Journeys: Entdecke die Mongolei

Journeys: Entdecke die Mongolei

• Trip code: 455X000
• Dauer: 14
• Stil: National Geographic Journeys

Mongolia’s sublime beauty reveals itself in endless expanses of steppe and sky and an age-old nomadic culture that joins the people with the land. Journey through this remote, seldom-travelled region of Asia, from sprawling Ulaanbaatar to green, grassy plains where wild horses roam. Discover the country’s surviving Buddhist heritage on visits to historic temples and monasteries; walk across the rocks and sands of the sweeping Gobi, which conceal troves of dinosaur fossils; and get a taste of traditional Mongolian life.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels – 3 N, Jurtenlager – 10 N

Checklist

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Light Hiking:
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)

Sleep Sheet:
• Sleeping bag liner/sleep sheet

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) während der ganzen Reise, lokale Guides

Group Size Notes

Max. 14, im Schnitt 12

Meals Included

13 Frühstück, 11 Mittagessen, 11 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD100-130 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Start / Finish

von Ulaanbaatar

What's Included

Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Nomadic Family Desert Ger Building & Archery Lesson Experience, Bulgan
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Yak Milking with Herding Family, Orkhon Valley
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Yakfarm, Orkhon Valley
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Kloster Erdene Zuu, Kharkhorin
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Cafe No Limits Visit, Ulaanbaatar. Besuch des Nationalmuseums der Mongolei. Essen bei einer Familie im Dorf Nalaikh. Besuch des Dschingis-Khan-Monuments. Geführte Tour im Gandan-Kloster. Zorgol Khairkhan Berg und Picknick. Wandern im Nationalpark Baga Gazriin Chuluu. Besuch von Yolyn Am. Moltsog Els (Sanddünen). Freie Zeit in Bulgan, Elsen Tasarkhai. Besuch der Flaming Cliffs. Besuch der Klöster Ongiin Khiid und Hoshuu. Wanderung zum Orkhon-Wasserfall. Buuz-Kochkurs (mongolische Teigtaschen). Khorkhog (traditionelles mongolisches Grillen). Kloster Erdene Zuu. Karakorum-Museum. Wanderung zum Uvgun-Kloster. Besuch des Khustai-Nationalparks (Khustain Nuruu). Mongolische Kulturshow. Ankunftstransfer. Alle Transfers zwischen besuchten Orten sowie zu inbegriffenen Aktivitäten und zurück

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Transport

Privatfahrzeuge, Allradwagen, zu Fuß, Wandern

Highlights

Visit with a nomadic camel-herding family in the Gobi to learn how to build a local ger (yurt) and take a lesson in archery: Mongolia’s national sport, Experience the uniqueness of Mongolia’s incredible culture up close with a visit to a yak herding family to milk watch them milk the yaks and try their fresh yak milk products, Discuss the history of Buddhism in Mongolia with the head monk of Erdeni Dzu Monastery-one of the oldest Buddhist complexes in the region, Hear from rangers at Hustai National Park and track wild horses across the grassy steppe

Introduction

Mongolia’s sublime beauty reveals itself in endless expanses of steppe and sky and an age-old nomadic culture that joins the people with the land. Journey through this remote, seldom-travelled region of Asia, from sprawling Ulaanbaatar to green, grassy plains where wild horses roam. Discover the country’s surviving Buddhist heritage on visits to historic temples and monasteries; walk across the rocks and sands of the sweeping Gobi, which conceal troves of dinosaur fossils; and get a taste of traditional Mongolian life

Internationale Flüge

Check-in-Zeiten und Freigepäck/Einschränkungen können je nach Fluggesellschaft variieren und sich jederzeit ändern. Für die aktuellsten Informationen zu deinem Flug wende dich bitte an deine Fluggesellschaft. Wir empfehlen Online-Check-in, um mögliche Verzögerungen am Flughafen zu vermeiden

