Best of Mongolia

Today, you are supposed to get to Ulaanbaatar to attend this Mongolia tour either by flight or by train. Usually, the flight arrives at Chinggis Khaan International Airport and train at Ulaanbaatar Railway Station. We will contact you in advance to confirm your arrival point and time, so our driver can pick you up on time. After meeting you, our driver will transfer you to the hotel we have carefully selected for you by a private car. During the rest of the day, you are free to do whatever you like, taking a walk around to get familiar with the country or having a rest in the hotel room to retrieve energy from the long journey.

Dinner Suggestion:
If you have plenty of time in the afternoon, then you can walk to the very center of the city to have a look to Mongolia’s important buildings, the National Palace in the north of Chinggis Khaan Square is the seat of the president, government and parliament of Mongolia. The nearby post office is a good choice for those who are enthusiastic in collecting stamps or plan to send postcards to friends. Located at East Cross Road, Peace Ave in city center, there is a restaurant called Noodle House, they offer delicious noodles, rice and fresh vegetable. USD5-10 may satisfy your stomach.

Mongolia VS Inner Mongolia
In the 13th century AD, Genghis Khan established the Mongol Empire and the capital located in the region where Ulaanbaatar is located today. In 1271, descendants of Genghis Khan established the Yuan Dynasty, known as the first dynasty in Chinese history built by a minority ethnic group and then was overthrown by Ming Dynasty in 1368. From then on, the Mongolians lived in different places, some in the north of the Great Wall but some lived far away. In the late 17th century, the Qing Dynasty began to expand outward to Mongolia and incorporated it into the territory of China in 1727. The king set up provinces in Mongolia and effectively managed the region. However, with the expansion of Russia in the late 19th century, Mongolia once again became a battleground between China and Russia. In 1911, Mongolia declared independence with the support of Russia.

For people in both sides, they share the same linearity and origin, thus have a similar appearance. But there is already a significant difference in the places managed by the two countries.
Diet: Most people like to eat meat or food made from meant.
Language: Mongolia was influenced by the Soviet Union after its founding, and its language was mixed with Russian vocabulary and pronunciation, gradually forming Cyrillic. However, China protects the languages of ethnic minorities, and to this day, Inner Mongolia still retains their own language and also speaks Chinese.
Economy: Mongolia is mainly engaged in grazing and mining, and as a landlocked country, the inconvenient transportation limits mineral prices. Inner Mongolia is mainly focused on mineral resources, tourism, and animal husbandry. The economic situation is relatively good with the support of the government. If you have time, welcome to Mongolia and Inner Mongolia and we shall offer our excellent service for you.

Accommodation: Ramada Ulaanbaatar City Center (4 stars)

When talking about Mongolia, most people always think about horses and grassland. Today, our guide will escort you to Hustai National Park by car, the dwelling of the world’s only living pure wild horses, takhi horses. Compared with other horse types, they have bigger heads, shorter hair and lower bodies. Do not go too close to them. In addition, you may encounter roe deer, Mongolian gazelles, corsac foxes, and many other wild animals in the national park, as well as rocks in various shapes and temple ruins.

Tonight, stay in a ger, the traditional dwelling of local herdsmen. Actually, we will stay overnight in different gers during the following days before going back to Ulaanbaatar, a good chance to experience the life of the local herdsmen to the full extent.

Additional Info about Hustai and Horse Riding Experience
Hustai National Park is the home to the rare and endangered Przewalski's horses, known as takhi in Mongolian, it is the only species of wild horses in the world. This reserve was established in 1993 and updated to a national park in 1998 and then a biosphere reserve in 2002. In additional to the Przewalski's horses, this national park provides shelter to 43 species of mammals, 217 species of birds, 2 species of amphibians, 16 species of fish, 385 species of insects, 459 species of vascular plants, 85 species of lichens, 90 species of mosses, and 33 species of fungi. It is really a paradise for nature lovers. We specially arrange a horse riding for about one hour. Riding on the vast steppe must be an unparalleled experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hustai Ger Camp

On the 3rd day in Mongolia, we will move on to Karakorum, also known as Kharkhorin. It was the capital and base camp of Genghis Khan and to some extent, the “political center of the world” back in the early to middle 13th century. Regretfully, it has been destroyed by the continuous wars in 14th century, only leaving some debris of walls, palaces, markets, etc.

Since late 16th century, the region has turned to be a Lamaism center of the country, due to the construction of Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first and the biggest lama monastery of the country. The monastery we will see today was rebuilt partially with stones from Karakorum ruins, in a combined style of Mongolian, Tibetan and traditional Chinese.

In 2004, Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery have been included into the UNESCO World Culture Heritage, as parts of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape.

