Friday, September 22, 2006

Gobi desert beauties

You will be staying in tented camp. Visit Buddhist monasteries enjoying recent revival, sites of dinosaur fossils, an ice gorge and ride a camel through the Khongoriin Els sand dunes. This program combines the ancient traditions of Buddhism with the natural beauty and grandeur of the pristine nature. Erdenezuu is the largest functioning monastery in Mongolia and is slowly and lovingly being restored to its former glory after many years of abandonment and neglect during socialism era. The Monastery is situated at where the ancient capital of Mongolia Karakorum located. It was here that Chinggis Khan assembled his mighty cavalry to conquer half of the known world. Further we head into the Gobi area. The sites of the Gobi are varied and unique, like the valley at Yoliin Am, known as Eagle Valley, whose depths support huge glacial sheets that remain until hot summer months, or the massive sand dunes. Of great interest to foreign travelers and scientists alike are the dinosaur remains scattered throughout the Gobi.

Day 1

At the prearranged time we will head west into the countryside. The scenery is wide-open steppe with rolling hills in the background. We will stop for lunch along the way and reach the mountain called ‘Khogno Khan’ in the late afternoon. It is about 6 hours drive from Ulaanbaatar. This mountain is perfect for some afternoon hiking and there are remains of an ancient monastery, which should be explored. Dinner and overnight will be at the tented camp.

Day 2

Today we will drive on to Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia. There is a small local township there now. This is about 2 hours drive from Khogno Khan Mountain. On arrival the first and most obvious landmark is the remains of the Erdenezuu Monastery’s vast walls. This monastery was built in 1586 and is surrounded by a massive 400m x 400m wall. Not a single nail was used in the construction of the ornate temples, only a few of which remain standing after the communist purges. We will visit this monastery and then head on to the Orkhon River and set our camp in the river’s shore.

Day 3

Today we will make a trip to the Orkhon Waterfall, situated in the Orkhon Valley. This valley is known as the cradle of Mongolian civilization as many of Mongolia’s ancient monuments lie within its borders. Today we will visit some of its natural beauties. The Orkhon Waterfall marks the halfway point of the Orkhon River, the longest river in Mongolia. The area surrounding the waterfall is green and forested and we will spend the day walking in the area and having a picnic lunch. This area of Mongolia is well known for producing the best ‘airag’, or fermented mares’ milk, in the country. Many locals will love to challenge you to a singing game, the loser having to consume a whole bowl of the ‘airag’, so beware when visiting local families! The drive from our camping spot to this area is about two-and-a-half hours and in the afternoon we will drive until we reach our camping spot and set our camp. Overnight and dinner

Day 4

Today we start driving towards the Gobi desert. The scenery will change into the vast open steppe that meets with the horizon at the edge. There will be occasional nomadic families’ gers in the distance. We will have a packed lunch on the way and in the afternoon we will come to our camping spot by the Ongiin River, where we will stay for the night. There is the ruin of Ongiin Monastery nearby, which we will visit.

Day 5

Continue driving to the flaming cliffs at Bayanzag. The first discovery of dinosaur eggs, as well as bones, was made in this area in the famous American expedition of the 1920’s. There will be a chance to meet local nomadic people and to visit their gers. Overnight will be at the tented camp near the flaming cliff.

Day 6

Today we drive west along the Altai Mountain range until we reach Khongoriin Els. Reaching heights of 800m, these are Mongolia’s largest sand dunes. Locally they are called the ‘singing dunes’ because of the tons of sand, which shift in the wind, making a strange sound similar to that of distant aircraft. The drive is about 6 hours long. We will stay overnight in a tent close to the dunes.

Day 7

After some long days of driving we will have the opportunity to use a different type of transport. We will be riding on camels today to explore these massive sand dunes. The two-humped camels are very comfortable to ride, as they walk slowly and gently and we will be well supported by the humps, sitting comfortably between them. Our camel man will take us to the sand dunes. We will take our lunch with us and ride back to the camp in the evening.

Day 8

Today we will drive to Yoliin Am (Eagle Valley). This is a long valley with high cliff walls, which shade some areas of the valley floor from the sun for the entire year, allowing the stunning ice sheets to form. We will walk through the valley and see the ibex grazing on the cliff faces. The wildlife in the area is abundant and the desert plants vibrant and varied. The areas we will be visiting are situated in the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, which encompasses the ‘Three Beauties’ peaks and the eastern-most points of the Altai Mountains. Overnight at the tented camp.

Day 9

After breakfast we will drive to Baga gazriin chuluu in Dundgobi aimag. The drive is about 250 kms. On the way we will stop for lunch. Overnight will be in tent nearby Baga Gazriin Chuluu.

Day 10

After breakfast we will drive towards Ulaanbaatar, on the way we will stop for lunch. In the late afternoon we will reach Ulaanbaatar city and transfer you to your hotel.