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Ulaanbaatar

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. After the welcome meeting, join your group for an orientation walk around Ulaanbaatar on the way to an optional welcome dinner

Day 2 Ulaanbaatar

Mongolia's rich history is on full display at the National Museum of Mongolia. Explore the museum with your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) learning about the traditional ethnic groups of Mongolia and view some of the archaeological artifacts on display. Next, walk to No Limits Cafe, a G for Good project supporting youth with Down Syndrome who work alongside their mothers to serve delicious teas, coffee and snacks. This afternoon, visit Nalaikh Ger Village for a local lunch of Mongolian Buuz dumplings with some of the families who call this place home. After learning about life in a ger village, continue to the imposing statue of Chinggis Khan. The monument of Mongolia's most emblematic figure is observed as you take an elevator to the head of the horse to get the best view of both the statue itself, and the vast expanse of the surrounding Mongolian mountainside. The evening is free for dinner at your leisure

Day 3 Ulaanbaatar/ Baga Gazriin Chuluu

Travel by 4x4 to Gandan Monastery, one of the most important temple complexes in all of Mongolia to learn about the history of Buddhism and listen to the monks chant. We then make our way to the Gobi, one of the world's largest deserts, which covers much of the southern part of Mongolia. On the way, we'll stop for a picturesque pond-side picnic at Zorgol Khairkhan, a sacred mountain considered to be the most beautiful in central Mongolia. Arrive in the afternoon to our first ger camp–we will stay in these traditional Mongolian lodgings through day 12 of the trip. Tonight at the camp, it's time to get competitive and try your hand at some traditional Mongolian Games, like The Knuckle Bone game and Khorol, a Mongolian style dominoes

Day 4 Baga Gazriin Chuluu/ Bulgan

Continue onwards to the Dundgobi Aimag region—Middle Gobi—and witness the astonishing granitic formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu. Set off on a hike around the small but historic national park, and visit the ruins of an old temple dating from the 17th century hidden in the massif granite. Continue driving to the South Gobi and the next ger camp-your base for exploring the next 3-days

Day 5 Bulgan

Start today with some hands-on skills-imperative to life in remote Mongolia. Learn the basics of constructing a Mongolian ger (yurt,) then, try your hand at archery-one of the most beloved sports in the country. Later, enjoy an excursion through the magnificent gorges of the Altay Mountains to Gurvan Saikhan National Park, a vast protected area comprised of canyons, sand dunes, and a steppe. Stop for a hike in rugged Yolyn Am, known as the “valley of the eagles,” keeping an eye out for ibex, gazelles, argali sheep, and countless species of birds

Day 6 Bulgan

After breakfast, drive to Moltsog Els sand dune and witness the seemingly never ending waves of sand. Spend time exploring the ever-changing dunes and learn about this unique and beautiful landscape. Return to the camp for lunch and some down time or choose to join some optional activities, such as traditional massage by a local shaman or take a cooking class. Later, travel by 4x4 to the Flaming Cliff, a rust-coloured sandstone landscape where a vast amount of dinosaur fossils and eggs have been found. Learn about the discoveries made here and spend time exploring the dramatic crags and canyons and enjoy a fiery red sunset before heading back to camp for the evening

Day 7 Bulgan/ Ongiin Khiid

Visit the ruins of Ongiin Khiid, a complex of Buddhist monasteries and universities which were tragically destroyed during the communist purges. Tour the site and learn about the monks who have returned here in recent years, bringing new life to the complex. Continue on to the next ger camp and settle in for the evening

Day 8 Ongiin Khiid/ Orkhon Valley

Drive to the breathtaking Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses rolling hills and pastureland, traditional pastoral societies, and archaeological remains. We'll stop for lunch along the way. Then, settle in to camp after arriving in the evening. Enjoy free time to relax before an early start tomorrow, or if you have the energy, opt to do some easier hikes around camp

