AUGUST 4 - 14, 2011
from $4,695 in double
MONGOLIA TRAVEL ITINERARY
DAY 01 Aug 04 Arrival
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by your Nomadic Expeditions' guide and transferred to the Ulaanbaatar Hotel, a comfortable, centrally located hotel within walking distance of various museums and shops. During the drive from the airport, the contrast between ancient traditions and the dawning of a 21st century democracy is most visible in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, where traditional gers (classic felt circular dwellings) and Buddhist monasteries coexist with modern high-rises. In the evening, sample traditional Mongolian dishes while dining at Abtai-Sain Khan Palace, a large ger like one once owned by Chingiss Khan.
ULAANBAATAR HOTEL or similar D
DAY 02 Aug 05 Ulaanbaatar
Begin the day with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Woven through Mongolia's nomadic culture is a rich Tibetan-Buddhist tradition with ancient Shamanist practices still evident. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, the Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a "showpiece" for government officials. However, in spite of the government's efforts to suppress Buddhism and other religious beliefs, Mongolia's spirituality persisted and a significant resurgence of Buddhism began in 1990 when Mongolia became a democracy. Monasteries across the country are again opening their doors to worshippers and the few lamas who survived the purges are training a new generation. Massive reconstruction and renovation projects were completed and priceless artifacts that were hidden by nomadic families for safekeeping are now being returned to monasteries.
Experience these exciting developments first-hand at Gandan Monastery. Strolling through the monastery grounds, we will hear the low tones of the horns used to call the lamas to the temple and can observe their daily rituals, including the reading of sutras (teachings of the Buddha). Also visit recently renovated Chenrezi and Kalachakra Temples, as well as the magnificent statue of Migjid Janraisig ("the lord who looks in every direction"). This 82-foot high statue, gilded in pure gold and clothed with silk and precious stones, completely fills one of the Gandan's biggest temples.
Afterwards, we visit the National History Museum for an excellent overview of Mongolia's history and culture. The newly remodeled museum displays traditional implements of daily nomadic life including Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, historical costumes of Mongolia's minority tribes, sacred religious relics, and agricultural, fishing and hunting equipment. In the afternoon, we have a special invitation to the Torgo Fashion Museum, which showcases Mongolia's intricate and colorful fashions. Learn about the different clothing styles of Mongolia's minority tribes and talk with artists about how they combine and evolve traditional textile customs into modern designs. Enjoy dinner at a fine local restaurant.
ULAANBAATAR HOTEL or similar B, L, D
DAY 03 Aug 06 Gobi Desert / Yol Valley
In the morning, we fly over vast steppe land to the Gobi (1.5 hours), Mongolia's southernmost province of semi-arid desert. Of all the world's arid lands, the Gobi (which means simply "desert") has about it the greatest air of mystery, perhaps because it lies at the heart of Asia's most remote hinterland between the Siberian wilderness to the north and the Tibetan Plateau to the south. Contrary to the sterile sameness that the word "desert" suggests, the Gobi holds many fascinations, including sites of some of the most important paleontological discoveries of this century. For the next four days, along with other activities, we explore the stunning landscape of the Gobi, habitat for Bactrian camels, Argali mountain sheep, goitered gazelle, golden eagles, saker falcons, jerboas (similar to kangaroo rats) and many endemic reptiles. The Gobi is also home to some of the Northern Hemisphere's rarest and most elusive mammals such as the dhole, snow leopard and Gobi bear.
Upon arrival, we drive to Yol Valley National Park, cradled between the foothills of the Altai Mountains. An ancient river carved this surprisingly green valley. Now, its remnant streams create ice formations at the base of the valley that sometimes persist as late as July. We may walk through the gorgeous valley, habitat for indigenous vulture-like lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks and Argali mountain sheep. We may also visit the local natural history museum for an overview of the flora and fauna of the area.
We drive to the Three Camel Lodge (1 hour), Mongolia's premier eco-lodge, our accommodations during our days here. We sleep in gers, the traditional felt tents of nomadic herders. Made of a latticed wood structure covered with layers of felt and canvas, each ger is heated by a wood stove and furnished with beautifully painted wood-framed beds. The gers provide an authentic and memorable taste of Mongolian culture and allow you to visit areas which otherwise lack traveler accommodations. Most visitors find their stays at ger camps to be among their most enjoyable experiences in Mongolia.
THREE CAMEL LODGE B, L, D
DAY 04 Aug 07 Handicraft Immersion / Thread and Felt Making
After breakfast, drive to a nomadic family living near our lodge where we spend the next two days learning traditional handicrafts. Daily life in the countryside revolves around tending to livestock, cooking, and making household goods. In the Gobi, days are spent making rope and threads from camel wool, spinning, felt making, and fashioning clothes for the family. We begin with a hands-on lesson on thread making and spinning wool. We then learn about felt making and how it is used as an insulator for gers and as textile for clothing and boots. Making felt is a grueling, time consuming process and is customarily done in conjunction with other families. Felt is first beaten by hand with wooden sticks to break down the fiber and aides in the removal or dirt deep in the wool. Afterwards, water is applied and the felt mass is rolled tightly into a long column and dragged across the ground by horse in order to join the fibers. When the felt is rolled out, it is dried in the sun and ready for household use. We return to the Three Camel Lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
THREE CAMEL LODGE B, L, D
DAY 05 Aug 08 Handicraft Immersion / Del Making
After breakfast, we return to the family to learn about the art of del making. The del is a general term for traditional Mongolian overcoats worn throughout the year by countryside and city people alike. It is styled like a robe and resembles a Japanese kimono. The cut is loose around most of the body but tightly wrapped around the waist and fastened at collar. The cut is the same for men and women, young and old, but there are some nuances in the style, and, depending on the occasion and season, different fabrics used. Dels for everyday use are made from dalemba, a special cotton fabric. Those to be worn on special occasions are made from patterned silk. The sleeves often have big flaring cuffs, which keep hands warm in the winter months. Dels are very practical for the nomadic lifestyle and are the clothing of choice for celebrations and festivals. For this reason, although most people wear European styled clothes, the del never falls out of use.