Sunday, September 10, 2006

mongolsmile: September 2006

mongolsmile: September 2006

Wild Riding in Khentii Mountain

Visit the sights and sounds of Ulaanbaatar before leaving for a 10-day trek on horseback through the Khentii National Park. It is a chance to discover the most remote and beautiful areas of the Khentii Mountain range. Deep in the forested valleys, you will discover the hidden jewel of the area – Khagiin Khar or the Black Lake, truly wild and remote. Bears, wolves, red deer, moose and other wild animals are the only inhabitants of this strictly protected area.

Day 1

In the morning we will head east of Ulaanbaatar, reaching Khentii National Park after a 3-hour drive, where the landscape consists of green, forested hillsides, and spectacular granite cliffs. Many herders live in this area, and you can see yaks, sheep, goats and horses grazing in this peaceful valley. After lunch in our horseman’s ger at the Bayanbulagiin adag, we will hike through lush meadows for a couple of hours towards the Tuul River valley. Then, we will have dinner and camp on the Tuul River bank.

Day 2

After a substantial breakfast, we will saddle our horses and prepare for the linear ride, while the packhorses are being loaded. As we start, we will ride into the valley along the base of mountain ranges. You will soon realize that you are slowly leaving civilization behind, entering the wilderness - birds, marmots and other ground squirrels nestle in the surrounding area. After 4 hours of riding, we will reach our campsite for the night. It is called Khukh chuluunii gol.

Day 3

Today, as we follow the Tuul River, we enter dense pine forest, at the southern tip of Siberian Taiga. Throughout the three-and-a-half hour ride, we will see Golden eagles, woodpeckers, and other birds. We will arrive at the Chequstein River, where we will camp for the night.

Day 4

Leaving the Tuul Valley behind us, we will enter tundra forests. This environment is typical moose habitat, and you will see so many marks of this magnificent animal that by the end of the day, you will be able to detect their presence like an expert! After an hour of riding, we start to ascend a mountain through deep forest noted for its abundance of wolves, bears, deer and moose. Reaching its top, we overlook and descend to the breathtaking Black Lake. We will set up camp on the yellow sandy beach of the Lake.

Days 5-6

After 3 days of riding we will enjoy a deserved rest at the lake and let our horses rest. There will be ample time to swim, fish, hike and explore the abundant wildlife of the area.

Day 7

We will saddle our horses and ride to 3 wonderful smaller lakes further on in the valley, the ‘three pearls’. The most adventurous of you can climb the surrounding mountains and admire the superb panorama. We will spend the night in a valley nearby.

Day 8

After breakfast we will ride through Khongoryn River valley. Riding down the stream for 4 hours, we will ford the river. After a couple more hours, we will come across a mountainous forest of birch, pine and age-old cedar. We will spend the night camping in the forest, close to a stream.

Day 9

We will make a steep ascent, and an even steeper descent across the Khaviragiin Pass, which lies at the eastern shoulder of Altan Olgii Peak. Translated as ‘Golden Cradle,’ this 2646m mountain is one of the highest peaks of the Khentii Range. We will continue riding towards Terelj through the Dund Bayan Gol Valley. As before, luggage, food and equipment will be carried by packhorses. Towards the end of day, we will meet up with the support vehicles, and set up camp for the night.

Days 10-11

We will drive to our camp in Bayanbulagiin Adag and enjoy 2 days of rest. There will be opportunities to hike or visit local families and learn about their ways of life. On the last evening, you will have a traditional Mongolian meal of “Khorkhog”. This is mutton cooked slowly in a huge, metal urn with vegetables, water and hot stones from a flaming fire. The meat becomes soft and tasty and the water turns into a thick meaty broth.

Day 12

After breakfast we will return to UB and check into the hotel.

Prices include the following: Transportation within Mongolia. Tented accommodation while on trek, three meals a day, English-speaking guide, all sightseeing costs, transfers, camel or horse hire where specified, support staff including drivers, horse/camel men and camp assistants.

Prices do not include: International transportation, travel insurance, visas, departure tax, alcoholic drinks, gratuities, items of a personal nature.
It is the responsibility of the client to be fully covered with travel and medical insurance while traveling in Mongolia.

Please note: An additional ‘single supplement’ price is given with all our prices. This refers to single room accommodation in hotels only. Upon request single supplement in the countryside can be provided at the additional cost. Incase, single accommodation in ger camps was not provided the amount would be calculated based on the missing nights and reimbursed. Undiscovered Mongolia cannot be hold responsible for over bookings, as long as the company can proof with sufficient documentation that overbooking has been the error of the third party.
Should circumstances beyond our control, such as the imposition of quarantine restrictions, any changes of domestic flight or train schedules, require a change of itinerary, we will inform your agent and propose an equivalent itinerary. Again, Undiscovered Mongolia cannot take over the responsibility for the Airlines or the National Train Company. The traveler is responsible for having proper travel documents, such as a valid passport, proper visa and the necessary passport pictures.

