MONGOLIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Natural wonders from the Gobi Desert to crystal-clear Lake Hovsgol, Mongolia’s largest lake
- Experience the Mongolian nomadic way of life
- Kharakhorum, the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire created by Ghengis Khan
- Erdene Zuu, Mongolia’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery
- Unique accommodations in Mongolian gers (yurts), complete with beautifully painted beds and wood-burning stove
MONGOLIA TOUR DETAILS
- 15-day trip begins and ends in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- 4 nights in hotels, 10 nights in Mongolian-style tented camps
- All meals included
TRIP RATING
Mongolia beckons, with a rare glimpse into an ancient culture and the last unspoiled wilderness in Asia. Discovering this land of nomadic horsemen and traditions dating to the time of Genghis Khan is as much an adventure back in time as an expedition of exploration. Relatively unchanged for centuries, Mongolia has one of the last remaining horse-based, nomadic cultures in the world. Thriving on the Mongolian steppes, more than half the population still lives in lavishly decorated tents called gers. Our Mongolia tour brings us from the dramatic Gobi Desert to mountain-ringed Lake Hovsgol, and we experience the tradition of warm hospitality offered to passing travelers. Long after you return home, you will recall the hearty welcomes, warm smiles, and generosity that are invariably offered by the people of Mongolia.
Mongolia Cultural Tour Overview
Days 1-6: Our Mongolia adventure begins when we meet in Ulaanbaatar. The Natural and National History Museums provide an excellent introduction to what we will see over the next two weeks. Fly to the Gobi Desert, and for the next three days, travel the stunning landscape of the Gobi, home to the hemisphere’s rarest and most elusive mammals, such as the snow leopard and Gobi bear. Hike through Yol Valley National Park, cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains, and known for its Argali mountain sheep and ibex. Visit the towering sand dunes of Hongoryn Els, which reach upwards of 2,500 feet. We meet local camel breeders and have an opportunity to ride their camels. Explore, on foot or by camel, the “The Flaming Cliffs,” where in 1922, the first nest of dinosaur eggs were found. Return to Ulaanbaatar and visit Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, with one of the best collections of Buddhist art and artifacts in the world.
Days 7-9: Fly north and then drive to Lake Hovsgol, Mongolia’s largest lake, passing through Mongolian steppe and forested mountains. This crystal-clear alpine lake, known as Mongolia’s “dark blue pearl,” remains untouched and is situated among the most pristine forests, mountains, and meadows in the world. Spend the next few days hiking into the breathtakingly scenic Khoridal Saridag Mountains, exploring the lakeshore and surrounding mountains and meadows, visiting local nomads' dwellings, sampling horseback riding, Mongolian-style, and learning how to set up a ger.
Days 10-13: We return to Ulaanbaatar for a night before traveling overland to the foothills of the Hogno Han Mountains. From our ger camp we meet nomadic horse breeders, and visit Kharakhorum, site of the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire, and Erdene Zuu, Mongolia’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery which has been active for over 1,000 years. Explore Hustain Nuruu National Reserve, home to the last remaining species of wild horse.
Days 14-15: Return to Ulaanbaatar and visit the former home of the Mongolia’s last theocrat, who was referred to as Mongolia’s 8th Living Buddha. Toast our adventure in Mongolia at a celebratory farewell dinner, before departure on Day 15.
Our Mongolia: Land of the Nomads tour is highlighted in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S new book "A GUIDE TO 50 EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES FOR THE SEASONED TRAVELER".
More Information
2008 Dates
- June 8-22
- August 24-September 7
2008 Land Cost
- $4095 per person
- Single Supplement: $450
- Internal Airfare: $495
- (prices good through December 31, 2008)
Have Questions? Call us at 800-941-8010, or E-mail a Boundless Journeys Mongolia Specialist today!