The trip start from Great Gobi Desert. South Gobi seems like another planet, like MARS. According to Natural History Museum of Mongolia 47 different species of dinosaurs have been found from Mongolia. Gobi was land of dinosaurs and once a bottom of ancient sea and found fossilized con shell, coral heads and print of sea plants on the rock.
Mongolian Gobi is the largest desert in Asia as well as the coldest desert and fifth largest in the world. Most of people imagine Gobi is sandy waterless desert, just 5% of total area are sandy. The landscape of Gobi is steppe, mountains, sandy, oases, and rich of vegetation and home of wild and tamed animals.
This tour include Orkhon Valley Cultural Heritage Listed by UNISCO, Eight lakes Natural Reserve-one of the most fantastic and wild destination, Tsenkher hot spring-Mineral and hot springs have been an important part of Mongolian traditional medicine in Central Mongolia. You will enjoy your adventure, wild nature, stay with a nomadic family to discover more about the culture and experience riding horses without space and time limitation
Our team will pick up from your accommodation in the morning. Directly drive to Tsagaan suvraga(White Stupa) in junction of two provinces Middle and South Gobi. The name is given by local people to the impressive and legendary cliff which is eroded by natural phenomenon. It is located junction of middle gobi and south gobi provinces. Having 10 million years history, the cliff indicates different times by its colored layers. Tsagaan Suvraga(White Stupa)is interesting to see the sheer slope, facing east, which from a distance seems to be the ruins of the ancient city. Mongolia people found fossilized con shell print of sea plans from here.
Today we will drive to”Gurvan Shaikan” mountains. We will pass Dalanzadgad which is capital of Umnugobi province. The mountains are most easterly points of the Altai Mountain complex and the highest peak is 2815 meter above sea level. A number of rare plants and animals are found in the park, including the elusive snow leopard, wild goat/ibex/, wild sheep/argali/. We will explore Yoliin Am (Vulture Valley). You will visit local museum and walk to end of valley. It is wonderfully picturesque place with ice even in summer, and surrounded by sheer rocky walls, forming incredible canyons. Enjoy hiking
In the morning drive to “Khongor” sand dunes. The shifting dunes is 180 km long, 400 m height, 20 km wide. The dunes surrounded by higher mountains and bordered lush green vegetation. Local people named “Singing dune” When the wind blows over the dunes it makes strange sound like high pitched tone of an air plane.
You will ride a camel three hours to sand dunes. Optional you can see sun set on the sand dunes.
In the morning drive to Bayan Zag. It means “rich in saxaul shrubs” is more commonly known as the Flaming Cliffs. It was formed 60-70 million years ago. The area is most famous for the first discovery of dinosaur eggs. Flaming Cliffs was discovered in 1922 by the explorer Roy Chapman Andrews, who visited in Mongolia.
Drive to Ongiin Khiid/monastery/. Formerly one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia, it was founded in 1660 and consisted of two temples complexes on the North and South of the Ongi Gol river. It was completely destroyed in 1939. Over 200 monks were killed, and many surviving monks were imprisoned or forced to join the Communist regime. Drive to Saikhan Ovoo small town.
Today embark to Central Mongolia. The landscape changes from desert to forest. Reach to nomadic family and meet our horse guide. Enjoy the nomadic family’s hospitality by talking with horse man and understand their traditional culture. Prepare for next horseback adventure days. Stay in local nomadic family.
Today we will start our three days trek through the Eight lakes. Here we will leave our vehicles and load our luggage and food on pack horses. After breakfast we will pack luggage on the horse. Ride horse to Shireet lake which is the biggest lake in the valley. Before horse trekking, your guide will explain how to ride Mongolian horse. Eight lakes were created by volcanic activities. It is locked between several extinct volcanoes and high mountain peaks. The lakes connected by underground. The lakes are supplied with fresh water running from the mountains. Sipping wine near bonfire in the evening, sing a song, share memories, observing stars and sleep under the million’s stars
We will ride horse to Khuist lake. This lake is dotted with a large rock island. We will pass high mountain and see two lakes. On the way we can see four lakes. Explore flora and fauna of the valley. We will stay nomadic family. Explore the yak herder family’s lifestyle. You can help to family. For example, to bring animals, chop wood, clean animal cottage, and make dairy products.
Today last day of horse trekking day. In the morning ride horse to Orkhon valley. When we will meet our driver, to say “goodbye” to our horseman and horses. We will see Red Waterfall and Mongolian the longest river which is named Orkhon by Mongolia. The waterfall was formed by a unique combination of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes about 20,000 years ago. The waterfall cascades from an impressive height of 20 meters and its width is 10 meters. Learn about their unique lifestyle and culture. There is an opportunity to ride a horse, fish, and hike.
Today heading to Tsenkher hot spring. After horse trekking, we will be relaxing and enjoy hot spring. It is one of the biggest Mongolia’s hot springs, has a temperature of 86 degree with flow rate and high alkalinity and relatively high amounts of fluoride. The hot spring is mostly used for relaxing and resorting your health.
Drive to Kharakhorum, site of the 13th century capital of Mongol Empire, visit the impressive monastery, named “Erdene Zuu” by Mongolian and local museum where see the Great Mongol Empire, Stone Age, Bronze Age. The monastery was erected from the ruins of the legendary city of Kharakhorum. Visit small history museum. Keep drive to Elsen tasarkhai /Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve Area/ which are mountains, forests, steppes, Gobi Desert and mineral water sources all in one location represents three different natural zones. Around area is nice place to hiking, climbing. You will visit to older family to explore the nomadic lifestyle and to have talking with nomads about their life and tradition. Hiking for 3 hours. After dinner you have a chance to play Mongolian traditional game by ankle bones with nomads.
Today we will drive to Khustai National Park. Khustai was established in 2003. Unique wild horse – Takhi reintroduction project at Khustai National Park started in 1992. Park. Hike to the top of mountain gives you will have chance to see wild animals and plants. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of animals including red deer, white tailed gazella, wolves, steppe eagle and black vultures. Keep drive to Ulaanbaatar.
