TRAVEL BUDDIES Tour Operator

OUR TOURS :

2011-10-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

We here at "Travel Buddies" tour operator (USEZU co.ltd) are pleased to offer tours with own specialties and satisfied to the customers. Our staff takes care our tourists from the moment to land in Mongolia, take a tour with us and until the last minute to take off from Mongolia while we offer excellent tours with reasonable price . Our main purposes are planning excellent tours with reasonable prices, serving fresh and healthy foods to suit every diet, providing experienced drivers, skillful guides and great chefs and ensuring the up-most safety in transportation.

Our company plan and design tailor made tours to suit your budget and everydesire. Feel free to let us know your thought and plan…

Tours

We have eight toursthat confirmed, satisfied, run by only our company all over the Mongolia. Eachtour has its own characters and taste. Within our tour, we will guarantee thatprovide the opportunity to stay with nomads (cultural exchange), discover bestplaces on routes and taste most of Mongolian dishes with experienced driver andEnglish speaking knowledgeable guide.

Please check out our package tours :

Western Mountain range tour

Orkhon valley heritage tour
Great Bogd adventure tour
Crystal clear Khovsgol lake tour
By ancient people footprint tour

Classic big loop tour

Empty desert Gobi tour

Transportation
We provide reliable four-wheel drive vehicles for the entire tour alongoff-roads. Tracks are only asphalt near the capital. Day horseback and Bactriancamelback adventures challenge you. Mongolian horse is smaller but strong. Forthat reason, the horses live outdoors all year (at 30°C in summer down to -40°Cin winter) and search for food on their own. Russian styled soft saddles areprovided. Bactrian camel front back isgood handle when the camel stands and lies.

Activities

Mostimportant activity we offer is staying with nomadic family to experiencenomadic life through following their daily routine and becoming the member offamily. Based on tour route there are many activities to discover thecountry.

Accommodation

Mongoliatraditional house tent called Ger is provided for the entire trip. Ger isequipped with bed. Ger camp is a small business for local people who buildan extra ger for tourists during the summer. Shower with hot water is available insome of them. However, based on tour route there are tours mostly camping.

Food

There is a few varieties in Mongolian food but delicious. We will serve as much asMongolian traditional food if you enjoy also European food. Khorkhog-Mongolianbarbeque contains of pieces of meat, hot stones and vegetable will be ourspecial dish. Vegetarian food is available. You will taste all types of dairyproducts.

Contributionto the last nomads

There is aphilosophy that our company, and its traveler follow. In return of nomads’hospitality and accepting us as members of the family, we help them giving ourprepared small, essential and yummy presents. A part of income comes fromtourism spend for preparing these presents. Everyone who travels with us isthe contributor for the last nomads. If you want to bring own gratitude for nomads,please check gifts for nomads we suggested.

Invitation letter is free provided for each tour !

Our services:

Finding travel buddies - you can find your travel buddies here.
Tourist information – we can provide the information that you need.
Renting cars – we organize vehicle rentals for traveling around Mongolia.

The staffs at "Travel Buddies" tour operator (USEZU co.ltd) have the great passion to develop and contribute to responsible tourism activities in Mongolia. We look forward to your participation on our tours.

Contact Us:
Email: info@travelbuddies.info
Phone : (+976)95363203 , 95012698
Address: 25-139 , 11th khoroo, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar city, Mongolia

"WESTERN MOUNTAIN RANGE" adventure tour

2011-10-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

Landscape

WesternBeauty tour is great for those who seek adventure, has a desire to meet differentethnic people Kazakh, travel with the spirit of hiking, horse trekking in thevalley of the highest mountain in Mongolia and confident with camping in the remotearea. The scenery is spectacular: endless open steppe, bounded by barren hills,and on the western horizon the snow-peaked mountains of Altai Tavan Bogd inMongol-Altai mountain range. Kazakh people have legendary hospitality towardguests, and their traditional house is very colorful. Kazakh people do many handcrafts on souvenir and bags. Western beauty Mongolia is the most far and beautifulroute.We would also recommend those who come to Mongolia longer period andspirit to discover the remotest place.

Transportation

Four-wheeldrive vehicles are used for the entire tour along off-roads. Tracks are onlyasphalt near the capital. Day horseback and Bactrian camelback adventureschallenge you. Mongolian horse is smaller but strong. For that reason, thehorses live outdoors all year (at 30°C in summer down to -40°C in winter) andsearch for food on their own. Russian styled soft saddles are provided. Bactrian camel front back is good handle whenthe camel stands and lies.

Activities

Staywith Tuva and Kazakh nomadic family to experience nomadic life throughfollowing their daily routine and becoming the member of family.

Accommodation

Most ofthe overnights will be camping. Mongolia traditional house tent called Ger isprovided for a few nights. Ger is equipped with bed. Ger camp is a smallbusiness for local people who build the extra ger for tourists during the summer.Shower with hot water is available in some of them.

Nomadicfamily: Stay with some of the nomadic families or in extra ger.

Food

There is a few varieties in Mongolian food but delicious. We will serve as much asMongolian traditional food if you enjoy also European food. Khazakh nationalmeal will be our special dish. Vegetarian food is available. You will taste alltypes of dairy products.

Contributionto the last nomads

15 days/14 nights

3300 km with car

Meal code: B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner

Ger camp -Mongolian traditional house

Tourist camp

Day 1 Ruin of the ancient capital Karakorum and Erdenezuu monastery

Sain baina uu (this means Hello in Mongolian) We will startour tour heading to Karakorum, the site of the 13^th centuryMongolian empire’s capital, founded by Chinggis Khan. Chinggis Khan establisheda supply base here and his son Ogedei completed. Visit to the ruins andErdenezuu Monastery, biggest monastery of 16^th century surrounded by400m x 400m walls build from the ruin of the ancient capital. Erdenezuu meanshundred treasures and was founded in 1586 and was first Buddhist Monastery inMongolia.
Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 2 Legends ofKhorgo-Terkh national park

In the morning, we will pass by Tsetserleg town-small and well-structured. We will visit Chuluut River which flows in the gorge formed of lava of nearby extinctvolcano such as Khorgo and others. Moreover visit Khorgo-terkh national parkwhich consists of Khorgo volcano and the White lake. Walk up to the crater ofExtinct Khorgo volcano. Lastly we will arrive in White Lake, created as aresult of the eruption of Khorgo volcano and some other volcanoes. Hike aroundthe lake and stay in ger.

B, L, D

Accommodation: Ger camp

Day3 Becomes the family member of nomads.

In the morning, we boil salty milk tea on firewe burnt and have breakfast. Afterward, women will milk the yak and process diaryproduct. Men will help to bring the yaks and cut wood. Altogether go to theriver for drink water by yak-card. We will have Mongolian biscuit, calledBoortsog~ for nomadic lunch. For dinner we will have a special food calledKhorkhog. We learn how to make khorkhog and help them to make it such ascollecting stones, peeling potatoes. etc Lastly, we will help locals givingour prepared small, essential and yummy presents to the family as one of ourpurposes to traveling Mongolia.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day4. Zavkhan province- Lake Telmen

Today we will head to Zavkhanprovoince located in the west. This province occupies a transitional zonebetween the well-watered Khangai mountain range of central Mongolia aand theharsh Great Lakes Depression of western Mongolia. In between the two regions,Zavkhan has its own micro-climates and varied terrain that ranges from snowypeaks to steppe to lakes urrounded by sand dunes. The scenery is some of themost dramatic and varied in the country.

