GOBI DESERT AND ALTAI MOUNTAINS TOUR /18 DAYS/
SHORT DESCRIPTION
We head into the Gobi area. The sites of the Gobi are varied and unique, like the valley at Yoliin Am, known as Eagle Valley, whose depths support huge glacial sheets that remain until the hot summer months, or the massive sand dunes. Of great interest to foreign travelers and scientists alike are the dinosaur remains scattered throughout the Gobi. Mongolia, the ancient realm of Genghis Khan, has emerged from the shadow of Communism and is now open to the world. Meet one of the last nomadic cultures on earth, where a traditional way of life endures as it did a millennium ago. Just three million people inhabit a country the size of Western Europe, half of them still living in portable felt tents called Ger and moving seasonally with their animals. The tour takes 8-9 days to cover the most popular travel destinations including Altai mountains, nomadic lifestyle, horse riding and hiking on the sacred mountains of Mongolia.
- CATEGORY: DISCOVERY TOUR
- AVAILABLE: MAY TO OCTOBER
- DURATION: 18 DAYS, 17 NIGHTS
- DESTINATION: WESTERN AND SOUTHERN MONGOLIA
ESSENTIALS
GUIDE
A Chinese, English or Russian 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.
TRANSPORT
This trip you have a two choice. First one is a highest level, latest model, air-conditioned private 4WD vehicles for the maximum comfort on your touring days. And second choice is Russian 4x4 Van. Also with 20 years’ experience drives.
MEALS
In Mongolia, you will be dining at fine American, 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 our cook.
PERSONAL THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU
Warm thin layers of clothing are the best such as bring a rain jacket, gloves and hiking booth. Don’t forgot first aid kit (medicine for headache, cold, diarrhea, runny nose; bandages; any medicine prescribed for you). All your camera equipment.
TOUR PACKAGE PRICE
| Group size | Price/Per person |
| 1 pax | 4930USD |
| 2-3 pax | 3880USD |
| 4-6 pax | 3520USD |
| 7-9 pax | 3250USD |
| 10-12 pax | 3060USD |
| 13-15 pax | 2890USD |
| 16< pax | 2630USD |
| No | Include service | Exclude service | Include service of Meals |
| 1 | Vehicle with a driver. | Items of personal nature | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| 2 | Fuel for the trip whole time | Beverages, alcoholic drinks, bar bills, laundry | Per day 3 bottle water for per person /1,5 liter/ |
| 3 | English speaking guide | Travel and insurance | One time Mongolian traditional food /lamb with vegetables/ |
| 4 | Accommodation/Ger camps and Hotel/ | International transportation | |
| 5 | All food, during the trip and at restaurants /Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner/ | Excess baggage fee in the flight /15kg includes handbag is free of charge/ | |
| 6 | All cooking and camping gears. | Optional activities | |
| 7 | National park and border office permits (area you will go is close to China and Russia border) | Single supplement /For hotel or Ger camp/ | |
| 8 | Airport shuffle | Gratuity for the tour team | |
| 9 | Domestic flight tickets | Taxi | |
| 10 | Other small administration fees Basically, includes everything. |
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1 - Ulaanbaatar city capital of Mongolia
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, welcomed by Travel to Mongolia’s staff at Chinggis Khan international airport. Drive to your Hotel. After the lunch at Mongolian Nomads restaurant, we will see Mongolian National museum and visit to Gandan monastery. Drive back to Hotel after the dinner.
| Distance | n/a |
| Route | n/a |
| Drive time | n/a |
| Accommodation | Grand Hill Hotel |
| Food | Dinner |
Day 2 - Tsagaan suvarga Cliff
Early morning we will driver to Tsagaan Suvarga Cliff. It colorful earth wall We will pick you up from your accommodation and drive to Tsagaan Suvarga. It is sheer slope and was an old seabed with sedimentary structure created by millions years and the different colors of the ground represent different times. The formation is over 50 m in its highest point and continues 400 m and looks like a ancient ghost city form a distance. There is no clear date of geography research work and it is good spot take rest and overnight place driving to South Gobi desert from Middle Gobi desert. We will do some hiking around the site. Overnight there.
