MONGOLIAN ADVENTURE TOURS

Mongolia ‘stepped’ in history has influenced not only Asia, but Europe as well. Held behind the ‘Iron Curtain’ for so long the doors have only recently been opened, affording visitors the opportunity to visit a country nearly the size of Spain, France and Germany combined. Mongolia is still a country where the horse remains king – so far!

Wide-open spaces and nomadic herds people allow us to view a very traditional lifestyle, along with the countries march to modernity. For those with the time to visit more than the capital Ulaan Baatar, there is the chance to sample a travelling style that seems to be relegated to historical books depicting the true explorers of yesterday. Travel by jeep, horses and sometimes by foot, experiencing a range of accommodation including ger tents, sometimes in set camps and other times with nomadic families.

With the rich blend of Buddhism and Shamanism, urban and nomadic cultures, rituals and customs often far removed from our present place in time, Mongolia opens its doors to you.

Situated 290km from Ulaan Baatar, this ‘Tourist Ger Camp’ is located in the foothills of the Hogno Haan Mountains, a point where steppe, forest and desert meet. The area contains a range of native wildlife including the Mongolian Steppe Marmot, along with opportunities for climbing, hiking and bird watching. In addition, you can visit the ruins of the Uvgun monastery, meet local nomads and ride local horses.

Built in the 17^th century it was once the largest religious centre in the Gobi Desert.

Situated 360km from Ulan Baatar Kara Korum was the former capital of the Mongolian empire in the 13^th century. The Erdene Zuu Monastery was built in the 16^th century on the ruins of the ancient capital and remains an active Buddhist centre.

Situated 70km from Ulaan Baatar this Tourist Ger Camp provides the closest access to a rural setting from Ulaan Baatar. Walking and short horse rides are the normal activities. It operates all year round and yes, it is worth going here during the winter. A ger is very warm and you can really enjoy ‘brisk walks’!

Here follows a selection of options for your visit to Mongolia. These do not represent all that we can we do in Mongolia, but show what are some of the most popular programmes. We can quote for an individual itinerary for anything from one person up!

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Ulaan Baatar
average temp C	-25	-21	-13	-1	6	13	17	14	8	-1	-13	-22
rainfall mm	0	0	3	5	10	28	76	51	23	5	5	3

Client comments

From: Helen
Sent: 22 June 2010 2:35 PM
To: Passport Travel
Subject: First Mongolian meal

We also had our first Mongolian meal -- outstanding! It consists primarily of mutton but also includes potatoes and bread. Many of the guide books we read said the Mongolians don't eat vegetables but we found that to be totally untrue.

The next morning we were whisked off to the Ger camp where we spent two nights. This was an absolutely magnificent experience. We had our own Ger and ate in a common building with other people. We also had a common toilet and shower building. The women's side had three stalls -- two with squatters and (thankfully) one with a toilet with a seat! The camp was located in the Terejl National Park. There are many Ger camps in the park. It is a magnificent expanse of Mongolian steppe and mountains.

While at the camp we ate many traditional Mongolian meals including Mongolian Hot Pot. We have some pictures of it. This food is mutton cut into pieces with the bone and put into a pot, which resembles a milk can, with red hot rocks and a little bit of water. The pot is then put on an open fire and cooked for a couple of hours. The meat is great!

We also had an opportunity to ride camels. Check out the pictures. This was an experience not to be missed. On our way home we stopped at a Nomad Ger and were treated to traditional Mongolian cookies, butter, cheese, and fermented mare's milk!

From: The Abbott Family
Sent: Tuesday, 14 June 2005 1:04 PM
To: Helen Fuge
Subject: Mongolia

Dear Helen,

I arrived home on Saturday and thought you might like a little feedback.

We had a very good time. The people were extremely friendly, especially in the country. The countryside was magnificent.

Our young guide, Zula, was excellent, informed and prepared to learn and find out and genuinely thoughtful about our well being. We had a lot of laughs and we took her and her sister out for a meal on the last night. the driver Narco was also good - terrible roads- and, by the end, I think was quite fond of these two old Aussie women who were on for anything going.

As it turned out we stayed in 3 different ger camps and I think that proved a good thing. There were very few other tourists and no where to gather when the rain and wind got going, as it did a couple of times, when we were restricted to our ger. These were very comfortable and we became expert at keeping the fire going, especially when the wood was green and wet. There were showers and but the hot water was a little scarce.

I went horse riding twice which was really great. The camel ride was a little disappointing as we only went for an hour and we had been hoping to make a half day and take our lunch. Zula had indicated this was to happen but I think some other people turned up and plans were changed. If I went again I would like to pin down the opportunity to have a decent exploration by camel.

Visits to Hogna Han and Erdene Zu were bother very worthwhile.

We saw the wild horses in the national park and a day ride into this park would be on the agenda for another trip.

UB was great, especially when we went seeking the Mongolian Artists workshops which we found after several adventures and some very helpful locals who generally knew less than we did. I bought a painting from a very excited artist. His pleasure alone was worth the money. There is some very interesting modern art going on but you have to track it down.

Zula came with us to the big market as she was concerned for our safety!! It was very interesting but one had to be very careful with belongings. We felt very safe the rest of the time, went shopping to the supermarket and the internet cafe at 11pm without any trouble. I guess we are both experienced older travellers!! Not very many beggars. The problem with the street kids is evident but not threatening. Very sad really.

The home stay was very clean. The family appeared to be quite well off comparatively and we had to make all the running in communication even though the woman had quite good English.

We had to seek out Mongolian food as there are many other types of restaurants and in general the food was very clean and healthy. We were careful to use bottled water for everything and did not have a moments trouble. Penny is still in Beijing and has been ill since she got back there which says a lot for the efforts people are making in Mongolia.

I would like to go again one day. As usual I felt I just touched the surface. The Lonely Planet 2001 does not do the country or the people any justice.

if you have others interested in going I would be happy to share some ideas.

Thanks for organizing such a wonderful trip. my friends are already sick of hearing " Well in Mongolia..."

Cheers Colleen

From: Jane Edwards
Sent: Friday, 27 May 2005 4:45 PM
To: Helen Fuge
Subject: trip update

Ancient Capital - Khar Khorin 4 nights 5 days	Mongolian Stopover and More 5 nights 6 days
Monasteries and Nomads 6 nights 7 days	East Mongolia 6 nights 7 days
Gobi and Khangai 8 nights 9 days	In the Horse Tracks of Ghengis! 13 nights 14 days
Remote Mongolia 8 nights 9 days	Nadaam Festival stopover 8 nights 9 days

Past Client Comments	Mongolian Visa Information
Eco and green travel news from Mongolia	Cultural Notes