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Duration : 15 days

Theme : Adventure

Difficulty : Modéré

Group : from 3 to 10 participants

Departure dates

DatePrice without flight
from 22/05/12
to 05/06/12
1200 € Book now
from 19/06/12
to 03/07/12
1200 € Book now
from 03/07/12
to 17/07/12
1200 € Book now
from 31/07/12
to 14/08/12
1200 € Book now
from 14/08/12
to 28/08/12
1200 € Book now
from 20/08/12
to 03/09/12
1200 € Book now
from 28/08/12
to 11/09/12
1200 € Book now

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  • Terkhiin tsagaan nuur

  • Amarbayasgalant

  • Steppe, Orkhon

  • Khuvsgul

  • Tovkhon

  • Steppe, Orkhon

  • Map

Mongolia - Beauties of central Mongolia

This trip will take you to the wild Northern frontier of Mongolia around Khuvsgul Lake - a dark blue lake surrounded by mountains, thick forests of pine and larch and lush green meadows where yaks and horses graze peacefully in beautiful idyllic settings. Then you will go to centrale Mongolia into Khangai mountains where numerousous herders are living. Mountains, rivers and lakes will be the pass of this journey...

  • Itinerary
  • Budget
  • Organisation

STEP 1 - ULAANBAATAR, CITY TOUR : Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia (called UB). You will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to Dream hotel, a 2 star establishment that’s conveniently located in downtown UB within walking distance from major attractions in the city. Depending on your arrival time, your guide will accompany you around this ‘soviet-esque’ city that offers some rich cultural attractions and museums. You will first head for Gandantegchinlen, a Tibetan-style monastery with 150 monks in residence. This is one of the very few monasteries which escaped the massive destruction during the communist period in the 1930s. The monks in residence usually pray in the morning, a ceremony open to visitors. The Buddhist Centre will be also ready to answer any of your questions. You will then visit a cashmere factory, one of Mongolia’s best known exports. This will be followed by lunch in a local restaurant to work your taste buds on Mongolian cuisine. In the afternoon, you will visit the National History Museum where three floors Mongolia’s rich and glorious past await you - from pre-historical ages to the soviet era without forgetting the glories of Genghis Khan’s period of reign. You will then head for our office to collect details of your trip: the itinerary, advice and to address any doubts or questions. At 6 pm, the Tumen Ekh traditional show will provide an exposé on traditional Mongolian folk arts including folklore dances, contortionism and Khoomi - the famous overtone singing style. PICK UP AT THE AIPORT LUNCH IN A RESTAURANT, DINNER NOT INCLUDED, OVERNIGHT IN A HOTEL.

STEP 2 - AMARBAYASGALANT : Departure from the hectic city of Ulaanbaatar to the monastery of Amarbayasgalant. This monastery is the most important of Mongolia. It was build in 17th century in memory of the first Llama Bogd Zanabazar. Situated in the Selenge province (north) this monastery is a buddhism beautiful art work. BREAKFAST IN HOTEL, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN TENT JEEP : 6 HOURS

STEP 3 - ERDENET - URAN TOGOO UUL : This morning we will visit the monastery before our departure in direction of Khuvsgul. On our way to Uran Togoo Uul we will visit Erdenet. This city is one of the major economic center of Mongolia after Ulaanbaatar and possess one of the biggest opencast mines in the world. We continue our road towards the volcanoes park of Uran Togoo uul for a bivouac between heaven and earth. WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN TENT JEEP : 7 HOURS

STEP 4 - URAN TOGOO UUL - BAIBULAG - IKH UUL : Lets go for a morning hike on the top of these giants volcanoes to take advantage of the panorama offered. Then place at history with Baibulag and its walls of more than 10000 years challenging time. We arrive next to the little monastery of Ikh Uul before settling our camp next to Selenge river WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN TENT JEEP : 5 HOURS HIKE : 2 HOURS

STEP 5 - KHUVSGUL LAKE : Imagine 2760 square meters of pristine crystal waters so pure you can drink it – this is Khuvsgul lake. As a transition zone between Central Asian Steppe and Siberian Taiga, the lake is surrounded by several mountain ranges with peaks above 2000 meters. The surrounding pine forests and lush pastures are home to yaks, horses and wildlife such as ibex, wolf, and musk deer. We leave Hatgal for Alagsar ger camp on the east shore of the lake. WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN A GERS CAMP JEEP : 6 HOURS

STEP 6 - KHUVSGUL LAKE, HIKING OR HORSE RIDING : During this day, you will trek on foot or by horse riding in the wooded valleys of Alag Sar. You will be accompanied by local herders to discover the surrounding of the lake. BREAKFAST IN CAMP, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN THE SAME GERS CAMP HORSE RIDING : 15/20 KM

STEP 7 - KHUVSGUL - IDER : EEmbarked aboard a small motorboat, we follow the south bank of the lake and reach the small village of Khatgal where our vehicles are waiting for us. Stop to Moron. The city of Moron is located on the hillside in the North of mounts Ertchim, on the bank of the Delgermoron river. We shall stop in town to buy fresh food at the local market. The road crosses then several pass and sinks into lost valleys where the landscapes quickly evolve. The height exceeds 2000 meters. The landscapes are more and more beautiful, and photos stop numerous. BREAKFAST IN CAMP, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN TENT JEEP : 7 HOURS BOAT : 45 MINUTES (CAN BE CHANGE BY ONE HOURS OF JEEP IF THE WEATHER IS NOT GOOD)