Telmen Lake is a large salt lakehome to migrating waterfowl. We will stay around the lake.

Accommodation: Camping

B, L, D

Day 5. Otgontenger sacred mountain

The highlight of theZavkhan province is snow-capped Otgontenger Mountain, a 4021m hulk at thewestern edge of the Khangai Mountain range. The mountain is one of Mongolia’smost sacred mountains; the spiritual abode, the gods and an important place ofpilgrimage for many Mongolians. Climbing is prohibited by government law. Wewill hike to the Dayan Mountain (2593m) which is the best place to view themountain.

Accommodation: Camping

B, L, D

Day 6. Bor Khyars sand dune

Today, wewill drive to Bayan Lake followed by passing Uliastay city, Erdene khairhan,Zavkhanmandal territories. Also we will see Bor Khar sand dune. This sand coexists along the meandering rivers and lush green forests andvalleys.

Accommodation:Camping

B, L, D

Day 7. Khyargas Lake

In themorning, we will drive to the Khyargas Lake which is one of Mongolia’s largestlakes covering 1,406 square kilometers. The brackish water of the lake is hometo rare fish, including Mongolian Grayling, and we will hike around the lake.

Accommodation:Camping

B, L, D

Day 8. Camp in shore of the largestfreshwater lake

We willdrive to Uvs province, reach the Achit Lake and camp there. Achit is thelargest freshwater lake in the Uvs Aimag(province) of Mongolia, in the west of the country. At anelevation of 1,435 m above sea level it covers an area of 290 km². It is 28 kmslong, 16 kms wide and 10 m deep. The coast is covered with steppes, mostly hilly but swampy on the northwest and northeast.Several rivers also flow into the lake. Together the lakes and surroundingdeserts make up the Ikh Nuuruudiin Khotgor: 39,000 sq-km Great Lakes Depressionthat includes bits of neighboring Khovd and Zavkhan aimags.

Accommodation:Camping

B, L, D

Day 9. Tsagaan river bank

We willdrive to Ulgii city in the western Mongolia and then to Ulaanhus territory.After arriving at Tsagaan river, we will set up tent near the Tsagaan riverbank. The Upper Tsagaan Gol Complex is located in a high, glaciercarved valley in westernmost Mongolia. The valley is broken by two rivers-KharSalaa and Tsagaan Salaa-that rise in the snows and glaciers of Tavan Bogd, theknot of mountains at the juncture of Mongolia, Russia, and China west of theUpper Tsagaan Gol. From Tavan Bogd, therivers flow east around a sacred mountain Shiviit Khairkhan, and join to formthe east flowing Tsagaan Gol.

Accommodation:Camping

B, L, D

Day 10. Tuva family – ethnic tour

We will goto the north of the Tsagaan lake and visit Tuva family in Shiveet Khairhanmountain. We will meet our horsetrekking guide and rent out horses for thetracking.

Accommodation:Tuva family

B, L, D

Day 11. Horsetrekking to Potanianglacier

Hiking andhorse trekking up to the ice river of Altai Tavan Bogd. Shiveet KhairhanMountain is 3943m above the sea level.

Accommodation:Camping

B, L, D

Day 12. Horsetrekking in Malchinmountain

Khuitenmountain is the tallest of the Altai Tavan Bogd mountain which is 4374m abovethe sea level. Hiking and horse trekking in the Malchin mountain which is 4037mabove the sea level.

Accommodation:Camping

B, L, D

Day 13. Shiveet khairkhan mountain

We will godown along the ice river and arrive at Shiveet Khairhan mountain.

Accommodation:Camping

B, L, D

Day 14. Kazakh family visit

Passingthe Tsengel territory, we will visit Kazakh family. We will spend a full daywith the Kazakh families. The Kazakh peoples live a similar herding lifestylelike Mongolians. However, the Kazakh people are Muslims and speak the Kazakhlanguage. The Kazakh people are famous for their intricate handicrafts andamazing needlework. Their yurts (traditional house) are larger than that of aGer, are elaborately decorated with brightly-colored wall hangings and floorrugs. The Kazakh men spend a great deal of time hunting with eagles during thewinter months. These great birds are caught at a young age and trained to catchsmall prey. We will have a chance to see these magnificent birds. We willarrive in Sagsai territory later in the day.

Accommodation:Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 15. Flight to Ulaanbaatar

Today, wewill drive back to Ulgii city and fly back to UB. Arrival and check inaccommodation. Hope you enjoyed all aboutMongolia, its people, nature and activities you made. We believe you shareabout this beautiful hidden gem country, Mongolia to everyone whom you meet andreview your unforgettable memory with us.

B, L

Sights: ancient capital city-Khorgo terkh national park- telmen lake- otgontenger snow-capped mountain-Borkhyars sand dune- Khyargas lake-Tsagaan river bank- shiveet khairkhan mountain-Malchin mountain- Ulgii

ORKHON VALLEY HERITAGE TOUR

2011-10-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

Landscape

This tour isinteresting for those who seek adventure in one of the ranges in Mongolia andexplore historical ad religious site in Orkhon valley cultural heritage. Orkhonvalley cultural heritage is home for centuries to the major political, trade,cultural and religious centers of successive nomadic empires. The Orkhon valleyserved as a crossroad of civilization, linking East and West. The UNESCOregistered the Orkhon valley as a world heritage in 2004. With this program, youwill have the opportunity to do a horse trekking to the Eight Lake which was formedby volcano eruption. As a religion we will visit Tuvkhun temple, which islocated on one of the mountains in Khangai range and Zanabazar (greatest artistand supreme religious leader of Mongolia) used to live, work and meditate there.

Transportation

Four-wheeldrive vehicles are used for the entire tour along off-roads. Tracks are onlyasphalt near the capital. Horseback adventure to the Eight Lake challenges youin wild land. Mongolian horse is smaller but strong. For that reason, the horseslive outdoors all year (at 30°C in summer down to -40°C in winter) and searchfor food on their own. Russian styled soft saddles are provided.

Activities

Staywith nomadic family to experience nomadic life through following their dailyroutine and becoming the member of family. You will have the opportunity to visitreindeer people one of theethnic groups in Mongolia.

Accommodation

Mongoliatraditional house (tent) called Ger is provided for the entire trip. Ger isequipped with bed. Ger camp is a small business for local people who buildan extra ger for tourists during the summer. Shower with hot water is available insome of them.

Nomadic family: Stay with some of the nomadic families or in extrager.

Food

Contributionto the last nomads

There is aphilosophy that our company, and its traveler follow. In return of nomads’hospitality and accepting us as members of the family, we help them giving ourprepared small, essential and yummy presents. A part of income comes fromtourism spend for preparing these presents. Everyone who travels with us is acontributor for the last nomads. If you want to bring own gratitude for nomads,please check gifts for nomads we suggested.

