(July 02) Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and city tour

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. You'll be greeted at the airport and escorted to 4* hotel. Take a city tour to Gandan Monastery where you will see huge gold plated Buddha, a symbol of Mongolian national pride and cultural revival and visit National Museum of Mongolian History, where you will see artifacts from Mongolia and Central Asia from the Stone Age to the present. Excursion to Zaisan Hill War Memorial to get your bearings with a panoramic view of the whole city. Overnight in the hotel. (L+D)

(July 03) Eagle valley in South Gobi

After an early morning breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Dalanzadgad, the capital of Umnugobi aimag. The flight takes hour and a half and on your arrival at the airstrip in Dalanzadgad, the Black Ibex team will be waiting for you. Take a city tour of Dalandzadgad town, the capital of South Gobi province and visit local museum. Drive to Yol Am (also called Eagle valley) - a wonderfully picturesque place with ice even in summer, and surrounded by sheer rocky walls, forming incredible canyons. These areas are situated in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park that encompasses the "Three Beauties" peaks and the most easterly points of the Altai Mountains. Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)

(July 04) Mongolian largest sand dunes

After breakfast, drive to Khongor sand dunes. These are Mongolia's largest sand dunes, reaching a height of 300 meters in some areas. The sand dunes change color with each hour of the day, from yellow to silver to rose-color at (sunrise or sunset). On the way see Dungene valley - a wonderfully picturesque place and surrounded by sheer rocky walls, forming incredible canyons. Enjoy small hiking and photographing the charming landscape and wildlife. Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)

(July 05) Camel ride and Nomad family

Today you will be riding on camel to explore the Khongor sand dunes area. The two-humped Bactrian camels are very comfortable to ride as they walk slowly and gently, and you will be well supported by the humps, sitting comfortably in between them. Our camel guide will lead you safely through the sand dunes. Plus, you will have an opportunity to visit a camel herdsman family to experience their lifestyle, culture and traditions. Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)

(July 06) Bayanzag, land of the Dinosaurs

Today we will drive to Bayanzag, (known as Flaming Cliffs where the first nest of dinosaur eggs ever discovered was found in 1922) a site famous for the remains of the Dinosaurs which lived here 60 million years ago. What a chance to walk around where the Dinosaurs once roamed and also get to know saksaul trees and other classic desert vegetation. Overnight in tourist camp.(B+L+D)

(July 07) Ongi Temple Ruins

After breakfast, we will drive to Ongi Temple ruins which had about thousand lamas. It is a ruin of big monastery Bari Yonzon Hamba on the bank of a river. On the way, we will enjoy the vast steppe of the country. Play traditional games and Overnight in the tourist camp. (B+L+D)

(July 08) Karakorum and Erdenzuu

After breakfast, continue driving to Karakorum, the symbolic ruins of the 13th century capital of the Mongol Empire. On the way, we will enjoy beautifully changing landscape from semi desert Gobi into forest steppe. Visit Erdene-Zuu, the oldest monastery, with 108 stupas, built in 1586. Then visit Karakorum museum and see the Great Mongol state period, Stone Age, Bronze Age, Ancient state period halls. Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)

(July 09) Local Naadam Festival

Today is the inauguration ceremony of Naadam, opened by the governor of the town. There will be held wrestling, horse racing and archery tournaments. Naadam festival continues to tournaments of wrestling, horse racing, archery and other traditional games. A real chance for you to experience the tradition and culture of the people of this unique country. A chance to try the local foods and beverages. Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)

(July 10) Local Naadam Festival and Ugii Lake

After breakfast, Naadam festival continues on the second day with tournaments of wrestling, horse racing, archery and other traditional games. Drive to Ugii Lake (altitude 1387 m; surface area-25 sq. km). When you visit the lake, you will have an opportunity to take a hike and do some birding. On the way, you will see Khusuu Tsaidam, a Turkic inscribed monument of the Turkic State (6th - 8th Centuries A.D). Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)

(July 11) Tour to Arkhangai province, claim to be Switzerland in Mongolia

Drive to Arkhangai province. Take a city tour of Arkhangai province and visit local museum. Tour to Tamir valley will be quite exciting with exploration of attractive landscape composition of mountain, forest, grassland and rivers. Enjoy hiking and photographing. Overnight in tourist camp near legendary Taikhar rock. (B+L+D)

