Nomadic Encounters

Day 2

Discover Ulaanbaatar

Meet your guide in reception for a walk across Chinggis Square to the National History Museum. This will give you a good insight into the history of Mongolia prior to your trip out to the countryside. Enjoy a trip across to Narantuul 'Black Market' where you can locate everything from a toothbrush to saddles and kitchen sinks to traditional 'deel' clothing! Gandantegchinlen Monastery (Gandan) is a restored, working monastery in Ulaanbaatar. Take time to visit some of the 150 monks who reside here and learn more on the history of this fascinating religion and country.

Stay - Best Western Tuushin Hotel

Day 3

Drive to dunes at Bayangobi

Meet your driver and guide to begin your journey west from Ulaanbaatar to Elsen Tasarkhai where you can have fun on the sand dunes at the northern most tip of the Gobi Desert. From here, meet your trusty steeds - the robust Bactrian camels which make up just 6% of the earth's camel population! Arrive at your nomadic host family which will be home for the next two nights. Learn about the nomadic way of life; help feed and water livestock, prepare traditional Mongolian food and understand more about why and how nomads survive in this vast steppe.

Stay - PJ Homestay, Private Ger

Day 4

This morning visit Khugno Khan mountain.

Spend time preparing breakfast with the family and helping with basic chores that are part of daily life for your hosts. Drive the short distance out to Khogno Khan Mountains to explore this interesting landscape. Walk up and through to the ancient Uvgun Khiid (temple) hidden in amongst the rocks and onwards further for magnificent views across the steppe. Return to your family camp to help prepare this evening's meal and spend time with the family.

Stay - PJ Homestay, Private Ger

Day 5

Ancient capital of Kharkhorin

This morning say farewell to your hosts and drive to the old Mongolian capital city of Kharkhorin. Arrive at Erdene Zuu Monastery mid morning to hear the monks chanting in the beautifully decorated Tibetan Style temple. Visit the informative local museum and stop for a coffee (and even WiFi) in the café. Visit the quirky and aptly named, ‘Fertility Stone’ and the Monument of the Three Empires, which looks out over the stunning Orkhon Valley and is a sacred high point where the skulls of beloved stallions are respectfully placed to be nearer Tengri - the sky God.

Stay - Kharkhorin Ger Camp

Day 6

A nomadic encounter

Continuing west from Kharkhorin, traverse the countryside stopping en route to meet local yak herders and their families. A journey of incredible scenery and humbling encounters before then meeting our nomadic friends in the Orkhon Valley, who will be your wonderful hosts for these next two days and nights. This afternoon and evening will offer time for getting to know your host family and learning about their way of life up here near Tovkhon.

Stay - PJ Homestay, Private Ger

Day 7

Visit hilltop Tovkhon Khid

From your family camp, choose to horse ride, drive or hike some of the way towards the UNESCO Heritage Site of Orkhon Valley. Take a short ride or bit of a scramble up to Tovkhon Khiid - a hidden monastery in the forested hills. Hidden deep in the pine forests of the Khangai Mountains, this monastery once was a major pilgrimage destination for Mongolians. A fascinating and idyllic place to explore with stupas, temples and rock formations.

Stay - PJ Homestay, Private Ger

Day 8

New skills and sports at Gurvanbulag

Say farewell to the family and drive eastwards back into and through the heartland to Gurvanbulag, in the central most region of Mongolia. The combination of mountain, steppe, dunes and forest create a unique area which is also rich in ancient burial sites and rock art. At this camp, there is opportunity to try your hand at one of the 'Three Manly Sports'. Archery, along with wrestling and horse racing, make Mongolia's Three Manly Sports and are the heart and soul of the infamous, annual Naadam Festival. This ger camp is run in partnership with local nomadic families and there are a plethora of outdoor activities available whilst staying here.

Stay - Gurvanbulag Ger Camp

Day 9

Khustai National Park

After breakfast drive to Khar Balgas and explore the Qitan and Mongol ruins. In the afternoon, continue east to Khustain Nuruu National Park. Enter the park to look for wildlife such as deer, ibex and marmot and of course the wild Przewalski’s Horses. These "takhi" horses were once native to Mongolia and almost became extinct earlier this century. Through the efforts of several organisations, their successful reintroduction means these magnificent wild horses now roam the steppes once again. Then drive to your homestay to enjoy a home cooked meal with the family in this idyllic place.

Stay - PJ Homestay, Private Ger

Day 10

Return to Ulaanbaatar

Relax with the family, enjoy a morning hike in this beautiful area. There is a nearby forest to explore, in which you can pick berries and visit a shaman’s ovoo. In the afternoon return to Ulaanbaatar and settle into your hotel. You might like to visit the state department store or Gobi cashmere shop, one of the capital’s excellent museums before a traditional concert and dinner.

Stay - Best Western Tuushin Hotel

Day 11

Depart Mongolia

Morning at leisure. Meet your guide and driver in reception for transfer to the airport and your departure flight.