Highlights of Mongolia with Gobi

: One way flight and driving program


Duration: 7-12 days


Day 1

International arrival at Buyant-Ukhaa airport and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2

At the pre-arranged time in the morning you will meet your guide and driver to drive towards Karakhurem on the way you will see the Khogno Khaan Mountain. This is about 4 hours drive from Ulaanbaatar. This mountain, at an elevation of 1967m, is perfect for hiking and there are some remains of an ancient monastry on top of Khogno Khaan mountain that should be explored. After this we will drive to Kharakorum the ancient capital of Mongolia. There is a small local town there now. On arrival, the first and the most obvious landmark is that of massive walls of Erdene Zuu Monastery. This Monastery was built in 1586 and is surrounded by a vast 400m x 400m wall. Now a single nail was used in the construction of the ornate temples, only few of which remain standing after the communist purges. We will visit this monatery. (lunch at the Mon Altai Ger Camp, overnight at the Urgoo Ger Camp and Dinner)

Day 3

Today you will drive towards the Gobi desert. The scenario will change into vast open steppe that meets with horizon at the edge. There will be occasional nomadic families gers in distance. You will have a packed lunch on the way and in the afternoon, you will come to a ger camp by the Ongiin river, where you will stay for the night. There is a ruin of Ongiin Monastery nearby which you will visit also.

Day 4

Today you will continue driving to the Red flaming cliff at Gobi Bayanzag. First discovery of dinosaurs eggs, as well as bones was discovered in this area by the famous American expedition of the 1920’s. there will be a chance to meet local nomadic people and visit their gers. Overnight at the Bayanzag ger camp.

Day 5

Today you will drive west along the Altai Mountain range until we reach Khongoriin Els. Reaching heights of 800 m, these are Mongolia’s largest sand dunes. Mongolians they are called it “singing dunes” because of the tons of sand which shifts in the wind, making unique sound similar to that of distant aircraft. The drive is about 6 hours long. Overnight at the Tuvshin 2 ger camp.

Day 6

Today we will drive to Yoliing Am (Eagle’s Valley). This is a long valley with high cliff walls, which shade some areas of the valley floor from the sun for entire year, allowing the stunning ice sheets to form. We will walk through the valley, you may be lucky enough to spot wild sheep and Ibex grazing high on the cliff walls. The valley is also full of soaring eagles hunting for prey. At the opening of the valley is a Natural History Museum displaying interesting information about the animals of the area. Overnight at Tuvshin 1 ger camp.

Day 7

After a relaxed breakfast, you will be driven to Dalanzadgad with your guide and to take a local flight back to Ulaanbaatar. The flight takes one and a half hours and your guide will accompany. On arrival, you will meet our driver and taken to city, there you can do some shopping and sightseeing. For the evening, you will see folk song concert followed by dinner. Then transfer to airport for your international departure.

Our Price List

Price list of Undiscovered Mongolia travel pack



8+ pax 10 % discount of 50 USD per day

4+ pax 50 USD per day

1 – 3 pax 75 USD per day

Price includes :


- transportation within Mongolia
- Tented or Ger accommodation while on trip
- 3 meals a day
- English speaking guide
- Cook
- All sight-seeing cost
- Hotel transfers
- Camel or horse riding where specified
- Support staff inc. drivers, camel / horseman and camp assistants.




Car rental

We rent 2 kinds of vehicles that are very suitable for traveling around countryside. They are UAZ 469 and Furgon (Mini Van) – all 4 wheel drive vehicles.

UAZ 469 with 5 people’s seat 150 USD / day
Furgon with 9 people’s seat 200 USD / day

The price includes provision of tour itinerary, driver, petrol, and car rent.


If needed a guide and cook, the additional cost of English speaking professional guide is 30 USD per day and the well skilled cook is 10 USD per day.



FASCINATING TRAVEL ADVENTURE
IN MONGOLIA


We are “Undiscovered Mongolia” Tour Co Ltd., established in year 2004.

We aim to provide the highest level of service before, during, and after your tour. Most of our trips are fully inclusive (except international flights) and your transport, accommodation,, food, entrance fees, and support staff all organized prior to your arrival.

We organize budget tour throughout Mongolia and our group tours are intended for people who wish to enjoy the friendship and reduced costs of traveling in a group (usually 4 – 12 people).

Take a fascinating adventure to Mongolia – an untouched heaven of big lakes, high mountains, gorgeous landscapes and the largest diversity of both wild life and ethnicities. The Harhira mountain range, with snow-capped peaks of over 3,000 metres, waterfalls, ancient burial sites, mountaintop lakes and its nomadic based communities is a great place to explore Mongolia. With many herds of rare wild sheep and goats, western Mongolian region is a safe habitat for the word’s largest community of Snow Leopards.

When you arrive in Ulaanbaatar, by plane or train, our representative will meet you at the airport or at the train station and transfer you to your hotel. The hotels are all within a few minutes walk of the central Sukhbaatar Square. You can choose what standard of hotel you prefer. The hotels are near to most of the restaurants, shops and bars.

When traveling outside the city, there are ger (traditional homes of nomadic people) camps set up for tourists in the most popular places.

We are cheap because we don’t make you to pay for our overhead expenses.