(July 12) Horgo extinct volcano and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake

Drive to Horgo extinct volcano and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake (spelled also Khorgo and white lake) It was established to project the spectacular mountain scenery and endangered species of flora & fauna. It's surrounded by the Khangai Mountains, which reach as 3000 meters above the sea level. Over comparatively small area here there are a dozen or so extinct volcanoes. We will ride horse here to explore big volcano crater area. White is a good spot for bird watching and photographing. Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)

(July 13) Drive to Jargalant and visit nomad family

After breakfast we will drive Jargalant soum, Visit Jargal Jiguur hot springs, sulphar springs that emerge from the ground (300m) at 70 degrees Celsius. Facilities include outdoor baths (male and female), showers and accommodation. We will visit a local horsemen family where you have an opportunity to experience their way of life, their culture and traditions. Dinner is real authentic Mongolian barbecue, prepared in the traditional style with hot stones. Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)

(July 14) Tour to Murun town

After breakfast drive to Murun town, the capital of Huvsgul province. Take a city tour of Murun town and visit museum. Relax in local hotel. (B+L+D)

(July 15) Huvsgul National Park

Today, we will drive to Huvsgul Lake, the deepest and purest lake in Mongolia. You will have 2 days for relaxing and enjoying in the end of tour. On the way visit a fantastic historical area including 2-3m high deer stone, 3-4m high tombs, ruins of Munh Khaan's palace and monuments for Kul Bilge Khaan in Uushgi uvur. You have opportunity to trek to the lakeside & mountain for taking photos and exploring and enjoying the wildlife, flora & fauna of Huvsgul lake area. Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)

(July 16) Take a boat tour to see Mongolian reindeer

Today we take a boat tour to see local reindeer in the deep taiga forest. Reindeer are herded for their antlers, a lucrative medicinal material as well as for their milk and meat. You have a chance to ride reindeer and take your memorable pictures. Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)

(July 17) Fly back to Ulaanbaatar

Drive back to Murun for your return flight to Ulaanbaatar. If you would like to do some shopping for souvenirs and cashmeres in Ulaanbaatar, here is the chance and later in the evening, we all attend a live performance of Mongolian National folklore. Overnight in 4* hotel. (B+L+D)

(July 18) Departure from Mongolia

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport. (B)

Services included in the price

Hotel:
Hotel cost is based on two people sharing one room with twin beds at 4* hotel 2 nights including Western or Mongolian breakfast Free luggage keeping in the hotel while on tour to countryside

Tourist Ger camp:
Shared accommodation in tourist ger camp Ger (traditional dwelling) has 2 to 4 beds - very interesting and unique Western style toilets and hot shower facility is separate block - shared The restaurant serve usually Western and Mongolian meals Single supplement cannot be guaranteed but possible Click here to see picture of the tourist ger camp

Transportation::
Domestic flights from Ulaanbaatar to South Gobi from Huvsgul to Ulaanbaatar

Private Transfers on each day:
Air conditioned and comfortable Mitsubishi Delica 4x4 off road van Highly skilled driver Airports pick up and drop off service Allow only 4 passengers for 5 passenger seats - Your comfort is our priority! Click here to view picture of the vehicles that we use for our tours.

Guides:
English speaking guiding service throughout the entire time Local guides for horse and camel ride trials Boat driver

Meals:
All meals as listed in the itinerary Finest Western and Mongolian meals, deserts Authentic Mongolian Barbecue Daily supply of bottled water: 3 x 0.5 bottle per day

Entrance fees:
To all scenic spots as listed in the itinerary such as museums, monasteries, strictly protected areas, parks, concert, road fees

Services not included in the price

International airfare or train tickets:
Discover Mongolia! offers cheap international airfares and train tickets for our clients upon request.

Mongolia entry visa fee:
Discover Mongolia! provides confirmed clients an invitation letter for obtaining entry visa to Mongolia.

Excess luggage charges:
Free luggage allowance is 15 to 20kg for domestic flights depending on the air company.

Personal expenses:
Such as laundry, beverages, alcoholic drinks, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary.

Travel insurance:
Our clients are recommended to get travel insurance coverage from their local insurance companies before traveling.

Single room supplement:
Single supplement is available at $70 in the hotel