We each make our own del, which will be celebrated with a "new del ceremony." This is a custom-rich event when the del makers present the del to its owner and make special wishes that are accompanied with traditional songs.
After the festivities, we drive to the Flaming Cliffs for a luxury picnic dinner. These legendary cliffs are named for their glowing orange rock, which is best viewed at sunset. It was here, in 1922, that Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews, and his exploration team from the American Museum of Natural History, found the first nest of dinosaur eggs the world had ever seen. Although not obvious to the untrained eye, the red sandstone cliffs of the Flaming Cliffs are rich with dinosaur fossils, and paleontological expeditions continue to make significant discoveries at this site. We return to our lodge for the night.
THREE CAMEL LODGE B, L, D
DAY 06 Aug 9 Gobi / Ulaanbaatar
We transfer to the local airport for our return flight to Ulaanbaatar. We'll visit the Chojin Lama museum, built in the early 20th century. This former temple houses an incredible collection of Buddhist art, including the renowned sculptures of the great Zanabazar, and traditional costumes used for Buddhist ceremonies called "Tsam." In the evening, enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian dance and hoomii (throat) singing, followed by a fine dinner at a local restaurant.
ULAANBAATAR HOTEL or similar B, L, D
DAY 07 Aug 10 Ulaanbaatar / Bayan-Ulgii
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Ulgii (3 hours), capital of Bayan-Ulgii, Mongolia's most western province. Ninety percent of the population of Bayan-Ulgii is Kazakh and we will have ample opportunity to meet local families and experience the unique Kazakh culture. At the end of the 17th century, escaping from tribal warfare, a group of Kazakhs settled in Bayan Ulgii. Dominated by the Mongolian Altai Mountains, the highest mountains in Mongolia with several peaks reaching upwards of 14,000 feet; the isolated area has preserved the language, culture, and traditions of the Kazakhs and provides some of the most spectacular scenery in Mongolia. Upon arrival, we drive through stunning mountain valleys, following the Hovd River. Our journey will also take us past ancient Turkish "stone men" statues, reminders of Mongolia's rich history. Overnight in a Kazakh ger listening to Kazakh songs and music.
GER B, L, D
DAYS 08 & 09 Aug 11 & 12 Kazakh Handicraft Immersion
We spend these two days learning first-hand Kazakh-style embroidery and stitching. Kazakh women are renowned for their skills in embroidery and appliqué, and their gers are decorated in a dazzling mosaic of colors. Hand-crafted felt carpets line the floor, and delicately embroidered tapestries adorn the walls of their gers, with every design unique to a family. In the evenings, we'll learn traditional Kazakh songs as we gather around the place of honor – the Kazakh "table" – and enjoy tea and bortdsig (fried cakes).
GER B, L, D
DAY 10 Aug 13 Bayan-Ulgii / Ulaanbaatar
We drive back to Ulgii and visit the Provincial Museum which contains a very colorful textile collection. We will also have the chance to meet with women who are part of a women's arts collective. After lunch, we fly to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to our hotel. Dinner is at a fine local restaurant.
ULAANBAATAR HOTEL B, L, D
DAY 11 Aug 14 Ulaanbaatar
Today we have at leisure to explore the local cooperatives and handicraft stores in Ulaanbaatar. There is the opportunity to purchase handmade goods such as felt skippers, hats, tapestries, artwork, and beautiful silks. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner.
ULAANBAATAR HOTEL or similar B, L, D
DAY 12 Aug 15 Departure to U.S.A.
Transfer to the airport for our international departure. B
Please note:
If you wish to come in a day or two earlier to minimize jet lag, additional hotel nights in Ulaanbator can be arranged at an additional cost.
Changes in content, pacing, hotels, etc., may occur due to circumstances beyond our control. Be assured we strive to make necessary changes equal or superior to original plans.
PRICES:
8 – 10 people $ 4,895 based on double occupancy
11 – 14 people $ 4,695 based on double occupancy
Single supplement: $ 650
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Ground transportation in Mongolia
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Ulaanbaatar – Gobi round-trip flights *
- Ulaanbaatar – Ulgii round-trip flights *
- All accommodations based on double occupancy (hotel rooms & gers)
- Meals as noted in itinerary
- Bottled water throughout trip
- Special cultural features as stated in itinerary, including: special access to Torgo Fashion Museum, handicrafts workshops with nomadic families, Mongolian traditional music and dance performance
- All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary
- Extensive pre-departure Travel Guide, reading list, important information about your trip, and luggage tags
- Bilingual Nomadic Expeditions guide throughout your stay
- Joan Noble as tour manager
* Domestic airfare in Mongolia is subject to change due to international fuel cost and may incur a supplemental charge.
NOT INCLUDED:
- International airfare
- Passport and visa fees
- Medical, trip & emergency evacuation insurance
- Airport taxes
- Photography and video fees charged at some sites
- Food and beverages not included in the group meals
- Items of a personal nature (i.e. alcoholic beverages, laundry and telephone calls, etc.)
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
- Other items not specifically mentioned as included
PRICES BASED ON CURRENCY EXCHANGE AS OF TODAY'S DATE
4/29/2010