Contrasts of Mongolia Package

An introductory city tour through Ulaanbaatar, where we will visit sites such as Gandan-tegchilen monastery, National Museum of Mongolia where you will learn about the history of Mongolia.

Fly from Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii (4h). Upon our arrival, our cars, drivers and cooks will meet us at the airport. We will drive out of the city and camp on a river.

We will drive towards Tolbo Lake. On our way, we will visit a Kazakh family and see an eagle hunting demonstrations. The Kazakh people are the largest ethnic group in Mongolia. They are famous for training eagles and using them for hunting. We will camp near the lake and sleep in our tents.

We will drive Tolbo, a freshwater lake, which is an important bird watching area. Then we will drive to Tsambagarav Mountain. Near this mountain, there are many nomads who herd camels and other livestock. We will visit one of the families and taste traditional milk products.

We will climb Tsambagarav Mountain, which is the third tallest peak of Altai Mountain at 4165 m above sea level. It’s a snow-capped mountain with many ice lakes. We will walk for approximately 5 – 6 hours on this day.

We will drive on dirt road until we arrive at Khovd city. After lunch we will arrive at Tsenkher cave. This cave is one of the most important archeological finds, because evidence of the first human species’ existence was discovered from inside. There are many rock paintings which not only feature humans but many animals as well.

We will drive towards JargalantKhairkhan Mountain. On our way we will see many animals of the mountainous habitat. There may be eagles, vultures and other raptors flying above the cars.

We will have lunch by the river. Then we will drive towards Zavkhan River. Zavkhan River, which is 808 km long, is one of the beautiful rivers, thus the province is named after this river. We will visit local nomad families.

In the morning, we will drive through Urgamalsoum and arrive at a scenic Bayan nuur which is located in between sand dunes. We will visit a nomad family and buy a goat or a sheep to make traditional Mongolian cuisine, khorkhog. Khorkhog is made by heating stones and cooking meat, vegetables and the stones in a tightly covered container.

Depending on the condition we will ride a camel or a horse. We will be able to enjoy the beautiful natural environment from horse or camel back. In the afternoon, we will walk through the sand dune.

We will drive towards Khangai Mountain Range and camp near Telmen Lake. Telmen Lake has an island where many bird flocks visit.

We will arrive at TerkhiinTsagaan Lake. The lake was formed by volcanic lava cutting of the flow of Suman River. On our way, we will be able to see man stones from the Turkic period. Man stones are found throughout Mongolia, and are intricately carved.

In the morning we will walk to Khorgo crater. Khorgo crater was created by the eruption of Khorgo volcano. From the top of the crater, you will be able to see the surrounding area, including TerkhiinTsagaan Lake. In the afternoon, we will go for trekking in the area.

We will have lunch next to Taikhar rock. Taikhar rock is 18m high granite rock in the middle of the steppe, which contains over 150 inscriptions from early periods, although most of them have faded throughout the years.

We will stop by Tsetserleg city and visit the Zayiin monastery. Tsetserleg city is located at the base of nationally worshipped Bulgan Mountain, and was established in 1631 by the name ZayiinKhuree. We will arrive at ancient capital Kharkhorin city in the afternoon.

We will visit Erdenezuu monastery and the stone turtles, which protected the four corners of the ancient capital. Erdenezuu monastery, built on top the ruins of Kharkhorin city, was the first and biggest Buddhist temple built in Mongolia. With 108 stupas as its outline, it operates as a museum today. Then, we will drive to KhugnuKhaan Mountain and visit Uvgun monastery. Uvgun monastery was built by religious figure Zanabazar who dedicated the monastery to his teacher.

We will visit KhustaiNuruu national park, famous for its Przewalskii’s wild horses reintroduction program started in early 1990s. There are about 250 wild horses as well as 46 species of mammals including Red deer, Wild bear, Eurasian lynx, and 148 species of birds such as Demoiselle crane, Cinereous vulture and Black sto

We will arrive at Ulaanbaatar city. In the evening, we will see a Mongolian cultural concert with contortion artists, throat singers, national long songs and dances. Overnight at hotel.

Departure