| Distance | 430km |
| Route | Asphalt |
| Drive time | 4 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 3 - Yol valley, Gobi Gurvan Saikhan national park
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Today drive to Yol Valley. There horse ride and natural museum After breakfast time, we will drive to Yol Valley. Yol means vulture in Mongolian and the valley begins from Zuun Saikhan Mountain, a branch of the Gurvan Saikhan Mountain range, and stretches over 10 km. The narrowest part, only 3 or 4 person can pass in same time, of the valley is completely shaded from the direct sun shine by high cliff walls. Also, the valley is famous for the fact that there is ice created in winter by small stream of the valley present there even during the hot summer months until end of July. The beauty of the valley, combined with the smell of juniper creates an atmosphere of awe and wonder this is an experience not to be missed! There we will ride horse through the valley. An hour hiking is also a nice activity there if you not like horse ride. As well, we visit to local natural museum of Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Overnight there.
| Distance | 210km |
| Route | Asphalt |
| Drive time | 3 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 4 - Khongor sand dune, Gobi Gurvan Saikhan national park
| Distance | 180km |
| Route | Off-road |
| Drive time | 3 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
On this day we will drive to Khongor Sand Dune. Khongor is second biggest sand dune in the country that extend along the northern side of Sevrei and Zoolun mountain ranges. It range from 5 to 10 km in width, nearly 100 km long, with crests rising 80 to 300m above the surrounding landscape. The booming sound produced by the masses of moving sand can be heard from afar when occurs windy day. Hence locals called it as Singing Sands. Near Khongor River at the northern edge of the dunes, there is an oasis. We will ride camels today to explore these massive sand-dunes and explore the area where climbing one of the dunes affords the energetic traveler with an unforgettable experience of endless vistas across a sea of daffodil-colored sand. Overnight there.
Day 5 - Bayanzag cliff, Gobi Gurvan Saikhan national park
Bayanzag – dinosaur site After breakfast time, we will drive to Bayanzag. Bayanzag means saxual forest in English and area of red cliffs “Bayanzag” which have been formed from the erosion of the water and wind over many millions of years. A lot of dinosaurs’ findings such as Protoceratops & dinosaur’ eggs have been found there in first time. American zoologist Roy Chapman Andrews discovered this place and named as Flaming Cliffs. The red colored cliffs themselves are very imposing from a distance, and are particularly fiery in the light of the setting sun. It is an interesting place to wander about to get a closer look at one of the world’s most famous paleontological sites. In the evening we will walk around the site. Overnight there.
| Distance | 110km |
| Route | Off-road |
| Drive time | 3 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day6 - Ongi monastery
Drive to Kharhorum we will visit on the way Ongi Monastery Ruin After breakfast time, we will drive to Ongi Monastery Ruins. Ongi Monastery Ruins is the visible ruins of a Buddhist monastery founded in 1760 and destroyed in 1937 by communists. Located on the shore of the Ongi River, the monastery was formerly one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia. Raw violence of the destruction at Ongiin Khiid was still visible, still palpable, even though it happened over years ago. It is a good place for overnight of traveling between Central Mongolia and Gobi. We will hike to the ruins for visiting to local ger museum displayed survived objects of destroyed monastery and a small lovely and active Buddhist temple. Overnight there.
| Distance | 110km |
| Route | Asphalt |
| Drive time | 3 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 7 - Orkhon waterfall, Orkhon valley
We will drive to Orkhon valley. The Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape is the place to visit for anyone who wishing to follow the historical path of the Mongol Empire. Orkhon valley is boasts its’ natural beauties, making it one of the favourite places among tourists. You will witness unique lifestyle, culture and rare historical memorials. Beauty of Orkhon Valley, Orkhon waterfall formed by combination volcanic eruption and earthquakes some 20000 years ago cascades down from a height 27 meters. The Orkhon, longest river in Mongolia, begins at the state worshipped mountain Suvraga Khairkhan in the Khangai mountain range. Overnight there
| Distance | 270km |
| Route | Asphalt |
| Drive time | 4 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 8 - Karakorum city
Former capital of Genghis Khan After breakfast time, we will drive to Karakorum. Karakorum, the capital of Great Mongolian State where today there is a small local township. In the history, the city of Karakorum was founded in 1220 in Orkhon River Valley by order of Genghis Khan and after collapsing of Yuan dynasty of Khuvilai Khan Min state’s invaders sacked the city and massacred its inhabitants in 1388 and ruined it. After 200 years, Erdene Zuu, built in 1586, is the first Buddhist monastery to have been built in Mongolia and by various construction materials were taken from the ruins of Karakorum. At its peak in the late 18th century the complex of ornate gardens and 62 temples was home to over 1000 lamas. But in 1937, by communist purges the whole monastery completely destroyed. We will visit to Karakorum Museum, Karakorum Ruin Open Museum and Erdene Zuu Monastery Complex respectively. Overnight there.
