Itinerary

Day 1. Ulaanbaatar.

Arrive at any time. The sleepy capital is an evolving city, showing many signs of

its Soviet past contrasted with an increasing Chinese influence and a re-

emergence of traditional Mongolia. Please note that USD notes are generally

not accepted outside of money exchange businesses and are best to be

exchanged at the airport. As fellow group members will be arriving throughout

the day there are no planned activities until the group meeting in the evening at

6pm, followed by dinner. On arrival please check the notice board in the hotel

entrance for details of the time and place of the meeting. Please note that

Ulaanbaatar is really your only chance to stock up on supplies you might have

left behind, plus any bottled water, beer/wine/spirits, and coffee you may want.

Boiled water and tea is available throughout your stay. Crammed between

superpowers Russia and China, the now independent nation of Mongolia is a

true G Adventures destination that has only recently been opened up to

tourism. The capital, Ulaanbaatar (UB), is a city in which new meets old as

Mongolians in traditional dress mingle with the nation's business elite. The

nation's close relationship with the old Soviet Union is evident in the Soviet

style architecture and the old Russian cars. Exploring the city's many museums

is a real eye-opener into a turbulent history including the time of that most

famous of Mongolia's historical figures, the feared and respected ruler,

Ghenghis Khan. Consider checking out the most important Mongolian temple

complex—Gandan Monastery. You'll learn about the history of Buddhism in

Mongolia, see chanting monks and—if you're lucky—might get advice from the

local fortune teller. Other landmarks to visit include the Winter Palace of the

last Mongolian King (the only King's palace that survived the revolution) and

Zaisan Hill, a great viewpoint with a monument to Soviet soldiers.

Day 2 Terelj National Park (1L,1D)

 

Go for a brief shopping trip for personal snacks and supplies for the following

week. Depart Ulaanbaatar and travel approximately two hours by bus to Terelj

National Park. Upon arrival in the Terelj Village, you'll meet a local guide will

greet you with either ran oxcart or horses. From here you will begin your 3km

journey by horseback or oxcart, crossing the Terelj River and continuing north

through an incredibly stunning mountain river valley to your first nomadic

family. Upon arrival, dismount and enter your host's ger for a hot nomadic

lunch and traditional Mongolian tea. During your stay, our host will show you

the techniques of how to saddle a horse and prepare an oxcart. You'll have

plenty of time to refine your skills and continue practicing them afterwards.

In the evening, learn how to play a variety of traditional Mongolian games with

sheep's bones (shagai). Nights in the park are especially amazing due to the

star-strewn sky.

 

Day 3 Terelj National Park (1B,1L,1D)

 

Ride 24km by horseback through forested landscapes over to an open green

plain to visit a well-known nomadic seamstress who will teach you how to make

Mongolian patterns for traditional garments as well as how to tie a horse bridle.

Lunch, dinner and traditional tea with the seamstress and her family. As with all

days on this itinerary, it is possible to opt out of the day's activity with the local

families in favour of hiking in the surrounding mountains or simply relaxing in

the beautiful Mongolian countryside.

 

Day 4 Terelj National Park (1B,1L,1D)

 

Travel 9km to visit another nomadic family and learn how to tie traditional

knots to tether livestock together as well as how to make buttons for

traditional Mongolian nomadic garments.

 

Day 5 Terelj National Park (1B,1L,1D)

 

Learn the art of archery by practicing with traditional Mongolian bows and

arrows before challenging local nomads to a friendly archery competition.

Travel 6km in the afternoon by oxcart to your next nomadic host family.

 

Day 6 Terelj National Park (1B,1L,1D)

 

Rise bright and early to assist your nomadic hosts with milking the cows before

learning how to make traditional dairy products that you'll sample with

breakfast. Travel 7km to visit another family in the afternoon.

 

Day 7 Terelj National Park/Ulaanbaatar (1B,1L)

 

Learn to steer an oxcart with your nomadic hosts and practice around the area.

Enjoy a final traditional lunch with your hosts before travelling back to the

where you'll have some free time to explore.

 

Day 8 Ulaanbaatar

 

Depart at any time.

 

PACKAGE ITINERARY