Mongolia

Day 1. Arrive Ulaan Baatar. The capital of Mongolia was founded in 1639. Located at an altitude of 1350 meters above sea level, it is the center of the political, economic and cultural life of the country.

The capital Ulaan Baatar has 700 000 inhabitants, 75% of them being under 35 years old. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Later, there will be a visit to the National History Museum. Overnight in Ulaan Baatar.

Day 2. Ulaan Baatar to the Gobi Desert. Fly today to the Gobi Desert early in the morning. You will land at the small airport near the Ger (Tented) Camp. On arrival, transfer to the Gobi Camp after which you will drive to Yol Valley in the Gurvansaikhan National Park.

First, visit a small museum representing the Flora and Fauna of the National Park. Then you will have a walk in the valley while marvelling at the spectacular landscapes of the Gobi Mountains. Return back to the camp. Dinner and overnight in a traditional Mongolian dwelling - a Ger also known as a Yurt.

Day 3. Bayanzag. Drive to Bayanzag known as the Flaming Cliffs due to the red cliffs which were formed by the erosion of sand and rock over many thousands of years. It is also the site where the first dinosaur eggs were found in 1924 by Roy Chapman Andrews. Overnight at the Camp.

Day 4. Gobi Desert to Khustain Nuruu Nature Reserve. Fly back to the capital and then drive to the Khustain Nuruu Nature Reserve. The reserve is surrounded by mountains, thick pine forests and lush meadows which are home to the Przewalski endangered wild horse "Takhi" and other wildlife. Watch a documentary and visit the small museum. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 5. Khustain Nuruu Nature Reserve to Kharkhorum. Drive to the ancient capital Kharkhorum. The ruins of ancient capital of the Mongolian Great Empire Kharakhorum is at the crossroads of the Silk Road. Visit the Erdene-Zuu Monastery, the first Buddhist lamasery centre dating back to the 16th century with its 108 stupas. Overnight at a tented Camp.

Day 6. Kharkhorum to Ulaan Baatar. Travel back to the capital. On arrival, have a city tour which will include the Choichin Lama Museum, the Bogd Khaan Palace which is a series of beautiful traditional buildings in which the last religious king of Mongolia resided and Zaisan Hill located in the south of the city from which you can see the whole of Ulaan Baatar. Overnight in Ulaan Baatar.

Day 7. Depart Ulaan Baatar. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward departure flight.

*****All itineraries are subject to change without notice.

Mongolia Country Facts

Location: Mongolia is sandwiched between Russia to the north and China to the south.

Area: 1, 564,116 km².

Population: 2, 500,000

Capital: Ulaan Baatar

Time: 13 hours ahead of Toronto/New York and 16 hours ahead of Vancouver/Los Angeles.

Religion: Buddhist Lamaism.

Language: Khalkh Mongolian is the official language. Kazakh is spoken by 5 % of the population. There are also many Mongolian dialects.

Currency: CAD$1 = 900 Mongolian Tugriks (MNT) and US$1 = 1135 Mongolian Tugriks approximately.

Climate: The travel season is typically from may to early October though Ulaan Baatar can be visited any time of the year if you can tolerate bitter cold. June and September are pleasant months. The best time to visit the Gobi Desert is September and October.

Visas: All Canadian passport holders require an entry visa, which can be obtained on arrival in Ulaan Baatar. All US passport holders do not require a visa if staying less than 90 days.

Electricity: 230 volts Ac, 50Hz.

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