Why Ger Camp but Not a Hotel?
One of the reason is the location, the other is price.
Hotels are available in some big cities but they are a little far from the sightseeing spots. Mongolia ger camp is something like a moving hotel. Almost all of the tourist ger camps are located at the best viewing spots, which allows guests to take a stroll leisurely once finishing their day’s sightseeing, as there is no shops or markets around the yurts but only the stunning scenery.
Ger camp offer full board at a reasonable price, and a higher price if we only eat lunch or dinner without an overnight stay. Staying at a yurt is also one of the best ways to experience Mongolian tradition and culture.

Naadam Festival in Mongolia
The Naadam Festival in Mongolia is a grand event for the local people. Being a transliteration of Mongolian, Naadam means entertainment and gaming, used to express their joy in the harvest. Due to the fact that wrestling, horse racing, and archery competitions are mainly held during the event, it is also known as the Ereyinurbannaradum - Men's Three Skills. For Mongolian people, acquiring these skills is necessary and is a survival ability bestowed upon nomadic peoples by nature and living environment. In folklores, there are many stories about ancient heroes who had to win the championship in the Ereyinrurbannaradum competition in order to marry their desired wife.

Every year from July to August, which is actually the June 04 in local lunar calendar, the Mongolian people will hold a 5-day Naadam Festival. Not only in the capital Ulaanbaatar, but also in all parts of Mongolia. As long as you are in Mongolia during this period, you can watch this grand event and hope you enjoy your time.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Munkh tenger Ger Camp

After breakfast, set out to Tsenkher to enjoy Tsenkher Hot Spring. It must be a relaxing experience dipping in an outdoor spring pool under the blue sky, while appreciating the vast grassland, breathing fresh air mixed with the fragrance of grass, and hearing yaks mooing. Later, the guide will accompany you to knock the door of a yak breeder's and step in to pay a visit.

The Advantages of Tsenkher Hot Spring:
Khangai Aimag is famous for its numerous ancient volcanoes. These volcanoes and their accompanying tectonic activities play a special role in the numerous springs and natural hot water flowing out from an altitude of 1860 meters (1.16 miles). Tsenkher hot spring, the most famous hot spring in Mongolia, located 27 kilometers south of the central town of Tseseneg. The hot spring water gushes from the ground at a temperature of 85.5 ° C (185.9 ° F). It is said that the water is composed of hydrogen sulfide, sodium carbonate, bicarbonate, sulfate and fluorite, and is good for joint diseases and nervous system disease. It must be a perfect treat to take a bath in this hot spring after a few days’ driving.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tsenkher Jihuur Ger Camp

We will spend this whole day visiting Tuvkhun Monastery, one of the oldest Buddhism monasteries in the country. It stands on a mountain peak which is considered to be an auspicious location. Upon arrival at the foot of the rocky hill by car, we need to get off and approach the monastery by horse or foot. The whole monastery consists of 14 small temples with red walls, green roofs, delicate carvings and vivid sculptures. Also, a whole view of the grassland underfoot can be gained here.

Where to Find a Toilet during the Long Transfers?
There is a saying spreading on the steppes: Wherever there are people, there must be toilets; wherever there are no people, toilets are everywhere. The vast steppes are sparsely populated, and it is impossible to build public toilets with good conditions like those in big cities. Once there is one, it must be very simple, say, surrounded by a few wooden boards on three sides without roof or door. Of course, it is also relatively safe because there is no one around. And our tour guide and driver are familiar with all the places along the way and will stop at the proper place for you to take a long breath, to stretch your body, and to answer the nature calls. We believe such experience is an indispensable part of the adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tuvkhun Ger Camp

This morning, we will head toward our next destination by car - Ongi Monastery. It used to be a grand architecture complex along Ongi River, mainly made up of Barlim Monastery and Khutagt Monastery. As time passes by, nowadays we can only tell its past prosperity from the vast ruins. These ruins along with fresh trees make up the wonderful landscape of the river side. After that, the guide will escort you to hike a gobi mountain, which will last for about an hour or so. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Ongiin Nuuts Ger Camp

The only stop of today’s escorted tour will be Bayanzag. It gains a worldwide fame because dinosaurs' eggs have been firstly discovered here. Besides, the surrounding crimson rocks also worth your attention, which is the origin of Bayanzag’s nickname - Flaming Cliffs. The views are especially magnificent at the sunset, when the cliffs are dyed orange or bright red like burning fire.

Who Found the Dinosaurs' Egg Fossil?
Roy Chapman Andrews, an American explorer and palaeontologist, used to be the director of the American Museum of Natural History, famous for his scientific exploration in China, Mongolia and other places at the beginning of the 20th century, from which he and his team had many important discoveries, including the discovery of dinosaur egg fossils for the first time. During four expeditions in the Gobi from 1922 to 1925, he found the precious dinosaur bones including protoceratops, saurornithoides, pinacosaurus, oviraptor and velociraptor, and also a nest of dinosaur eggs. It has made great contributions to the study of dinosaurs. Try your luck here, maybe you can get something special.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mongol Gobi Ger Camp

Have a big breakfast today. After, our bilingual guide and the driver will escort you to venture into the largest and most typical sand dunes in Mongolia: Khongoryn Sand Dunes, which extends as long as 180 kilometers (110 miles) with a general width of 3-5 kilometers (2-3 miles). Due to the continuous wind blowing, most dunes reach the height of 100 – 300 meters (330 – 980 feet). The locals also call the sand dunes “Singing Sand”, because of the sound made by the wind when it blows the sand.