STEP 8 - IDER - TERKHIIN TSAGAAN LAKE : We begin what will be the most difficult day of your stay, here we are in in a hellish dust road. Reward of this day, the lake of Terkhiin Tsagaan which is situated at a 2060 meter height above the sea level. This lake, nicknamed " The big white lake " as well as the volcanic region which surrounds it is the highlight of the Arkhangai province. Still a wild area, it is ideal to camp and waters being very rich in fishes. We settle our camp, for two nights at a nomads' family next to the lake. WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT WITH A FAMILY, IN A GER FOR GUESTS JEEP : 7 HOURS

STEP 9 - TERKHIIN TSAGAAN LAKE, HIKING TO HORGO VOLCANO : Together with local breeders, we go hiking along the banks of the lake. We take the direction of the Southeast where is the Horgo volcano peak at 2965 meters. From there you will enjoy a scenic view on the surrounding area. Near the volcano, you will explore an original and very different landscape formed with lava flows. WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT WITH A FAMILY, IN A GER FOR GUESTS HIKE : 4 HOURS

STEP 10 - TERKHIIN TSAGAAN LAKE - TSENKHER HOT SPRINGS : We take the track of the South, the raised regions, on the West you can admire the chain of Khangai and its summits peaking more than 3000 meters high. Stop to Tsetserleg, small charming village coiled in mountains covered with Larches. Supplying in the local market and visit of the temple & museum of Zayan Gegeen. The last 30 kilometers of this day will lead us to the Tsenkher hot springs, pamper yourself in the warm water baths of the camp. WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN A GERS CAMP JEEP : 4 HOURS

STEP 11 - TSENKHER HOT SPRINGS - ORKHON VALLEY : We cross the Khangai range to go to the Orkhon valley, classified by UNESCO as "world heritage". On the way, we go and visit the Tovkhon monastery where Zanabazar, the first religious leader of Mongolia, composed the Soyombo alphabet which the first letter became the symbol of the country. From this monastery, located at 2 312 meters high, we have a magnificent panorama on all the Khangaï chain. After this visit we go down to the valley and reach the settlement of our host family.. BREAKFAST IN CAMP, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT WITH A FAMILY, IN A GER FOR GUESTS JEEP : 4H30 HIKE : 2 HOURS

STEP 12 - ORKHON VALLEY, THE WATERFALLS : This will be a day of rest and reflection by the beautiful Orkhon waterfalls while experiencing the simple Nomadic life. After herding cattle with the family, you will proceed to the Ulan Tsutgalaan waterfalls by horse or by foot. Formed more than 20,000 years ago by a rare combination of earthquakes and volcanic activity, these 16 meters high waterfalls are simply magical. Spend time taking in the white shimmering mass of water crashing on black stone and splashing a rainbow of colors with the sun. In the evening, pitch in to help prepare and feast on ‘Horhog', also called mongol barbecue, a traditional Mongolian stewed meat dish. WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, MONGOLIAN BARBECUE AND OVERNIGHT WITH A FAMILY, IN A GER FOR GUESTS HIKE/HORSE RIDING : 4 HOURS

STEP 13 - ORKHON VALLEY - KHARKHORIN - KHOGNO KHAN NATIONAL PARK : The legendary city of Genghis Khan was established in 1220 along the Ancient Silk Road. It remained Mongolia’s capital city until Kubilai Khan later moved it to Beijing though the ruins of the great city still remain today. After this you will visit Erdene Zuu monastery which was built in 1586 by a nomad prince. The monastery has been built with inspiration from China and Tibet and is surrounded by 108 sacred stupas. Then we will go to Khogno Khaan National park by Jeep. Following this visit, we go to the Khogno Khan national park, where we will stay in teepees! WESTERN BREAKFAST, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN A TEEPEE CAMP JEEP : 4 HOURS

STEP 14 - KHOGNO KHAN - ULAANBAATAR : In the morning, you will hike in Khogno Khan natural reserve: semi-arid steppes, taiga, amazing rocks; you might spot ibex, wolves and many varieties of hawks. You will visit the Erdene Khambiin, the ‘Erdene monk’s Monastery’. It has been created in the 17th century by Zanabazar, in honour of its teacher Erdene. You will then hike on camel back to Elsen Tasarkhai a strip of sand dunes that stretch 80 km long. A geological marvel given its odd location, this stretch has been called the ‘mini-Gobi’. After your lunch in Eden ger camp, you will depart for Ulaanbaatar. This will be last chance to bid farewell to the Mongolian countryside as you catch your last glimpse of gers, horses and sheep grazing in the steppes. BREAKFAST IN CAMP, LUNCH ON THE WAY, DINNER NOT INCLUDED AND OVERNIGHT IN A HOTEL JEEP : 5 HOURS CAMEL RIDING : 2 HOURS

STEP 15 - DEPARTURE : Breakfast at the hotel. Return transfer can take place at the desired time, depending on your flight time.

Group departures
From 3 to 10 persons : 1200 euros
Tours are guaranteed with three participants minimum.

Private journeys

Private journeys are possible at the dates of your choice at these fares:
2 persons: 1800 euros
3 persons: 1400 euros
4 to 7 persons: 1300 euros
8 to 10 persons : 1100 euros
INCLUDED
Transfers airport / hotel / airport
Local flight
Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar (2 nights)
Breakfast and lunch in Ulaanbaatar on day 1
Full board during the excursion. Mix between western and mongolian meals
4 nights in comfortable yurts camps
4 nights with a family, in a ger for guests
mini bus + 4x4 + driver + Fuel
English speaking guide
Camel riding
Horse riding
Fees to enter parks and museums included in the trip
Mongolian traditional show
material


NOT INCLUDED
international transport
Visa & passport fees
repatriation insurance
travel Insurance
Airport taxes
Extra drinks / alcohol
telephone calls
Dinner in Ulaanbaatar
Any excursion not mentioned