Least thing to do in Mongolia for travellers is to visit two major important hightlights of the country: South Gobi and Kharkhorin! Indeed, this itinerary could be classified as CLASSIC by presenting true essence of Mongolian nature and culture with visits to hospitable nomad settlement, active Buddhist monasteries, historical sites and natural parks. Nature along this tour will be changing dramatically: from the golden dunes of Gobi to the open green valleys dotted with wild flowers, through vast steppes, a great waterfall and charming lake Ogii! In this trip you are available to see "Takhi", Mongolian wild horse or best-known Prjewalski's horses which are the last remaining species of truly wild horse in the world. The takhi is being reintroducing within Khustai National Park which covers steppe and forest mountain area with abundant wildlife. 11 days/10 nights 2 nights in hotel 8 nights in tourist camps Jeep overlanding Total distance by land – 1800 km Domestic flight UB - South Gobi

Orkhon Waterfall Eagle Valley or Yoliin Am

ITINERARY:


Day 1. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar. Short city tour. Gandan monastery and the Museum of national history. Prepare for the trip. Hotel.

Day 2. Flight to South gobi. Drive to Yol Am known as Eagle valley in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan mountain (28km)– this sunless canyon located in the middle of Goibi gurvan saikhan mountain has a particular beauty with narrow paths broadening in places between rocks, while buzzards and eagles wheel and glide in the blue skies above. The cliffs of the canyon block the sunlight from the rivers below, so that they remain frozen throughout the year.
Tourist camp.

Day 3. Drive to Khongor sand dunes (195km) - the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia. Dunes of Khongor is known as the « singing sands » and rise from the plain reaching a height of 80m and extending for about 180km long. The spectacular dunes are bordered by lush green vegetation supported by a small river Khongoriin gol. Hiking and sliding through the sand dunes. Visit camel breeding family and experience short camelriding. Tourist camp.

Day 4. Drive towards Bayanzag (140 km) - classic desert of rock, red sands, scrub, sun and unbelievable emptiness has become known to the world as "Cemetery of Dinosaurs”. The red sandstone cliffs and canyons of Bayanzag are where the American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews first discovered fossil beds of dinosaur bones and first ever recorded dinosaur eggs in 1922 - discoveries which made world headlines. Nowadays there is a local museum which displays important facts and some exhibits of this famous area. Tourist camp.

Day 5. Drive to the north towards Central Mongolia. Overnight stop in Middle Gobi province, at the Ongi monastery ruins. Tourist camp.

Day 6. We will reach Orkhon waterfall. Formed by volcanic eruptions about 20.000 yrs ago, the waterfall cascades from a height of 20m. It is scenic, tranquil spot and surrounding nature is undisturbed, as such there are opportunities for good walking and riding in the area. Tourist camp.

Day 7. Drive to Kharkhorin (130 km) – ruins of ancient capital of Mongolian Empire built by Ogodei Khan in 1235. The city was strategically located at the crossroads of traditional routes, creating a staging post for migrating nomads and merchants caravans. Foreign envoys and prominent clerics travelled to this city for an audience with Mongol khan.Far after when the Hubilai Khaan moved t the capital to Beijing in 1264, Kharkhorin was rased to the ground by Manchu soldiers. However the bricks and stones from the ruins of this ancient city were used to build the Erdene Zuu monastery nearby, so in that way the old city lives on till today.
On the way visit Tuvkhun monastery. Visit Erdene zuu monastery in Kharkhorin and local market for interesting souvenirs and artworks. Tourist camp.

Day 8. Drive to Ogii lake (75 km) - another lovely place of silence and tranquility. Walking along the lake shore. Horseriding. Ogii tourist camp.

Day 9. Trip turns back to Ulaanbaatar. Have overnight stop at Hustai national park /190 km/ to watch wild horses takhi, widely known as “Prejevalski horse ”. Przewalski horses are the only wild horse to survive in modern times. The species were returned to Mongolia from world zoos and reserves within Khustai National Park in 100 km west of Ulaanbaatar. Khustain Nuruu has good vegetation, springs, birch forest and rocks which are suitable for many wild animals including 46 species of mammals and 172 species of birds. Khustai tourist camp.

Day 10. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar around 11a.m. After lunch visit Bogd Khaan winter Palace museum and State department store. Amazing performance of traditional dance and folk in the evening. Hotel.

Day 11. Transfer to the Airport and depart Ulaanbaatar.