INTRODUCTION

It is an opportunity to see three of the most famous attractions close to Ulaanbaatar during your short trip in Mongolia; awe-inspiring Erdenezuu Monastery, see wild horses roaming through holy hills of Hustai National Park and the feature of the Gobi desert in Elsentasarkhai.

Erdenezuu monastery was built on the ruins of ancient capital Kharkhorum in the wide valley of the Orkhon River that was registered in UNESCO as a world cultural heritage as the valley has rich historical remains ranging from prehistoric time to present day.

Takhi, the last survival of wild horses were successfully reintroduced in Hustai National Park. Hustai national park is one of few places you can see the wild horses in the wild in the world. Except for the wild horses, the beautiful national park is home to wild species such as wolves, gazelles, marmots, pray of birds and water birds.

Day1. Drive to Khustai National park and walking

Today we will drive to Khustai NP. The park lies in the foothills of southern Khentii mountain range and it is the place where you can see wild horse called Takhi known as Przewalski horse to the world. The wild horses survive in nature by themselves because they have been reintroduced successfully to their homeland after 40 years of extinction. Currently, the number of Takhi has already reached more than 170. Visit to local museum. We will make horse riding for one hour. Overnight in ger in the tourist resort

Day2. Drive to Kharkhorin, ancient capital of Mongolia and Mongol els

We will drive to ancient capital city Kharakhorum. In 1220 great Chinghis Khaan declared it as the capital city of his vast Empire. Today there are many interesting sites left to visit; the legendary turtle rock sculptures, Buddhist stupas and the ruins of this once great city to name a few. Erdenezuu - the 1st Buddhist monastery in Mongolia was established in 1586. Today Erdenezuu monastery still shows its glory with collections of many priceless religious objects and incredibly beautiful Mongolian arts. It has a massive square wall, 420 meters in length each side, 108 Stupas & 17 temples.on the way will visit to Mongol els. Walking on the semi sand dunes. Camel riding for 30 minutes. Overnight in ger camp

Day3. Back to UB

After breakfast we will drive to back to UB. Transfer to the hotel

Introduction

We invite you to explore the highlights western Mongolia. Western Mongolia is famous for being the home for a dozen ethnic groups of Mongolia and the Kazakh people and is the least traveled area of the country. The nature is more beautiful and pristine and the people are more hospitable and generous there. This fantastic overland tour comprises the most exciting 8 provinces of vast Mongolia. Our tour will start from beautiful nature with combination of high mountains, steppes, forests, Gobi desert and grasses of Govi-altai province. We will hike to Tsambagarav Mountain.Khar-Us & Tolbo lakes, famous Gurvan Tsenkher cave rock paintings which is 20'000 years old , then we will see impressive Altai Tavan Bogd mountain range is the “Challenge of the West” that towers over the western part of Mongolia. The name Tavan Bogd - Five Holy Kings was given to five extraordinary peaks that display amazing views from a distance. Altai region is settled by human ancestors since Lower Paleolithic period or 300 thousands years ago containing precious records of petroglyphs and graveyards. Glamorous fresh water lakes are the main fascination of the area. Kazakh is the main ethnic group with colorful culture and rich history. Originally, Kazakhs are the descendents of the Hereid tribes and settled down in Bayan Ulgii aimag in 1940 after hundreds of years travelling. Golden Eagle Festival is a “must-see”. It is an exclusive hunting tradition with Eagles that existed for 2000 years and still strong among the Kazakhs.Let's take this tour and explore the majestic western Mongolia!

Day1.Arrive at Ulaanbaatar

Arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport and check in hotel. After some rest we will have lunch. Then we will visit Main Square Sukhbaatar and Chinggis Khan’s Monument, Bogd Khaan Palace museum and see Mongolian traditional performance. Welcome to dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day2. Fly to Govi-Altai Province

We will fly to Gobi-Altai province. There we will meet drivers and cook and have lunch, then we will drive to Khunkher. We can see human stone that is representative of Turkish period. Taking pictures and exploring. Overnight in Khunkher camp

Day3. Drive to Ereen lake

Today we will drive to Ereen lake. The lake is surrounded by sand dunes. Located in the east border of Mongol Sand. It is formation is so fantastic. Trek to the sand dune, taking photo. See reptiles. Visit to nomadic family and Gobi nomadic life. If you want, you can ride on horses of local herders. Overnight in tent.

Day4. Drive to Durgun lake

We will drive to the Durgun Lake. On the way, we will observe semi-arid steppe landscape and many unique natural wonders. By the afternoon we reach to Durgun Lake, the lake accommodates many species of water birds and waders. We will see unique combination of mountain, lake and small sand dunes around the lake. Overnight in the tent.

Day5. Drive to Gurvan Tsenkher cave

Today we will drive to Gurvan Tsenkher cave. The site is located in Mankhan county of Khovd province. Related to the upper Paleolithic period, the rock art found in Khoit Tsenkher Cave includes symbols and animal forms painted from the walls up to the ceiling. In one of corners of the cave measuring 2.5 m high and 1.5-2.0 m deep, numerous symbols and animals were painted overlapping each other on the ceiling and wall. A quiet standing stag was portrayed clearly among the animals. Also a standing buffalo with horus looking ahead was represented separately. In another corner of the cave, many animals including oxes, ibexes, elephants, ostriches were pictured, overlapping each other.

