Mongolia
What?
Mongolia is a land blessed with stunning scenery – from green hilly steepes to the barren Gobi desert and rocky cliffs to miles of sand dunes. The country has a long and varied history from ancient Chinese Dynasties to being the home of one of the greatest warriors – Ghengis Khan. Its capital Ulaanbaatar is a study in contradictions – ancient buildings sitting humbly next to a high tech office block, old men cycling precariously through gridlock traffic where a Bentley sits idling.
Out of the city you can drive for miles and not see anyone else, just acres and acres of prairies before you dotted with traditional Ger’s. Herds of sheep, goats, cows and horses graze on the grasses by the roads. In the distance it is possible to see eagles, kites and vultures flying by. Mongolian hospitality is legendary and no more so, than passing by one of the nomad villages where you are warmly welcomed with a shot of vodka and a song.
Mongolia really is a place where one has to visit to appreciate.
Where?
Mongolia is a landlocked country sandwiched between Russia to the North and China to the South.
When?
The best times to visit Mongolia are from May to September when the days are dry and sunny. Temperatures don’t get much higher than 75 degrees F or around 25 degrees C.
July is the best month to go with temperatures at their highest and also this is when the famous Nadaam Festival (Traditional Mongolian Sports Festival) is on.
Who?
Mongolia is a destination perfectly suited to those who are happiest outside. Horse riding, bird watching, fishing, trekking even camel riding are just some of the activities that you can do here. Culturally the country has thousands of years of history from the time of the Chinese dynasties to the Great Khan’s – Genghis and Kublai through to the times of the Russian Communists, and all this history can be seen in the museums, architecture, temples and gardens around the country.
Why?
Whether you are looking for culture, activity, peace and quiet or just looking for something a little out of the ordinary, Mongolia has all this and more. We are able to organise many different tours to suit your needs.
The following is a sample of what we can offer:
Horse Trek from Lake Oggii to Karakorum
Day 1. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, city sightseeing.
Be met at the airport and transfer to your centrally located hotel. After a traditional Mongolian lunch,visit the Gandan monastery, Museum of National History and the Genghis Monument on the Sukhbaatar Square.
Day 2. Ulaanbaatar – Elsen Tasarkhai – Lake Ogii.
This morning we pack our vehicles and drive to Elsen Tasarkhai. Arrive and transfer to the ger camp to have lunch. Visit the Mongol Els sand dunes. Continue the drive to Lake Ogii, arrive early in the evening and transfer to ger camp. Prepare for your horse ride and enjoy the wilderness. Horse riding practice around Lake Ogii.
Day 3‐4. Lake Ogii – Karakorum Horse Trek. 35 – 40 km ride each day
Rise early to enjoy your breakfast over the admiring sunrise. As the terrain is hilly steppes, perfect for horseback riding, we will cover 35‐40 km each day with great views and wilderness as well as lots of fun! Tent camping under the starry skies of Mongolia.
Day 5. Arriving in Karakorum. 25‐30 km ride
We continue the ride and arrive in Karakorum in the early evening, transfer to tourist ger camp. Take shower and enjoy the evening with good dinner and cold beers! Say farewell to your horses and horse keepers.
Day 6. Karakorum – Hustai National Park.
This morning we visit the Legendary Erdene Zuu monastery and then drive to Hustai national park, enjoy hiking or optional horse riding to view the Takhi wild horses in the wilderness.
Day 7. Hustai – Ulaanbaatar.
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel. Sightseeing: Bogd Khan’s Palace Museum, Buddha Park and Zaisan Memorial. Folk concert and farewell dinner..
Day 8. Departure. Transfer to the airport after breakfast.
(The above tour can be done by anyone who has an adequate level of fitness. The horses are extremely well trained and only walk unless commanded to do otherwise.)
