A great quick escape; this excellent day hike will take you away from the busy and hectic city and will fill your lungs with fresh air.

Distance: 10 km / 6.5 miles

Estimated hiking time:  5 hrs

Elevation gain:  545 meters / 1788 feet

 

After an early breakfast we will depart with our guide for a short drive. The hike starts at the Zaisan trailhead at 1,475 meters / 4,840 feet. The first hour the trail zigzags up an exposed, somewhat steep hillside and on the top we will reach a small Ovoo at Khiimoriin overlooking Ulaanbaatar. From here we continue on the ridge and in a short while will be rewarded with a second, even more panoramic view of the city. The ridge trail here levels out for a little while and then after we will drop down through a section of short rocky steps we enter into a delightful pine forest. The ground here is soft beneath our feet and the forest provides magical silence and pleasant shade. The deciduous larch grove gives way to a wide, marshy meadow filled with wildflowers and tall grasses. A quick hike up a steep hillside will get us to the highest point of the hike, the sacred peak of Baroon Shiiret Ul (2,020 meters /6,630 fet).  Along the way we take a scenic rest stop and enjoy a packed pic-nick lunch in the grass. After we have rested our feet, soaked in the quiet and beauty of the surrounding rock formations and tall trees gently swaying in the wind, we will cross a pine forest and arrive to an open meadow before we begin to descend downhill following a small bubbling creek. We will return to our vehicle and drive back to the hotel by mid afternoon.

 

The price includes a vehicle and driver, all itinerary related transfers, English speaking guide, a small snack and bottled water.

Your guide will collect you and head out southwest (60 km) to Manzushir Monastery, which is within the Bogd Khaan National Park, one of the oldest National Parks in the World. It has enjoyed State protection since 1778.

On arrival you will be able to hike, visit the local museum. In their “golden times” they stored highly valuable and rare scriptures Buddhism which were transferred later to the Central library of Mongolia. However, take your time and explore the area. A new temple has been built next to the ruins of the old temples and serves as a museum with pictures and artifacts from the original monastery.
The walk takes you to a beautiful meadow, decorated with a stupa, before entering the forest. The hike will provide you with some great views towards south into the far Gobi, passing by some nice rock formations. Reaching the plateau, the forest thins and the ground is covered by swampy, thick grass. A last short climb takes you to the top of the Tsetseegun Mountian (2255 meters) where you will see a large Ovoo that recently was moved. Enjoy the unique view over the Tuul Valley and see in the far distance Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar.

(Assent from 1680 meters to 2255 meters, 6 km distance) The return path to Khonkhor is less used and more remote, as well slightly further. (Descent 1558 meter, 8 km)

We begin our journey by driving 65 km east of the Ulaanbaatar to Tsonjin Boldog. Here we will stop at the imposing Genghiis Khan Equestrian Statue.  Scenically situated by the Tuul River this is the place where according to legend Genghiis Khan found a golden whip, traditionally considered an auspicious omen, that consequently inspired and helped him conquer half of the known world in the 13th century.

 

Designed and built by Mongolian architects in 2008 and wrapped in 250 tons of gleaming stainless steel, the enormous horse and it’s gigantic rider stands 40 meters (131 feet) tall and they are facing south pointing symbolically to China.

 

The statue was placed on top of the visitor’s center which itself is a remarkable 10 meters high massive base. There are 36 columns representing the 36 Khans from Genghis to Ligdan Khan.

There is a great panoramic view to be had from the head of the horse that can be reached by taking an elevator from the main exhibit hall to the back of the horse and then climbing up a narrow and somewhat dark staircase inside the neck of the statue (you should bring a torch).

The very well planned complex is surrounded by 200 gers arranged in the pattern of the horse seal used by 13th-century Mongol tribes.

 

Enjoy the small but well-done exhibition down floors, which presents beautifully handcrafts from Mongolia’s Bronze Age.