8 days/7 nights

2200 km with car

Meal code: B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner

Ger camp -Mongolian traditional house

Day 1. Ruinof the ancient capital Karakorum andErdenezuu monastery

After breakfast we will pass by Gorge of River Chuluut and driveto Karakorum, the site of the 13^th century Mongolian empire’scapital, founded by Chinggis Khan. Chinggis Khan established a supply base hereand his son Ogedei completed. Visit to the ruins and Erdenezuu Monastery,biggest monastery of 16^th century surrounded by 400m x 400m wallsbuild from the ruins of the ancient capital. Erdenezuu means hundred treasures.The monastery is the first Buddhist Monastery in Mongolia.
Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 2. Pilgrimage centre

We will visit Tuvkhuntempl,e which is located on top of the mountain in Khangai range. Hike 10 kms to thetemple. The monastery is placed in a unique natural rocky landscape where thereis a small cave named "Mother's abdomen". There is a legend that ifone goes through the "Mother's abdomen" the one gets free of all thesin. There are also many historical monuments related to the king such asfinger and foot prints, branch for rest, horse tie etc. We will stay withnomadic family.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day3. Orkhon waterfall

Drive to Orkhon waterfall which islocated in Orkhon river valley. The waterfall formed by volcanic eruptionsabout 20.000 years ago, the waterfall cascades from a height of 20m. It isscenic, tranquil spot and surrounding nature is undisturbed, as such there areopportunities for good walking and riding in the area. The Orkhon River ispristine drink water river, and also it is teemed with a lot species fish suchas taimen, lenok and so on. These day's yak breeder nomads are living in nearthe waterfall. We will stay with nomadic family.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day4. Khuishyn Naiman Nuur Natural Reserve

Today, we will drive to Khyusin NaimanNuur Natural Reserve where our nomadic family is. “Naiman Nuur” /eight lake/ which was created by volcaniceruptions century ago now is part of the 11.500 hectare Khuishyn Naiman NuurNatural Reserve throughUvurkhangai province. Stay with nomadic family.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day 5. Horseback tour to the Eight Lake

Starthorse trekking with the local guide to the Eight Lake which is located on over 2,400 meter abovesea level. The lakes are named Shireet, Khaliut, Bugat, Khaya, Khuis, Onon,Doroo and Bayan-Uul. Two of the smaller lakes are completely dried up, thesecond largest lake Khuis Nuur is dried up to ten percent. The mean airtemperature is minus 8 to minus 6 degree Celsius.

Accommodation: Camping

B, L, D

Day 6. Horsebacktour

Endof the tour we will arrive in our nomadic family.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day 7. Granite Mountain Hugnu Khan

Wewill pass by small sand dune called Mongolwhich is located in between mountain ranges. This is a goodplace for camel trekking and hiking. We will hike there. Afterward drive toGranite Hugnu Khan Granite Mountain that locals worship. There are manyfountains, rare animals and plants in the protected area.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 8 Visit Ruin of Uvgun temple andback to Ulaanbaatar

The ruins of Uvgun Temple are hiddenbehind rocky ridges and cliffs of Hugnukhaan Mountain
in one of its numerous valleys in the southern slope. We will hike to thetemple. Afterward, we will drive back toUlaanbaatar. Hope you enjoyed all aboutMongolia, its people, nature and activities you made. We believe you shareabout this beautiful hidden gem country, Mongolia to everyone whom you meet andreview your unforgettable memory with us.

B, L,

Sights: AncientCapital City Karakorum-Tuvkhun temple-Eight lake- Mongol Els sand dune- HugnuKhan mountain- Ruin of Uvgun temple

GREAT BOGD ADVENTURE TOUR

2011-10-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

Landscape

“GreatBogd” tour is suitable for those who come to Mongolia to discover manydifferent Gobi landscapes with the spirit of adventure, heart for nomads andrespect for Mongolian people beliefs. With this program, you will havethe opportunity to discover the less touristic area south-western Mongolia where issteppe, high mountains, gobi desert, historical site, holy mother rock, bed ofthe sea and ancient people findings. Moreover, we will discover three complexmountains, which are ended of the range and different featured granite rocks inthe steppe. We will meet sacred mountain and rock that Mongolians believe andworship it. Home of ancient people inMongolia is one of the highlight attractions.

Transportation

Activities

Accommodation

Nomadicfamily: Stay with some of the nomadic families or in extra ger.

Food

There isnot many varieties in Mongolian food but delicious. We will serve as much asMongolian traditional food if you enjoy also European food. Khorkhog-Mongolianbarbeque contains of pieces of meat, hot stones and vegetable will be ourspecial dish. Vegetarian food is available. You will taste all types of dairyproducts.

Contributionto the last nomads

14 days/13 nights

3300 km with car

Meal code: B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner

Ger camp -Mongolian traditional house

Tourist camp

Day 1. Holy Mother rock (Eej Khad)

Sain baina uu (this means Hello in Mongolian) We will startour tour heading to the Mother Rock. Mongolianpeople are family-oriented and mother is considered as a living God. There aremany songs and poems about parents but mothers are most. Mother rock isancient, small, dressedby the people in green satin, a dress and a hat, and blue silk scurf hang fromher belt, as well as from lines all across the site and almost insignificant -but big in spirit. Many Mongolians travel there to make offerings of vodka,milk, food, incense and silk scarves. They often visit to seek solace and makethree wishes as they circle the rock three times, and one are supposed to returnon three separate occasions. During communism, visiting Eej Khad was apolitical crime, though some people still went in secret. In the late 1970's, the communists tried to blow therock up and haul it away with a tractor, but to no avail. The next morning,workers awoke to find their tractor burnt and destroyed. According to lore, theofficial who had ordered the destruction died, and his family members becameill. His team members are all said to have suffered bad luck, too. After the visitEej Khad we will drive to Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain to stay there.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B,L,D

Day2. Rock hiking in the steppe

Ikh Gazriin chuluu is amountain of granite rock in the Gobi desert with a peak of 1706m high. It isafforded the opportunity to visit this interesting site. These Rocky Mountains aresituated in Gurvansaikhan sum of Dundgov aimag. They spread out from west toeast covering about 20 kilometers. There many interesting long caves toexplore. Also there is a statue dedicated for long singer Norovbanzad. Therehas an open theatre of national Long song of Mongolia. We will hike to the rockto discover the area.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B,L,D

Day3. Limestone cliff Tsagaan suvarga

Tsagaan suvarga is an area of 30-m high white limestoneformations and abeautiful part of the desert. We will drive to a set of eroded limestonecliffs, from where you have a fantastic view over the desert floor down below,which bore colors from white and yellow to pink and deep red. We will stay withnomadic family there.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day4. Hiking in Ice Valley called Yolyn Am

Our today’sdestination is Vulture Valley (Yolyn Am), valley in the middle of the GobiDesert, with metres-thick ice for most of the year. We will have breath-takingcool air through hiking in the valley following the stream, leads to anice-filled gorge about 2kms. In entrance, we will visit the small museum of acollection of dinosaur eggs and bones, stuffed birds and snow leopard.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 5 The longest singing sand dunein Mongolia-Khongor

