Itinerary

Day One: 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 Two: Depart UB in the morning. Drive to Kharhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongolian Empire, located
400km (6-8 hours with breaks) southwest of UB. There are presently efforts to reestablish Kharhorin as the
capital of Mongolia as it was centuries ago. Explore the restored Erdenzuu Monastery (Hundred Treasures)
originally built in 1586. Stop for a packed lunch near Elsen Tasarhai sand dunes. 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 Three: Drive to Tsetserleg, the capital of Arhangay. Located in west-central Mongolia, Arhangay is called
the "Switzerland of Mongolia" for its beautiful scenery: forests, rivers and mountains. After lunch, continue on to
camp in the valley of the Ikh Tamir River. Meet horses and wranglers. On the horseback trek we cover
approximately 20 miles per day and meet our support vehicle each night at a new campsite. Personal luggage and
the accoutrements of "catered camping" are transported in the support vehicle making for light, fast travel on
horseback. Camp out each night with our mobile "American ger" and spacious two-person tents. During each
day's ride we'll visit the gers of local herders and have a chance to experience nomadic life on the Central Asian
steppe.

Day Four: Experience Naadam in Tsetserleg by horseback. Observe Mongolian traditional sports called the
“Three manly games”. Naadam, or “festival”, has occurred for centuries in Mongolia as an exhibition of horse
racing (racers 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. Stay overnight in ger
camp.

Day Five – Nine: Ride and camp through the valleys and mountains of Arhangay. A vehicle will carry all
camping goods and food. Local wranglers take care of the horses. We visit many families along the way and taste
the local foods of summer; yogurt, cheese and the infamous airag (fermented horse milk). Though we recommend
a riding background for this trip, the support vehicle always has room for anyone who is ready for a break from
the saddle. Camp out in tents overnight. Finish last day of riding at Tsenkher hot springs.

Day Ten: Drive to Khogno Khan Nature Reserve. Relax and hike in the rock formations of the Reserve. The ruins
of the Uvgun Temple first built in 1660 lie at the base of the mountain of Khogno Khan, a nice place to begin a
short hike. Meet local herders and experience the hospitality of the Nomads. Stay overnight in ger camp.

Day Eleven: Return drive to UB. In the evening, watch Tumen Ekh folk theater perform throat singing,
traditional dances, contortion and more. Farewell dinner. Overnight in hotel.

Day Twelve: Enjoy a breakfast buffet at your hotel before a full day of guided sightseeing in UB. Begin the tour
at Zaisan Memorial, a prominent landmark looking over the city of UB built on Bogd Khan Mountain. Walk
Sukhbaatar Square, named after the Mongolian National Hero of People’s Revolution in 1921. Sukhbaatar Square
is surrounded by Parliament, the Stock Market, cultural sites, the Palace Royal Opera House and the main post
office. Visit Gandan Hiid (monastery), the largest Buddhist Temple in Mongolia. Take in the Museum of National
History and the Fine Art Museum of Zanabazar to acquaint yourself with Mongolian history, traditional culture
and arts. Overnight in hotel.

Day Thirteen: Your guide and driver will take you to the airport for departure home.

More information from Boojum Expeditions:

• View trip on provider's website
  www.boojum.com/Itineraries/Arhangay_2012.pdf…
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• View all of their trips