KHUSTAI NATIONAL PARK – RETURN OF THE WILD HORSES

The Khustai National Park, is the location for the re-introduction of the Wild Horses or “Takhi” from European zoos after nearing extinction in the mid 20^th Century. This magnificent animal now roams its homeland again. Visit the local information centre and learn more about the horses and take a guided hike in the park to see the “Takhi”.

Day 1

At a pre-arranged time you will be met by your driver and guide and driven to the southwest. The drive will take about 1.5 hours until you reach Manzushir Monastery, which is withing the Bogd Khaan National Park, one of the oldest National Parks in the World. It has enjoyed State protection since 1778. On arrival you will be able to hike up to Tsetse Gun( 2258m) Picnic lunch on the way. Then continue driving to Hustai National Park.

Khustai National Park where the re-introduction of the wild horses, or Przewalski horses has taken place since 1992. On arrival you will have lunch at the camp. There is an interesting information centre where you will be supplied with all the necessary facts and data. There is plenty of wildlife to see, including, vultures, deer, marmots and of course Przewalski horses. The afternoon will be spent at leisure hiking in the surrounding mountains with an evening visit to the wild horses while they come to drink in the evening. Dinner and overnight at the ger camp.
Day 2

This morning you drive towards the ancient, so-called Turkic graves. These are the remains of a nomadic state, which existed on the territory during the 6^th-9^th Centuries. On the way we will visit a nomadic herder’s family and learn about their way of life. You will be accompanied by your guide. After lunch at the camp you will saddle horses and ride to explore the park area. Your guide and a horse wrangler to look after you. Dinner and overnight at the ger camp.

 

Day 3

In the morning you can have some more hike in the park as there is plenty of wildlife to see, including, vultures, deer, marmots and of course Przewalski horses. After breakfast at the camp you will return to Ulaanbaatar.

Day 1, 27^th September, international arrival in Ulaanbaatar

 

Welcome to Mongolia’s spiritual heart as well as its political, economic, and social hub and truly nomadic capital! Ulaanbaatar ceremonially changed its location 28 times before permanently settling at its present site in 1778.You will pass a large suburban area, where traditional nomadic felt tents are located next to Western styled family houses. This energetic city of more than one million people is home to nearly half of the Mongolian population. Migration is a tremendous challenge to this fast growing city.

 

En-route, you’ll have a stop at the Zaisan Memorial and a climb up 300 steps in order to view Ulaanbaatar’s skyline. The Memorial honors the Soviet soldiers killed in World War II, paintings depicting scenes of friendship between Russia and Mongolia decorate its walls. One token of this friendship was that a Mongolian astronaut was on the team which flew to the moon in 1981. It is said that MrGurragchaa, who was on the team, wore traditional felt clothing to demonstrating that there is no conflict between the traditional and the high-tech for Mongolians.

Your guide will pick you up in the afternoon to enjoy the Fine Arts Museum, which is one of the cultural highlights, showcasing a noteworthy collection of religious art from pre-historic times to the early 20^th century; it includes metal sculptures, scroll paintings, and paper-macho masks.

 

Evening you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Dalanzadgad, South Gobi.

 

Accommodation: Ger camp, Twin share ger

Meal: Packed Dinner

 

 

DAY 2, 28^th September

 

This is a world of topographical wonders – blazing sand dunes, haunting rock formations and the world’s only permanent ice cap in a desert setting. You will also be taken to the Eagle valley by land, locally called “Yolyn Am” (English direct translation is Vulture Mouth). We will explore Eagle Valley’s great arid region, look for wild sheep and goats grazing high on the cliff walls, and soaring eagles hunting for prey.

 

Here, the Natural History Museum displays information about the animals in the area, as well as dinosaur eggs and bones.

 

Later then, we will drive to the Khongoryn Sand Dunes, reaching heights of 800 m a.o.l, these are Mongolia’s largest and perhaps most famous Barchan sand dunes. Locally they are called the ‘Singing Dunes’ because of the tons of sand which shift in the wind, making a strange sound similar to that of distant aircraft. These “singing dunes” can reach the speed of 50km/h.

 

“Early birds” will find it appealing to watch dusk hours from top of the Sand Dunes – a rewarding experience.

