Heights, Deserts and Plateau from Kathmandu to Ulaanbaatar Adventure

Heights, Deserts and Plateau from Kathmandu to Ulaanbaatar Adventure 71 Days

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Heights, Deserts and Plateau from Kathmandu to Ulaanbaatar Adventure
Heights, Deserts and Plateau from Kathmandu to Ulaanbaatar Adventure
Heights, Deserts and Plateau from Kathmandu to Ulaanbaatar Adventure
Heights, Deserts and Plateau from Kathmandu to Ulaanbaatar Adventure
Heights, Deserts and Plateau from Kathmandu to Ulaanbaatar Adventure
Heights, Deserts and Plateau from Kathmandu to Ulaanbaatar Adventure
Heights, Deserts and Plateau from Kathmandu to Ulaanbaatar Adventure
Heights, Deserts and Plateau from Kathmandu to Ulaanbaatar Adventure
Heights, Deserts and Plateau from Kathmandu to Ulaanbaatar Adventure
Heights, Deserts and Plateau from Kathmandu to Ulaanbaatar Adventure

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Overview

Highlights

Duration: 71 Days
Comfort: Not Rated
Language: English
Rating: 0%
Trip ID: 131496
Start Location: Anamnagar, Nepal
End Location: State Circus, Mongolia

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Primary Activities: Local Culture & Cuisine, Sightseeing, Trekking
Other Activities: Rafting, Mountain Biking, Bungee Jumping, Monuments, Museums & Expositions, Parks & Nature Reserves, Waterfalls, Hot Springs, Temples & Shrines, palace, ruins, Local Markets, national parks, caves, Camping, Horse Riding
Activity Level: Intermediate, Basic

Allow the many faces of Asia to be revealed while travelling from the heights of the Himalayas, across the Tibetan plateau, under the bright lights of Beijing and into the deserts of Mongolia. Beginning in Kathmandu, explore the mountain kingdoms of Tibet and serene Chinese countryside en route to the quirky Mongolian capital.

Experience the people and customs of rural Nepal and Tibet, become immersed in the fast-paced life of modern Asian cities, explore the lonely Gobi Desert and learn about nomadic life in Mongolia. Give the soul a squeeze in spiritual Lhasa, traverse the Friendship Highway, uncover the myths of the Terracotta Warriors and be awed by the Great Wall. This grand tour offers a mixture of rural and urban delights that will take your breath away.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu: Namaste! Welcome to Nepal.

Please note that our trips between Kathmandu and Xi'an travel through extreme environments and these itineraries WILL NOT NECESSARILY RUN AS PUBLISHED. We will adjust trip itineraries depending on weather, altitude effects, group make up and road conditions. This day by day itinerary is provided as a rough guide only.

The trip starts with a group meeting at 10:00hrs in our hotel in Kathmandu. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If your flight arrives too late, we recommend that you consider arriving a day early and book a night's accommodation prior to the trip so you are able to attend. If you are going to be late please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your kitty, insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader.

Kathmandu is the largest (and pretty much only) city in the country. It can feel like another developing-world city rushing into a modern era of concrete and traffic pollution, but take a walk in the back streets and the capital's amazing cultural and artistic heritage reveals itself in hidden temples overflowing with marigolds, courtyards full of drying chillies and rice, and tiny hobbit-sized workshops largely unchanged since the Middle Ages.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS:
Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!

Before your trip: Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor. We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatizing to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.

During your trip: While our leaders have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medical facilities, it is very important that you are aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Days 2-3: Scenic drive to Kodari: Leaving Kathmandu in the morning, we have a few hours drive to reach the cliff-top gorge resort of Kodari. We will be staying in Kodari for 2 nights. This allows you plenty of time for a range of optional activities from bungee jumping to bridge swinging and canyoning - or just sit back and relax and enjoy the amazing views. The second day is free for more adventure activities. We spend these nights in permanent tented camps.

Optional Activities
Bridge swinging, Kodari - EUR65.00
Bungee jumping, Kodari - EUR65.00
Canyoning, Kodari - EUR50.00
High ropes course, Kodari - EUR50.00
Mountain biking, Kodari - EUR25.00

Accommodation
Permanent tented camp (2 nts)
Day 4: Drive towards Zhangmuzhen: Today we drive along the Arniko Highway, zigzagging on poor roads past steep gorges up to the Chinese border. It can be very time-consuming crossing the border from Nepal into the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, so some patience may be required - and time is built into the itinerary to allow for delays. Tonight we will probably stay in the small town of Zhangmu on the Chinese side of the border in a rustic local hotel.

