Heart of the Gobi

Visiting: Mongolia

Heart of the Gobi

It's one of the last unspoiled travel destinations of the world, where nomadic herders still tend to their flocks amongst vast grasslands, gers remain the accommodation of choice and it's still possible to to travel for days without meeting another human being, let alone fellow western travellers. Whilst Mongolia has come a long way since the days of Chingghis Khan, its landscape, typified by the Gobi desert, glistening lakes and show-capped mountains make this adventirous destination an outdoor lovers' dream.

Welcome to Ulaanbaatar.

Today there will be a trip meeting at 18:00 hrs. ThereWelcome to Ulaanbaatar. 

There will be group meeting at 18.00 hrs. 

Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where this meeting will take place. Your leader will collect your kitty and check your passport and insurance details at this meeting.  

Tonight you will stay in a well located hotel.

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This morning we head out on a guided tour to see some of Ulaanbaatar's best and most treasured sights including the Gandan Monastery and the National Museum. This afternoon is free to explore more of this city.

Overnight in a local hotel.

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After breakfast our overland adventure begins as we set off for the drive to Baga Gazryn Chuluu in the Gobi desert. These intriguing rock formations are worshipped by the locals who make pilgimages here from time to time.

Tonight we will camp near the Rocks.

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After a relaxing start to the day we continue our overland journey south through the Gobi Desert.

Tonight we will camp under the stars.

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Today we make our way along the sand dunes to Yolin Am via Dalanzadgad to resupply. Yolin Am is better known as the Gobi Glacier which is part of the Great Gobi National Park. After lunch we can hike down the valley to take a better look at the glacier and nearby wildlife.

Accommodation tonight is in a Ger camp.

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Moving on from Yolin Am we overland to Bayan Zag, or better known as the flaming cliffs and renowned worldwide for the number of dinosaur bones and eggs found in the area.

Tonight we will camp near the cliffs.

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Today we head to some of the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia, known as Khongorin Els or the singing dunes. Tomorrow wev have a full day for optional activites in and around Khongorin Els including an optional camel ride over the sand Dunes. 

Tonight we will wildcamp near the dunes and then move to a Ger camp tomorrow.

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Today we head to some of the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia, known as Khongorin Els or the singing dunes. Tomorrow wev have a full day for optional activites in and around Khongorin Els including an optional camel ride over the sand Dunes. 

Tonight we will wildcamp near the dunes and then move to a Ger camp tomorrow.

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Today we will overland through the heart of the Gobi camping en route.

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Today we head to Arvaikheer and visit the local market in order to re supply. We will then continue our drive setting up camp en route to The Orkhon Valley.

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We will spend the day in a beautiful valley surrounded by pine trees and If the weather is suitable we have the option to climb down to  the bottom of the gorge.

Tonight we will stay in a Ger camp.

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Today we will visit the nearby waterfalls then hike to the Tuvkhon Monastery. The Monastery was establised in the 1650's by Zanabazar, one of Mongolia's most respected religious leaders, vews of the Orkhon Valley are worth the climb.

Tonight we will camp in the valley near the Monastery.

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After Breakfast our trip heads North crossing the Hangai Nuruu mountains through a series of passes until we reach the area Mongolians call 'the paradise of the horse herders' for its lush grasses and open valleys. Tomorrow we have a full day for optional activites including a horse ride and a visit to a nomadic family.

We will spend the next 2 nights in a nearby Ger camp.

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After Breakfast our trip heads North crossing the Hangai Nuruu mountains through a series of passes until we reach the area Mongolians call 'the paradise of the horse herders' for its lush grasses and open valleys. Tomorrow we have a full day for optional activites including a horse ride and a visit to a nomadic family.

We will spend the next 2 nights in a nearby Ger camp.

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An early start as we head to Mongolia's earliest capital, Kharkhorin or otherwise known as Karakorum. 

This afternnon we will visit Erdene Zuu, the first Buddhist Monastery in Mongolia. Tonight we will set up camp near the ancient site.

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This morning, if time permits we will visit the ancient ruins of Karakorum then drive to Ogii Lake where we set up camp. Oggi Lake is famed for it's great bird watching opportinities where it is not uncommon to spot at Swan Goose, White Spoonbill and Dalmatian Pelicans.

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Our destination today is the Khustain National Park. This park in famed for the wild Horse (Takhi) reintrodution project and now boasts more than 200 tahki.

Tonight we stay at a Ger camp.

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Today we make our way to Terelj National park. This is one of the closets National parks to Ulaanbaater. The alpine scenary is magnificent and there are many optional activities available here such as rafting, hiking and horse riding. 

Camp for the next 2 nights in the National park.

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Today we make our way to Terelj National park. This is one of the closets National parks to Ulaanbaater. The alpine scenary is magnificent and there are many optional activities available here such as rafting, hiking and horse riding. 

Camp for the next 2 nights in the National park.

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After breakfast we will return to the capital (approx 2 hrs), visiting the Chinggis Khan Monument en route. The afternoon is free to explore.

Tonight we stay in a comfortable hotel.

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Today is your departure day. No activities are planned for today.

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Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner