Mongolia Tours & adventures 2011 & 2012
Photo: Haroldo Castro
Mongolia - the land of Genghis Khan Mongolia is still a nation where more than half the population live off the land keeping livestock as herders. Living a nomadic lifestyle has been the way of life for 1000’s of years, and you will find Mongolia one of those countries where little has changed in the past millennia. There are no fences and very few sealed roads, and the main form of transport is still on horseback, though we can organise you a 4WD.
When you travel with us in Mongolia, you take part in developing an interesting Ecotourism concept, therefore we seek travellers who are willing to share their unique Mongolian experience with us, and help provide ideas for our local partners - often herdsmen themselves - to develop a kind of ecotourism adapted to the Mongolian situation, which strikes a balance between sustainability and profitability.
Mongolia lies on the southernmost edge of the Arctic; where the Central Asian deserts and the steppe meets the deep forests of the Siberian taiga of the north. A trip to Mongolia allows you to soak up vast open landscapes and enjoy the incredible hospitality of nomadic herders. Our partners have developed four low impact and semi permanent Ger (nomadic tent) camps that are small and intimate, powered by nature. And all the camps are operated by the local people who own them with profits benefiting locally.
If you are into fly fishing, our fishing expeditions operate in the month of September, and are exceptional adventures in a pristine area of northern Mongolia.
Front Cover: Mongol horseman, Haroldo Castro
Welcome to one of our favourite destionations - Mongolia! Tietse Stelma - Director 50 Degrees North
Photo: Haroldo Castro
Mongolian Odyssey - 11 days This all encompassing roundtrip through Mongolia brings you to some of the most famous sights around the country. The trip will show you the old capital of the Mongol Empire, Harhorin (Karakorum), and the Erdenezuu Monastery. It combines both desert steppe and mountain areas of the Gobi with the green oasis of the Övgön Monastery ruin in the Högnö Khan Mountains. We will see the massive Hongor Sands, and Flaming Cliffs at Bayanzag. A string of comfortable low impact ger camps are dotted along the route providing a great combination of comfortable and traditional accommodation. Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5
Day 6 Day 7
Arrive Ulaanbaatar, welcome dinner and overnight. Morning transfer to the airport for 1½ hour flight to South Gobi. Overnight in ger camp at Dalanzadgad. Full day of exploration of the core of Gurvansaikhan Mountains and the gorge of Yol. Drive west to the famous Hongor Sands, a giant sand dune stretching lengthwise some 180 km away in the distance. Late afternoon sunset walk on the dunes. Climb Hongor Sands at a point where it reaches some 4-500 metres into the sky for a superb view around the desert steppes. In the afternoon drive to Bayanzag – the famous “Flaming Cliffs”. Drive north to the Ongiin River and the Ongiin Monastery ruin. Hike around the area in the afternoon. Full day drive across the steppe to the southernmost
Day 8
Day 9 Day 10 Day 11
Bulgan province and the scenic Högnö Khan Mountain area and the Mongol Els (Little Gobi) sand dunes. Spend the day at the Högnö Khan Mountain to explore the small Erdenekhombo Monastery, and hike to the Övgön Monastery ruin, located in a green oasis in the middle of the mountains. Full day excursion to Harhorin (Karakorum) and the Erdenezuu Monastery, still a functioning monastery. In the evening we return to camp at Högnö Khan. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar for overnight Tour ends Ulaanbaatar
Trip facts Price per person twin share: AU$ 1,690 Flight UB to South Gobi: AU$ 253 Included: • English speaking guide • All meals outside UB • Hotel Ulaanbaatar (2n.) • Ger camp (8n.) • All local transport • Domestic flights • Local medevac coverage
Dates ex. Ulaanbaatar 2011: 22 June - 02 July 30 June -10 July 11 - 21 July 19 - 29 July 04 - 14 August 12 -22 August 25 August - 14 September 02 - 12 September Ask us for 2012 dates.
Photo: Mark Johnstad
Camel Trek in the near Gobi - 7 days
Yak Trek in the Khan Khentii - 7 days
Surprisingly near the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar, the Gobi gradually begins to appear. We will travel south over vast steppeland before meeting our camel herdsmen, who will accompany us on this nomadic journey. Westerners perceive the Gobi as a desert, but most of it is vegetated semi-desert steppe. We will trek in an area where the steppe gives way to sandy subsoil, and view an amazing 20 km long sand dune.
In order to get a real feel for the pace and lifestyle of the local people, you need to travel as they do, using the same modes of transport as the Mongol herdsmen themselves. During this nomadic journey you will wander by foot into the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area, a beautiful wilderness close to the Khentii Mountains. If you are an experienced rider, we can organise for you to ride a horse. We are equipped as a true expedition, with yaks pulling the luggage and gear along on wooden carts. We bring a ger (yurt) to house our mobile restaurant unit, and you may take part in assembling this comfortable Mongol-style dwelling with our local herdsmen. Accommodation while on trek is in tents.