Zhangmuzhen is the border town in Tibet. It clings precariously to the sheer mountainside and is separated from Nepal by a cascading river, which spans the famous Friendship Bridge. This is the real frontier between the two countries.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Days 5-7: Croos the Friendship Highway, climb over the Lalungla Pass: We will spend the next 2 to 3 days climbing high into the mountains over the Lalungla Pass (5050m) up into the Himalaya. This is part of the famous "Friendship Highway", cutting through gorges, across plateaus and over high passes. On all the passes that we cross you will see the ever present pilgrim prayer flags, cairns and scattered "wind horse" papers.

We will travel slowly taking time to acclimatise to the altitude and wildcamping along the way. We may sometimes back-track on ourselves, enabling us to sleep at lower altitudes than we have climbed to during the day, as this helps the body to acclimatise to the conditions.

The Friendship Highway is the name given to Route 318 between Lhasa and Kathmandu. The route is a rough road through some of the remotest parts of our planet. It cuts through gorges, across plateaus and over high passes. It passes some of the most stunning scenery on Earth. There are a number of high passes that we will have to cross and altitude may become a problem for some. To give an example, some of the passes and their altitudes are Dangjin Shankou Pass (3519 m), Kunlun Pass (4849 m) Fire & Wind Pass (4930 m), Tanggula Pass (5231 m), Kyogche La Pass (4900 m), Shogula Pass (5300 m), Tropu La Pass (4950 m), Gyatsola Pass (5200 m) and Lablungla Pass (5050 m).

Accommodation
Bush camp (no facilities) (3 nts)
Day 8: Acclimatise at New Tingri: Arriving in Baipa (also known as New Tingri) we meet the junction for the road to Everest Base Camp in Tibet. We will stay here overnight in a local guesthouse, allowing us a time to explore and to acclimatise a bit more before our onward journey.

Baipa, also known as New Tingri, is a small town in Tibet. This is the junction of the road to Everest and trips to the mountain can be arranged. It is a very small settlement, with a population of under one thousand. Be prepared to be in awe of one of the most famous wonders in the world.

Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 nt)
Day 9: Drive to Rongbuk: From Baipa we make the journey to the Rongbuk Monastery & Everest Base Camp. The drive is not an easy one, passing over another 5200 m pass, but the views are sensational and weather permitting, we should have excellent views of Mt. Everest. Once we have reached the Monastery it is about a two hour walk or donkey and cart ride further to Base Camp. We will usually camp here in Tibetan tents with pot-bellied stoves which take six to eight people. Hopefully when you open up in the morning, there will be a view of Mt. Everest. From base camp the view of the north face of the highest mountain on earth is something you will never forget.

Included Activities
Rongphu Monastery
Day 10: Return to New Tingri: This morning we have some more time at Base Camp, before making the return journey to Baipa. We will stay overnight here once again tonight in the same local guesthouse as before.

Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 nt)
Day 11: Scenic drive to Shigatse: Most of today will be spent travelling as we drive over high mountain passes to Shigatse, Tibet's second biggest city. We may have to ford a number of small rivers and the road is rough, but the stunning views and scenery make this one of the world's most visually fantastic journeys. Overnight in a friendly local hotel.

Shigatse is Tibet's second biggest city and an important cultural centre. Having been the capital of Tibet from 1565 to 1642 the city is home to some fantastic architecture including monasteries, fortresses and palaces. The most famous is the Tashilhunpo Monastery - the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second most important spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism behind the Dalai Lama. Perhaps the most impressive building is the monastery, the Chapel of Jampa, which houses the world’s largest gilded statue. Standing at 26 metres high, the image of Jampa (the future Buddha) took four years to complete and used a remarkable 300 kg of gold in its construction.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Day 12: Explore Gyantse and visit Tashilhunpo Monastery: This morning is free to explore Shigatse with time to visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery. Afternoon drive to rural town of Gyantse with optional visit to Gyantse fort. Overnight in a friendly local hotel.

Gyantse is a small agricultural town set at 3950m above sea level, famed for its wool carpets. It has a very traditional feel to it and everyday Tibetan rural life continues here much as it has done for centuries. There are a number of interesting buildings in the town, including the Pelkhor Chode Temple complex, a unique structure built in 1414, with five stories representing the five steps to enlightenment.