 

Accommodation: Gobi Discovery ger camp, shared accommodation

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

 

DAY 3, 29^th September

 

Enjoy your second day at the Sand Dunes. This classic desert feature embodies, for many, the quintessential Mongolian landscape.  Geology becomes the Zeitgeist, and time seems to melt away as past and future lose their meaning in the empty expanse of sand.Here you havethe opportunity to ride on a Bactrian camel (Mongolian two-humped camel) through the massive dunes where you can enjoy the rich, varied and picturesque landscape of the Gobi desert along the way.

 

The experience gives exceptional insight into a way of life that has endured in Central Asia for centuries. The hardy, two-humped Bactrian camels are comfortable to ride as they gently saunter through this timeless scene. Bayanzag is an area of red cliffs, which formed through the erosion of sand and rock over many thousands of years.

 

Later then we will drive to Dinosaur Excavation Site – the main site of dinosaur digs. The first discovery of dinosaur eggs and bones were made in this area by the famous American expedition of the 1920’s and some of the findings can beseen at the Natural History Museum in Ulaanbaatar.

 

The visit includes the area of Saxal Forest which contains a very unusual species of tree which can survive the most inclement extremes of the desert.

 

There will be a chance to meet local nomadic people and to visit their ger.

 

Meals and 1 overnight in a ger camp, close to Bayanzag

 

 

DAY 4, 30^th September

 

Returning from the South Gobi, you will be transferred about 55 km east, to the Genghis Khan Statue complex on the bank of the Tuul River, in a place called TsonjinBoldog. According to legend, Genghis Khan found a golden whip, traditionally considered an auspicious omen in that area, that consequently inspired and helped him conquer half of the known world in the 13^thcentury.

 

The 40 meter high statue on horseback was erected on a 10 meter high base, covered by stainless steel and surrounded by 36 columns.There is a great panoramic view to be had from the head of the horse that can be reached by taking an elevator from the main exhibit hall to the back of the horse and then climbing up a narrow and somewhat dark staircase inside the neck of the statue.

 

Last not least, enjoy the small but well-done exhibition, which presents beautiful handicrafts from Mongolia’s Bronze Age.

 

After visiting the statue,you will continue your drive to Terelj National Park for another 30 km, a Strictly Protected Area since 1992.The park’s most spectacularfeatures are its huge granite blocks and cliffs as well as meadows rich in wild flowers. It is also home to more than 250 species of birds, as well as rare brown bears. Then we shall drive on Mongolian countryside roads to the Tuul Riverside Lodge.

 

Accommodation: 1 overnight at a twin standard ger

Meals: full-board at the Lodge

 

 

DAY 5-7,1-3^rdOctober

 

This spot, nestled between soft hills at the border of the Terelj National Park, is perfect to relax, swim in the Tuul River, hike, canoe, ride horses, and to discover the difference between a Kazakh ger and a Mongolian ger. You can also explore the riverside by ox cart, taking the chance to visit neighboring nomads and learning more about their way of life …or simply to curl up with a good book and enjoy the view.

 

For now, get started by getting under the hot shower attached to your ger and look forward to your candle light dinner – our team will be very happy to be at your service, giving you a good time out here!

 

Accommodation: 3 more overnights at a twin standard ger

Meals: full-board at the Lodge

 

 

DAY 8, 4^th October,International departure

 

This morning, our driver will pick you up from the hotel and will transfer you to the airport for your international departure.

 

We hope that you enjoyed your stay! Thanks again for having visited Mongolia with us!

 

 

A note on prices: Transportation within Mongolia according the itinerary, English/German speaking guide, national park entrance fees, horse hire where specified, support staff including drivers/horse men, 5 overnights at ger camps, 2****hotel overnights, based on standard twin accommodation, tented overnights in National Park according the itinerary, three meals per day while in country side, all sightseeing fees as outlined per itinerary. The price do not include drinks, items of a personal nature and gratuities and the international flight tickets to Mongolia.

