World Energy Center & Gobi Desert Tour
10 Days / 9 Nights
Tour Code: CLT07
Tour Scope: Southern Mongolia
Tour Route: Sainshand-White Stupa- Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs -Khongor-Yol Valley-Earth Stone-UB
Highlights: Khamriin Khiid monastery, Tsagaan Suvarga, Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs), Khongor Sand Dunes, Yol Valley, Earth Stone
Tour Season: 01 June- 15 September
Tour Level: Moderate
Day 1. Ulaanbaatar
Day 2. Flight to Murun and travel to Huvsgul Lake
Day 3. Tsaatan family
Day 4. Zuun Lake/Shine-Ider Soum
Day 5. Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
Day 6. Khorgo Volcano
Day 7. Tsenkher Hot Spa
Day 8. Karakorum
Day 9. Ongi Monastery
Day 10. Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
Day 11. Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes
Day 12. Yolyn Am (Eagle Valley)
Day 13. Flight to Ulaanbaatar
Day 14. Departure
Accommodations: 1 night in hotel in Ulaanbaatar and 7 nights in ger or tent in the countryside
Meals: Inclusive meals are indicated in itinerary (B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Transport: 4WD Japanese Minivan or 4WD Japanese Jeep
Optional activities: Camel riding, Horse riding
Staffs: Visit Mongolia Team (Tour guide and driver)
Day 2. Flight to Murun and travel to Huvsgul Lake
Day 3. Tsaatan family
Day 4. Zuun Lake/Shine-Ider Soum
Day 5. Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
Day 6. Khorgo Volcano
Day 7. Tsenkher Hot Spa
Day 8. Karakorum
Day 9. Ongi Monastery
Day 10. Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
Day 11. Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes
Day 12. Yolyn Am (Eagle Valley)
Day 13. Flight to Ulaanbaatar
Day 14. Departure
Accommodations: 1 night in hotel in Ulaanbaatar and 7 nights in ger or tent in the countryside
Meals: Inclusive meals are indicated in itinerary (B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Transport: 4WD Japanese Minivan or 4WD Japanese Jeep
Optional activities: Camel riding, Horse riding
Staffs: Visit Mongolia Team (Tour guide and driver)
DAY 1
ULAANBAATAR
Upon arrival at the Chinggis Khan international airport in Mongolia, you will meet Visit Mongolia crew and transfer to the hotel, conveniently located downtown Ulaanbaatar. After freshening up from your flight, we start our first day around Ulaanbaatar starting from Gandan Monastery, the largest and most important monastery of Mongolia with 500 monks. From here we will go to the National History Museum which tells the rich history of Mongolia. The heart of Ulaanbaatar, Sukhbaatar Square, is just a short walk away. Here we will see the Parliament House, National Opera and City Hall. Afterwards, we will visit Zaisan Hill, which offers great views of the city. In the evening, you will attend a performance of traditional dancing and khoomii (Mongolian throat singing). Overnight in a hotel. (L,D)
DAY 2
HUVSGUL NATIONAL PARK
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 145 km, 3-4 hours /driving/ and 1,5h /flight/
Flight to Murun town, the center of Huvsgul province. Drive to Huvsgul lake 145 km away from Murun. Lake Huvsgul is Mongolia’s largest lake and the largest tributary stream of Lake Baikal in neighboring Siberia. The deepest lake in Central Asia and the world’s 14th largest source of fresh water, Lake Khuvsgul is 1,645 m above sea level and frozen from January until April or May. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 3
RELAX & VISIT TSAATAN FAMILY
Spend full day at the lake. There different activities can be offered as kayaking, horse riding, fishing and visiting Tsaatan nomadic family. Your guide will help you to book on your desired activities. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 4
ZUUN LAKE/SHINE-IDER SOUM
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 240 km, 6-7 hours
After breakfast, early morning drive to Shine-Ider soum, Huvsgul province. Reach the Lake “Zuun”. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 5
TERKHIIN TSAGAAN LAKE
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 180 km, 4-5 hours
Travel to extinct volcano Khorgo National Park. We will arrive in Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. This is about 20 km long and was formed by a dam of lava flows from volcanic eruption. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 6
KHORGO NATIONAL PARK
Full day trekking around Khorgo mountain, is a dead volcano which lies east of the Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. The volcanic crater of the mountain is 200 meters wide and 100 meters deep. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 7
TSENKHER HOT SPA
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 250 km, 4-5 hours
Travel to Tsenkher Hot Spring, sulphur springs that emerge from the ground at a sizzling 89C (192.2F). Facilities of the camp include outdoor and indoor baths, and showers using sulphur spring water. Along the way we will also visit the Taikhar Rock, 25 meters high a mysterious steep-sided pinnacle of granite. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 8
RUINS OF 12TH CENTURY CAPITAL CITY KARAKORUM
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 150 km, 3 hours
