Mongolia holidays
| country: | Mongolia |
| trip type: | A small group adventure. |
| departures: | 2010: 8 May, 22 May, 5 Jun, 28 Jun, 10 Jul, 24 Jul, 14 Aug 2011: 14 May, 11 Jun |
| price: | From £1240 (15 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Experience the raw beauty and traditional ways of remote Mongolia. Hidden from the world for some seventy years, it is hard to imagine that this secluded country once created the largest land empire ever known. Unmatched geographical diversity, pristine grasslands, crumbling ruins and roaming herdsmen riding tough Mongolian horses - see it all on this journey through a land that seems forgotten by time.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Ulaanbaatar. Ger suburbs, locals in traditional dress and business suits, Soviet architecture and a wealth of museums, palaces and monasteries: welcome to modern Mongolia. |
| Day 2: | Amarbayasgalant Monastery. Drive through open grasslands to a remote Manchu-style monastery dedicated to the great Buddhist and sculptor, Zanabazar. Spend the night in a holiday ger camp. |
| Days 3-4: | Selenge River. Relax in the stunning surroundings of the Selenge River. Nature lovers can hike to the volcanic crater at Uran Uul (Pot Mountain). Experience local hospitality during a homestay with a Mongolian family. Learn to make traditional delicacies and get an insight into everyday nomadic life. |
| Days 5-6: | Lake Khovsgol. Surrounded by rolling grasslands, fir forests and wildflower meadows, Lake Khovsgol is one of Mongolia's most picturesque sights. Take an optional horse trek or visit local reindeer herders. |
| Days 7-9: | Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake/Khorgo. Set in picturesque mountains, the Great White Lake is a beautiful place to walk or just sit and watch the native birds. Gaze over the surreal landscape atop volcanic peaks and end the day with a Mongolian barbecue. |
| Days 10-11: | Tsenkher. Visit a museum featuring traditional Mongolian costumes, weaponry and art. Enjoy the remote, untouched beauty of the region and soak in the Tsenkher hot springs. |
| Days 12-13: | Karakorum/Khogno Khan. Explore the remains of the capital city Genghis Khan built. Visit the impressive Erdene Zuu Khiid, birthplace of Mongolian Buddhism. Head into a shifting landscape of sand dunes on a camel ride through the desert. |
| Days 14-15: | Ulaanbaatar. Return to the capital via roadside shrines and ger communities. A cultural performance is the perfect way to conclude this Mongolian adventure. |
small group adventure holiday
This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more) highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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During our trip, our group leader and local guide take active steps to ensure our groups behave in an environmentally responsible manner, such as not leaving anything behind and not removing any plants. Combined with the local drivers, they are also always eager to share information about their country and culture, and help you break down barriers in your interactions with local people.
En route to and from Khovsgol Lake you will be welcomed into the lives and homes of local nomads for the night. You can help the families to prepare an authentic Mongolian barbeque before resting for the night in a traditional ‘ger’. Small gifts of tea towels, pens, sewing kits and the like are greatly appreciated. Outside of Ulaan Bataar is the Lotus Children’s Home which provides housing and schooling for orphans from the city. Travellers may have the option to visit – one of the most worthwhile experiences of your whole trip and donations of children’s clothing, school supplies and medicines will be appropriately distributed. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |