Mongolia - Classic Tour Plus Horse & Camel Riding

  Mongolia

Gobi,  Ulaanbaatar

Dates: 19-29 July and 09-19 Aug

Description: Discount of 15% on the July departure, if you sign up by the end of May.

This is one of a number of adventures in Mongolia that includes horse riding. This trip will appeal to riders who want limited riding to allow time in the Gobi desert and a chance to ride a camel.

The journey begins with a flight to the Gobi desert. Here, you will have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the palaeontologists who discovered dinosaur remains by the Flaming Cliffs, to walk through the ice gorge at Eagle Valley, and to climb the sand dunes of the southern Gobi. Mongolia is a Buddhist country, with ornate temples and active monasteries. On this trip, you will visit two monasteries: Gandan and Gunjin. After walking through the ice gorge at Yolyn Am (Eagle Valley), you will explore Mongolias largest sand dunes, initially trekking on foot, and then on camels, led by a nomad camel herder. Then, you can follow in the footsteps of Roy Chapman Andrews an American who saw the first ever dinosaur eggs. After this adventure, return to Ulaanbaatar to make our way to the Baga Khentii Mountains, where you will spend up to 5 days riding Mongolian horses and hiking the surrounding area of taiga forest mountains with spectacular granite rock formations.

Long before the arrival of Buddhism in Mongolia, the Mongolians had a powerful connection to their land, and its spirits - a connection still celebrated today. This is nowhere more evident than in the area of Gunjin Monastery, nestled in the Khentii Mountains, amidst pine and birch forests. Otherwise called 'Princess Monastery' these ruins hold a beautiful story of a young princess who loved her people and country. In summer you will see an abundance of wild flowers, and as the months get colder and autumn begins the leaves create a spectacular glow of warm colors. We will spend several days in these mountains, walking in its valleys and visiting its nomadic families. climate in Mongolia

Suitable for any rider who can control a horse: The horse riding is in the easy hill terrain of the Baga (smaller) hills of the Khentii, so this particular ride is suited to novice and intermediate riders.

Day 1 Arrive Ulaanbaatar - sightseeing - evening entertainment
On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. There will be a visit to Gandan Monastery, the Bogd Khan Winter Palace (home to the last religious king of Mongolia), and the Fine Arts Museum. Lunch will be at the hotel and dinner at a ger restaurant with traditional Mongolian food and entertainment.

Day 2 Flight to Dalanzadgad, South Gobi
Today we will be take flight to the South Gobi Aimag (county), either in the morning or in the afternoon depending on domestic flight schedules. The flight takes about one and half hours, and you will be accompanied by your guide. On arrival at the airstrip in the Gobi you will be met by a driver and jeep and taken to the ger camp close to Bayanzag (which means 'rich in saxaul shrubs). This area is also known as 'Flaming Cliffs,' it was the site excavated in 1922 by the palaeontologist Roy Chapman Andrews. It is an atmospheric place of real beauty and is well known for the vast number of dinosaur remains found in the area. We will then visit Moltseg Els (sand dunes). Overnight at Three Camel Lodge.

Day 3 Khongor sand dunes
Today we drive west along the Altai Mountain range until we reach Khongoriin Els, which is known as the 'singing dunes' because of the tons of sand which shift in the wind and make a strange sound similar to that of distant aircraft. Reaching heights of 800m, these are Mongolia's largest sand dunes. The drive is about 4 hours long. During our stay in the Gobi we will have the opportunity to ride on camels and to experience what it is like on this massive sand dune. The two-humped camels are very comfortable to ride, as they walk slowly and gently and we will be well supported by the humps, sitting comfortably between them. We will stay overnight in a ger camp close to the dunes.

Day 4 Gobi - Yolyn Am
After a relaxed breakfast we drive 220km to Yolyn Am (Eagle Valley). The valley is about 10km long and is completely shaded from the sun in some parts by the high cliff walls. It is possible to walk through the valley and out the other side. You may be lucky enough to spot wild sheep and goats grazing high on the cliff walls. The valley is also full of soaring eagles hunting for prey. At the opening of the valley is a local Natural History Museum displaying interesting information about the animals of the area. The best time spotting Wildlife is at dawn or dusk - you can let your guide know which hours your prefer to be there.