Travel to Karakorum, the former capital city of world’s greatest land empire, established by Chinggis Khan. Here we will tour the oldest Buddhist Monastery Erdenezuu, religious complex spanning over 400 sq. meters surrounded by 108 stupas. It was first built on the ruins of Karakorum in 1586 by Abtai Sain Khan. The site has some of the best works of religious art and architecture in Mongolia. Visit Karakorum museum. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 9
ONGI MONASTERY
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 260 km, 5-6 hours
Travel to Ongi Monastery which was built in the 18th century, the former main religious center of South Mongolia. Hiking in nearby Gobi mountain and along the area where the ruins are situated. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 10
BAYANZAG (FLAMING CLIFFS)
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 170 km, 3-4 hours
Travel to Bayanzag, more commonly known as the legendary “Flaming Cliffs”. Through the journey we will see arid steppe landscape with many camel herds and herding families. Bayanzag is a red rock creation, formed 60-70 million years ago, made famous by an American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews’s discovery there of complete dinosaur skeletons and eggs in 1920s. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 11
KHONGORYN ELS SAND DUNES
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 180 km, 4-5 hours
Travel to Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes, Mongolia’s largest sand dunes, reaching a height of 800 meters in some highest areas and known as the “Singing Dunes”. Evening visit to a camel-breeder’s family with a chance to go camel riding. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 12
YOLYN AM (EAGLE VALLEY)
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 200 km, 4-5 hours
Travel to Yolyn Am, or ‘Eagle Valley’, located in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. The valley’s remnant streams create ice formations which you may find in the mouth of the valley as late as July. The mountains surrounding the valley also provide habitat for Argali wild sheep (one of the last wild great-horned sheep) and ibex, which may be spotted in the early morning as they walk along the mountain ridges. Visit the Gobi museum and trek through the valley. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 13
ULAANBAATAR
Flight to Ulaanbaatar. Shopping for souvenirs and cashmere is optional. Farewell dinner. Overnight in a hotel. (B, L, D) DAY 14
DEPARTURE
After breakfast, transfer to departure (B)
ULAANBAATAR
Upon arrival at the Chinggis Khan international airport in Mongolia, you will meet Visit Mongolia crew and transfer to the hotel, conveniently located downtown Ulaanbaatar. After freshening up from your flight, we start our first day around Ulaanbaatar starting from Gandan Monastery, the largest and most important monastery of Mongolia with 500 monks. From here we will go to the National History Museum which tells the rich history of Mongolia. The heart of Ulaanbaatar, Sukhbaatar Square, is just a short walk away. Here we will see the Parliament House, National Opera and City Hall. Afterwards, we will visit Zaisan Hill, which offers great views of the city. In the evening, you will attend a performance of traditional dancing and khoomii (Mongolian throat singing). Overnight in a hotel. (L,D)
DAY 2
HUVSGUL NATIONAL PARK
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 145 km, 3-4 hours /driving/ and 1,5h /flight/
Flight to Murun town, the center of Huvsgul province. Drive to Huvsgul lake 145 km away from Murun. Lake Huvsgul is Mongolia’s largest lake and the largest tributary stream of Lake Baikal in neighboring Siberia. The deepest lake in Central Asia and the world’s 14th largest source of fresh water, Lake Khuvsgul is 1,645 m above sea level and frozen from January until April or May. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 3
RELAX & VISIT TSAATAN FAMILY
Spend full day at the lake. There different activities can be offered as kayaking, horse riding, fishing and visiting Tsaatan nomadic family. Your guide will help you to book on your desired activities. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 4
ZUUN LAKE/SHINE-IDER SOUM
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 240 km, 6-7 hours
After breakfast, early morning drive to Shine-Ider soum, Huvsgul province. Reach the Lake “Zuun”. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 5
TERKHIIN TSAGAAN LAKE
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 180 km, 4-5 hours
Travel to extinct volcano Khorgo National Park. We will arrive in Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. This is about 20 km long and was formed by a dam of lava flows from volcanic eruption. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 6
KHORGO NATIONAL PARK
Full day trekking around Khorgo mountain, is a dead volcano which lies east of the Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. The volcanic crater of the mountain is 200 meters wide and 100 meters deep. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 7
TSENKHER HOT SPA
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 250 km, 4-5 hours
