Arrival - Ulaanbaatar
The contrast between ancient traditions and a 21st century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar, where traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries sit side by side with modern high-rises.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by your private Nomadic Expeditions guide and driver and transferred to the deluxe Shangri-La Hotel, located just steps from various museums and shops.
Full day in Ulaanbaatar
Begin the day with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Woven through Mongolia’s nomadic culture is a rich Tibetan Buddhist tradition in which ancient shamanist practices are still evident. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece for government officials. However, in spite of the government’s efforts to suppress Buddhism and other religious beliefs, Mongolia’s spirituality persisted and a significant resurgence of Buddhism began in 1990 when Mongolia became a democracy. Also visit the recently renovated Chenrezi and Kalachakra Temples, as well as the magnificent statue of Migjid Janraisig, “the lord who looks in every direction.” This 82-foot high statue, gilded in pure gold and clothed with silk and precious stones, completely fills the biggest of Gandan’s temples.
Next, drive through downtown Ulaanbaatar to the National History Museum for an excellent overview of Mongolia’s history and culture. The newly remodeled museum displays traditional implements of daily nomadic life, including Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, historical costumes of Mongolia’s minority tribes, sacred religious relics, and agricultural, fishing, and hunting equipment.
After lunch, visit Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum. Named in honor of Zanabazar, the renowned 17th century artist and politician, who was also the first Buddhist leader of Mongolia, the museum contains one of the best collections of Buddhist art and artifacts in the world, including many of Zanabazar’s original works.
In the evening (if time permits), stroll through Sukhbaatar Square, named after the revolutionary leader who commanded the Mongolian army to fight for the nation’s independence from Manchuria with the help of Russian army in 1920s. It is also the site of the Great Khans Memorial built in celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Mongolian Empire. After 80 years of Soviet domination, a time during which it was forbidden by the government to utter the words “Chinggis Khan,” many Mongols now celebrate their pride in their great ancestors.
Enjoy a performance featuring traditional Mongolian dancers and khoomi throat singers followed by a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant.
Gobi / Yol Valley National Park/ Three Camel Lodge
Today continue with your journey south to the Gobi (1.5 hours), Mongolia’s southernmost province of semi-arid desert. Contrary to the sameness that the word ‘desert’ suggests, the Gobi is a fascinating and diverse region, and includes sites of some of the most important paleontological discoveries of the 20th century. For the next four days, explore the stunning landscapes of the Gobi, habitat for Bactrian camels, Argali mountain sheep, goitered gazelle, Golden Eagles, Saker Falcons, jerboas (similar to kangaroo rats), and many endemic reptiles. The Gobi is also home to some of the Northern Hemisphere’s most rare and elusive mammals, such as the dhole, snow leopard, wild camel, and Gobi bear.
Upon arrival drive to the Yol Valley National Park (45 mins), cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. An ancient river carved this surprisingly green valley, and its remnant streams create ice formations that sometimes persist as late as July. A hike through the valley leads to the habitat of indigenous vulture-like Lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks, and Argali mountain sheep. After exploring the valley, visit the local natural history museum for an overview of the flora and fauna of the surrounding area.
Next drive to Three Camel Lodge ger camp, located at Bulagtai Mountain on the edge of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure or explore the surroundings on your own. The lodge offers a wide variety of activities to travelers from reading a book on Mongolia to watching a documentary about nomadic culture, and from learning traditional Mongolian games to enjoying a relaxing massage.
Tugregiin Shiree/ Bulgan Soum
After breakfast, drive to Tugregiin Shiree (1.5 hours), first explored by Polish expeditions in the late 1960’s and early -1970’s. Tugregiin Shiree is best known for the famous ‘Fighting Dinosaurs”, a fossil of a Protoceratops and Velociraptor locked in combat.
In the afternoon visit Bulgan, a small town near a natural spring. Bulgan has one of the only farms in the Gobi, which supplies local ger camps with fruits and vegetables, an example of local businesses being supported by ecotourism.
Moltsog Els Sand Dunes/ Flaming Cliffs
In the morning, drive to Moltsog Els, one of the few regions of the Gobi covered by sand dunes. Explore the sand dunes on foot or on back of a Bactrian camel. You will also have the opportunity to visit a local camel herding family and experience their hospitality and way of living.
In the late afternoon, travel to the legendary “Flaming Cliffs” (1 hour), named for the red-orange sandstone which glows brilliantly at sunrise and sunset. It was here, in 1922, that Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews and his exploration team from the American Museum of Natural History found the first nest of dinosaur eggs the world had ever seen. To the trained eye, the ancient formations of the Flaming Cliffs are rich with fossils, and paleontological expeditions continue to make significant discoveries at this site.
Drive to Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, drive back to Ulaanbaatar (8 - 9 hours). En route stop at a local town for lunch. (Optional, take a flight back to Ulaanbaatar).
On arrival in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Gorkhi Terelj National Park
Next drive to nearby Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (1 hour.) Comprised of the southern Khentii mountain range, this mountain, forest, steppe region provides habitat for a variety of bird and plant life. Also sheltered in this protected area are endangered musk deer and moose, brown bear, roe, elk, wolf, fox, and badger.
En route stop at the Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue in Tsonjin Boldog. The massive statue made of 250 tons of gleaming stainless steel will take your breath away. Once inside the two-story base of the statue, visitors can see a replica of Chinggis Khan’s legendary golden whip and also take an elevator to a deck on the horse’s head and marvel at the surrounding area overlooking the beautiful Mongolian steppes.
Next, embark on a hike towards the Aryabal Monastery. A hike up along a steep road, leads to a wooden suspended bridge called "The Bridge that leads to wisdom". After crossing the bridge, you trek up 108 steps to finally arrive at the temple. Along the way, the path is lined with signboards displaying Buddha's teachings. The monastery is special for its spectacular views of the surrounding green valley.
Our next stop is the Turtle Rock, a natural rock formation that resembles a turtle in its shell.
Return to Ulaanbaatar in the evening and enjoy your farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant.
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your departing flight.