Journey to Mongolian's Serengeti
The plains located in Eastern Mongolia are a miracle of verdant grassland. Golden sand dunes, lakes, mineral springs and mountains combine in a fabulous natural landscape. These steppes are home to rich wildlife, specifically thousands of whitetail gazelles and other species which make it 'Mongolia's Serengeti'. The area also contains numerous unique historical sites. Traditional folk songs, blacksmithing and silversmithing, and the handicrafts of the Dariganga people originate here. Buddhist temples and rock statues of local nobility which date back to the 10th through the 13th centuries in this area are famous throughout Mongolia.
Days 1-2 Arriva/Hustain Nuruu Arrive in Ulaanbaatar. City sightseeing. Visit the Hustain Nuruu (Pike Hustai) National Reserve to see Przewalski wild horses, recently reintroduced back into Mongolia.
Transport to Karakorum, capital of the 13th century Mongol Empire. Tour of Erdene Zuu monastery. Drive to the Bayangobi, a unique area combining steppe, forested mountains and desert-type landscapes. Visit a horse-breeder's camp to explore the lifestyle of nomads and see the making of airag (the Mongolian national drink of fermented mare 's milk). Horseback riding opportunity using traditional Mongolian wooden saddles. Return to Ulaanbaatar.
Day 6-14 Eastern Plains of Mongolia
Transport to Baruun Urt, the center of Sukhbaatar province. Travel to Dariganga, lamous for its golden sand duncs, lakes, mineral springs, and mountains, which include several 'sacred peaks'. Visits to the sacred mountains of Altan Ovoo and Shiliin Bogd, Talyn Agui, one of Mongolia's largest caves, and see rock car-vings in the form of ancient people dating from the 11th century. Discover the traditional folk songs, gold and silver handicrafts of the local people. Explore Ganga Lake and Bichigtiin Shakhaa Canyon. Centuries ago, hunters drove animals into the box canyon to trap them, hence the name Shakhaa (drive). This canyon contains many rock inscriptions. Camp at the Hargiltai river. Opportunity for photographing herds of thousands of Gazelles and other species. Spend a night in the Lhachinvandad National Reserve.
Day 15-17 Gorkhi Terelj National Park/Ulaanbaatar
Return to Ulaanbaatar. Spend a night at Terelj national park, famous for its alpine scenery and granite rock iormations. Departure on day 17.
