Mongolian Wilderness Adventure

21 days - from $1117

We travel around in 4WD vans and stay in tents for maximum flexibility. We visit some truly spectacular regions and, though there is much driving to be done, we have days to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. Climb sand dunes, go hiking in the mountains, swim in lakes and rivers. This trip is not for those who want luxury - there are no facilities and you will need to wash with bowls of water - but is for those who love the outdoors.

Itinerary:

Day 1,ULAAN BAATAR Arrive in Ulaan Baatar. Later this evening you will have the chance to meet your tour leader and the other members of the tour. Day 2,ULAAN BAATAR A full free day to explore the capital city of Mongolia. Perhaps visit the Gandan monastery and the Winter Palace. Day 3,GOBI DESERT - MANDALGOVI Drive south through the Gobi to Mandalgovi. Approx. 8 hours driving Day 4,YOLYN AM VALLEY Continue south to Yolyn Am or ‘Vulture’s Mouth’, located in the 'Three Beauties' National Park. Approx. 11 hours driving Day 5,GOBI DESERT Hike through the valley to reach the ice that remains there year-round. We then drive to the west. Day 6,GOBI DESERT We continue to Khongoryn Els and have the rest of the day free to explore these amazing sand dunes. Perhaps take a camel ride in the afternoon and climb the dunes for a memorable sunset. Day 7,ONGI RIVER Drive north towards the Ongi River, a clear stream that runs through a barren rocky landscape. Our route allows a quick stop at Bayanzag. Approx. 7 hours driving Day 8,KHOGNO KHAN MOUNTAINS Drive to the beautiful Khogno Khan Mountains, a massive series of rocky hills that rise up out of an otherwise flat landscape. Approx. 7 hours driving Day 9,KHOGNO KHAN MOUNTAINS A full day to explore the nearby monastery and the mountains. Day 10,KARAKORUM - ORKON RIVER A short drive takes us to Karakorum, the ancient capital built by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. We visit the magnificent Erdene Zuu monastery. Approx. 5 hours driving Day 11,KHORG We drive to the White Lake, ringed by stark, volcanic mountains. We make several stops at interesting features. Approx. 7 hours driving Day 12,KHORG A full day to relax at the lake. Wander along the shore line or hike up into the mountains for awesome views of this inhospitable terrain.   Day 13,EN ROUTE TO KHOVSGOL Drive north through alpine scenery, crossing 3 mountains, on our way towards Lake Khovsgol. We pass herds of Mongolian horses and spend the night near the Moron River. Approx. 10 hours driving Day 14,KHOVSGOL We make a short stop at the town of Moron before continuing to Lake Khovsgol, a magnificent clear blue lake on the Siberian border. We stay near the banks of the lake. Approx. 6 hours driving   Day 15 to Day 16,KHOVSGOL Two full free days to hike around the lake or just relax and enjoy the views. Day 17,SELENGE RIVER We drive south to the Selenge River, one of the most lush and beautiful parts of Mongolia. Approx. 8 hours driving Day 18,ORKON RIVER We continue south and east, stopping at the Orkon River again, only further downstream. Approx. 9 hours driving Day 19,TUUL RIVER We drive on to our final picturesque camp spot. By this stage you may be missing some creature comforts. Don't wish your time away. You should savour this last day of true wilderness experience. Day 20,ULAAN BAATAR Drive back through the grasslands to Ulaan Baatar. Approx. 2 hours driving. Day 21,ULAAN BAATAR Tour ends.

Included

Group Size Max 18
Activities Extensive optional hiking on free days, optional camel and horse rides
Accommodation 3 nights simple guesthouse (multishare, can be mixed sex, shared facilities), 17 nights camping in two person tents
Transport 4WD minivan
Fully Escorted By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local translator
Airport Transfer Included

Excluded

Meals: Not included. Allow US$150 for a food kitty whilst camping. Food in Mongolia can be basic
Entrance Fees: Not included. Allow US$30
International Flights: Not included
Visas: Not included
Border Taxes: Not included

Trip Reference: AAMW