Mongolian Lunar New Year-Tsagaan Sar
Tsagaan Sar, meaning "White Moon", is the largest festival in Mongolia, which lasts from the first to the third day of the first lunar month and is also a day for family reunions. On the day before the festival, people dress up in traditional attire and gather at the eldest person's home in the whole family, drinking their home-made kumiss and chatting happily. This is also the most important festival in the long and cold winter, since it means that the cold winter is coming to an end. The whole family welcomes spring and the best life in the New Year.

Since ancient times, the Mongolian people have believed that white is pure and auspicious, and their most revered color is white, hence the Spring Festival is called the White Festival. It is also because milk is white, the herdsmen named their most important festivals with white, expressing their reverence and gratitude for nature and food.. During the following three days, it is the right time to visit their relatives. The journey to relatives' homes is a great opportunity for young men and women to race horses and chase after each other. If you happen to be here, you can understand why the Mongolian people are called the people on horseback.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Gobi Discovery Ger Camp

After breakfast, move on to Yolyn Am. It is an incredible valley covered with ice even in summer. The guide will accompany you to hike into the ice field to enjoy the amazing landscape while breathing the fresh air. En route, we will probably encounter animals like voles, rabbits, camels, and lambs, as well as eagles in the sky.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Juulchin Khan Bogd Ger camp

Today, we will explore the peculiar Tsagaan Suvarga, literally meaning “white stupas”. Colorful cliffs here have been elaborately carved into different shapes by the wind over the years. Looking afar, it seems like a ruined city. Going closer, it resembles a complex of white stupas, hence the name. Do not forget to take photos while appreciating these “works of nature”, most of which are limestone formations.

What to See at Tsagaan Suvarga?
Tsagaan Suvarga, white Buddha Pagoda in Mongolian, it is actually a group of rock formations eroded into ochre or pink by the wind with particularly stunning sunset scenery. As the sun sets, the brilliant colors on the cliffs gradually fade, and then the earth presents a hazy light pink color. You can walk down the rocks and climb up again to observe the color changes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Gobi Suvagra Ger Camp

Baga Gazriin Chuluu also has some rocky formations. But different from limestone formations in Tsagaan Suvarga, those in Baga Gazriin Chuluu are mostly granite formations. Besides, the guide will escort you to trace the ruins of a 17th-century temple, a natural spring gushing actively, during which you will also have chances to encounter various kinds of wide creatures.

What You Should Not Miss
Baga Gazriin Chuluu is a huge rock formation in the Gobi Desert, with high mountains above 1700 meters and an endless granite landscape that gives the impression of being in another world. The locals hang scriptures on the top, praying for the blessings of gods and Buddhas to ensure the safety of people, livestock, and good weather. The unique geological wonders here not only attract tourists to stop, but also serve as a perfect stopover and a place to enjoy lunch. The most unforgettable are the Usan Bolortiin Agui cave and the hidden springs beneath the rocks. Water is really precious here, although it is not drinkable, you will feel cool at a glance in the hot summer.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Baga gazriin chuluu Ger Camp

There is no sightseeing stops today. After breakfast, our driver will send you all the way back to the hotel in Ulaanbaatar safely. The total traveling distance reaches about 250 kilometers (155 miles). But you will not feel bored at all because the scenery outside the window is quite picturesque, and you can ask the driver to make stops anytime to take great photos. After check-in upon arrival, have some rest and get ready to attend the farewell dinner this evening.

★  What Makes Us Different?
After check-in at the hotel, enjoy some free time for a hot shower to revive yourself. Tonight, we specially arrange a Mongolia dance and music dinner show for you to round off the holiday. Morin khuur, a unique musical instrument of Mongols, is interpreted by people wearing traditional costumes. Mongolian herdsmen have a special affection for the Morin khuur and the sound is really pleasant. Some people praise that the melody of a Morin khuur is far more vivid than the colors of the painter and the language of the poet to decribe the magnificence of the steppes. When the joyful music is played, combined with the grandeur of Mongolian dance, it may help you recall the happy moments of your journey. Hope you enjoy this arrangement.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Ramada Ulaanbaatar City Center (4 stars)

This Mongolia adventure will come to an end here. At the agreed time, our driver will send you to Chinggis Khaan International Airport and see you off. Hope these wonderful days will linger in your mind! 

Meals: Breakfast