Mongolian wilderness adventure holiday

country:	Mongolia
trip type:	A small group adventure
departures:	2009: 24 May, 14 Jun, 12 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 16 Aug
price:	From £599 (21 days) excluding flights. Local payment US $200. We can arrange flights from the UK

read 1 travellers review

Mongolia holidays

the amazing things you'll be doing

A grand circuit of this surprisingly diverse country. We travel around in 4WD vans and stay in tents for maximum flexibility.

We visit some truly spectacular regions and, though there is much driving to be done, we have days to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. Climb sand dunes, go hiking in the mountains, swim in lakes and rivers.

This trip is not for those who want luxury - there are no facilities and you will need to wash with bowls of water - but is for those who love the outdoors.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:	Ulaan Baatar. Arrive in Ulaan Baatar
Day 2:	Ulaan Baatar. Free day
Day 3:	Gobi Desert - Mandalgovi. Drive south through the Gobi to Mandalgovi.
Day 4:	Yolyn Am Valley. Continue south to Yolyn Am, or 'Vulture's Mouth'.
Day 5:	Gobi Desert. Hike through the valley to reach the ice that remains there year-round. We then drive west along the edge of some of the largest sand dunes in the Gobi.
Day 6:	Gobi Desert. We continue to Khongoryn Els and have the rest of the day free to explore these amazing sand dunes.
Day 7:	Ongi River. Head north towards the Ongi River, a clear stream that runs through a barren rocky landscape. Our route takes us through Bayanzag, famous for the number of dinosaur fossils and eggs that have been found there.
Day 8:	Khogno Khan Mountains. Continue to the beautiful Khogno Khan mountains, a massive series of rocky hills that rise up out of an otherwise flat landscape.
Day 9:	Khogno Khan Mountains. A full day to explore the mountains. Perhaps hike up to the top of one to experience fantastic views across the plains and watch eagles soaring over the landscape.
Day 10:	Karakorum - Orkon Rivier. A short drive to Karakorum, the ancient capital built by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. We visit the magnificent Erdene Zuu monastery before continuing to our campsite by the river.
Day 11:	Khorg. We drive to Khorg, a volcanic lake ringed by stark rocky mountains.
Day 12:	Khorg. A full day to relax at the lake. Wander along the shore line or hike up into the mountains for awesome views.
Day 13:	En route to Khovsgol. North through the grasslands towards Khovsgol, passing herds of Mongolian horses. Camp en route
Day 14:	Khovsgol. Continue to the magnificent Lake Khovsgol, on the Siberian border, where we stay near the edge of the crystal clear waters.
Day 15:	Khovsgol. A full day to hike around the lake or just relax and enjoy the views.
Day 16:	Khovsgol. A full free day at Lake Khovsgol.
Day 17:	Selenge River. We drive south to the Selenge River, one of the most lush and beautiful parts of Mongolia.
Day 18:	Orkon Rivier. We continue south and east stopping at the Orkon River again, only further down stream.
Day 19:	Tuul River. We drive on to our final picturesque camp spot. By this stage you may be missing some creature comforts. Don't wish your time away. You should savour this last day of true wilderness experience.
Day 20:	Ulaan Baatar. Drive back through the grasslands to Ulaan Baatar.
Day 21:	Ulaan Baatar.Tour ends

travellers' tales

Highlights were encountering the endless open space, which is almost unspoiled by human "civilization", riding alone at Khovsgol and being amazed by the capability of the Mongolian horse. (more)

small group adventure holiday

Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.

highly commended

This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.

Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.

how this holiday makes a difference

Perhaps Mongolia is one of the only few places left which can truly be described as wilderness. This trip gives travellers an amazing insight into the Mongolian way of life and uses no pre-arranged accommodation, no camp 'sites' and has absolutely no facilities outside of Ulaan Baatar – we wash in streams and go to the toilet 'behind a bush'. We camp wild!

Travellers are briefed on the importance of being environmentally responsible i.e. not leaving behind litter or toilet paper, using biodegradable soaps and shampoos and conserving water while our tour leaders make a point of leading by example. Throughout the trip we use local guides, translators and drivers and pay them a fair wage.

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