Mongolian Dinosaur Odyssey
Mongolia's Gobi Desert is not only a United Nations designated International Biosphere Reserve, but also an internationally accepted premier dinosaur "graveyard" since the 1920s.
The Gobi Desert's sandy sediments hide a graveyard of the fossilized remains of the long-necked Saurolophus, horned-nosed Protoceratops, ostrich-like Gallimimus, and an Ingenia - a predatory dinosaur. This expedition wilt provide ample opportunity to prospect in the fossil-rich beds of the Gobi Desert. Join us for this adventure featuring both famous old and newly opened dinosaur excavation sites in the Gobi Desert, including the Flaming Cliffs, Tugrughiin Shiree and the Nemegt Basin.
Day 1 Arrive Arrive in Ulaanbaatar. Welcome dinner
Early morning tour of Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist center in Mongolia, housing the majestic 20-ton statue of Migjid Janraiseg, adorned with gold and jewels. This statuc was assembled within the specially built Janraisig Temple, which was recently re-opened at Gandan Monastcry. Tour the Natural History Museum
with Dr. Khancl onc of Mongolia's leading paleontologists. Evening cultural performance.
Travel to the Gobi and visit Yol Valley National Park, nestled in the foothills of the Altai mountains. Drive to Noyon Uul and camp at the site of an extinguished
volcano, near the famous Mirror Cliffs. Continue driving to the renowned Nemegt Basin in Gurvan Tes Valley to camp at the site of Nemegt Mountain, wherc Prenocephale prenes, Homalocephale calthhoceros and many other dinosaur skeletons have been found. On the way to Bayanzag, the Flaming Cliffs, visit the Hongoryn Gol oasis and enjoy sand skiing. TourTugrigiin Shiree, the famous site of this "Fighting Dinosaurs" Find. Celebrate the expedition with a hearty dinner and a showing of the documentary film of Roy Chapman Andrews'expedition in the early 1920's.
Day 11-12 Ulaanbaatar/Bogd Khan Palace Tour
Explore the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, a museum now recognized as an architectural treasure, and registered by the World Monument Fund as an important cultural site. Visit the Academy of Natural Sciences' laboratory where you can observe some unique Fossils as they arc being prepared for exhibition. Then, take an excursion to Mt. Bogdo National Park and visit Mandshir Monastery, hidden in a beautiful valley near Ulaanbaatar. Free time for exploration, photography, and wildlife watching. On the way back, visit a horsebreeder's family to sample some Airag, the traditional drink of Mongolians.
Transfer for departure.
