Mongolia

Upon arrival at the Ulaanbaatar airport, transfer to our centrally located hotel.

After breakfast gather for a welcome orientation in the hotel. Later this morning visit Sukhbaatar Square to view the Great Khans memorial, built in celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Mongol Empire. Continue to the Mongolian National History Museum for an excellent overview of Mongolia’s history and culture, and view displays of traditional implements of daily nomadic life, Stone Age and Bronze Age artifacts, historical costumes of Mongolia’s minority tribes and sacred religious relics. Later explore the most prized treasure room of Mongolia, located within the vaults of the Mongol Bank. Since 1983, the vaults have housed royal seals and rare artifacts from centuries ago, including coins that were in circulation in the age of Genghis Khan.

Begin our day at Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece for government officials. This afternoon head to the Central Museum of Dinosaurs of Mongolia, which is dedicated to the preservation and discovery of the country’s dinosaur fossils. Dine independently this evening.

Today we start on our journey to Karakorum, stopping first for a day and night at Khustain Nuruu National Park, home to the last remaining species of wild horse, the takhi, commonly known as Przewalski’s horse. Learn about current conservation efforts and the status of the herds found within the park before trying to spot these beautiful horses in their natural habitat. Tonight experience our first overnight stay in a ger (gers are yurt-like structures) camp.

Upon our arrival in Karakorum, site of the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire, visit the Karakorum Museum with the museum curator for an excellent overview of the historical significance of the Orkhon Valley, designated a UNESCO Cultural Landscape. Next visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery, which is surrounded by 108 stupas and has been a place of Buddhist activity for centuries. Meet the abbot of the monastery to receive a blessing and partake in a meditation practice.

After an early breakfast we start our drive south to the Gobi. An approximately four-hour drive brings us to Ongiin Khiid, where we stop for lunch and a walk through the ruins of a 17th-century temple situated in a beautiful mountainous region. Still known as the “Pearl of the Great Desert,” Ongiin Khiid was one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia until its destruction during the communist purges in 1939. Leaving Ongiin, we drive across the vast Ongi steppes (approximately four more hours), a flat area known for its mysterious beauty, with endless mirages and occasional sightings of camels. In the late afternoon we arrive at Three Camel Lodge, an upscale ger resort located on the edge of Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. After dinner we head outdoors to take in the night sky. The clear, crisp air, free of light pollution, offers a dazzling display of stars.

After yesterday’s long drive we have a relaxed morning before heading out to explore this vast region. Optional activities at our lodge include leisurely walks in the Bulagtai Mountains, horseback riding, mountain biking or a ger camp–building demonstration.

After an early breakfast we drive to Yol Valley National Park, cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. Hike amid the habitat of indigenous, vulture-like lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks and Argali mountain sheep. This afternoon we make our way to Moltsog Els, one of the few regions of the Gobi covered by sand dunes. Explore the area on foot or by camel.

Today we will get the chance to witness a local countryside Naadam festival. Wrestling, horse racing and archery are the three age-old competitions traditionally used to measure the courage and strength of nomads and warriors. Contemporary Naadam games showcase the abilities of local men, women, boys and girls and are also a time when family and friends get together to celebrate the joyful summer season. In the late afternoon drive to Bayan Zag, commonly known as the Flaming Cliffs for the orange glow cast on the rocks at dawn and dusk. It was here in 1923 that Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews and his exploration team from the American Museum of Natural History were the first to find a nest of dinosaur eggs. Although it’s not obvious to the untrained eye, the Flaming Cliffs are rich with dinosaur fossils and have been the site of many major paleontological discoveries.

After breakfast transfer to the local airport for our flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or explore the 976 Art Gallery, which supports young and upcoming Mongolian artists. In the evening enjoy a traditional Mongolian performance followed by a farewell reception and dinner at one of Ulaanbaatar’s fine local restaurants.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for flights home.