Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, also called “UB” by visitors. Upon arrival at the UB airport,
you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to your hotel. Referred to as “The City of Contrasts”, where
modern constructions stand beside traditional dwellings and ancient monasteries, UB is a very rapidly growing city
with a population of nearly a million people. Conveniently located in downtown, your hotel is in walking distance of
Sukhbaatar Square, museums, theaters, and shops. Depending on an arrival time, enjoy a short city orientation tour
before dinner. Overnight in hotel.

Day 2: In the morning, visit Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Having survived the purges of the
1930’s Gandan Monastery offers a unique example of religious architecture. In the late morning head out of the city
towards Kharhorin, the site of an ancient capital of the 13th century Mongolian Empire, located 400 km (6-8 hours
drive with breaks) southwest of UB. Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery (Hundred Treasures) originally built in 1586. Stop
en-route for a packed lunch. Stay overnight in a ger camp (“Ger Camp” is a Mongolian version of motel with
traditionally decorated gers for sleeping, separate dining hall and basic facilities for shower and toilet. Normally 2-4
people share the same ger).

Day 3 - 4: Experience the Naadam Festival in Kharkhorin and observe traditional Mongolian sports called the “Three
Manly Games.” Naadam, or “games”, has occurred for centuries in Mongolia as a combat training of the Mongol
warriors and is a colorful contest of horse racing (jockeys are generally ages 7-11 and race 15-30 kilometers),
wrestling (men only) and archery (women and men). July 11th is the official date of Naadam established by the
Mongolian government. Overnight in gers.

Day 5: Depart south towards the Gobi Desert. Lunch en-route. In the early evening, arrive at the ruins of the Ongi
monastery hidden in the mountains along the Ongi River. Located in the Dundgobi (Middle Gobi) province, these
dramatic ruins are a perfect place to stop for an overnight rest. Overnight in gers.

Day 6: Head south towards Umnugobi (South Gobi). In the early evening, you will reach the edges of the Gobi
Gurvansaikhan (The Three Beauties of the Gobi) National Park and arrive at Khongoryn Els called the “singing
dunes” for the sound of the wind howling through the dunes. 2600 feet high, 20 km wide and over 100 km long, these
dunes offer some spectacular views of the desert. Overnight in gers.

Day 7: Morning at the Khongoryn Els dunes, optional camel riding. Meet a family of camel breeders. Overnight in a
ger camp.

Day 8: Head westwards to Bayan Zag, known as the Flaming Cliffs for its spectacular colors. The first dinosaur eggs
were discovered at this site by an American expedition from the Museum of Natural History headed by Roy Chapman
Andrews in 1922. Explore the area on foot. Overnight in a ger camp.

Day 9: Learn about local flora and fauna at the Gurvan Saikhan National Park museum. Yolyn Am (Vulture’s Mouth)
canyon in the Gurvan Saikhan mountains is home to endangered snow leopards and Lammergeyers (Bearded Vulture)
where “eternal ice” (usually) remains throughout summer. Yolyn Am is one of the main attractions in the Gobi for its
stunning vistas. Lucky visitors may see Ibex, Argali (wild mountain sheep), and Tas (Scenerious Vulture). Picnic
lunch at the canyon. Visit with a local herder family. Stay overnight in a ger camp.

Day 10: Catch your flight back to UB in the early morning. Start the city tour in UB with Zaisan Memorial, a
prominent landmark looking over UB built on Bogd Khan Mountain. Walk Sukhbaatar Square, named after the
Mongolian National Hero of People’s Revolution in 1921. Parliament building, the Stock Market, cultural sites, the
Palace Royal Opera House and the main post office all surround Sukhbaatar Square. Overnight in hotel.

Day 11: Full day guided sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar. Take in the Museum of National History and the Fine Art
Museum of Zanabazar to acquaint yourself more with Mongolian history, traditional culture and arts. Pass the
afternoon shopping at the State Department Store and cashmere store. See “Tumen Ekh” folk theater perform throat
singing, traditional dances and more. Farewell dinner. Overnight in hotel.

Day 12: Transfer to the airport for your international departure.

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