Highlights of Mongolia with Yak Festival
Quick Reference Itinerary
Day 1Upon arrival in Mongolia's capital city, Ulaanbaatar, you will be transferred to the Bayangol Hotel. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a leisurely program of sightseeing around the city and a visit to the Natural History Museum and view a variety of fossils from animals and dinosaurs living up to 70 million years ago. Dinner will be at a local restaurant. Overnight accommodations at the Bayangol Hotel. Day 2Today we will set out in the vehicles to the west of the capital and drive to the place called "Piece of sand". The drive today is through the open, steppe land. We will pass by rivers and streams, small hills and sand dunes. This is a long strip of sand stretching all the way from the Gobi Desert into the central regions of Mongolia. Here we will head to the ger camp for lunch and in the afternoon will visit local nomad family. The family heard two humped camel and who would like to mount the camel can do it here. 
Day 3This morning we will continue our journey to the township of Karakorum. This was once a thriving metropolis in the days of Genghis Khan and his sons when they controlled the biggest empire the world has ever known. Today little remains of the days of former glory. The township of Karakorum, which is there today, is Soviet built with tall apartment blocks and wide central squares. After lunch at the ger camp we will visit the majestic Erdene Zuu Monastery. This monastery suffered much under the communist purges of last century, but miraculously, was spared from complete destruction. In the former days the walls of the monastery housed hundreds of temples and thousands of monks. Today these places of religious beauty are being restored. Meals and overnight at the ger camp. Day 4Today we will continue our drive to the west and make our way into the Khangai Mountain Range. In the early afternoon we will reach the beautiful spot deep in the mountain known as Tsenkheriin Hot springs. These hot springs sprout directly from the mountains and reach high temperatures of up to 80 degrees Celsius. We will have overnight at a ger camp near the springs. Ger camp has pool with spring water, where you can enjoy swimming. Day 5Today we will drive out of the hills, along some steep mountainous roads and down into the valleys that lead to Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur. This Lake is nestled between mountains covered with green grass and littered with volcanic rock. We will have overnight near the lake in a ger camp. Day 6Today we will witness Yak festival. This is the festival hallowing this strong and productive animal, mostly dwelling the highlands of the country. There will be organized yak racing and yak show. Meals and overnight at the previous night ger camp. Day 7Today will be a well-earned day of rest at the Lake. There will be opportunities for hiking to Khorgo, the extinct volcanic crater that lies within a few kilometers of the lake and for visiting local nomadic families. Alternatively, you may just wish to sit by the edge of the water and admire the beautiful view. All meals and overnight at the ger camp by the lake. Day 8Today we will make a long drive to the north of the country, into Khuvsgul Aimag, and onto the capital Moron. The drive is through absolutely beautiful hilly countryside, past fast flowing rivers and alpine forests. Little wonder this area is known as the 'Switzerland of Mongolia'. In the late evening we will reach our ger camp outside the town for dinner and overnight. Day 9In the morning after breakfast we will visit an ancient burial ground with reindeer stones around it near the township of Moron. It is another 3 hours drive from Moron to the Lake. On arrival we will be taken to the ger camp for dinner and overnight. Day 10Today we will have a rest day beside Lake Khuvsgul. This lake contains 3% of the world's fresh water and is the 14th largest lake in the world. The water is crystal clear, the nature pristine and the setting truly idyllic. All meals and overnight at the ger camp of the previous night. 
Day 11Today will be an early start in order to get back to Moron in time for your return flight to Ulaanbaatar. You will have a light lunch in Moron before the departure. The flight from Moron to Ulaanbaatar will take one and a half hours and your guide will accompany you. On arrival in Ulaanbaatar you will be taken to Bayangol hotel. In the evening we will have watch a traditional Mongolian concert followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the hotel. Day 12Today we will have full day of sightseeing. We will start from the Gandan Monastery, biggest Buddist Monastery in the function. Then we will visit National history museum and Fine art museum. Both museums house impressive displays of Mongolian National and Religious history. Evening program will be the performance of Ensemble of National Song and Dance at Drama theatre. Dinner is at the local restaurant and after dinner you will be transferred to your hotel for overnight. Day 13After breakfast at the hotel you will be taken to the airport for departure. |
Departure date for 2006: 27 July - 8 AugustPrices per person: Tour prices include:
Tour prices do not include: Alcohol drinks, all items of personal nature, airport taxes and international transportation to and from Mongolia |