Come join us as we explore this mystical land where horses are still roped in the wild, the sand dunes sing, and snow-capped mountains are reflected in pristine icy blue waters. We’ll fly through China so that you’ll have an opportunity to quickly explore Beijing (including the Silk Market, shoppers!), and we’ll visit three regions of Mongolia so that you’ll leave with a greater understanding of the diverse landscape and history that this exciting country has to offer. This is an action-packed trip created just for the enthusiastic travelers of ATS!
MONGOLIA AND THE NADAAM FESTIVAL
DAY 1 & 2: BEIJING, ULAANBAATAR
We’ll have an overnight flight to Beijing, arriving in the afternoon on the 29th. You’ll have time to stretch your legs in Tiananmen Square or perhaps in a market before we gather for a traditional Chinese dinner. Our hotel is located within walking distance to many sights, and we’ll be able to check out Beijing’s progress as they prepare to host the 2008 Olympics. After a free morning, we’ll head back to the airport for our afternoon flight to Ulaanbaatar, our “home” for the night.
DAY 3 & 4: MURON, ULAANBAATAR
Mongolia is a large country so we’re going to start in the north central region. After a morning tour of the History Museum (which has a fantastic display of the native costumes of the various regions), we’re back to the airport for our flight to Muron. From here we’ll take a scenic drive through the countryside on our way to Khuvsgul Lake. Geography buffs might know this lake for it’s size – it holds 2 percent of the world’s fresh water! While in this region we’ll spend our days kayaking in the amazing blue waters of the lake, and hiking in the forests (home of the famous Reindeer people) and flower-filled meadows. Later, we’ll return to our “home” in Ulaanbaatar for the night.
DAY 5 & 6: GOBI DESERT, YOL VALLEY
Now we’re off to the Gobi Desert! The Gobi Gurvansaikhan (rough translation: three beauties of the Gobi) National Park is two million hectares of sand dunes, dramatic rock formations, cliffs, and the Altai Mountains, so forget your pre-conceived notions of what the desert should look like! We’ll visit (and climb, for those who wish to see the world from the top of the largest sand dunes in the Gobi) the Singing Sand Dunes at Hongoryn Els. We’ll also take a camel trek and visit a breeder’s farm where we can dine on camel milk and meat, so that you’ll experience first hand native life in the Gobi. In the Yol Valley we’ll stop for lunch and then head out for a hike in Gurvan Saikhan Uul. We’ll fly back “home” for an afternoon visit to the Natural History Museum filled with paleontology discoveries from the region, and enjoy a traditional Mongolian cultural performance in the evening.
DAY 7 & 8: KARAKORUM
We’re on our way to the third region – the Karakorum! In the heart of Mongolia, this region is home to monasteries and stupas that are over 1000 years old! We’ll journey overland through the countryside, stopping for a walk in the Hognokhaan Mountains and a visit at a ger camp where we’ll learn to assemble our own ger and play Shagai. We’ll also visit Erdenee Zuu Monastery, known as the country’s first Buddhist center and home to 108 stupas, and we’ll go horseback riding in traditional Mongolian saddles. For the adventurous diners you’ll have a chance to taste fermented mare’s milk and other dairy products! At the end of the day we’ll head back “home” for a traditional Mongolian farewell dinner.
DAY 9,10 & 11: NADAAM FESTIVAL, BEIJING
Let the Games Begin! We’ve timed this trip to coincide with the Nadaam Festival – Mongolia’s annual gathering for competitions in the “manly” sports of wrestling, archery and horse racing. There will be dancing, throat singing, and a variety of other events in Sukhbaatar Square for you to enjoy. What a sight! The final morning is free, but in the afternoon we must head back to the airport for our flight to Beijing where we will spend the night before catching our flight back to the States for arrival on the 14th.This trip is 17 days / 16 nights, and will be an exciting change from life as you know it. We’ll be staying at a variety of accommodations – from hotels in the city to ger camps to tents (I’ve even slept under just a blanket of stars in the Gobi so don’t feel you have to stay inside the tents if the night is calling you out!). All meals are provided except an occasional lunch, and you’ll find them to be quite good. Activities as identified are included in the price, and we’ll help you arrange any additional activities at your own cost as you wish during the trip. International airfare is not included, but we’ll be happy to make those arrangements for you!
- Included with the trip:
- All lodging
- All ground transportation, and all flights between China and Mongolia
- All transfers
- All activities as specified
- All equipment for activities as specified
- All fees for activities specified
- All meals except a few lunches
We’re on our way to the third region – the Karakorum! In the heart of Mongolia, this region is home to monasteries and stupas that are over 1000 years old! We’ll journey overland through the countryside, stopping for a walk in the Hognokhaan Mountains and a visit at a ger camp where we’ll learn to assemble our own ger and play Shagai. We’ll also visit Erdenee Zuu Monastery, known as the country’s first Buddhist center and home to 108 stupas, and we’ll go horseback riding in traditional Mongolian saddles. For the adventurous diners you’ll have a chance to taste fermented mare’s milk and other dairy products! At the end of the day we’ll head back “home” for a traditional Mongolian farewell dinner.
DAY 9,10 & 11: NADAAM FESTIVAL, BEIJING
Let the Games Begin! We’ve timed this trip to coincide with the Nadaam Festival – Mongolia’s annual gathering for competitions in the “manly” sports of wrestling, archery and horse racing. There will be dancing, throat singing, and a variety of other events in Sukhbaatar Square for you to enjoy. What a sight! The final morning is free, but in the afternoon we must head back to the airport for our flight to Beijing where we will spend the night before catching our flight back to the States for arrival on the 14th.This trip is 17 days / 16 nights, and will be an exciting change from life as you know it. We’ll be staying at a variety of accommodations – from hotels in the city to ger camps to tents (I’ve even slept under just a blanket of stars in the Gobi so don’t feel you have to stay inside the tents if the night is calling you out!). All meals are provided except an occasional lunch, and you’ll find them to be quite good. Activities as identified are included in the price, and we’ll help you arrange any additional activities at your own cost as you wish during the trip. International airfare is not included, but we’ll be happy to make those arrangements for you!
- Included with the trip:
- All lodging
- All ground transportation, and all flights between China and Mongolia
- All transfers
- All activities as specified
- All equipment for activities as specified
- All fees for activities specified
- All meals except a few lunches
Notes:
- This trip is action-packed. Please be prepared to have some fun and leave your work behind!
- Appropriate international travel insurance is required!
- This trip is action-packed. Please be prepared to have some fun and leave your work behind!
- Appropriate international travel insurance is required!
We cannot guarantee the weather, so please be prepared for rain, sun, wind, and anything else Mother Nature might throw at us.The Fine Print: Registration is not considered valid until receipt of at least 50% of trip / event price and completed & signed ATS forms. Cancellation / Payment Policy / Waiver must be completed In Full and Signed in both locations. Insurance Note must be initialed in all places as indicated. ATS reserves the right to refuse participation to any individual or group of individuals as deemed appropriate. Dates and prices subject to change. We strongly recommend appropriate insurance for ALL ATS trips and events.