After breakfast we will leaveVulture valley heading to Khongor Sand Dune. Empty steppe where lies manybranches of road, mirage of the Gobi, the distance between Gers are common viewof very Southern Mongolia. We will have lunch on the way. Khongor sand dunesare some of the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia. They areup to 300m high, 12 km wide and about 180km long. Gobi desert in Mongolia isunlike Sahara there are green grasslands, oasis and grazers. The climate here is extreme.Temperatures reach +40° C at highest in summer, and -40 in winter. Khongor sanddune is in Great Gobi National which contains the last remaining wild Bactrian(two-humped) camels, wild ass, and a small population of Gobi bears, the onlydesert-inhabiting bears. We will climb to the top of sanddune and see sunset there. Views of deserts from the top are wonderful.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 6. Landof dinosaur Bayanzag

Today our destination isBayanzag known as Flamming cliff where first excavated in 1922, renownedworldwide for number of dinosaur bones and eggs found. It is a classic desertof rock, red sands, scrub, sun and awesome emptiness.Gobi always amazes people with its emptiness and feeling midst of nowhere.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day7 Camel trekking in saxual shrub forest and hiking in red sand

After breakfast we will discover saxaul shrubs forestthrough riding two humped Bactrian camel for a few hours. Saxual shrub is Gobishort (2-4 meters) woody shrub that helps to protect fragile Gobi soils from damage and erosion, regulatewater supply, serve as a barrier to sand movement. They also provide habitatfor animals and firewood for local people. After the camel trekking we willhave lunch and hike around red sand.

Accommodation: Gercamp

B, L, D

Day 8. SacredMountain Baga Bogd

Baga Bogd sacredmountain is located in Uvurkhangai province , 3584 m high above sea level. BagaBogd, Ikh Bogd and Art Bogd these mountains are next to each other and end ofMongol-Altayn Mountain range. Baga and Ikh Bogd Mountains are a few of snowcapped mountains in Gobi desert zone. There are many rare animals habitat inBaga Bogd specially Snow Leopard. We wil hike around and camp there.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day 9. Sacred Mountain Ikh Bogd

This time we will discoverGreat Bogd as our tour highlighted. There are three high mountain ranges inMongolia called Altayn range, Hangayn range and Khenteyn range. Khenteyn and Hangayn range lie on central and northernMongolia. Altayn range consists of Mongol Altayn range and Govi – Altay subranges with 1500 km length. Ikh Bogd Snow capped Mountain is the highest peakof Govi-Altay sub range and 3900m high above sea level. People from Governmentand locals worshipped the mountain building hill stone on the top. There is aSalty Lake called Orog in mountainside. Ikh Bogd sacred mountain had brokeninto gorge and partially collapsed by earthquake in1957. The gorge is 100km long. We willexplore the gorge.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day 10. Ancientrock engravings

Today we will seehistorical sight Bichigtyn Am. Bichigtiin am is home to the greatest complex of rockdrawings in Asia, with approximately 1,000 petroglyphs drawn by members of theHunnu people and other tribes of Nomadic empires on hundreds of exposed rocksdating from the 3000 BCE to the 8th century; cosmological, figurative, andcartographic motifs are featured, in some locations forming monumental huntingand ritual `scenes´. Wild sheep, ibex, deer, wolf, snow leopard many differentanimals are drawn on the rock. Bichigtiin am has one of the world’s greatest collections of prehistoricpetro glyphs – figures carved in the rock over a period of 5,000 years anddepicting themes connected with animal husbandry, navigation, war andmagic.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day11. Ancient people home

We will hike to theancient people home White Cave. White Cave (Tsagaan agui) is situated in narrowgorge, the cave once housed Stone Age people 700,000 – 800,000 years ago. Itfeatures a crystal-lined inner chamber. Scientists found out the Gobi desert inMongolia was covered by forest, weather was rainy and used to reach -18 celcuis as coldest in winter 730 thousandyears ago based on findings from The White Cave. This crystal cave is 40 meterslong. After visit the cave we will drive to the territory of Uvurkhangaiprovince to camp there.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day12. Secret of Ongi monastery

Today we will drive to Ongiinkhiid, the unique 17^th century sole monastery at the heart of thedesert. Formerly Ongi was one of the biggest Buddhist monasterieswhere around thousand lamas used to stay and practice in Buddhism.Unfortunately, the monastery was ruined during political repression 1937-1939.Theruin of the monastery represents the spread of strong Buddhism into Mongolians underChinese rule and politicalrepression under socialist rule impacted by the Soviet Union in Mongolia. Thevast majority of the more than 700 monasteries in Mongolia were also destroyedand around 25000 lamas killed during the political repression in Mongolia. Wewill hike exploring the ruin of monastery which is located in east Shore of OngiRiver.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day13. Rock climbing

We will drive to Baga Gazriin Chuluu passing by small LakeHairhan. Baga gazriin chuluu is one of the granite rock formations where largegranite pinnacles and windings canyons that will make our hiking and rockclimbing great for next few hours. We will spend our first overnight stayingwith nomadic family living in steppe zone and experience a bit taste of theirnomadic lifestyle.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day14. Back to Ulaanbaatar

We will have lunch in mountainsidecalled Zorgol Khairkhan which is granite rock formation, 1600m high above sealevel and one of the beautiful mountains in the Gobi. Afterward drive back toUlaanbaatar capital. Afterward we willdrive back to Ulaanbaatar city after long adventure and classic trip. Hope youenjoyed all about Mongolia, its people, nature and activities you made. Webelieve you share about this beautiful hidden gem country, Mongolia to everyonewhom you meet and review your unforgettable memory with us.

B, L

Sights: Holy Motherrock- Ikh gazriin chuluu- Tsagaan suvarga-,National Park Gobi Gurvan Saikhan - Natural beauty Yolyn Am - Sand dunesKhongor - dinosaur site Bayanzag – Baga bogd mountain- Ikh Bogd mountain-Bichigt had- White cave- Ongi monastery ruins - Mountain Natural beauty BagaGazryn Chuluu – Zorgol khairkhan mountain

CLEAR CRYSTAL KHOVSGOL LAKE

2011-10-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

Landscape

This tour is for thoseyou want to travel through wide green grassland, rushing river, forest, highmountains and empty steppe. With this program, you will have the opportunities tosee historical sites in central Mongolia, discover Khorgo-Terkh national parkformed by volcanic eruption and visit the freshest lake in the north. Climatein Northern Mongolia is extreme and medium dry. July and August are rainingseason and it makes the landscape even more beautiful.

Transportation

Four-wheeldrive vehicles are used for the entire tour along off-roads. Tracks are onlyasphalt near the capital. Day horseback adventure challenges you in lava area.Mongolian horse is smaller but strong. For that reason, the horses live outdoorsall year (at 30°C in summer down to -40°C in winter) and search for food ontheir own. Russian styled soft saddles are provided.

Activities

Accommodation

Nomadic family: Stay with some of the nomadic families or in extrager.

Food

Contributionto the last nomads

There is aphilosophy that our company, and its traveler follow. In return of nomads’hospitality and accepting us as members of the family, we help them giving ourprepared small, essential and yummy presents. A part of income comes fromtourism spend for preparing these presents. Everyone who travels with us is acontributor for the last nomads. If you want to bring own gratitude for nomads,please check gifts for nomads we suggested.

