GOBI DESERT DESCOVERY - CENTRAL MONGOLIA TOUR

Gobi desert, home land of Dinosaurs, discover the epic land of broad flat plains, vast open spaces with dancing mirages, flaming cliffs and herds of camels, green meadows beneath towering dunes, glacier covered canyon – all these contrasts await you. Relaxing in wild nature and explore Mongolia nomadic life style... Horseback and camel riding, hiking are the main activities.
Discover the epic land of broad flat plains, massive sand dunes, tall cliffs, high rocky mountains and narrow gorges in magnificent colors.  

 
TOUR INFORMATION: 

• Tour dates for 2013:     July 16-25, August 06-15, August 20-29,

                                                (possible to choose own dates for private tour!)

• Length of the trip:         10 days / 9 nights 
• Tour grade:                     Suitable for Most Travellers
• Small group size and price based on per person:

                                                 2-3 pax         2218 USD
                                                 4-5 pax         2120 USD
                                                 6-10 pax       1970 USD

• How to book:                  Booking guide and Booking form or Contact us
• Customizable!                Click here inquire form or Tailor-made tour form 

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Brief itinerary:

Day 01:      Arrive in Ulaanbaatar – city tour
Day 02:      Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex - Terelj National Park
Day 03:      Flight to Dalanzagad town, Drive to Eagle valley- Khongor sand dunes
Day 04:      Free relaxing, Camel riding at the Khongor Sand Dunes
Day 05:      Home of dinosaurs – Bayanzag (Flaming cliffs) in South Gobi
Day 06:      Drive to Central Mongolia - Ongiin Khiid, Middle Gobi.
Day 07:      Mongolian Ancient Capital Kharkhorin
Day 08:      Elsen tasarkhai sand dunes – Khustain nuruu Natural Reserve (Wild horse Takhi)
Day 09:      Khustain nuruu Natural Reserve –Ulaanbaatar /City tour/
Day 10:      Departure

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Detailed Itinerary:

 Day 01:  Arrive in Ulaanbaatar – city tour

On arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you will be met by our tour guide and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a leisurely program of sightseeing around the city and a visit to the Gandan Monastery – the Buddhist center of Mongolia, Museum of Mongolian National History – the museum presents Mongolian history and culture from prehistoric times to the present day, and Sukhbaatar square. Welcome lunch at "Modern Nomads" restaurant which is one of the best restaurants in the city.  Overnight accommodations at the hotel. (L)

Day 02:  Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex - Terelj National Park
Today we will drive towards Terelj National Park. It's one of the most visited national parks in Mongolia. On the way we will see “Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex”. Famous statue of Genghis Khan is the largest in the world and 40m high from surface. The statue reflects his courage and power of Genghis Khan. It holds a golden whip on his right hand riding a horse. The monument has a viewing platform. Visitors will be able to walk to the head of the horse through chest and back of the horse. Visitors can capture panoramic view around the complex.. Short drive to Terelj National Park.  You will explore the extraordinary formation of rocks and stones; some of them look quite similar to turtles. (B, L, D)

Day 03:  Flight to Dalanzagad town, Drive to Eagle valley- Khongor sand dunes.
After early breakfast, we will drive back Ulaanbaatar and go to airport, fly to Dalanzadgad, center town of the Southern province. Drive to Yolyn Am. We will visit Gurvan Saikhan National Park in South Gobi. At its entrance we will visit a small museum of Natural History to get acquainted with the flora and fauna of the National Park as well as with some dinosaur bones and eggs found in the Province. We will drive another 10 km to the parking area and a pleasant hike thru the Yolyn Am (Lammergeier Valley) will take us to a gorge with ice that exists for most of the year. This valley is famous for its breathtaking beauty and astonishing scenery - the thick ice in the middle of the Gobi. (B, L, D)

  Day 04:   Free relaxing, Camel riding at the Khongor Sand Dunes
Today we will drive west to the extraordinary sand dunes of Khongoryn Els. This is one of the most scenic areas of the Province. In the evening, we will climb up to the Singing Dune, one of the highest dunes, to see the breathtaking view of the surrounding area and slide back on a plastic bag if you have one handy. The moving sand in the wind or when walked on gives out a definite note and makes a noise similar to an airplane passing by, that's why this particular part of the dunes is called "Singing" or "Sounding" would be more precise.

