The True Story of the Weeping Camel

Day 1: Arrival to Ulaanbaatar, guided city tour

Arrival to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's sprawling capital that houses over a million inhabitants. In February and March temperatures will still be well below zero and the city gives a distinct feeling of resistance and survival against the harsh climate of Central Asia. Nevertheless, atmosphere of vibrant changes and springing towards modernization is dominating.

Transfer to a 4 star hotel in central city. First in the program is a guided city tour around its highlights: the Gandan - city's main Buddhist temple with an 80 feet statue of Avaloketeshvara, the Buddha of compassion, the museum of National History with its collection of traditional costumes. A show of unique throat singing and contortion will then be followed by a welcome dinner. (hotel / D)

Day 2: Flight to Gobi desert and travel to herders' camp

Morning transfer for a 1.5 hour flight to Gobi Desert. Your guide and translator will accompany you on board. Gobi in winter is a particularly pretty but rough place. Its vast plains/spaces are pleasantly warm during daytime when it is still. But with a wind picking up temperatures plummet to freezing levels. Upon landing we drive to a camel herders' camp in the middle of nowhere. A felt covered traditional tent/yurt will be your accommodation for the next few days.

Your first question would certainly be: "And where is the poor baby camel?" By nature camels happen to reject their babies quite often due to various reasons so you would definitely see a poor youngster tethered nearby grieving for his mother. Traditional lunch will be offered to those curious; a more common to your taste meal will also be available. We explore the surroundings and learn about the living and survival in the desert. (ger / B,L,D)

Day 3: Camel journey to fetch a musician

In the Gobi there are no other means of effective communication but to physically travel if distances allow. Today you will be assigned a role of a messenger to fetch a fiddler from a village town in a day's travel distance from the camp. A camel will be selected for you and comprehensive riding instructions given. You will ride across empty spaces heading towards distant mountain ranges. The oddly clear air shimmers with thousands of minute particles of frost. We stop few times during our challenging journey for hot drinks and leg stretching. Tonight we will spend the only overnight of your lifetime in a winter desert. A warm tent will be set up during the night and a simple but nutritious dinner served. This will be one in a lifetime experience, without doubt. (tent / B,L,D)

Day 4: Meet the musician and overnight in the village

Early in the morning we ride for another hour to reach the village. Upon arrival we meet the fiddler in his home. A blue silken scarf, known as 'khadag' will be delivered to him together with the message. It symbolizes the clarity of your intentions and deep respect. The remaining day we leisurely stroll around the village: possibly visit the local market, school etc. (ger / B,L,D)

Day 5: Return motorbike ride to the camp and the re-adoption ceremony

Day 6: Return flight to Ulaanbaatar, farewell dinner

After breakfast we say goodbye to the hosts and drive to the Gobi airstrip in an hour's driving distance. On return to Ulaanbaatar transfer to your hotel. Optional shopping for souvenirs and gifts. The guide will accompany you and offer his recommendation and assistance. In the evening we all gather for a farewell dinner. (hotel / B,D)

Day 7: Departure transfer

This morning you will be transferred for your journey home. (B)