In the Footsteps of Genghis Khan

~ In the Footsteps of Genghis Khan ~

 

A 14-day adventure on foot, on camel, and on horseback, through the remote Gobi Desert and the High Steppe Regions of Eastern Mongolia

 

The adventure begins in Ulan Bator, sleep in Ger tents, spot the Argali and Ibex gamboling across the flatland. You'll get to drive over the grassland scattered with the yurts of nomadic families and herds of gazelle, and experience the thrill of camping in the middle of nowhere under the starry sky. This Mongolian escapade gives you the chance of interacting with the locals as you cross the grasslands towards the arid Gobi astride a camel.

Be hosted by keen horsemen who participate in the Naadam Games on a national level, at your camp in the Arburd sands. Climb the Zorgol Hairhan mountains, giant vertical cliff rock formations that are considered sacred by the local people. The landscape, from the top, appears as a moonscape of craters and ancient lives. You will even witness the taming of wild horses!

The excitement doesn't end there!  At Ulan Bator you will visit the natural history museum, observe a prayer ceremony at the Gondhan monastery, following which you cross the forested Zamtiin Pass on your drive to the Dadan Honshuu Steppe Valley. Walk along the Upper Tuul River with yaks into the lush green valley that borders the Siberian Taiga zone. Enjoy a bit of hiking and rafting in the Jalman Meadows. When you're back at Ulan Bator, you'll be taken to see the opera, Mongolian throat singing performances and a second round of exploring the nation's capital city.

Highlights of the Trip of your Fortnight in Mongolia

• Travel with an experienced botanist and local guide throughout

• Revel in the music and feasting of the Naadam festival, and its characteristic wrestling and horse-racing competitions Witness the taming of wild horses

• Live in local ger tents with modern amenities inside, eat organic foods, meet nomadic families and try yak cheese and other local delicacies with them!

• Spot the elusive Argali and Ibex mountain goats in the Ikh Naht Nature Reserve and learn about efforts to protect the takhi, Mongolia’s last species of wild horse, in the Kan Khentii region.

• Explore the site of one of the world's most prolific dinosaur fossil quarries at the Red Rocks.

• Explore the city of Ulaan Bator, discovering its fascinating history and enjoying an authentic ‘Mongolian pot’!

• Attend a performance of Mongolian throat singing, opera and contortionist arts…