      After lunch we will discover this magnificent place on camelback. Mongolia is home to 2/3 of the two-humped Bactrian camels in the world. It is a gentle, calm and extraordinary patient animal and can carry on without water for a month. The Khongor Sand Dunes are the perfect place for camel riding. Bet, you never rode a Bactrian camel, riding a Bactrian camel is much more comfortable than the camel in Sahara, India or anywhere else. Its two humps support you from both sides and easy pace will comfort you so much, that you might fall asleep after a while. But don’t fall asleep; see the spectacular view of the surrounding area. Overnight stay tourist camp. (B, L, D)

Day 05:   Home of dinosaurs – Bayanzag (Flaming cliffs) in South Gobi
After lunch in tourist camp, we will drive to Bayanzag. In early 1920s an American expedition in search of ancient human remains led by Roy Chapman Andrews discovered accidentally dinosaur fossils and eggs at Bayanzag locally known as a place rich in saksaul trees. In the western world, this area is well known for the number of unearthed dinosaur remains as Flaming Cliffs penned by Andrews for the red tall rocks formed as a result of wind and water erosion. White fossilized bones are still found nowadays. Dinner and overnight at ger camp in homeland of dinosaurs. (B, L, D)

Day 6:   Drive to Central Mongolia - Ongiin Khiid, Middle Gobi.
After breakfast depart north towards Central Mongolia, lunch on the way and in the early evening you will reach the ruins of the Ongi monastery in the mountainous area along the Ongi River. This place makes a good resting place to break a trip between the South Gobi and Karakorum. There is plenty of interesting ruins to explore. Stay overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)

Day 7:   Mongolian Ancient Capital Kharkhorin
After breakfast, drive towards Kharhorin, the site of an ancient capital of 13th century Mongolian Empire. Visit to the Erdenezuu (meaning is Hundred Treasures) monastery which is the first Buddhist Monastery in Mongolia and it was built in 1586. Here you can see interesting listen to monk chanting Buddhist sutras. Stay overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)

Day 08:  Elsen tasarkhai sand dunes – Khustain nuruu Natural Reserve (Wild horse Takhi)Today we will start our trip to Khustain nuruu Natural Reserve (Wild horse Takhi. On the way, we will explore Elsen Tasarkhai sand dune, a unique area combining forest, Gobi sand dunes and rocky Mountains. In afternoon, arrive at “Khustai” ger camp in Khustain nuruu Natural Reserve. Stay and lunch in camp, we will visit museum, and watch the videos about national park's flora, fauna and wild horse. We will take short drive to see for wild horse Takhi. If you are lucky, you can see fox, deer, roe deer, eagle, and more animals and birds… Stay overnight at tourist ger camp. (B, L, D)

Day 09:   Khustain nuruu Natural Reserve –Ulaanbaatar /half day city tour/
After breakfast, we will drive back to Ulaanbaatar, transfer your hotel and some personal refreshment in the hotel. In late afternoon, we will visit Bogd Khan Palace museum. After explore the museum, we will go to shop for souvenirs and local products. 
In the evening we will attend amazing performance of Mongolian traditional music and dance.  Farewell dinner at “Broadway” chain restaurant. (B, D) 

Day 10: Departure
Free at leisure until transferring to Chinggis Khaan International Airport to take departure flight. (B)

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TOUR FEATURES:

Your price includes: (Amicus Exclusive Values)

• Guaranteed Small groups - Just 2 to 10 travelers
• Amicus 5% Travel Credit upon your return to use towards your next Amicus Memorable Tour

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WHAT'S INCUDED IN THE PRICE:

• English speaking guide and interpreting service,
• Private vehicle with a driver and all transfers,
• Hotels in Ulaanbaatar – 2 nights,  based on two persons sharing one room with twin/double beds,
• Tourist Ger camps in countryside and nationals parks -7 nights, based on two persons sharing,
• Economy class airfares with taxes: Ulaanbaatar/Dalanzadgad
• All Meals, listed in the itinerary: B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner,
• Welcome lunch at “Modern Nomads” restaurant,
• Farewell dinner at “Broadway” chain restaurant.
• “Wonders of Mongolian Art” performance,
• All entrance fees of museum, attractions, national parks and protected areas,
• Camel riding fee at Khongor sand dunes (1-2 hours)
  
• Visa invitation letter if required,
• Bottled water during the tour,
• Road & toll fees,
• Included all taxes.

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WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

• Visa to Mongolia (tourists must obtain before traveling to Mongolia)
• International flights to and from Mongolia
• Travel insurance (trip, medical and personal)
• Daily personal expenses

Tour map

Tour images