On its wall in a cave hollow measuring 10 m long and 8 m wide a camel with two humps was portrayed. Also many symbols and trees were painted at the height of 2.0-2.5 m not far from the wall, where the camel was portrayed. Lions, elephants, argali sheep, ibexes, ostriches, antelopes, camels, as well as symbols were painted with mineral-based paints of rosy and brown colours on the walls deep inside the cave. By the method of painting of different kinds of animals, their colour and view, the Khoit Tsenkher cave rock paintings show their original artistic, cultural and historical features which are different from the other rock paintings in Mongolia and her neighboring countries.

Some particular parts of the animals such as their horns, necks, humbs are depicted with an exaggerated hyper-realism typical of the Palaeolothic period. This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on August 1, 1996 in the Cultural category. Overnight in ger

Day6. Drive to Tsambagarav Mountain

Today we will drive to Tsambagarav Mountain National Park is situated along the border of Khovd Province. This park has many snow capped mountains and glaciers. It houses a number of endangered animals. On the southern slope there are small patches of larch which are coniferous trees. This park is filled with beautiful valleys and gorges making it a very spectacular destination. The wildlife is diverse here. One can see many Turkic stone-men and petro glyph. There are various recreational activities like camel trekking, sunbath, canoeing, swimming, mountain climbing and horse riding in this park. This park is spread over an area of 110 hectares. The highest point of the park is 4208 m above sea level. Ulaan Baatar the capital city of Mongolia is around 1630 kms away from this park. Hovd City is around 130 kms from Tsambagarav Mountain National Park. Jeeps and vehicles are easily available for reaching the park. Overnight in tent.

Day7. Climbing day to Tsambagarav Mountain

Today we will climb to Tsambagarav. Overnight in tent

Day8. Drive to Ulgii via Tolbo lake

After breakfast, we will driev to Ulgii, center of Bayan-Olgii aimag. We will have lunch near to Tolbo lake. Tolbo Nuur (Frog Lake) is about 50km south of Olgii. The saltwater lake is high (2080m), expansive and eerie. We will visit a local Kazakh family, where we will enjoy Kazakh folklore and see how they make their fantastic colorful embroideries. The Kazakh who are also famous eagle hunters offer us chances to see their brave hunting eagles. We will stay in hotel in Ulgii

Day9. Drive to Tsagaan gol (river) and Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain

After breakfast we will drive to Tsagaan gol. From the summit or lower north slopes of Shiveet Khairkhan mountain, there is an extraordinary view of the Tavanbogd area. Shiveet Mountain is very sacred to the Tuvan people and boasts many ibex. It is also possible to see the ibex if you have binoculars. Each year the Tuvans climb to the mountain summit to make offering ceremony for the local ghosts. Overnight in tent.

Day10. Base Camp of Altai Tavan Bogd

In the morning we leave the vehicle behind and load up the camels and trek for approximately 15 kilometres to our base camp on the edge of the Potanin Glacier, at the foot of Malchin Peak. The hike takes us over lush alpine tundra, through herds of camels, with fantastic views directly across the glacier to our objective peaks. We will arrive our base camp which is on the edge of the Potanin Glacier offers panoramic viewsof the mountains and is a convenient base for our climbs and exploring the surrounding region on day hikes. This is great trekking and exploring in a unique corner of the world. Overnight in tent

Day11. Malchin Peak Ascent

From our base camp at 2900 meters, we make an acclimatization climb of Malchin Peak (4037m.), which rises directly behind base camp. This peak provides a long climb, mostly on scree and requiring no technical equipment, yet affords tremendous views over Russia to the north and across to the glaciated peaks of Altai Tavanbogd to the south. We return to our base camp in the late afternoon for a well-earned rest and a ready supply of tea. ( 9 to 10 hours round trip). Overnight in tent

Day12. Back to Tsagaan gol

Today we trek back to our camp in the White River valley. This time it is a gentle downhill and easy stroll. It is a chance to glance into every single valley of the "Tavan Bogd" massif and to observe how the glacier melt develops into torrents of the White river. Upon return to our camp we celebrate the trek, you will be served one of delicacies of the Kazakh cuisine - "besbarmak". Literally meaning "five fingers" this is a delicious assortment of stewed meat, vegetables and flour eaten with hands.

Day13. Drive to Achit lake via Ulgii

After breakfast we will drive to Achit lake via Ulgii. Achit lake is one of the largest lakes of Mongolia, covering 311 square kilometers. Length of lake is 30km width is 16km. It is between Kharkhiraa Uul and Turgen Uul, at 1,464 meters above sea level. Achit lake is irrigated from 10500sq.km square and fed by Altangadas and Bukh murun rivers therefore feed the Khovd river. The island of Devel in the Usan Khooloi River has been protected the state protection. Overnight in tent.

Day14. Drive to Uureg lake

Today is the day to explore Uureg lake and its breathtaking surroundings. The salty water lake is located among a superb panorama, surrounded by the high summits of the Altai. Fishing and hiking opportunities are overwhelming here and rock paintings that represent animals can be seen in the gorge of the Tsagaan river. The local herders of this area are called Durvud ethnic group. We will have an opportunity to visit Durvud herdsmen families. Overnight in the tent.

Day15. Drive to Ulaangom

We will driev to Ulaangom; the capital of Uvs province. We will arrive in Ulaangom and see the authentic local town. We can see local black market. Overnight in hotel

Day16. Fly to Ulaanbaatar

We will fly to UB Check in hotel. Do shopping. Farewell dinner. Overnight in hotel

Day17. Depature