2008
Land Of The Blue Sky
Warm welcomes, spectacular untouched scenery and a revealing insight into the nomadic lifestyle of an ancient nation in this vast country of contrasts.
Our opinion
Discover an immense, proud country of rich geographical diversity. This unforgettable tour takes you off-the-beaten-track into the stunning remote regions of Mongolia, staying with nomads in traditional Ger camps along the way. A keen sense of adventure is required!
Escorted
Accompanied in Mongolia from Day 3 to Day 14
Itinerary
- Beijing: 1 night
- Ulaanbaatar: 2 nights
- Middle Gobi: 1 night
- South Gobi: 3 nights
- Ongiin Steppe: 1 night
- Orkhon Waterfall: 1 night
- Karakorum: 1 night
- Hustain Nuruu: 1 night
- Ulaanbaatar: 1 night
- Beijing: 1 night
Day1 London/Beijing
Fly Air China from Heathrow to Beijing arriving mid morning the next day. Transfer to the Novotel Xin Qiao for a one night stay with free time to relax upon arrival.
Day 3 Beijing/Ulaanbaatar
Fly Air China to Mongolia’s capital city of Ulaanbaatar and two nights at the Khan Palace hotel. The afternoon continues with an absorbing city tour beginning with the Natural History Museum to view a remarkable collection of dinosaur fossils. Later visit the central Sukhebaatar Square and the Bogd Gegeen Winter Palace, home of the last Mongolian Khan and religious head Bogd Javzundamba. The tour ends upon Zarsan Hill for stunning panoramic views of Ulaanbaatar
Day 4 Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast transfer by private coach to Terelj National Park, 50 miles northeast of Ulaanbaatar. Visit the unusual Turtle Rock formation and a beautiful monastery in the mountains. Lunch is followed by an eyeopening visit to a local nomadic family to glimpse their unique lifestyle and enjoy a short horse ride on a traditional Mongolian mount. Dinner and overnight at the Khan Palace Hotel. The departure ex UK on 08 July includes instead the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival plus a Naadam Gala Dinner and Folk Concert in the evening. The highlight of the Mongolian festival calendar, the Naadam Festival dates back several centuries and takes place each year July 11-13. Originally a test of a nomad’s aptitude, it requires strength, stamina, accurate marksmanship and skillful horsemanship. Given the equine nature of nomadic life, much importance is placed on the horse races. Drawing herdsman from hundreds of miles around, races are staged on the vast steppes covering distances of up to 20 miles. We highly recommend booking early for our Naadam Festival departure.
Day 5 Ulaanbaatar/Middle Gobi
Our fascinating overland journey into the wilderness of Mongolia begins today. Drive to the Middle Gobi and rest for lunch at the picturesque Chinggis Namarjaa Ger Camp, nestled at the foot of the Zorgol Hairhan mountains. Later visit the Baga Gazriin Chuluu Rock formations. Overnight at a traditional Ger Camp.
Day 6 Middle Gobi/South Gobi
Today we head further into the desert with a drive to South Gobi through dramatic valleys and past fast flowing streams. En route visit the ruins of Sum Khukh Burd Temple on the small island of Lake Burd and the Sangiin Dalai Temple, one of the few monasteries and temples to survive the communist purges in 1930s. Arrive in Khan Bogd Ger camp in the evening. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Day 7 South Gobi
After breakfast a morning excursion to Eagle Valley, part of Gurvan Saikhan (the Three Beauties) Mountain National Parks. Take a relaxing hike through the steep sided canyon with an opportunity to photograph the stunning landscape of the Gobi Glacier and the abundant local wildlife. After lunch attend the Mongolian Ger Program, a fascinating interactive introduction to the traditional Mongolian dwelling. Learn how to assemble and dissemble a ger and then pack the components on a camel. Dinner and overnight at Khan Bogd Ger camp.
Day 8 South Gobi
Your day begins with a drive to Hongoriin Els, location of the Singing Sand Dunes. An imperious collection of sand stretching for over 100 miles and at some points ten miles wide, they are an outstanding natural phenomenon. After lunch a short journey leads to the home of a camel breeding nomadic family in the Gobi. For those adventurous enough, a camel riding session is included. Dinner and overnight at the Gobi Discovery Camp.
Day 9 South Gobi/Ongiin Steppe
Drive across the Ikh Bogdo mountain through the red hued Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs, explore the Gobi Dinosaurs Cemetery and follow the trail of paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews. After lunch embark on an overland journey through the famous Ongiin Steppe to the ruins of the Ongiin Monastery. In the afternoon enjoy a gentle walk up to the majestic mountainside ruins. Overnight at the Ongiin Hiid Camp.
Day 10 Ongiin Steppe/Orkhon Waterfall/Karakorum
Today drive through an ever changing landscape, from remote steppes to forest covered mountains to the beautiful Orkhon Waterfall. Overnight at the Ikh Khubilai Ger Camp by the soothing Tsagaan Hot Springs. Enjoy a relaxing soak, meet local nomads and taste a cup or two of ‘airag’ their strong traditional spirit. In the morning drive to Karakorum, the former capital of Chinggis Khaan's Mongol Empire. In the afternoon visit the original centre of Buddhism in Mongolia, the Erdene Zuu Monastery. A short, gentle hike along the beautiful Orkhon River to the nearby mountains is also included. Stay at the tranquil Anar Ger Camp, set on the banks of the Orkhon River.
Day 12 Karakorum/Hustain Nuruu/Ulaanbaatar
Drive to Hustain Nuruu Protected Area to see the takhi, otherwise known as Prjewalski Wild Horses. As the last remaining species of wild horse in the world, the reserve has been at the forefront of efforts, supported by the World Wildlife Fund, to stave off the real threat of extinction. In the afternoon visit the Turkic graves and stone men, or hun chuluu, and the Ongot archeological complex. Overnight at a Ger Camp. Following breakfast in the morning head back to Ulaanbaatar with an afternoon at leisure. In the evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner and Mongolian Traditional Folklore show and overnight at the Khan Palace hotel.
Day 14 Ulaanbaatar/Beijing/London
Fly Air China to Beijing and stay at the Novotel Xin Qiao Hotel for one night. Enjoy some leisure time in Beijing before your Air China flight the following morning back to Heathrow arriving later the same day.
Beijing Extension
Land of the Blue Sky: 13 nights
Beijing: 2 nights
Day 15 Beijing
Enjoy two nights or more at the Novotel Xin Qiao hotel. Perhaps prebook one of our Beijing experiences
Day 17 Beijing/London
Midday Air China flight to Heathrow arriving later the same day.