11 days/10 nights

2200 km with car

Meal code: B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner

Ger camp -Mongolian traditional house

Tourist camp

Day 1.Second biggest Buddhist monastery -Amarbayasgalant

Sain baina uu (this means Hello inMongolian) We will start our tour heading to the north where there is thesecond most important monastery in Mongolia after Erdene Zuu, and was built byZanabazar in the 18th century. It was badly damaged during the religious purgesof the 1930s but restoration work has brought the monastery back to somethinglike its former glory. The area around the monastery is justly famous for itsbeautiful wild flowers and is a lovely place to spend some time relaxing,hiking and camping. We will visit and walk around the monastery.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day2. Short visit in Second biggest city Erdenet and visitUran volcano

In the morning, we will visit Erdenetcity and drive to the volcano Uran. It is a dormant volcano, and its surroundingis very beautiful. Most of the families live in this area make Mongoliantraditional house Ger wall by wood, which cut from the forest. They have goodsources to make a fire. We will stayaround the Selenge River which is Major River drains to Baikal Lake in Mongolia

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 3. Crystal clear Khovsgol Lake

Today, we will arrive at LakeKhuvsgul, which is the deepest fresh water lake in Central Asia. It is a huge2750 square km Alpine lake (130km in length and 30 km in width) surrounded bymountain chains of more than 2000meters high, thick pine forests and lushmeadow with grazing yaks and horses. More than 1000 small rivers and streamsfeed the lake with crystal-clear water. Water exists the lake through only oneriver, the Egiin, whose waters eventually reach the Baikal Lake. The lakecontains about 1.5% of the world’s fresh water. Tourists call it the‘Switzerland of Mongolia’.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day4. Reindeer people Tsaatan and hiking (boating)

Today, wewill visit reindeer herder family, which is one of the attractions in Khuvsgularea. The Tsaatan are part of the Tuvan ethnic group, which inhabits the TuvanRepublic of Russia. Tsaatan lives in ort (tepee) traditional Tsaatan is strongpractitioners of Shamanism. Afterward, we will drive to the Hyasaa pass (cliff) where you can see whole beautifulKhuvsgul Lake from the top of the cliff. In order to the reach the cliff topyou will trek from the cliff pass. Boat riding is an option. Hope you enjoy the scenery J

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 5. Drive over high mountains

Today, we will drive over highmountains through passes. Northern Mongolia is considered as Taiga zone thewildest and virgin land. We will visit Zuun nuur, a large lake which is locatedin High Mountain. An interesting headland jutting into the lake ends with astick ovoo(collected stones).Hike around the lake.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day6. Tsagaan nuur- White Lake

Our today’s destination is Great White Lake, created as aresult of a 4050cm thick basaltic blockage of Terkh River following theeruption of Khorgo and some other volcanoes. Lastly, we will arrive in ournomadic family there.

Accommodation: Nomadicfamily

B,L, D

Day 7. Becomes the family member of nomads.

In the morning, we boil salty milk tea on firewe burnt and have breakfast. Afterward, women will milk the yak and process diaryproduct. Men will help to bring the yaks and cut wood. Altogether go to thefountain for drink water by yak-card. We will have Mongolian biscuit, calledBoortsog~ for nomadic lunch. For dinner, we will have a special food calledKhorkhog. We learn how to make khorkhog and help them to make it such as collectingstones, peeling potatoes.etc

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day 8. Horse trekking to the extinct Khorgo Volcano

In the morning, we will start our horse trekking to the extinctvolcano called Khorgo. Extinct Khorgo volcano is 200m wide, 100m deep and hasthe double crater. Behind the volcano and crater pine trees were grown. On the way,we will visit many caves under the volcano lavas. We will hike from base ofvolcano up to the crater and views of Great White Lake and lavas from thecrater are wonderful. In the afternoon, we will be back to the lake and trekaround the lake while bird watching.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 9. Hot spa Tsenkher

Mongolia is rich in natural hot springs that visitors shouldtry. Tsenkher hot spring is second hottest spring 65-90°С in Mongolia. Thespring contains hydro sulfuric acid and unity of silica. Let’s have been relaxing time in bathhousein Mongolia.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 10.Ruin of the ancient capital city Karakorum and Erdenezuu monastery

After breakfast, we will pass by Gorge of River Chuluut and driveto Karakorum, the site of the 13^th century Mongolian empire’s capital,founded by Chinggis Khan. Chinggis Khan established a supply base, here and hisson Ogedei completed. Visit to the ruin and Erdenezuu Monastery, biggestmonastery of 16^th century surrounded by 400m x 400m walls build fromthe ruin of the ancient capital. Erdenezuu means hundred treasures. Themonastery is the first Buddhist Monastery in Mongolia.
Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day11. Small sand dune Mongol

Today, our destination is Mongolsmall sand dune, which is located in between mountain ranges. This is a good placefor camel trekking and hiking. Afterward, we will drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Hope you enjoyed all about Mongolia, itspeople, nature and activities you made. We believe you share about thisbeautiful hidden gem country, Mongolia to everyone whom you meet and review yourunforgettable memory with us.

B, L,

Sights: ExtinctVolcano Uran - National Park Lake Khuvsgul - Mountain Pass Orookh- NationalPark Khorgo Terkh- River Canyon Chuluut - Rock Taikhar – Ancient Capital City-Mongol Els sand dune

CLASSIC BIG LOOP TOUR

2011-10-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

Landscape

Classicbig loop tour is great for those who come to Mongolia for longer period anddesire to explore the country from many different sides. With this program, youwill have the opportunity to discover the southern-central-northern Mongolia as abig loop covering almost 40 % of whole Mongolian attractions and beautifullandscapes changing dramatically from steppe to Gobi desert and forest zone to the mountainousarea in boreal forest zone.

Transportation

Four-wheeldrive vehicles are used for the entire tour along off-roads. Tracks are onlyasphalt near the capital.Day horseback and Bactrian camelback adventureschallenge you. Mongolian horse is smaller but strong. For that reason, thehorses live outdoors all year (at 30°C in summer down to -40°C in winter) andsearch for food on their own. Russian styled soft saddles are provided. Bactrian camel front back is good handle whenthe camel stands and lies.

Activities

Accommodation

Mongoliatraditional house tent called Ger is provided for the entire trip. Ger isequipped with bed. Ger camp is a small business for local people who build an extra ger for tourists during the summer. Shower with hot water is available insome of them.

Nomadicfamily: Stay with some of the nomadic families or in extra ger.

Food

There is few varieties in Mongolian food but delicious. We will serve as much asMongolian traditional food if you enjoy also European food. Khorkhog-Mongolianbarbeque contains of pieces of meat, hot stones and vegetable will be ourspecial dish. Vegetarian food is available. You will taste all types of dairyproducts.

Contributionto the last nomads

There is aphilosophy that our company, and its traveler follow. In return of nomads’ hospitalityand accepting us as members of the family, we help them giving our preparedsmall, essential and yummy presents. A part of income comes from tourism spendfor preparing these presents. Everyone who travels with us is the contributor forthe last nomads. If you want to bring own gratitude for nomads, please checkgifts for nomads we suggested.

Classic big loop tour with flight

Thistour version is for those who have limited time to visit in Mongolia and willto shortcut this tour. There is the flight from Ulaanbaatar to southgobi and returnflight is from Khuvsgul (north) to Ulaanbaatar. There will be same guide anddriver for the entire trip. This tour takes 12days in total. Attractionsbetween Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad and Khuvsgul to Ulaanbaatar will be cut. Ifyou are interested in this tour, please contact us.