As well as many religious sites, Gyantse is a great place to see contemporary Tibetan life in the backstreets where pilgrims, pop music, cows, "cowboys" on motorbikes, kids and monks all mingle in a lively mix of cultures.

Included Activities
Tashilhunpo Monastery

Optional Activities
Gyantse Dzong, Gyantse - CNY30.00

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Day 13: Bush camp near Yamdrok Tso Lake: Leaving Gyantse we drive towards Lhasa stopping at Baiju Temple at Pelkor Chode Monastery en route and crossing the Karo La Pass. Pelkor Chode Monastery is very different from other monasteries. It lies about 230 kilometers (143 miles) south of Lhasa and 100 (62 miles) east of Shigatse at the foot of Dzong Hill.

Pelkor Chode Monastery is a kind of typical Tibetan Buddhism monastery architecture combined stupa and temple, with temples in the stupa, stupas in the temple. The stupas and temples stay harmoniously and bring out the best in each other. Its architecture fully represents a typical style of monasteries from thirteenth century to fifteenth century in Later Tibetan area, which is also the unique monasteries with both the temple and stupa being kept well today. So it is reputed as a monument of architecture period.

Tonight we will stop off en route and wild camp overnight, maybe close to Yamdrok Tso Lake. Separated from Lhasa by the Kampa La Pass (4794m), the Yamdrok Tso Lake is the third largest in Tibet. It is yet another stunning area of Tibet, with turquoise waters, picturesque islands and small villages. This is typical of the places that we like to camp for the night, a beautiful lake and a wide plain surrounded by mountains. The views are unbelievable.

Included Activities
Pelkor Chode Monastery

Accommodation
Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)
Days 14-17: Explore Lhasa: We have a relaxed start this morning, with time to enjoy the beautiful scenery. It's then a short drive on the Friendship Highway over Kampa La Pass (4794m) to Lhasa, where we will be staying for the next 3 or 4 nights. Whilst in Lhasa we stay in a comfortable hotel.

Colourful and historic, the holy city of Lhasa is situated in a small valley 3,650 m above sea level. For many years it was a mysterious place, virtually unknown to the outside world with even the most adventurous and hardy of explorers rarely reaching the city without being turned away, either by the treacherous terrain or the fierce warrior monks that protected Tibetan territory from intruders. While now welcoming tourists and much modernized, Lhasa remains an intriguing city with deeply fascinating culture, sights and stories.

We then have 2 or 3 full days to explore Lhasa. There will be organised visits to Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, with the option to also visit the Drepung and Sera Monasteries and the Summer Palace.

Included Activities
Jokhang Temple
Potala Palace

Optional Activities
Drepung Monastery, Lhasa - CNY60.00
Sera Monstery, Lhasa - CNY50.00

Accommodation
Hotel (4 nts)
Day 18: Bush Camp: Leaving Lhasa we head out across the Tibetan Plateau once again. We will spend the next few days overlanding, crossing the famous Tanggula Pass (5220m) and wild camping along the way.

Accommodation
Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)
Day 19: Golmud sightseeing tour: Once we have crossed the Tanggula Pass, we will have left Tibet behind, entering Qinghai Province. Our destination is the small town of Golmud, where we will stay overnight in a small rustic hotel.

Golmud is a mining town, high up on the Tibetan Plateau. The views in this area are stunning, vast mountains surrounding open grassland. Outside the town itself there are few settlements up here and the only people you are likely to encounter are yak-herding nomads.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Days 20-21: Drive through Qinghai: For the next couple of days we will be overlanding through Qinghai, climbing high up on to the Tibetan Plateau as we drive. Here we are travelling through an area that is actually a giant basin surrounded by high mountains and en route we will pass the vast and starkly beautiful Qinghai Hu Lake. This lake occupies an area of over 4,500
square kilometres and the water is saline, teeming with fish. Yak graze the grasses and the icy blue waters stretch as far as the eye can see. The population of this part of the Tibetan Plateau is thinly spread and mainly comprises of Kazaks, Moguls and Hui. We will be stopping off and wild camping along the way.