Travel to Tsenkher Hot Spring, sulphur springs that emerge from the ground at a sizzling 89C (192.2F). Facilities of the camp include outdoor and indoor baths, and showers using sulphur spring water. Along the way we will also visit the Taikhar Rock, 25 meters high a mysterious steep-sided pinnacle of granite. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 8
RUINS OF 12TH CENTURY CAPITAL CITY KARAKORUM
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 150 km, 3 hours
Travel to Karakorum, the former capital city of world’s greatest land empire, established by Chinggis Khan. Here we will tour the oldest Buddhist Monastery Erdenezuu, religious complex spanning over 400 sq. meters surrounded by 108 stupas. It was first built on the ruins of Karakorum in 1586 by Abtai Sain Khan. The site has some of the best works of religious art and architecture in Mongolia. Visit Karakorum museum. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 9
ONGI MONASTERY
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 260 km, 5-6 hours
Travel to Ongi Monastery which was built in the 18th century, the former main religious center of South Mongolia. Hiking in nearby Gobi mountain and along the area where the ruins are situated. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 10
BAYANZAG (FLAMING CLIFFS)
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 170 km, 3-4 hours
Travel to Bayanzag, more commonly known as the legendary “Flaming Cliffs”. Through the journey we will see arid steppe landscape with many camel herds and herding families. Bayanzag is a red rock creation, formed 60-70 million years ago, made famous by an American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews’s discovery there of complete dinosaur skeletons and eggs in 1920s. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 11
KHONGORYN ELS SAND DUNES
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 180 km, 4-5 hours
Travel to Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes, Mongolia’s largest sand dunes, reaching a height of 800 meters in some highest areas and known as the “Singing Dunes”. Evening visit to a camel-breeder’s family with a chance to go camel riding. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 12
YOLYN AM (EAGLE VALLEY)
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 200 km, 4-5 hours
Travel to Yolyn Am, or ‘Eagle Valley’, located in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. The valley’s remnant streams create ice formations which you may find in the mouth of the valley as late as July. The mountains surrounding the valley also provide habitat for Argali wild sheep (one of the last wild great-horned sheep) and ibex, which may be spotted in the early morning as they walk along the mountain ridges. Visit the Gobi museum and trek through the valley. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 13
ULAANBAATAR
Flight to Ulaanbaatar. Shopping for souvenirs and cashmere is optional. Farewell dinner. Overnight in a hotel. (B, L, D) DAY 14
DEPARTURE
After breakfast, transfer to departure (B)
Visit Mongolia’s policy is to provide top quality service to our customers at reasonable prices. We will be pleased to provide detailed price quotes for those interested in specific tours.
Trip overview
In Ulaanbaatar:
Hotels are available in different ranges of quality and service. The package cost includes all services except accommodations in Ulaanbaatar (UB). We do give “choices” for our clients to pick their appropriate accommodations in Ulaanbaatar. However, we encourage group travelers to pick the same property. We will provide hotel rates for Visit Mongolia customers for your selection. Please select hotel and room type and let us know.
In the Countryside:
– Ger Camps
While touring in the countryside, the most common accommodations outside cities on our tours are called ger camps. A ger is the traditional felt tent of nomadic herders. Accommodation in the ger camps is based on two people sharing one ger. Each ger is heated by a wood stove and has two wood-framed beds. The camp restaurant and western-style toilet/shower facilities are located in the middle of the camp or close by. All camps supply towels. The ger camps provide all bedding and clients will not be expected to bring their own sleeping bags if they stay overnight in the ger camps. Staying in a ger is a memorable experience of Mongolian culture.
– Tented camping
We use tented camps on our adventure journeys to more remote areas. The tents are either 2 or 3 person tents. A sleeping mat will be provided to each person staying in a tent but clients are asked to bring their own sleeping bags. Our expedition staff sets up camps and prepares meals and takes care of all your needs. Tented camps allow you to interact more with nature and visit the remotest areas of the country.
Hotels are available in different ranges of quality and service. The package cost includes all services except accommodations in Ulaanbaatar (UB). We do give “choices” for our clients to pick their appropriate accommodations in Ulaanbaatar. However, we encourage group travelers to pick the same property. We will provide hotel rates for Visit Mongolia customers for your selection. Please select hotel and room type and let us know.
