Mongolia: Land Of The Great Khan

Mongolia: Land Of The Great Khan

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Mongolia: Land Of The Great Khan

13 Days Starting and ending in ULAANBAATAR

Visiting: Ulaanbaatar, Yol valley, Ice stream, Khongor Els, Naran Daatsa Bulag, Uubulan, Arvaikheer, Orkhon Valley, Orkhon, Kharkhorin, Khustai Mountains Camp

Tour operator:

Wild Frontiers

Tour code:

LGK

Recommended For:

Couples, Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Low, Low / Moderate

Age range:

1-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

4WD, Sightseeing, Walking

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

On this epic trip across Mongolia we will experience the incredible diversity of scenery in which this country abounds. From the flaming cliffs at Bayanzag and the towering sand dunes at Khongor Els we’ll make for the remote western stretches of the Gobi before heading north, crossing mountain ranges and pine and lark forests, to finally reach the grasslands and wild horses for which the country is so rightly famed.Wherever we travel we’ll be sure to encounter scattered families of Mongolians who – surprisingly perhaps for a land that gave birth to the likes of Genghis Khan – are incredibly hospitable and are usually more than happy to welcome passing travellers into their gers for a glass of airag (fermented mare’s milk).This is an adventurous 4WD trip, with much of the journey being on dirt roads but it is also highly rewarding with spectacular scenery and memorable sights throughout. Offering plenty of good walks and cultural interactions, this comprehensive tour offers a variety of experiences that is hard to beat.

Highlights

  • Explore Mongolia’s diverse landscapes, from deserts to mountains and grasslands, by 4WD

  • Stay in traditional ger camps and meet with semi-nomadic Mongolian families

  • Discover the conservation success story of the wild horses in Hustai National Park

  • Enjoy an evening of traditional Mongolian folk music and dance in Ulaanbaatar

  • Camel ride in the Khongor Els, the tallest sand dunes in Mongolia

  • Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery in Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of Genghis Khan

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Tour Starts In Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Khuvsgul Lake or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner,

Starting mid-morning, we’ll have an introductory meeting and then take a walk to the city square and visit the Winter Palace Museum, the residence of the last king of Mongolia, Bogd Khaan, which now houses an eccentric collection of animals, curios and artefacts. There are great views of Ulaanbaatar city from Zaisan Hill and we’ll take a stroll here before our welcome dinner and an evening of traditional Mongolian folk music and dance.

Day 2 : Ulaanbaatar – Yol Valley
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Yol valley, Ice stream
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Goviin Bayanburd Ger or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Early this morning we will transfer to the airport for a short flight to Dalanzadgad, in the Gobi. Once here we’ll transfer to our 4WDs and head out to the Yol Valley, where we will take an afternoon walk through this stunning landscape. Tonight we’ll experience our first night in a ger. Approx. 2hrs driving (50kms tarmac + 40kms dirt road)

Day 3 : Yol Valley – Khongor Els Sand Dunes
Location: Yol valley, Ice stream, Khongor Els
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Goviin Erdene Ger or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Our first destination today will be the flaming cliffs of Bayanzag, where dinosaur eggs were found in 1922 by Roy Chapman Andrews. We’ll then head west to the Khongor sand dunes, the tallest dunes in Mongolia. Approx. 5hrs driving (240kms dirt road)

Day 4 : Khongor Els Sand Dunes
Location: Khongor Els
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Goviin Erdene Ger or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

We have a full day to explore the striking desert scenery here and the dunes, which reach above 200min height. For those that wish there will the opportunity to take a camel ride along the dunes or to just relax and take in the spectacular landscapes.
Approx. 1.5hrs driving (80kms dirt road)

Day 5 : Khongor Els Sand Dunes - Naran Daats
Location: Khongor Els, Naran Daatsa Bulag
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Batarin Ulgii Ger or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Heading even further west today we’ll experience the true wilderness of the Gobi. Few western travellers make it out this far and we expect to have much of the desert to ourselves, save for perhaps a few nomadic families eking out an existence from this unforgiving and wild land. Our destination is the Naran Daats Spring near the Zulgani Oasis which is fed by the waters that rise in the nearby mountains. Approx. 5-6hrs driving (190kms dirt road)

Day 6 : Naran Daats - Khermen Tsav - Naran Daats
Location: Naran Daatsa Bulag, Naran Daatsa Bulag
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Batarin Ulgii Ger or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Today we have a chance to explore the nearby wonder of the Zulgani Oasis and Khermen Tsav canyon, a spectacular valley which offers great walking opportunities. After a whole day discovering this fascinating and remote region, we’ll return to our remote ger camp at Naran Daats. Approx. 6-7hrs driving (195kms dirt road)