Accommodation
Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nts)
Day 22: Afternoon is free to explore Lanzhou: Today we will arrive into the town of Lanzhou, with time to explore in the afternoon. Overnight in a friendly local hotel.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Days 23-24: A day to explore Xiahe: From Lanzhou we will have a full day's drive on to the enchanting Tibetan town of Xiahe, where we will be staying for 2 nights, giving us a full day to explore. Whilst in Xiahe we will stay in dormitory accommodation in a rustic guesthouse.

Xiahe has been described as "one of the most enchanting places to visit in China". Certainly it has a wonderful tranquil atmosphere and a beautiful setting. Many Tibetans come here on pilgrimage - and the combination of the many monasteries, saffron-robed monks, fluttering prayer flags and spectacular scenery make this small town feel very like Tibet as well. Indeed, in all but name, you are in Tibet; Xiahe is right up on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau and the population here is over 45% Tibetan.

Accommodation
Guesthouse (2 nts)
Days 25-26: Explore Bingling Si caves, continue to Lanzhou: Leaving Xiahe, we drive on to Liujiaxia, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. Tonight we will be staying in a friendly local hotel.

The next morning we will visit the Bingling Si Buddha Caves. While Bingling Si is one of numerous thousand Buddha caves that can be found in China, these ones are very special. They contain 694 statues and 82 clay sculptures. The highlight of the cave is the 27 metre high seated statue of Maitreya Buddha. Indeed this cave complex is one of the best in China and yet because of its relative isolation, it is less visited than the main Chinese sites.

The caves are a set of Buddhist grottoes are carved into the cliff of a 60 metre high gorge. They are most impressive especially because they are surrounded on one side by the waters of the Liujiaxia Reservoir.
After stopping in Luijiaxia for lunch, this afternoon we will retrace our steps on the short drive back to Lanzhou.

Included Activities
Bingli Si Buddah Caves, entrance, Lanzhou

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Days 27-28: Explore Pingliang and gaze at the stunning view of Mt Kongtong: From Lanzhou we head for Pingliang where we will be staying for 1 or 2 nights. From Pingliang we will have the chance to visit Mt Kongtong and time to explore the small town and surrounding area. We will spend the night either wild camping or staying in a small local guesthouse.

The streets of Pingliang are lined with wonderful shops and you can spend hours exploring them, but the main attraction of this city is the mountain range, which contains the Kongtong mountains, which has been used as a mythical meeting point in the past. If you have the opportunity to climb this mountain, do so, as the views from the top are beautifully rewarding.

Included Activities
Mount Kong Tong

Accommodation
Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nts)
Days 29-32: Guided Tour of Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an: Full days drive from Pingliang to Xi'an where we will be staying in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.
The imperial centre of China for 2,000 years, Xi'an is now a vibrant, modern city dotted with many interesting historical sites. A monument pays homage to the fact that this was the start of the famous ancient trading route of the Silk Road and the city is still surrounded by city walls.

The following days here are free, with a guided visit to the famous Terracotta Warriors. The most popular attraction in Xi'an, and the place that has made the city most famous around the world, is the Terracotta Warriors. The Warriors are certainly an incredible archaeological find, discovered by farmers digging a well in 1976 after being buried for thousands of years. These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots all standing in battle formation were commissioned by the emperor of the Qin dynasty as part of his mausoleum and a number of pits are now on view to the public. More pits were recently opened so you may even be lucky enough to see archaeologists at work, carefully unearthing and restoring these ancient relics.

Included Activities
Guided Tour of Terracotta Warriors

Optional Activities
Bell and Drum towers, Xi'an - CNY50.00
Bicycle rental on city wall (deposit CNY100-200), Xi'an - CNY40.00

Accommodation
Hotel (4 nts)
Days 33-34: Explore Gansu Province and visit whichever site we missed: In the morning we set off towards either Pingliang (approx 300 km) in Gansu province, or Guyuan (approx 390 km) in Ningxia province. If the group visits Guyuan then a tour of the ancient Xumi Shan grottoes is included. If the group visits Pingliang, a stunning walk up Mount Kongtong may be possible.

Guyuan is well off all the tourist trails. This is the China of the ancient Silk Route and oozes history and intrigue. Today its lively markets come alive in the afternoon, when neighbouring villages come to do their shopping.
Gansu Province is in north-western China, between Inner Mongolia and the Huangtu Plateau, bordering Mongolia and Xinjiang. Caravans passed through Gansu on the infamous Silk Road, travelling to and from Europe - so the region has a rich and interesting history.

