East Mongolia and the Native Land of Ghinggis Khaan

 

 

Day 1        Arrive Ulaan Baatar

Arrive Ulaan Baatar where you will be met and transferred to your homestay for one night. After you have had time to refresh you will be taken on a two hour orientation walking tour of UB. In the evening you will be taken to a folk show which will last about one and a half hours. Afterwards you will be taken to a Guanz (local restaurant) where you can try some famous Mongolian mutton food called Buuz (drinks at own expense). You will then be driven back to your homestay.

Day 2        UB to Baldan Baraivan Monastery

An early morning start for the six hour drive east to Baldan Baraivan Monastery. Like most monasteries in Mongolia, this one was destroyed by the Communists in 1937 but is now in the process of being rebuilt. It has a great location in a lush green valley surrounded by wooded hills. Tonight you will camp near the monastery and feel you are a million miles away from the 21st century.

Day 3        Baldan Baraivan Monastery to Khokh Nuur

After breakfast you will drive about five hours over mountain passes and through beautiful forests to Khokh Nuur (Khokh Lake). This is where Ghinggis Khaan was crowned king and there is a plaque to commemorate this event. Tonight you will camp in a beautiful spot overlooking the lake. Sleep in total silence.

Day 4        Khokh Nuur to the Terelj

After a leisurely breakfast you will be driven to the Terelj National Park which is on the way back toward UB. Here you will have two nights staying in a Ger camp and there will be ample time to relax and enjoy nature. **

Day 5        In the Terelj

Today you can relax, go for a walk up the hill behind your Ger, go for a horse ride (US$5 per hour) or just wander around the valley with its forests, streams and tranquillity. In the evening you will visit a Nomadic Ger and enjoy dinner with the Nomads. Overnight Ger.

Day 6        Terelj to UB

At about 1000 you will be driven back to Ulaan Baatar. This afternoon you are free to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city and to do some shopping. Overnight homestay.

Day 7        End of trip

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport or railway station.

**This trip can be extended by one day if you wish to visit a memorial to Ghengiss Khan at Avarda. This means that on Day 4 you will drive south and camp on the way. You will then arrive in the Terelj on Day 5.

Price includes

  • All accommodation according to your itinerary

  • Transfers as specified in the itinerary

  • Four wheel drive vehicle in the countryside

  • Breakfast in Ulaan Baatar and all meals in the country

  • Bottle of top notch vodka upon arrival (why not)

  • All camping equipment including sleeping bags

  • Two hour orientation tour in UB upon arrival

  • Entrance to the Folk Show (May to September)

  • Buuz at a local Guanz in UB

  • Mountain bike if booked

Price Page for Mongolia
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How to get to Ulaan Baatar
Train #23 arrives in Ulaan Baatar at approx 1400 after departing Beijing at 0740 the previous day. This train operates twice a week. There is also a daily train from Irkutsk arriving UB at 0553 two days later. There are daily flights from Beijing and regular flights from Seoul, Berlin, Moscow, Tokyo and Irkutsk.

Departing Ulaan Baatar
Train #263 departs daily to Irkutsk departing at 2110 and train #24 departs to Beijing twice a week. There are daily flights to Beijing and regular flights to Seoul, Berlin, Moscow, Tokyo and Irkutsk.

Accommodation
This package is based upon using homestays in UB with Tourist Gers and tents as per the itineraries. However, should you prefer hotel accommodation in UB please ask. This will cost more and the price will depend on what standard of hotel you wish and what room types are available.

Visa
Australia/UK/New Zealand passport holders require a visa for Mongolia. US passport holders do not require a visa and all other nationalities should check with Passport Travel, their travel agent or the nearest Mongolian Consulate.

Currency
The unit of currency is the togrog. 

NB All trips visit a Nomadic Ger for some local hospitality and/or camp next to a Nomadic Ger. However vegetarians and those who are lacto intolerant beware