Day 5 Yolyn Am - Return to Ulaanbaatar - Natural History Museum
You may enjoy an early morning hike through Eagle Valley or you could relax at the camp. We fly to UB in the afternoon (subject to flight schedules). At Ulaanbaatar, you may take a well deserved shower and enjoy dinner with the group at a local restaurant.

Days 6 to 10 - 5 days in the Khentii Mountains - horse riding, hiking, visiting nomads
We depart UB on the morning of your 6th day for the Khentii Mountains. En route, we will see nomadic families and their gers, and we will go through the Gorkhi Terelj National Park where we will meet up with our local horsemen. After lunch, our journey will continue, either on horseback or on a yak cart into the Baga Khentii Mountains, the foothills of the Khentii Mountains to the north.

We will spend four nights in tents moving from place to place in the mountains. We will socialise and eat our evening meals in a large dining tent. In the daytime, our activities will include horse riding, yak cart riding, hiking / trekking and visiting the ruins of Gunjin Monastery. The river which flows past our camp is deep enough for a dip in the cool waters, or you can try your hand at fishing with the locals. If you like wildlife, this area is perfect. There are musk deer, moose, brown bears, roe and elk. Birds spotted in the area include whooper swans, spoonbills, great white egrets and a variety of birds of prey. On our last day, we will visit the ger of our local horseman and sample some traditional Mongolian food. We will return to Ulaanbaatar by vehicle. On the evening of the 10th day we will have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and stay overnight in Ulaanbaatar at a hotel.

Day 11 Departure
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure.

Highlights: Marvel at the contrast between the ice gorge and sand dunes of the Gobi desert, visit dinosaur excavation sites, and stay in gers, the traditional Mongolian circular felt tent. Ride on horseback through the stunning Khentii Mountain range, and visit the country's most significant Buddhist temples. This trip combines the ancient traditions of Buddhism with a visit to Mongolia's famous Gobi desert and finishes with 4 days or more of horse riding or trekking on foot (you choose which) in the beautiful Khentii Mountains.

Cost in US$: 1900

International flights are not included.

Single Supplement: USD 240
On single room accommodation in hotels only. It does not apply to single accommodation in gers or tents. We endeavour to place single clients in their own ger or tent whenever possible.

What is Included
All transfers and transportation (as a group) within Mongolia, including domestic flights. Shared accommodation in the a good quality hotel, single accommodation can be arranged at an additional cost. Tented and ger camp accommodation in the countryside. All meals. An English speaking guide. All sightseeing costs and fees. Horse and all riding equipment, except helmet (you must bring your own to ensure a good fit). All support staff including drivers, horse men and camp assistants.

What is Not Included
The price is based on joining in Ulaanbaatar and international flights and airport departure taxes are not included, but we will be pleased to quote for UK residents. Comprehensive travel insurance (is required). Visas fees. Alcoholic drinks. Tips and any item of a personal nature.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Mongolia Independently

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Nepal Kingdom Foundation & Muirs Tours's Mission Statement: The Nepal Kingdom Foundation was established in 1982 to develop community spirit and preserve the culture and traditions of the Nepalese people in the UK. In 1999 the objectives were extended to include development projects in Nepal to help the needy of one of the world's poorest countries. The not-for-profit tour operation - Muirs Tours was set up in July 1999 by the Nepal Kingdom Foundation as a means of raising funds for use in projects in Nepal and the Nepalese Community in the UK. From the outset Muirs Tours planned to provide trips to other places outside of Nepal and support to other charities. It currently supports the WWF, the John Muir Trust, Tourism Concern, Survival International, the Tibetan Government in exile, the American Indian Heritage Foundation as well as the Nepal Kingdom Foundation.

Year Founded: 1982 & 1999