ACROSS KHANGAI MT. RANGE TO KHUVSGUL LAKE JEEP TOUR
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TOUR
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PRICE
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TOUR DESCRIPTION:
12 days jeep tour. Cross the Khangai mountain range and reach the
Khuvsgul lake which is 267 meters deep and holds 2% of worlds fresh water reserves.
On its shore lives a disappearing tribe of Tsaatan who still worship shamanism
and live out of domesticated reindeer. Visit the capital of Genghis Khan, largest
Buddhist monastery. Meet nomadic people, experience rich wilderness. Horseback
riding and hiking are the main activities. Overnights in traditional yurts,
comfortable, rich cultural experience.
PRICE INCLUDES:
All accommodation (twin shared), internal transportation, the internal flight,
arrival & departure transfers, meals as indicated (B-breakfast, L-lunch,
D-dinner), sightseeing & environmental fees, activity fees - kayaking,
horseback riding etc.
PRICE EXCLUDES:
Travel insurance, departure taxes, items of personal nature, excess luggage
fees on domestic flight, meals not indicated, gratuities.
TOUR GALLERY:
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TOUR INTRUDUCTION:
Most people imagine Mongolia as a land of wide open steppes swaying with
lush grass. It is true to some extent for the country has a much wider a variety
of landscapes to explore.
This is a must journey for those visiting Mongolia. Travel through steppes of central Mongolia and you will cross the Khangai mountain range to the Khuvsgul lake. En route visit the site of the capital of the Great Mongolian Empire created by legendary Genghis Khan in 13th century. There now is the largest Buddhist monastery of Mongolia built in 16th century. It has partially survived Communist anti-religion destructions. Khangai mountain range has always given shelter and water to nomads and their animals. Enjoying an abundance of rainfall the area is rich in forest and vegetation. Wildlife here is diverse including: deer, bear, boar and marten.
The lake Khuvsgul is surrounded by 3000m peaks it holds 2 percent of worlds’ fresh water reserves. Reaching 267m in depth it is locally known as “The Mother Sea” or “The Blue Pearl” for its crystal clear waters. There live the fascinating Tsaatan whose lives revolve around the domesticated reindeer. This easy trip offers plenty of pleasure hikes and interesting cultural encounters.
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DAY BY DAY ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, city tour
After checking into a cozy hotel in central Ulaanbaatar we hold a short briefing.
Then an hour city tour will introduce you to the present and past history
of the Mongolian capital. A concert of traditional song and dance, that includes
world renowned throat singing and contortion will be presented before dinner.
(L,D).
Day 2: Drive (6 hours) to the granite rocks of Khogno Khan Mt.
After early breakfast we climb into our jeeps and head west of Ulaanbaatar.
We mostly drive on a tarmac road which runs through wide open steppe with
rolling hills in the background. It is one of the main transport veins in
the country, therefore busy with cars and trucks loaded with wool, cashmere,
meat and other produce to be sold in Ulaanbaatar. Hundreds of horses, cows,
sheep and goats graze alongside. Soon there appear some stretches of sand
dunes like a silken scarf laid across vast green steppes.
In the early afternoon we arrive to our camp located amidst sand dunes and
mountains dotted with granite rocks. (B,L,D).
Day 3: Visit Karakorum and the Erdene Zuu monastery
Today we will drive on to Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia. There
is a small local township there now. This is 2 hours drive from the previous
camp. This is where Genghis Khan built his capital in 1227. An ambassador
of the French King came to visit Ugudei Khan, Chinggis’ third son in
1240-ies. Then he described Ugudei’s majestic palace. Every summer
since 1999 extensive archaeological digs are conducted by Mongolian and German
experts revealing a wealth of knowledge about the city. With some luck we
will visit the actual excavation site.
Present day town of Karakorum is recognized by the massive walled compound of the Erdene Zuu Monastery. It was built in 1586, by a Mongolian warlord as part of his efforts to re-unite Mongols under the banners of Buddhism. Later in 1930-ies during anti-religion campaign under communists the monastery suffered almost a complete destruction of its temples. Today it is being lovingly restored by believers.
After lunch we continue and make a short stop by the ruins of Uighur Empire capital, Khar-Balgas. Founded in 715 it was destroyed in 840 by nomadic people from Siberia. The huge walled compound of unbaked clay is now covered in earth and grass vaguely reminding of the former glory of Uigurs. One more hour of driving and we arrive at a camp with some wonderful mineral hot springs. We take a bath and shower in the springs. (B,L,D).
Day 4: Drive to White lake
Today we drive into the province of Arkhangai, one of the most spectacular
regions, full of forests, rugged terrain, and lakes. Landscape is dotted
with white yurts of nomads. Thousands of yaks, sheep and horses graze alongside
the way. It is a popular destination to go on holidays for many Mongolians.
We overnight arriving at the White lake, an area of faults, gorges and
extinct volcanoes. (B,L,D).
Day 5: Leisure at the White lake
The White lake is about 20 km long and was formed when volcanic lava dammed
a local river. It is surrounded by extinct volcanoes. The lake is perfect
for fishing and birdwatching.
Today we hike to a volcanic crater, the Khorgo at 2100m. From the summit there
opens a splendid view over the whole region and the lake. (B,L,D).
Day 6: Descend the northern slope of Khangai range
Further north our route lies through the wooded slopes of Khangai Mountain
range. We cross innumerable streams and springs before arriving at Zuun Lake
where we stay for overnight. (B,L,D).
Day 7: Khuvsgul Lake
Another day of driving finally brings us to the Khuvsgul lake, the right place
to enjoy the deserved rest after days of driving. The lake is very special
to Mongolians. Fed by waters of an auspicious 99 rivers it gives source to
only one river which eventually links it with its “older sister”,
the lake Baikal in Russia. On arrival we will relax in a well facilitated
cozy camp. You will sleep in a Mongolian yurt. (B,L,D).
Day 8: Leisure at Khuvsgul Lake
Today you may do various activities such as swimming, hiking, horseback riding
or kayaking. You may as well just laze around by the vast blue expanse of
the lake. (B,L,D).
Day 9: Half day drive to local airstrip
After a relaxed morning we drive to a tour camp near the provincial airstrip,
Murun. (B,L,D).
Day 10: Return flight to Ulaanbataar
After breakfast we will take one and half hour flight to Ulaanbaatar. The remainder
of the day is at leisure to explore this vibrant city, renowned as a city
of contrasts. We will meet for a dinner in one of local multinational restaurants.
(B,D).
Day 11: Leisure day in Ulaanbaatar
A spare day for shopping and self-exploration around the city. You may refer
to recommendations of our team in order to make most out of it. (B).
Day 12: Departure
Transfer to airport for your return flight home. (B).