The Khustai National Park, is the location for the re-introduction of the Wild Horses or “Takhi” from European zoos after nearing extinction in the mid 20^th Century. This magnificent animal now roams its homeland again. Visit the local information centre and learn more about the horses and take a guided hike in the park to see the “Takhi”.

Day 1

At a pre-arranged time you will be met by your driver and guide and driven to the west. The drive will take about 2,5-3 hours until you reach Khustai National Park where the re-introduction of the wild horses, or Przewalski horses has taken place since 1992. On arrival you will have lunch at the camp. There is an interesting information centre where you will be supplied with all the necessary facts and data. There is plenty of wildlife to see, including, vultures, deer, marmots and of course Przewalski horses. The afternoon will be spent at leisure hiking in the surrounding mountains with an evening visit to the wild horses while they come to drink in the evening. Dinner and overnight at the ger camp.
Day 2

After relaxed breakfast you will drive back via Ulaanbaatar to the Lodge/your hotel. To your convenience, we have scheduled extra 2,5 hours guided shopping/sight-seeing in the capital before heading back to the Lodge. Please let us know you prefer us taking you straight to the Lodge.

Day 1

You will be met at your hotel at a pre-arranged time by your guide and driver and begin the journey to the central provinces of Mongolia. The scenery is wide-open steppe with rolling hills in the background. You will stop for lunch along the way and reach the place called ‘Piece of Sand’ in the late afternoon. It is about a 3 hour drive from Ulaanbaatar mainly on paved roads. This stretch of sand is a long strip that originates in the Gobi and stretches all the way into central Mongolia. On arrival you will make your way to the ger camp near Mount Khogno Khan. This mountain is perfect for some afternoon hiking and there are some remains of an ancient monastery that should be explored. Dinner and overnight will be at the ger camp. /Lunch, Dinner./

Day 2

After breakfast at the ger camp we will continue onto Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia and from where Chinggis Khaan launched his cavalry. The drive will take about 3 hours. After we arrive in Karakorum you will have lunch in the ger camp. The most obvious landmark in Karakorum is the massive wall of the Erdene Zuu Monastery. After lunch at the ger camp you will explore this monastery. It was built in 1586 and is surrounded by a massive 400m x 400m wall. Not a single nail was used in the construction of the ornate temples, and only a few remain standing in Mongolia after the communist purges. In previous times the grounds held over 60 temples with 10,000 monks using them for their daily worship. After spending the time at the monastery you will have dinner and overnight at the local ger camp. /Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner./

Day 3

Today you will make a day trip to the Orkhon Waterfall which is situated in the Orkhon Valley. This valley is known as the cradle of the Mongolian civilization as many of Mongolia’s ancient monuments lie within its borders. Today you will visit some of its natural beauties. The Orkhon Waterfall marks the half waypoint of the Orkhon River, the longest river in Mongolia. The area surrounding the waterfall is green and forested and you will spend the day walking in the area and having a picnic lunch. This area of Mongolia is well known for producing the best ‘airag’, or fermented mare’s milk, in the country.  Many locals will love to challenge you to a singing game, the loser having to consume a whole bowl of ‘airag’, so beware when visiting local families. You will return to the ger camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 4

After breakfast we will drive to Hustai Nuruu, which is located in Altanbulag Soum and is about the 90 km west of Ulaanbaatar. The Hustai Nuruu Nature Reserve covers 900 square kilometers and it has enjoyed protection since 1993, in order to conserve biodiversity and to facilitate the re-introduction of the Takhi (Przewalski wild horse). In the late afternoon you will arrive in Khustai National Park. And will be free to observe the horses.  Dinner & overnight at the ger camp. /Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner./

 

Day 5

After breakfast you will return to Ulaanbaatar by vehicle, a drive of about 2 hours, on mainly paved roads. On arrival at the capital you will be taken your hotel.

 

A note on prices: Military YAZ Jeep or Russian Mini Van depending on number of people, English speaking guide, national park entrance fee, horse/camel hire where specified, support staff including drivers/horse/camel men and full board in the countryside, standard twin share accommodation. The price does not include drinks, items of a personal nature and gratuities