TREASURES OF MONGOLIA
A cultural tour of Mongolia

Mongolia is a country of which little is known. Located in the hinterland of Asia within the famous Gobi "Desert", Mongolia far away from everything. Yet it is here that the might and guts of Mongolia's Chenghiz Khan gave birth to one of the histories largest empires. Mongolia is home to interesting Buddhist sites, incredible wildlife including the famous "Przewalski" ("takhi") wild horses, two-humped Bactrian camels, Gobi bears, lizards, lynx, Marco Polo sheep and snow leopards. All of this combined with the rich history, culture and friendly people who still live their nomadic life, provides many reasons why the intrepid traveler would want to visit Mongolia. This then is a journey into a rich and varied land, one that is truly going beyond normal frontiers.

Day 01: Arrive Ulaanbaatar
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon city tour includes a visit to the National History Museum, where you will see artifacts from Mongolia and Central Asia from the Stone Age to the present. Next stop is the beautiful Winter Palace of the last Mongolian Khan, who ruled until 1924. Lastly, visit to Zaisan Hill War Memorial visit to get your bearings with a panoramic view of the whole city.
Overnight: Khan Palace Hotel (1 night) (D)

Day 02: Bayan Gobi
Transport to Bayan Gobi (280km). On the way visit Hustain Nuruu National Reserve to view the Przewalsky wild horses, recently re-introduced back into Mongolia. A lunch stop will be made at Hustain Nuruu before continue to Bayan Gobi. Explore Mongol Els sand dunes.
Overnight: Camp (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 03: Orkhon Waterfall
Morning visit to Khugnu Khaan mountain and Uvgun monastery. Drive to Orkhon Waterfall (250km) via Shankh monastery. Packed lunch. Continue to the Orkhon waterfall, arrive in the afternoon. Excursion to the beautiful Orkhon Waterfall. Hiking and photo session along the river.
Overnight: Camp (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 04: Karakorum
After an early breakfast, drive to Karakorum (150 km). Upon arrival lunch at the camp, Afternoon visit Erdene-Zuu, once one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia. Tour of the monastery grounds and several halls with excellent examples of Buddhist iconography dating from the 16th century. Visit the ruins of Karakorum, the 13th century capital of the Mongol Empire.
Overnight: Camp (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 05: Ulaanbaatar
Journey back to Ulaanbaatar with en route visit a stud farm before a lunch break.
Overnight: Khan Palace Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 06: Ulaanbaatar
Tour to Gandan Monastery, followed by a tour of the Fine Arts Museum. Lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon visit Natural History Museum. Enjoy an evening folklore performance. (B, L, D)

Day 07: South Gobi / Khongoryin Els
Transfer for a flight to our base camp in the Gobi. Transfer to Khongoryin Els sand dunes (200 km). Lunch on the way. In the afternoon, visit a camel breeder family for a photo opportunity, a camel riding session and to explore the sand dunes. Enjoy a peaceful evening in the Gobi Desert.
Overnight: Camp (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 08: South Gobi / Bayan Zag
Departure for Bayan Zag, the Flaming Cliffs (80km), and explore the “Gobi Dinosaur Cemetery” and the trail of Roy Chapman Andrews. En route visit Moltsog Els sand dunes and have a picnic lunch. (B, L, D)

Day 09: South Gobi / Yoliin Am
Visit Yol (Lammergier) Valley National Park (18km) for a morning trek and an opportunity to photograph the stunning landscape, the Gobi Glacier and intriguing wildlife. Packed lunch in the National Park and leisure hiking. Return to base camp. Visit a camel-breeding farm to get introduce to their lifestyle and taste the khoormog, camel milk. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Ulaanbaatar
Morning flight to Ulaanbaatar. Lunch in the hotel. Afternoon tour of the Choijin Lama monastery. Dinner along with a Mongol Costumes presentation.
Overnight: Khan Palace Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 11: Huvshul
Flight to Murun, the capital of Huvsgul province, and drive to the base camp at Lake Huvsgul (120km).
Overnight: Camp (2 night) (B, L, D)

Day 12: Huvshul
Full day to explore the breathtaking alpine scenery of this beautiful lake. There will be an ample opportunity to experience local nomadic lifestyles. Free hiking and photo session along the shores of the lake, home to diverse wildlife and countless birds. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Ulaanbaatar
Drive back to Murun to catch a flight to Ulaanbaatar. Lunch in Murun. Arrival in UB, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight: Khan Palace Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 14: Ulaanbaatar
Drive to Bogd National Park to visit the 18 th century Manzushir Monastery. In the afternoon, tour to the Gobi cashmere factory for shopping for original and pure cashmere gifts and garments. (B, L, D)

Day 15: Departure
Morning transfer to airport for your departure flight. . (B)

Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures Daily departure from June 01 and September 30
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Hotel Accommodation as mentioned or similar with hotel taxes International Airfares Meal Plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) Departure Taxes All ground transfers & sightseeing mentioned with local English speaking guide Insurances / Visa Fees Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites Beverages / Tips All domestic flights mentioned
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2010 US $ 5290 US $ 880
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1800 Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast US $ 2000
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 10 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.