Close to the city of Pingliang is Mount Kongtong, an important sacred site for believers in Taoism. It's usually possible to climb the mountain and you'll be rewarded with magnificent views from the top as you emerge from the rich and verdant vegetation that cover the surrounding hillsides. As you climb, you will ascend through five different "terraces", passing many temples and shrines along the way. The highest peak is known as "The Emerald Screen Peak", rising to 2100 metres above sea level.

The next day we will try to visit whichever site we missed yesterday. Please note that some trips will visit Pingliang twice although we will try and avoid this where possible.

Included Activities
Mount Kong Tong

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Day 35: Drive to Shapotou: Drive approximately 350 km to Shapotou, arriving early evening. Teetering on the edge of the Tengger Desert, the small town of Shapotou is home to the Chinese version of “Disneyland”. Tacky maybe, but immense fun. You won’t find this in many tourist brochures, but where else in the world can you take a deathslide across the Yellow River? Slide down the dunes, ride camels or drift downstream on a sheepskin raft, this is fun for all the family, Chinese style.

Optional Activities
Flying Fox/Harness Ride over Yellow River, Shapotou - Free
Sheepskin rafting trip, Shapotou - Free
Sledge Down sand slide, Shapotou - Free

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Day 36: Afternoon drive to Yinchuan: The morning is free for optional activities in Shapotou. In the afternoon drive on to Yinchuan, stopping en route at the Zhongwei Gao Miou Temple complex. Yinchuan is a very relaxed city with a lively market and a friendly atmosphere. It's a good place to kick-back and soak up the atmosphere of everyday life in a provincial Chinese city. Wandering around the streets and experiencing the hustle and bustle as the locals go about their daily business is a good way to see the "real" China for yourself.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Days 37-38: Opportunity of horse riding in Hohhot: Set off in the early morning to drive approximately 700 km to Hohhot. Hohhot is the provincial Capital of Inner Mongolia, but is largely a Chinese city inhabited in the main by Han Chinese. It is a good stopover point while crossing Inner Mongolia. It has an interesting museum (Inner Mongolia Museum), a few good temples (Five Pagoda, Xiletuzhao and the Dazhao temples) and a lively street life.

The following day drive approximately 90 km to a Mongolian ger camp in the grasslands north of Hohhot. There may be the opportunity to go horse riding or try some yak butter tea. Accommodation tonight is in a Mongolian ger, sharing with others in the group.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Days 39-40: Datong city tour: Drive approximately 250 km to the city of Datong in China's Shanxi province. The following day we will visit the remarkable Hanging Monastery and Yungang Caves. Visit the Hanging Monastery, which dates back over 1400 years, beautifully located right on the edge of a cliff. The monastery consists of over 40 different halls and is home to an impressive array of bronze, stone, clay and iron statues.

The Yungang Grottoes, are a UNESCO World Heritage complex of 21 caves containing over 50000 statues, some of which are the oldest of this type in China. Looking at the rock art you will be able to pick out influences from an amazing variety of different cultures, including Greek, Persian and Indian.

Included Activities
Hanging Monastery, Entrance, Datong
Yunguang Grottos, Entrance, Datong

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Days 41-42: Free day to explore Chengde: Drive from Datong to Chengde, visiting Bisu Shanzhuang and the Puning Temple en route if time permits. Chengde is located in Hubei Province, the heavily populated region that surrounds Beijing. Once a royal city, this 18th century imperial resort town has plenty of historic monuments to boast about. The imperial family would have moved here during the hot summer months, because of the cool and refreshing mountain air. There are many historical sites to explore, including the regal gardens (the largest in China), the Imperial Summer Villa and a profusion of temples. Many of the temples and monasteries have a Mongolian and Tibetan feel, this is largely because of the legacy of Emperor Qinlong, who wanted to assimilate both regions into his empire. In recent years, mirroring the city's history, Chengde has become a very popular weekend retreat for the wealthy of Beijing - and so it's home to some excellent restaurants.

The following day is free to explore, or we may visit Bisu Shanzhuang and the Puning Temple if we did not have time the day before.

Included Activities
Imperial City, entrance, Chengde

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Day 43: Walk the Greatv Wall, Huairou: Today we set off early in the morning for the 110 km drive to the Great Wall with time to explore and the option of a short trek around Jinshanling. In the afternoon we will drive to Huairou and visit the Mutianyu section of the wall if time permits.