Itinerary

15 days/14 nights

3300 km with car

Meal code: B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner

Ger camp -Mongolian traditional house

Tourist camp

Day 1. Rock climbing in Middle Gobi

Sain baina uu (this means Hello inMongolian) We will start our tour heading to the Middle Gobi. Middle Gobi is semi-arid steppe where you mayencounter medical herbs, rare animals such as wild sheep, ibex, antelope, black-tailed antelope, marmot, fox, lynx, wild cat, badger and birds include eagle,kite, swan, pallous and sand grouse. After few hours driving south ofUlaanbaatar, we will have lunch in mountainside called Zorgol Khairkhan whichis granite rock formation, 1600m high above sea level and one of the beautifulmountains in the Gobi. Wewill arrive in Baga Gazriin Chuluu passing by small Lake Hairhan. Baga gazriinchuluu is one of the granite rock formations where large granite pinnacles andwindings canyons that will make our hiking and rock climbing great for next fewhours. We will spend our first overnight staying with nomadic family living inthe steppe zone and experience a bit taste of their nomadic lifestyle. Accommodation:Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day 2. Landof dinosaur Bayanzag

Today, our destination isBayanzag known as Flamming cliff where first excavated in 1922, renownedworldwide for a number of dinosaur bones and eggs found. It is a classic desertof rock, red sands, scrub, sun and awesome emptiness.Gobi always amazes people with its emptiness and feeling midst of nowhere.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day3 Camel trekking in saxual shrub forest and hiking in red sand

After breakfast, we will discover saxaul shrub's forestthrough riding two humped Bactrian camel for a few hours. Saxual shrub is Gobishort (2-4 meters) woody shrub that helps to protect fragile Gobi soils from damage and erosion, regulatewater supply, serve as a barrier to sand movement. They also provide habitatfor animals and firewood for local people. After the camel trekking, we will havelunch and hike around red sand.

Accommodation: Gercamp

Day 4 Hiking in Ice Valley called Yolyn Am

Our today’sdestination is Vulture Valley (Yolyn Am), valley in the middle of the GobiDesert, with metres-thick ice for most of the year. We will have breath-taking cool air throughhiking in the valley following the stream, leads to an ice-filled gorge about2kms. In entrance, we will visit the small museum of a collection of dinosaur eggsand bones, stuffed birds and snow leopard.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 5 The longest singing sand dunein Mongolia-Khongor

After breakfast, we will leaveVulture valley heading to Khongor Sand Dune. Empty steppe where lies manybranches of road, mirage of the Gobi, the distances between Gers are the common viewsof very Southern Mongolia. We will have lunch on the way. Khongor sand dunesare some of the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia. They areup to 300m high, 12 kms wide and about 180km long. Gobi desert in Mongolia isunlike Sahara there are green grasslands, oasis and grazers. The climate here is extreme. Temperaturesreach +40° C at highest in summer, and -40 in winter. Khongor sand dune is inGreat Gobi National which contains the last remaining wild Bactrian(two-humped) camels, wild ass, and a small population of Gobi bears, the onlydesert-inhabiting bears. We will climb to the top of sanddune and see sunset there. Views of deserts from the top are wonderful.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 6 Secrets of Ongi monastery

Today, we will drive to Ongiinkhiid, the unique 17^th century sole monastery at the heart of thedesert. Formerly, Ongi was one of the biggest Buddhist monasterieswhere around thousand lamas used to stay and practice in Buddhism.Unfortunately, the monastery was ruined during political repression 1937-1939.Theruin of the monastery represents the spread of strong Buddhism into Mongolians underChinese rule and politicalrepression under socialist rule impacted by the Soviet Union in Mongolia. Thevast majorities of the more than 700 monasteries in Mongolia were also destroyedand around 25000 lamas killed during the political repression in Mongolia. Wewill hike exploring the ruin of the monastery which is located in east Shore of OngiRiver.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 7 Ruins of the ancient capital Karakorum and Erdenezuu monastery

Drive to Karakorum, the site of the 13^th centuryMongolian empire’s capital, founded by Chinggis Khan. Chinggis Khan establisheda supply base here, and his son Ogedei completed. Visit to the ruins and ErdenezuuMonastery, biggest monastery of 16^th century surrounded by 400m x400m walls build from the ruins of the ancient capital. Erdenezuu means hundredtreasures and was founded in 1586 and was first Buddhist Monastery in Mongolia.
Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 8 Legends ofKhorgo-Terkh national park

In the morning, we will pass by Tsetserleg town which issmall and well-structured. We will visit Chuluut River which flows in the gorge formed of lava of the nearby extinctvolcano such as Khorgo and others. Moreover, visit Khorgo-terkh national park,which consists of Khorgo volcano and the White lake. Walk up to the crater ofExtinct Khorgo volcano. Lastly, we will arrive in White Lake, created as aresult of the eruption of Khorgo volcano and some other volcanoes. Hike aroundthe lake and stay in ger.

B, L, D

Accommodation: Ger

Day 9 Horseback adventure

Today, we will go for nomadic family on horseback to north ofthe Lake. Late afternoon we will arrive in nomadic family to experience thelifestyle, learn from them through having the conversation and helping. We willhave traditional Mongolian food for dinner.

B, L, D

Accommodation: Nomadic family

Day10 Becomes the family member of nomads.

In the morning, we boil salty milk tea on firewe burnt and have breakfast. Afterward, women will milk the yak and process diaryproduct. Men will help to bring the yaks and cut wood. Altogether go to theriver for drink water by yak-card. We will have Mongolian biscuit, calledBoortsog~ for nomadic lunch. For dinner, we will have a special food calledKhorkhog. We learn how to make khorkhog and help them to make it such ascollecting stones, peeling potatoes. etc Lastly we will help locals givingour prepared small, essential and yummy presents to the family as one of ourpurposes to traveling Mongolia.

B, L, D

Accommodation: Nomadic family

Day11 Drives over high mountains

Today, we will drive over highmountains through passes. Northern Mongolia is considered as Taiga zone … Wewill visit Zuun nuur, a large lake which is located in high mountain. An interesting headland jutting into the lakeends with a stick ovoo(collected stone). Hike around the lake.

Accommodation: Ger

B, L, D

Day 12 Crystal clears Khovsgol Lake

Today, we will arrive at Lake Khovsgolwhich is the deepest fresh water lake in Central Asia. It is a huge 2750 squarekm Alpine lake (130km in length and 30 km in width) surrounded by mountainchains of more than 2000meters high, thick pine forests and lush meadow withgrazing yaks and horses. More than 1000 small rivers and streams feed the lakewith crystal-clear water. Water exists the lake through only one river, theEgiin, whose waters eventually reach the Baikal Lake. The lake contains about1.5% of the world’s fresh water. Tourists call it the ‘Switzerland of Mongolia’.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day13 Reindeer People Tsaatan

Today, wewill visit reindeer herder family, which is one of the attractions in Khovsgolarea. Photograph reindeers. The Tsaatan is a part of the Tuvan ethnic group,which inhabits the Tuvan Republic of Russia. Tsaatan lives in ort (tepee)traditional Tsaatan is strong practitioners of Shamanism. Afterward, wewill drive to the Hyasaa pass (cliff) whereyou can see whole Blue Pearl l Khovsgol Lake from the top of the cliff. Trek tothe cliff passes to reach the top.