| Distance | 110km |
| Route | Off-road |
| Drive time | 2 hours |
| Accommodation | Ger camp |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 9 - Ulaanbaatar city
Back to Ulaanbaatar city. Prepare to Altai mountains trip and take a hot shower relaxing at your Hotel.
| Distance | 360km |
| Route | Off-road |
| Drive time | 4 hours |
| Accommodation | Grand Hill Hotel |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 10 - Ulgii city, Bayan-Ulgii province
Arrive Ulgii city. After lunch we will visit to local black market, local museum and hanging out day in Ulgii city. Over night at Hotel.
| Distance | 1280km |
| Route | Air route |
| Fly time | 2hours |
| Accommodation | Local hotel |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 11 - Ranger station, Altai Tavan Bogd mountain
From Ulgii heading towards to Ranger station of Tavan Bogd mountain. 3000 meters height from sea level. Arrive at the Ranger station where many Tuvan nomads spend their summer. Experience differences of nomadic lifestyle. On your way you will stop to see Deer Stones and overnight in tent
| Distance | 200km |
| Route | Off-road |
| Drive time | 5 hours |
| Accommodation | Camping |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 12 - Base camp, Altai tavan Bogd mountain
Today you will do half day of horse riding and reach 20KM Potaniin glacier which is biggest glacier in Mongolia. Camping next to glacier. After lunch experience the glacier and come back at your camp there.
| Distance | 15km |
| Route | N/A |
| Hiking time | 4 hours |
| Accommodation | Camping |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 13 - Mt. Malchin/4050m/
Do hiking up to Malchin peak/4050m/. Malchin peak is the one of the highest mountains in Mongolia that bordering with Russia. You will have unreal views of Altai mountains. Come back to your camping spot.
| Distance | N/A |
| Route | N/A |
| Drive time | N/A |
| Accommodation | Camping |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 14 - Ranger station, Altai Tavan Bogd mountain
From glacier side start horse riding back to Ranger station. The place where Tuvan Nomads staying. Have rest. Enjoy healthy meal of your cook.
| Distance | 15km |
| Route | N/A |
| Hike time | 4 hours |
| Accommodation | Camping |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 15 - Khoton lake, Altai Tavan Bogd national park
Drive from Ranger station heading to Khoton Khurgan lakes area where many Kazakh nomads stay during the summer time. Stop by snake river valley and see ancient burial mounds, petroglyphs and dear stones. Continue to drive to the lakes. Arrive at the Kazakh nomadic family. Settle down there for the next couple of days camping. Overnight in yurt. ( Lakes area is with trees, snow capped mountains, pristine lakes and mineral water rivers). Today we will slaughter a sheep and invite all other Kazakh neighbors and have “five fingers” feast. Sing songs and have fun with nomads. ( Slaughtering a sheep is a tradition of Kazakh when they have important guests at their yurts). Camping at next to Kazakh yurt and experience nomadic life.
| Distance | 200km |
| Route | Off-road |
| Drive time | 4 hours |
| Accommodation | Camping |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 16 - Eagle hunter family, Altai Tavan Bogd national park
Hike to Ikh Turgen valley to see the beautiful waterfall coming from glacier mountains on big rocks. Hike back to the nomadic family. Stop by Eagle hunter’s family on the way back. See golden eagles and share eagle hunter’s lifestyle. Same day you will do short driving to the west side and camp next to khoton lake.
| Distance | 20km |
| Route | Off-road |
| Drive time | 1 hours |
| Accommodation | Camping |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 17 - Ulgii city, Bayan-Ulgii province
Drive back to Ulgii city. Stay at local hotel.
| Distance | 200km |
| Route | Off-road |
| Drive time | 4 hours |
| Accommodation | Hotel |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 18 - Ulaanbaatar city
Fly to Ulaanbatar. That day you will visit Chinggis khan Equestrian Statue Complex. Evening prepare to back home at your hotel.
| Distance | 1280km |
| Route | Air route |
| Fly time | 2hours |
| Accommodation | Local hotel |
| Food | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 19 - Home sweet home
Leave Ulaanbaatar. Our driver drop off to Chinggis Khan international airport. Thank you for visiting our country
| Distance | 70km |
| Route | Highway |
| Drive time | 1 hour |
| Accommodation | n/a |
| Food | Breakfast |
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