HORSE RIDING TO THE LAND OF GENGHIS KHAN
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TOUR
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PRICE
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TOUR DESCRIPTION:
12 days incl. 7 horse riding days. Ride through mountains, lakes and rivers
that gave shelter and refuge to the legendary Genghis Khan during his survival
competition against rivaling clans. Gallop across steppes to discover the Khukh
lake where he was crowned as the emperor of all Mongols. Accommodation of tents
and yurts(Mongolian felt covered tent). Safe and comfortable tack.
PRICE INCLUDES:
All accommodation (twin shared), internal transportation, arrival & departure
transfers, meals as indicated (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), sightseeing & environmental
fees, camping equipment, English speaking guide, expedition chef, horse riding
guides, horse rent.
PRICE EXCLUDES:
Travel insurance, departure taxes, gratuities, items of personal nature,
meals not indicated.
TOUR GALLERY:
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TOUR INTRUDUCTION:
In mere 50 miles east of the capital Ulaanbaatar is a land of evergreen
taiga forest, clear streams and lush grasslands. Deer, wild boars, squirrel,
beaver, otter, sable and wolf inhabit the area.
There lie mountains, lakes and rivers which gave shelter and refuge to the Legendary King of Mongols, Genghis Khan. Known as Temujin in his early days when he went through a harsh survival competition against his rivals and the enemies of his deceased farther. These lands as well witnessed his rising glory. The Blue Lake of the Black Heart Mt. became the enthronement site of the Khan of “All Mongols” in 1189.
Later in 1206 seating on a white felt carpet on the shore of the lake, he obtained his kingship over the throne of “The Great Mongol Empire”.
Precisely these auspicious places lie on our riding route.
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DAY BY DAY ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival to Ulaanbaatar
You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to a trendy hotel
within easy walking distance of downtown. After a short briefing we explore
the vibrant city of Ulaanbaatar, the Palace of the Last Mongolian Buddhist
King followed by an of Folk dance and song performance. (L,D).
Day 2: Drive to Zuun Bayan Valley
After an early breakfast we hop into our expedition vehicles and head east
of Ulaanbaatar. In 2 hours driving tarmac ends and we continue through wide
meadows dotted with white yurts and grazing horses, sheep and yaks. Mountains
covered in forests of larch, birch, cedar and pine surround the valley. In
the early afternoon we arrive to our campsite in the valley beside a clear
stream. Here we meet our horse riding guides who come in the evening with
a herd of sturdy Mongolian horses. (B,L,D).
Days 3-9: Horse Riding to Khangal lake via the
Blue Lake
After a hearty breakfast a horse will be selected to suit your riding experience.
Riding the sturdy Mongolian horses is a style quite different from that of
a western horse riding. Broken in at the age of 2 or 3 they listen to a different
set of commands and, respond to a different behavior on the side of the rider.
Your riding guides will teach these techniques before we set off further
to the east.
Each day the support team will drive ahead and serve lunch at an agreed spot and then carry on to prepare your camp and dinner.
We will gallop through a valley of lush grass and green hills covered in birch and larch. Horse riding guides will ride next to you and share the secrets of their survival. The first two days we come across very few people.
In the evening of the 5th day we arrive at Kherlen river, the longest in Eastern Mongolia and the one immediately associated with the Great Khan. The basin of Kherlen river was the traditional homeland of Temujin’s tribesmen along which they grazed their horses and hunted for wild animals.
The banks of the river are settled by nomadic families. We visit a yurt of one of them. Nomadic yurt is a simple but reliable dwelling, perfect in extreme weather conditions and suitable for frequent migrations. Simple life and beautiful nature has shaped these extremely friendly and tough people. Their knowledge of nature and survival is unparalleled.
After crossing the river we ride for two more days. In the afternoon of the second day we arrive at Blue Lake of the Black Heart Mt. (B,L,D).
Day 10: Day horse ride to Bereeven Monastery
Today we ride to visit the Bereeven Monastery established in the 17th century.
At first the monastery consisted of yurts, and was moved eight times before
finally settling at its current location. It became one of the most important
temple complexes of Buddhism in the country, and housed 3000 monks at the
height of its glory. Currently most of the buildings are under restoration.
In the evening back in camp you will be served one of delicacies of Mongolian cuisine – “khorkhog”. This is an interesting affair of chunks of meat pressure cooked using hot rocks. An attractive garnish of vegetables will be served to it. (B,L,D).
Day 11: Return drive to Ulaanbaatar
This morning we drive back to Ulaanbaatar arriving by lunch time. Afternoon
is at leisure to explore the city, renowned as the city of contrasts: although
rapidly modernizing Ulaanbaatar has a charm of a small place where you still
see people in traditional robes. In the evening we gather for a farewell
dinner. (B,D).
Day 12: Departure
Transfer to airport for your journey home. (B).