In the Countryside:
– Ger Camps
While touring in the countryside, the most common accommodations outside cities on our tours are called ger camps. A ger is the traditional felt tent of nomadic herders. Accommodation in the ger camps is based on two people sharing one ger. Each ger is heated by a wood stove and has two wood-framed beds. The camp restaurant and western-style toilet/shower facilities are located in the middle of the camp or close by. All camps supply towels. The ger camps provide all bedding and clients will not be expected to bring their own sleeping bags if they stay overnight in the ger camps. Staying in a ger is a memorable experience of Mongolian culture.
– Tented camping
We use tented camps on our adventure journeys to more remote areas. The tents are either 2 or 3 person tents. A sleeping mat will be provided to each person staying in a tent but clients are asked to bring their own sleeping bags. Our expedition staff sets up camps and prepares meals and takes care of all your needs. Tented camps allow you to interact more with nature and visit the remotest areas of the country.
We use different types of vehicles depending on the nature of tours, destination, and final number of travelers.
- For jeep overland adventure tours, we use Japanese 4WD vans and SUV’s (Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan), which are the best available for their type.
- A bus or mini-bus serves group tourists within Ulaanbaatar.
- In some remote areas where we have to fly, we arrange local vehicles, most of which are Russian 4WD jeeps or minivans. Daily driving distance will be approximately 200-250km.
- For sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar, we use deluxe coaches, vans, and sedans.
All Visit Mongolia drivers have many years of experience. They know their way around the Mongolian countryside, including many places where there are no marked roads. They are all skilled mechanics which is crucial in remote places. Technical inspections on the vehicles are made regularly.
- For jeep overland adventure tours, we use Japanese 4WD vans and SUV’s (Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan), which are the best available for their type.
- A bus or mini-bus serves group tourists within Ulaanbaatar.
- In some remote areas where we have to fly, we arrange local vehicles, most of which are Russian 4WD jeeps or minivans. Daily driving distance will be approximately 200-250km.
- For sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar, we use deluxe coaches, vans, and sedans.
All Visit Mongolia drivers have many years of experience. They know their way around the Mongolian countryside, including many places where there are no marked roads. They are all skilled mechanics which is crucial in remote places. Technical inspections on the vehicles are made regularly.
An English speaking Mongolian guide will accompany you during your entire trip. Most of our guides have a wonderful and outstanding reputation among our clients. They have in-depth knowledge of Mongolian history, nomadic civilization, customs, traditions, and natural wonders. After every tour, we receive feedback and emails about our guides.
Meals are included in the cost. Visit Mongolia provides a selection of the best available local restaurants in cities and popular destinations.
When you are in Ulaanbaatar, you can eat out in a number of restaurants serving Indian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, English, French, German, Russian, Latin American, and of course Mongolian cuisines. Basic foodstuffs for Mongolians are beef, mutton, and noodles.
When you stay in tourist Ger camps, most camps provide meals as western cuisine. During excursions to remote areas, we provide the services of professional chefs who normally accompany the group. Arrangements can be made for vegetarians and those with special dietary needs with advance notice.
When you are in Ulaanbaatar, you can eat out in a number of restaurants serving Indian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, English, French, German, Russian, Latin American, and of course Mongolian cuisines. Basic foodstuffs for Mongolians are beef, mutton, and noodles.
When you stay in tourist Ger camps, most camps provide meals as western cuisine. During excursions to remote areas, we provide the services of professional chefs who normally accompany the group. Arrangements can be made for vegetarians and those with special dietary needs with advance notice.
Mongolia’s climate is continental and extreme. With more than two hundred days of full sun per year, it has been given the nickname of ‘the Country of Blue Skies’.
The tourist season in Mongolia is between the months of May and September. The weather during this time varies considerably from region to region. The highest rainfall period is in July and August; however, there are still days of glorious sunshine during this time. The Gobi usually has the hottest temperatures. Summer evenings in the Gobi can be cool because of Mongolia’s high altitude. The best time to visit the Gobi is June and September. Spring is a time of strong winds, especially difficult in the sandy areas of the Gobi. Most travelers come to Mongolia in mid-July for the annual National Naadam Festival.
The tourist season in Mongolia is between the months of May and September. The weather during this time varies considerably from region to region. The highest rainfall period is in July and August; however, there are still days of glorious sunshine during this time. The Gobi usually has the hottest temperatures. Summer evenings in the Gobi can be cool because of Mongolia’s high altitude. The best time to visit the Gobi is June and September. Spring is a time of strong winds, especially difficult in the sandy areas of the Gobi. Most travelers come to Mongolia in mid-July for the annual National Naadam Festival.
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