The Lands of Genghis Khan

Fly overnight via Frankfurt to Ulan Bator, Mongolia’s capital.

On arrival, transfer to the 4-star Holiday Inn Ulan Bator for an overnight stay. A tour of the city includes visits to the Genghis Khan Monument in central Sükhbaatar Square; the newly established Genghis Khan Museum, which exhibits a large number of historical artefacts. At the ger complex of Dashchoilin Monastery, enjoy a talk by one of the monks.
(B, L, D)

In the morning, we will drive to the west toward Mongol Nomadic camp for overnight, enjoy a nomadic show of 19th century nomads’ lifestyle including nomad’s migration with yak card, camel, process of making felt and skin ropes, dairy producing and many more. After the program, we will check into our gers at Mongol Nomadic camp. Lunch at the ger camp. In the afternoon, we will attend Naadam festival event that features Mongolian
wrestling, archery, horse race as well as cultural shows and performances. On this day, we will also have a Mongolian traditional archery session with a professional instructor. (B, L, D)

Drive to Hustai National Park, and upon arrival visit information centre and small museum related to the park. Drive deep into the park to view the gorgeous Takhi horses and learn more about Takhi horses and the National Park. After the excursion in the park, enjoy lunch at Hustai camp. In the afternoon, we will travel to our camp located in Karakorum. Arrive at Secret of Silk Road camp after 4-5 hours’ drive for a two-night stay. (B, L, D)

Visit the temples of 16th-century Erdene Zuu Buddhist monastery, twice destroyed and restored; and
continue to the contemporary city to visit Karakorum Museum, revealing the historic glory days with
displays in a spacious stupa-studded compound. We will also visit the Erdenesiin Khuree calligraphy
centre. In the early evening, learn how to assemble a ger. (B, L, D)

Drive to the Gobi steppes to the south to Ongi monastery ruins by the river Ongi. Visit a nomadic family and learn their ways to tend their livestock. Learn to make dairy products with the family while having conversations with them and observe their life more closely. This is the best way to interact with locals and learn more about their way of life. Lunch at Smoke and Steppe restaurant on the way. Arrive in Ongi and visit the historical Ongi Monastery ruins with some short hiking around. Transfer to Secret of Ongi camp for overnight. (B, L, D)

Today, we embark on a journey south towards Bayanzag- the Flaming Cliffs - a name penned by the
palaeontologist Roy Chapman Andrews. First excavated in 1922, it is renowned worldwide for the number of dinosaur bones and eggs found in the area, which you can see in museums around the world. This picturesque drive spans approximately 4 hours, traversing the expansive and breathtaking Ongi steppe. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the information centre of Bayanzag, which features informative exhibits and a brief documentary to enhance your understanding of the area. Then, immerse yourself in the wilderness and explore the unique natural formations as you hike along a designated trail. Return to Gobi Mirage Lodge for overnight. (B, L, D)

Today drive (3-4 hours) to the Khongor sand dunes – one of Mongolia’s largest and most beautiful sand dunes that stretch over 180km in the arid Gobi Desert. Lone gers and nomads on camelback hang suspended in the mirages, whilst the desert floor is strewn with a range of colourful rocks and unusual minerals. This is the Gobi at its stark best - there are many opportunities to stop and take photographs of the landscapes and people. On the way, we will stop at the small town Bulgan – visit the mini market & town area. In the afternoon, visit a local camel breeder and enjoy a camel ride. Visit Seruun Bulag (meaning cold spring) and Khongor river streaming along the dunes. Climb to the dunes from Seruun bulag and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the oasis, dunes and the mountains that surrounds. Spend the night at Gobi Erdene camp. (B, L, D)

Today we take the southern road back through the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan Park in a drive that takes 4 to 5 hours. The road runs alongside the Khongor dunes for some time before the dunes disappear into a massive desert steppe, bounded by the last of the Altai Mountain Range. In the afternoon, we will have short drive to Yoliin Am Gorge in the “Three Beauty” national park. Upon our arrival we will do a hike in the valley while watching wildlife including pika, other bird species and plants. Visit the local museum of the park at the park entrance. In the early evening, transfer to Gobi Mirage Lodge for overnight. (B, L, D)

Drive to Ulan Bator (6-7 hours) for two nights at the 4-star Holiday Inn Ulan Bator. In the
late afternoon enjoy a traditional folklore concert. (B, L)

Drive to the Giant Genghis Khan Monument complex, centred by a stainless-steel statue of the man on horseback, an epic 40metres tall. Travel north to Terelj National Park, filling the river valley with edelweiss meadows, forested slopes, and meandering mountain streams. See the unmistakable Turtle Rock, the star
among many stark granite formations; and visit the Aryaval Meditation Temple,hidden in the hills, and built in the shapeof an elephant head. Continue to Ulan Bator and return to the Holiday Inn for two nights. Visit the Bogd Khan Museum, the former Winter Palace of Mongolia’s early 20th-century ruler, with religious, political, and artistic exhibits; and Buddha Park, a pocket of peace in the city, focused on the Golden Buddha statue. Enjoy your farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

Transfer to the airport for return flight via Frankfurt.
(B)