional foods and drinks that are their staple diet. Continue to reach Bayankhongor where we will visit a colorful ethnographic museum and enjoy hot shower.
Day 11. – Drive back towards UB, Last camping.
In the morning, we leave Tsetserleg for Hogno Khan Mt, a perfect place for afternoon hiking. Here, we have the opportunity to spend the afternoon just relaxing or exploring the area including the Hidden Temple. There will be an opportunity to visit a famous fortuneteller and ask a few questions as she welcomes foreign visitors to prophet his or her future etc...
Day 12. – Arrival in UB
Return to Ulaanbaatar, stopping for a picnic lunch en route. Overnight in Ulaanbaatar.
Day 13. – Shopping and private arrangements. (Spare day)
A free day in Ulaanbaatar. Time to explore the town and to shop for souvenirs – cashmere and leather products make great buys. The evening concert of Folk song and music followed by a farewell dinner will complete your Mongolian experience. Overnight at Hotel.