Hope you enjoy thescenery J

Day14 Major River Selenge

We willsee Selenge River, which is major river drains to Baikal Lake in Mongolia.Afterward, we will stay with our last nomadic family who lives inthe forest zone. Most of the families live in this area make Mongoliantraditional house Ger wall by wood, which cut from the forest. They have goodsources to make a fire. We will help locals giving our prepared small, essentialand yummy presents to the family as one of our purposes to traveling Mongolia.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 15 Visits Uran Volcano and BayartaiJ- means Good-bye in Mongolian

In the morning, we will visit the volcanoUran. It is a dormant volcano and its surrounding is very beautiful. Afterward, we will drive back to Ulaanbaatarcity after the long adventure and classic trip. Hope you enjoyed all aboutMongolia, its people, nature and activities you made. We believe you share aboutthis beautiful hidden gem country, Mongolia to everyone whom you meet andreview your unforgettable memory with us.

Sights: Naturalbeauty Baga Gazryn Chuluu, National Park Gobi Gurvan Saikhan - Natural beautyYolyn Am - Sand dunes Khongor - dinosaur site Bayanzag - Ongi monastery ruins -Karakorum ancient capital - Tsetserleg town - Mountain Pass Tsagaan - RockTaikhar - River Canyon Chuluut - National Park Khorgo-Terkh - Mountain PassOrookh - River Valley Toin - National Park Lake Khuvsgul – Chief Selenge river-Extinct Volcano Uran

BY ANCIENT PEOPLE FOOTPRINT TOUR

2011-10-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

Landscape

Thistour is excellent for those basically focus on far central Mongolia, includingancient capital city, extinct volcano, snow-capped mountain, historical placesand middle Gobi. The scenery is spectacular: endless open steppe, bounded bybarren hills, and in the central horizon the snow-peaked mountain Otgontenger.Route passes through one of the most remote areas in Mongolia and fewer tourists gothere. Route pass through the province occupies a transitional zonebetween the well-watered Khangai mountain range of central Mongolia and theharsh Great Lakes Depression of western Mongolia and the province which is richin ancient findings. Climate will be extreme from going to Khangai (forestzone), snow capped mountain, diverse Gobi and Middles Gobi.

Transportation

Activities

Accommodation

Nomadicfamily: Stay with some of the nomadic families or in extra ger.

Food

Contributionto the last nomads

Itinerary

14 days/13 nights

3300 km with car

Meal code: B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner

Ger camp -Mongolian traditional house

Tourist camp

Day 1 Ruins of the ancient capital Karakorum and Erdenezuu monastery

Sain baina uu (this means Hello in Mongolian) We will startour tour heading to Karakorum, the site of the 13^th centuryMongolian empire’s capital, founded by Chinggis Khan. Chinggis Khan establisheda supply base, here and his son Ogedei completed. Visit to the ruins andErdenezuu Monastery, biggest monastery of 16^th century surrounded by400m x 400m walls build from the ruin of the ancient capital . Erdenezuu meanshundred treasures and was founded in 1586 and was first Buddhist Monastery inMongolia.
Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 2 Legends ofKhorgo-Terkh national park

In the morning, we will pass by Tsetserleg town-small and well-structured. We will visit Chuluut River which flows in the gorge formed of lava of the nearby extinctvolcano such as Khorgo and others. Moreover, visit Khorgo-terkh national park, whichconsists of Khorgo volcano and the White lake. Walk up to the crater of ExtinctKhorgo volcano. Lastly, we will arrive in White Lake, created as a result of theeruption of Khorgo volcano and some other volcanoes. Hike around the lake andstay in ger.

B, L, D

Accommodation: Ger

Day3 Becomes the family member of nomads.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day4. Zavkhan province- Lake Telmen

Today, we will head to Zavkhanprovoince located in the west. This province occupies a transitional zonebetween the well-watered Khangai mountain range of central Mongolia aand theharsh Great Lakes Depression of western Mongolia. In between the two regions,Zavkhan has its own micro-climates and varied terrain that range from snowypeaks to steppe to lakes surrounded by sand dunes. The scenery is some of themost dramatic and varied in the country.

Telmen Lake is a large salt lakehome to migrating waterfowl. We will stay around the lake.

Accommodation: Camping

B, L, D

Day 5. Otgontenger sacred mountain

Accommodation: Camping

B, L, D

Day 6. Bayankhongor province

Today, we will drive to Bayankhongor province and stay in one territory. Bayankhongoris one of the most diverse provinces in the Gobi, this one has mountains in thenorth, deserts in the south, a handful of lakes and rivers, hot springs and areal oasis in the far south of the province.

Accommodation: Camping

B, L, D

Day7. Boon Tsagaan Lake

We will drive to Boon Tsagaan Lakeand walk around there. This lake is large saltwater lake at the end of BaidragGol is popular with birdlife, especially relic gull, whooper swan and goose.

The lake is 24kmlength, 16km wide and 15m deep.

Accommodation: Camping

B, L, D

Day 8. Sacred Mountain Ikh Bogd

This time we willdiscover Great Bogd as our tour highlighted. There are three high mountainranges in Mongolia called Altayn range, Hangayn range and Khenteyn range.Khenteyn and Hangayn range lie oncentral and northern Mongolia. Altayn range consists of Mongol Altayn range andGovi – Altay sub ranges with 1500 km length. Ikh Bogd Snow capped Mountain isthe highest peak of Govi-Altay sub range and 3900m high above sea level. Peoplefrom Government and locals worshipped the mountain building hill stone on thetop. There is a Salty Lake called Orog in mountainside. Ikh Bogd sacredmountain had broken into the gorgeand partiallycollapsed by the earthquake in 1957. Thegorge is 100km long. We will explore the gorge.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day 9. Ancientrock engravings

Today, we will see a historical sight called Bichigtyn Am. Bichigtiin am is home to the greatest complex of rockdrawings in Asia, with approximately 1,000 petroglyphs drawn by members of theHunnu people and other tribes of Nomadic empires on hundreds of exposed rocksdating from the 3000 BCE to the 8th century; cosmological, figurative, andcartographic motifs are featured, in some locations forming monumental huntingand ritual `scenes´. Wild sheep, ibex, deer, wolf, snow leopard many differentanimals are drawn on the rock. Bichigtiin am has one of the world’s greatest collections of prehistoricpetro glyphs – figures carved in the rock over a period of 5,000 years anddepicting themes connected with animal husbandry, navigation, war andmagic.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day10. Ancient people home

We will hike to theancient people home White Cave. White Cave (Tsagaan agui) is situated in the narrowgorge, the cave once housed Stone Age people 700,000 – 800,000 years ago. Itfeatures a crystal-lined inner chamber. Scientists found out the Gobi desert inMongolia was covered by forest. Weather was rainy and used to reach -18 celcuis as coldest in winter 730 thousandyears ago based on findings from The White Cave. This crystal cave is 40 meterslong. After the visit the cave we will drive to the territory of Uvurkhangaiprovince to camp there.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day11. Secret of Ongi monastery

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day13. Rock climbing

We will drive to Baga Gazriin Chuluu passing by small LakeHairhan. Baga gazriin chuluu is one of the granite rock formations where largegranite pinnacles and windings canyons that will make our hiking and rockclimbing great for next few hours. We will spend our first overnight stayingwith nomadic family living in the steppe zone and experience a bit taste of theirnomadic lifestyle.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day14. Back to Ulaanbaatar

We will have lunch in mountainsidecalled Zorgol Khairkhan which is granite rock formation, 1600m high above sealevel and one of the beautiful mountains in the Gobi. Afterward, drive back toUlaanbaatar capital. Afterward we willdrive back to Ulaanbaatar city after the long adventure and classic trip. Hope youenjoyed all about Mongolia, its people, nature and activities you made. Webelieve you share about this beautiful hidden gem country, Mongolia to everyonewhom you meet and review your unforgettable memory with us.