Huairou is a typical Chinese town. Sit back and enjoy the scenery, listen to the local folk music and try the homemade tea and Huairou rainbow trout. Escape from the tourist locations and find your own haven in one of China's most tranquil towns.

Included Activities
Great Wall, Entrance, Jinshanling section, Beijing

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Day 44: Qing Dongling sightseeing tour: Today we set off early in the morning for the 90 km drive to the Qingdongling where we will explore the famous tombs. The tombs of Qing Dongling are some of the most fascinating sites in China. In the heart of the Eastern Tombs is a tomb called Xiaoling. All in all there are total of five emperors, fifteen empresses, and 136 concubines are buried at the Eastern Tombs. All of these with one exception are arrayed to the east and west of this centrally located Xiaoling. Towards the north are the mountains which create the backdrop to a sensational city.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Days 45-47: Explore the Forbidden City, Beijing: In the morning we head off to China’s capital, Beijing. The capital of the most populous country on earth, Beijing is quickly shedding its historical face in favour of modernity. However, there are still plenty of places to go that will give you a great insight into the nation's ancient past as well as sights that showcase China's contemporary culture.

The next morning there is a guided tour of the Forbidden City. The afternoon is free to explore the many sights, sounds and flavours of Beijing.

Included Activities
Forbidden City Tour
Ming Tombs, entrance, Beijing

Accommodation
Hotel (3 nts)
Day 48: Long day drive to Erlian: Today we leave the capital behind us as we begin our overland journey towards Mongolia. Today will be a long drive day (approx 600 km), and we will try and get as close to Erlian as possible which is where we will cross the China/ Mongolia border. Overnight in a local hotel or wild camp if conditions allow.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Day 49: Cross the border into Sainshand, Mongolia: This morning we cross the border into Mongolia (Zamiin Uud). Please be aware that border procedures could take up to 5 hours here. Once we have made it into Mongolia we will continue our overland journey to Sainshand (approx 200 km).

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 50: Camp near Choir: This morning we may have the opportunity to visit the Dechinchoinkhorlin Monastery before we continue our drive towards Ulaanbaatar. Overnight camping near Choir.

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Days 51-52: Ulaanbaatar: Today we arrive into Ulaanbaatar. Crammed between superpowers Russia and China, the independent nation of Mongolia is a true Intrepid destination. The capital, Ulaanbaatar (affectionately known as UB), is a city where new meets old as elderly Mongolians in traditional dress mingle with the nation's young business elite. Mongolia's close relationship with the USSR is evident in the Soviet-style architecture and city layout. Explore the city's many museums to learn about the country's turbulent history, including the reign of history's most famous Mongolian - the feared and respected Genghis Khan.

Next morning we head out on a guided tour to see some of Ulaanbaatar's best and most treasured sights including the Gandan Monastery and the National Museum. This afternoon is free to explore more of this city.

Optional Activities
Black Market, Ulaanbaatar - Free
Cultural Performamce, Ulaanbaatar - MNT10000.00
Fine Arts Museum, Ulaanbaatar - MNT3000.00
Gandan Khiid, Ulaanbaatar - MNT4000.00
Intellectual Museum, Ulaanbaatar - MNT3500.00
National History Museum, Ulaanbaatar - MNT2500.00
Winter Palace Museum of Bogd Khan, Ulaanbaatar - MNT3000.00

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Day 53: Visit Baga Gazryn Chuluu: After breakfast we drive to Baga Gazryn Chuluu in the middle of the Gobi. These wonderful rock formations are worshipped by the locals who sometimes make pilgrimages here. Tonight we camp near the Rocks.

Included Activities
Visit Baga Gazryn Chuluu

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 54: Camp over the desert of South Gobi: After a relaxing start to the day we continue our overland journey south through the Gobi Desert. Tonight we will camp under the stars.

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 55: Journey to Yolin Am (Vulture Canyon) stop to resupply at Dalanzadgad: After breakfast we make our way to Yolin Am via Dalanzadgad to resupply. Yolin Am is better known as the Gobi Glacier which is part of the Great Gobi National Park. After lunch we will hike down the valley to take a better look at the glacier and nearby wildlife.

Included Activities
Visit to Yolin Am Ice Canyon

Accommodation
Yurt (1 nt)
Day 56: Visit Bayan Zag: Moving on from Yolin Am we overland to Bayn Zag, better known as the flaming cliffs and renowned worldwide for the number of dinosaur bones and eggs found in the area. Tonight we camp near the cliffs.