Day 7 : Naran Daats - Khairkhan
Location: Naran Daatsa Bulag, Uubulan
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Tergun Gobi Ger or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Changing direction, we’ll head north today, gradually leaving the Gobi and encountering ever greener lands. We’ll pass several villages and have the chance to interact with the locals who either permanently live here, or who pass through as part of their nomadic (or more often these days, semi-nomadic) lifestyles. After a full day on the road we’ll arrive in the small town of Khairkhan where we’ll spend the night in a ger camp.
Approx. 6hrs driving (240kms dirt road)

Day 8 : Khairkhan - Arvaikheer
Location: Uubulan, Arvaikheer
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Arvaikheer hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Continuing our journey north we’ll reach the provincial capital of Ovorkhangai province. Over the course of today’s beautiful drive the scenery will take on a dramatic change as we finally leave the Gobi and enter the Khangai Mountains. Tonight we’ll take a rare opportunity to overnight in a local hotel (rather than a ger camp).
Approx. 4hrs driving (100kms dirt road)

Day 9 : Arvaikheer– Orkhon Valley
Location: Arvaikheer, Orkhon Valley
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Ursa Major Ger or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Crossing the Khangai Mountains with its pine and lark forests, we’ll arrive at a big meadow on the shores of the Orkhon River. Once more we’ll experience the incredible variety that this country has to offer and after our drive, we’ll arrive at our characterful ger camp and visit a local family in the area. Approx. 3-4hrs driving (140kms dirt road)

Day 10 : Orkhon - Kharkhorin
Location: Orkhon, Kharkhorin
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Munkh Tenger Ger or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Today we head to Kharkhorin town, the ancient capital of Genghis Khan’s Mongolia in the 13th century. We visit Erdene Zuu monastery, which was built from leftovers of Kharkhorin’s ruined city in the 16th century. Sadly a communist purge destroyed almost everything but a few main monasteries. There are numerous unusual cultural and religious exhibits here, as well as a Tibetan-style monastery still active in the Erdene Zuu and important to the area.
Approx. 3-4hrs driving (100kms tarmac + 20kms dirt road)

Day 11 : Kharkhorin - Hustai National Park
Location: Kharkhorin, Khustai Mountains Camp
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Hustai Ger or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Today we move on to the Hustai National Park which is home to the only truly wild horses on earth; the Takhi horse. Several decades ago wild horses had disappeared from Mongolia, victims of habitat loss and poaching. However small numbers survived in European zoos and from these scattered remnants, through a program of careful breeding and international cooperation, the wild population was rebuilt. Now Hustai is home to some 250 wild horses, of which 130 were born in the wild.
Approx. 5-6hrs driving (270kms tarmac + 100kms dirt road)

Day 12 : Hustai National Park – Ulaanbaatar
Location: Khustai Mountains Camp, Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Khuvsgul Lake or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Today we will return to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to our hotel. In the afternoon there will be an opportunity for some free time to wander around the city, or head to the main street for some shopping before our farewell dinner.
Approx. 2hrs driving (80kms tarmac + 20kms dirt road)

Day 13 : Tour Ends In Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Meals Included: Breakfast

The tour finishes this morning at the hotel.

What's Included

  • MEALS

    12 x Breakfasts, 12 x Lunches, 12 x Dinners

  • TRANSPORT

    On this tour we will use one domestic flight, a minibus in Ulaanbaatar and 4WDs for the rest of the journey.

  • GROUP SIZE

    Maximum: 12

  • CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS

    Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings

  • EXPERT TEAM

    The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate

  • ACCOMMODATION

    All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary

  • ENTRANCE FEES

    All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary

  • FITNESS RATING

    Low / Moderate

What's Not Included

We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs

Visas

Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com  For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Mongolia. Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.  Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.

Key Aspects to Consider

Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as all the walks are optional.  There are some long drives to be taken but that is part of the Mongolian experience, and there will always be time for walks, photos and local encounters. Some of the areas visited are remote and see few foreign visitors so be prepared for the unexpected and be aware that changes to local conditions can dramatically affect envisaged timings and exact routings. Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety may be very limited, therefore we recommend packing a few extra bits to fill the gaps!

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Mongolia. Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What is the maximum group size?

    12

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2002

  • Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?

    In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Jamie Nelson-Singer  

Jamie Nelson-Singer

Mongolia has spectacular scenery in the countryside ranging from desert and sand-dunes to green lush fields.

Susan Holmes  

Susan Holmes

This was the most amazing adventure in a vast, beautiful and remote country. ...

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  • Free Date Changes

    Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.

    Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise

    You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
    We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
    If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**


    We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:

    There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
    Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
    No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
    Tourist visas (if required) are available.
    There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
    Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****




    ** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
    ***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
    **** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
    *****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.

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