Day 9 Orkhon Valley

Rise early to visit the local Yak herding family to assist them in milking the animals. After, head off for a visit to Orkhon Waterfall and walk to the observation point for an incredible view of the carved out cliffside. Return to the camp after working up an appetite–lunch will consist of buuz, Mongolian dumplings that we'll learn to make with the camp chef. In the afternoon, continue your visit with the Yak herder family and learn to make yak tea, cheese and even alcoholic yak yogurt utilizing the milk you helped retrieve earlier in the day. You can also try your hand at spinning yarn from yak's wool. After today's immersive experience, you'll understand the vital role yaks play in Mongolian day-to-day life as a source of food, clothing material, transport and even a cultural symbol. This evening, return to the camp to relax and enjoy a traditional Mongolian barbecue, prepared over hot stones

Day 10 Orkhon Valley/ Elsen Tasarkhai

Drive to the city of Kharkhorin and onward to nearby Karakorum, Mongolia’s ancient capital. Here, Genghis Khan established his headquarters in the early 13th century. Explore the remains of the Erdene Zuu Monastery, considered Mongolia’s earliest centre of Buddhism, and meet with the head monk to learn about the communist purges that decimated much of the country’s Buddhist heritage. Finish up the day with a visit the Karakorum Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the 13th and 14th centuries as well as a scale model of the ancient capital

Day 11 Elsen Tasarkhai

This morning, drive to Khungu Khan Mountain to hike up to the ruins of the 16th century Uvgun Monastery, perfectly on display atop the boulder covered mountain. From the monastery, admire the spectacular views of the valley below, and sand dunes expanding into the distance. Hike back down and return to the ger camp for some free time

Day 12 Elsen Tasarkhai/ Khustai National Park

After breakfast, drive to Khustai National Park, where some of the earth’s last wild horses roam. The takhi or Przewalski’s horse native to these grasslands had nearly vanished from the wild, until the species was reintroduced here as a result of a successful captive breeding program. Meet with park staff to learn about the takhi reintroduction project, and keep an eye out for these stocky, coffee-coloured horses that have never been domesticated. Continue on to our last camp and settle into your ger for the night

Day 13 Khustai National Park/ Ulaanbaatar

Settle in for a long drive through the Mongolian countryside to Ulaanbaatar, arriving in the early evening. Enjoy a farewell dinner accompanied by a memorable performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance

Day 14 Ulaanbaatar

Abreise zu jeder Zeit möglich

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Ulaanbaatar

Day 2 Ulaanbaatar

Day 3 Ulaanbaatar/ Baga Gazriin Chuluu

This trip covers a lot of ground and we will do so in 4x4 vehicles but there is a lot of driving on some very rough and unmaintained roads. A large part of Mongolia's appeal is its wild, untouched nature and, as such, accommodation and infrastructure can be very basic in nature. As such, hot water and electricity can be uncertain. Mongolia is a country which is very different to anything you will have experienced before and while this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special. Accommodation throughout the trip will be in gers. Gers are traditional Mongolian tents made with wooden frames and layers of felt. The camps we stay at will have 2 beds with mattresses, linens, and extra blankets. The tent is on a platform and while simple, is quite comfortable and offers a truly unique experience. Our locations are remote and gers do not have built-in ensuite - all camps have shared facilities with toilette's/sinks/showers. Most ger camps have 24 hour electricity with a couple of exceptions that have generators which after 11pm they cut electricity until morning

Day 4 Baga Gazriin Chuluu/ Bulgan

Day 5 Bulgan

Day 6 Bulgan

Day 7 Bulgan/ Ongiin Khiid

Day 8 Ongiin Khiid/ Orkhon Valley

Day 9 Orkhon Valley

Day 10 Orkhon Valley/ Elsen Tasarkhai

Day 11 Elsen Tasarkhai

Day 12 Elsen Tasarkhai/ Khustai National Park

Day 13 Khustai National Park/ Ulaanbaatar

Day 14 Ulaanbaatar