Included Activities
Visit Bayan Zag

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Days 57-58: Camel ride in Khongorin Els: Today we head to some of the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia, known as Khongorin Els or the singing dunes. Tonight we will wild camp near the dunes. Next day is a full day for optional activities in and around Khongorin Els including an optional camel ride over the sand dunes. Tonight we stay in a ger camp.

Optional Activities
Camel Ride, Khongorin Els, Khongorin Els - Free

Accommodation
Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt), Yurt (1 nt)
Day 59: Camp in the heart of South Gobi desert: Today we overland through the heart of the Gobi camping en route.

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 60: Resupply at Arvaikheer: Today we head to Arvaikheer and visit the local market in order to re supply. We then set up camp en route to The Orkhon Valley.

Included Activities
Ongii Monastery Ruins

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Days 61-62: Hike to Tuvkhon Monastery, Orkhon Valley: We spend the day in a beautiful valley surrounded by pine trees and If the weather is suitable we have the option to climb down to the bottom of the gorge. Tonight we will stay in a ger camp.

On the following day we visit the nearby waterfalls then hike to the Tuvkhon Monastery. The Monastery was established in the 1650s by Zanabazar, One of Mongolia's most respected religious leaders. Views of the Orkhon Valley are worth the climb. Tonight we camp in the valley near the Monastery.

Included Activities
Hike to Tuvkhon Monastery
Visit to waterfalls

Optional Activities
Hiking, Orkhon Valley, The Orkhon Valley - Free

Accommodation
Yurt (1 nt), Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Days 63-64: Relax at Tsenkher Hot Springs: After breakfast we head north, crossing the Hangai Nuruu mountains through a series of passes until we reach the area Mongolians call 'the paradise of the horse herders' for its lush grasses and open valleys. Overnight in ger camp. The second day here is free for optional activities including a horse ride and a visit to a nomadic family.

Optional Activities
Hiking, Tsenkher Hot Springs - Free
Horse riding, Tsenkher Hot Springs, Tsenkher Hot Springs - Free
Hot Springs visit, Tsenkher Hot Springs - Free

Accommodation
Yurt (2 nts)
Day 65: Visit the old city ruins, Karakorum: An early start as we head to Mongolia's ancient capital today. We should arrive early in the afternoon. This afternoon we will visit Erdene Zuu, the first Buddhist Monastery in Mongolia. Tonight we will set up camp near the ancient site.

Included Activities
Erdene Zuu Monastery Entrance
Visit to old city ruins

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 66: Bird watching opportunities at Ugii Lake: This morning, if time permits we will visit the ancient ruins of Karakorum. We then drive to Ugii Lake where we will set up camp. Ugii Lake is famed for it's great bird watching opportunities, and it is not uncommon to spot swan geese, white spoonbills and Dalmatian pelicans.

Included Activities
Kultigen monument
Turkish Museum

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 67: See wild horses and visit a nomad family in Khustain National Park: Today we arrive at the Khustain National Park. This park is famed for the wild horse (takhi) reintroduction project and now boats more than 200 tahki. Tonight we will stay at a Ger camp.

Included Activities
Visit to the Takhi (wild horse) reintroduction project

Optional Activities
Nomad family visit, Khustain Nuruu National Park - Free

Accommodation
Yurt (1 nt)
Days 68-69: Absorb the alpine scenery of Terelj National Park: Leaving the takhi behind us we now make our way to Terelj National park. This is one of the closets parks to Ulaanbaatar. The alpine scenery is magnificent and there are many activities available here such as rafting, hiking and horse riding. Tonight we will wild camp in the National Park. The following day is free for optional activities including rafting and various hikes. Tonight we again camp in the National Park.

Optional Activities
Hiking, Terelj National Park - Free
Rafting, Terelj National Park - Free

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)
Days 70-71: Ulaanbaatar city tour. Departure: After breakfast we will return to the capital (approx 2 hrs), visiting the Chinggis Khan Monument en route. The afternoon is free. We stay in a great hotel for the final night of our trip. The next day is our departure day. No activities are planned for today and you may depart at any time.

Included Activities
Chinggis Khan Monument

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)

Nuts & Bolts

Trip Includes

All meals when camping

Trip Excludes

Trip ID#: 131496

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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