B, L

Sights: Holy Mother rock- Ikhgazriin chuluu- Tsagaan suvarga-, National Park Gobi Gurvan Saikhan- Natural beauty Yolyn Am - Sand dunes Khongor - dinosaur site Bayanzag – Bagabogd mountain- Ikh Bogd mountain- Bichigt had- White cave- Ongi monastery ruins- Mountain Natural beauty Baga Gazryn Chuluu – Zorgol khairkhan mountain

EMPTY DESERT GOBI TOUR

2011-10-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

Landscapes

This tour is suitablefor those who want to travel to Gobi Desert unlike Sahara and empty Gobisteppe. Hiking in Ice Valley, exploring the dinosaur site, climbing to the highsand dune are challenging adventure and highlights in this program. Furthermore, youwill meet kindest Mongolian people in Gobi and appreciate their hospitality. By contrast, summer time temperaturesin the Gobi desert climb as high as 104° F (40° C) and generally dry. Riding Bactrian two-humped camel isanother experience.

Transportation

Activities

Accommodation

Nomadic family: Stay with some of the nomadic families or in extrager.

Food

There isa few varieties in Mongolian food but delicious. We will serve as much asMongolian traditional food if you enjoy also European food. Khorkhog-Mongolianbarbeque contains of pieces of meat, hot stones and vegetable will be ourspecial dish. Vegetarian food is available. You will taste all types of dairyproducts.

Contributionto the last nomads

There is aphilosophy that our company, and its traveler follow. In return of nomads’hospitality and accepting us as members of the family, we help them giving ourprepared small, essential and yummy presents. A part of income comes fromtourism spend for preparing these presents. Everyone who travels with us is the contributor for the last nomads. If you want to bring own gratitude for nomads,please check gifts for nomads we suggested.

Tour itinerary

8 days/ 7 nights

2200 km with car

Meal code: B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner

Ger camp -Mongolian traditional house

Day 1. Rock climbing in Middle Gobi

Naturalbeauty Baga Gazryn Chuluu

Sain baina uu (this means Hello inMongolian) We will start our tour heading to the Middle Gobi. Middle Gobi is semi-arid steppe where you mayencounter medical herbs, rare animals such as wild sheep, ibex, antelope, black-tailed antelope, marmot, fox, lynx, wild cat, badger and birds include eagle,kite, swan and sand grouse. After few hours driving to the southof Ulaanbaatar, we will have lunch in mountainside called Zorgol Khairkhanwhich is granite rock formation, 1600m high above sea level and one of thebeautiful mountains in the Gobi. We will arrive in Baga Gazriin Chuluu passing by small Lake Hairhan. Bagagazriin chuluu is one of the granite rock formations where large granitepinnacles and windings canyons. We will spend our first overnight staying withnomadic family living in the steppe zone and experience a bit taste of theirnomadic lifestyle.

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day 2. Limestone cliff Tsagaansuvarga

Accommodation: Nomadic family

B, L, D

Day 3. Hiking in Ice Valley called Yolyn Am

Our today’sdestination is Vulture Valley (Yoliin Am), valley in the middle of the GobiDesert, with metres-thick ice for most of the year. We will have breath-taking cool air throughhiking in the valley following the stream, leads to an ice-filled gorge about2kms. In entrance,we will visit the small museum of a collection of dinosaur eggsand bones, stuffed birds and snow leopard.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 4.The longest singing sand dune Khongor

After breakfast,we will leaveVulture valley heading to Khongor Sand Dune. Empty steppe where lies manybranches of road, mirage of the Gobi, the distances between Gers are the common viewsof very Southern Mongolia. We will have lunch on the way. Khongor sand dunesare some of the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia. They areup to 300m high, 12 kms wide and about 180km long. Gobi desert in Mongolia isunlike Sahara there are green grasslands, oasis and grazers. The climate here is extreme.Temperatures reach +40° C at highest in summer, and -40 in winter. Khongor sanddune is in Great Gobi National which contains the last remaining wild Bacterian(two-humped) camels, wild ass, and a small population of Gobi bears, the onlydesert-inhabiting bears.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 5. Land of dinosaur Bayanzag

Dinosaur site Bayanzag

Today, our destination isBayanzag known as Flamming cliff where first excavated in 1922, renownedworldwide for the number of dinosaur bones and eggs found. It is a classic desertof rock, red sands, scrub, sun and awesome emptiness. Gobialways amazes people with its emptiness and feeling midst of nowhere. We willride the camel to discover the red cliff.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 6.Secret of Ongi monastery

Ongi monastery

Today,we will drive to Ongiinkhiid, the unique 17^th century sole monastery at the heart of thedesert. Formerly, Ongi was one of the biggest Buddhist monasterieswhere around thousand lamas used to stay and learn from Buddhism.Unfortunately, the monastery was ruined during political repression 1937-1939.Theruin of the monastery signs spread of strong Buddhism into Mongolians underChinese rule and politicalrepression under socialist rule impacted by the Soviet Union in Mongolia. Thevast majorities of the more than 700 monasteries in Mongolia were also destroyedand around 25000 lamas killed during the political repression in Mongolia. Wewill hike exploring the ruin of the monastery which is located in east Shore of OngiRiver.

Accommodation: Ger camp

B, L, D

Day 7. Ruin of the ancient capital Karakorum and Erdenezuumonastery

Drive to Karakorum, the site of the 13^th centuryMongolian empire’s capital, founded by Chinggis Khan. However Karakorum servedas the capital for only 40 years before Kublai khan moved to nowadays Beejin. Visitto the ruins and Erdenezuu Monastery, first and biggest Buddhist monastery of16^th century surrounded by 400m x 400m walls build from the ruin ofthe ancient capital.
Accommodation: Ger

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Day 8. Bayartai J- means Good-bye in Mongolian

Today, wewill drive back to Ulaanbaatar city . Hope you enjoyed all about Mongolia, itspeople, nature and activities you made. We believe you share about thisbeautiful hidden gem country, Mongolia to everyone whom you meet and reviewyour unforgettable memory with us.

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Sights: Naturalbeauty Baga Gazryn Chuluu, National Park Gobi Gurvan Saikhan - Natural beautyYolyn Am - Sand dunes Khongor - dinosaur site Bayanzag - Ongi monastery ruins -Karakorum ancient capital