Day 1 Day 2
Arrive Ulaanbaatar, welcome dinner and overnight. Drive half day to the south over the treeless steppe to Semjit Hairhan, giant rock formations coming almost straight up from the surrounding steppe. Meet the camel herdsmen and pitch our camp on the steppe. Day 3-5 3 full days trek with camels across the treeless steppe meeting nomadic herdsmen families on the way. During the last day we will trek through Arburd Sands, a 20km long sand dune. There will be one or two riding camels for you to try some riding as well. Day 6 Drive back to Ulaanbaatar via Bogd Uul Biosphere Reserve and the ruins of Manzushir monastery. Overnight. Day 7 Tour ends Ulaanbaatar
Trip facts Price per person twin share: AU$ 770 Included: • Local English speaking guide • All meals outside Ulaanbaatar. • Hotel Ulaanbaatar (2n.) • Tents, ger camp (4n) • Camping equipment • All local transport. • Local medevac coverage.
Dates ex. Ulaanbaatar 2011: 30 May - 05 June 09 - 15 June 19 - 25 June 29 June - 05 July 11 - 17 July 21 - 27 July 31 July - 06 August 10 - 16 August 20 - 26 August 30 August - 05 September 09 - 15 September Ask us for 2012 dates.
Day 1
Arrive Ulaanbaatar, welcome dinner and overnight. Day 2 Drive to the Upper Tuul River Valley in the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area. Day 3-5 Start trek through Khan Khentii with luggage and gear transported by yaks pulling the traditional wooden carts. Mongol staff and herdsmen will accompany us on horseback. The yaks will set the pace of our nomadic journey over easy terrain. Day 6 After breakfast transfer back to Ulaanbaatar (3½ hrs). Day 7 Tour ends Ulaanbaatar
Trip facts Price per person twin share: AU$ 770 Included: • Local English speaking guide • All meals outside Ulaanbaatar. • Hotel Ulaanbaatar (2n.) • Tents, ger camp (4n) • Camping equipment • All local transport. • Local medevac coverage.
Dates ex. Ulaanbaatar 2011: 04 - 10 June 14 - 20 June 24 - 30 June 04 - 10 July 16 - 22 July 26 July - 01 August 05 - 11 August 15 - 21 August 25 - 31 August 04 - 10 September 14 - 20 September Ask us for 2012 dates.
Photo: Altai, Claes Grundsten
Altai Mountains - Camel Supported Trek - 17 days The Altai Mountains, with eternal snowcapped peaks and glaciers, are the highest of the three major mountain ranges in Mongolia, straddling the Russian and Chinese frontiers in the Far West. In this remote region nomads of various ethnic minorities have found their home. The Kazakhs are Muslims and speak the ancient Kazakh language. The Tuvans are Buddhist and shamanistic. This dramatic journey will bring us to Mongolia’s most facinating mountain region. We trek from the lakes region, through Altai Tavanbogd National Park, to the Potanin glacier supported by pack camels and local herders. In order to get into the glaciers area we will cross the high Altai where local Kazakh herdsmen keep their priceless Golden Eagles next to their yurts. Day 1 Day 2
Arrive Ulaanbaatar, overnight Fly to Ölgii and meet your local Kazakh guides. Dinner and overnight in a Kazakh yurt (ger). Day 3 Drive through the Hargant Valley to Altai Tavanbogd National Park and Dayan Lake. Day 4 Full day trek to Baga Turgen Uul Days 5-6 Continued trek to Hoton Lake just below the snowcapped Ikh Turgen Uul
Days 7-8 Trek up a valley to Green Lake for picnic lunch, and on to Bear Valley Days 9-10 Altai Mountains crossing Day 11 Trek down to Shiveet Hairhan Mountain, where the Tuva people live. Day 12 Short trek to the base camp of the snow-capped Tavanbogd massif. Day 13 Rest day, or join a hike to the Malchin Uul Day 14 Trek back on the far side of the Tsagaan River to meet pick up vehicles. Day 15 Drive to Ölgii via Ulaanhuis over desert mountain landscapes, with the snow-capped Tsambagarav Mountain ahead. Day 16 Short drive to Ölgii where trek ends. Afternoon flight to Ulaanbaatar. Overnight. Day 17 Tour ends in Ulaanbaatar
Trip facts Price per person twin share: AU$ 2,190 Flight UB - Ölgii rtn: AU$ 450 Included: • Local English speaking guide • All meals outside Ulaanbaatar. • Tourist class hotels (4n.) • Tents (12n.) • Camping equipment • Border permits • All local transport. • Local medevac coverage
Photo: Altai, Jan Wigsten
Dates ex. Ulaanbaatar 2011: 27 Jun - 13 July 11 - 27 July 25 July - 10 August 08 - 24 August 22 August - 07 September * 05 - 21 September * Last departure in 2011 includes Eagle Festival. Ask us for 2012 dates.
Photo: Jalman Meadows, Nomadic Journeys
Nomadic Journeys Ger Camps Nomadic Journeys and its local partners have developed a number of low impact Ger Camps around Mongolia. The camps all share the common characteristics of being small and intimate, and are powered by wind generators and solar panels. They have a maximum of 14 twin share guest gers, with each ger equipped with candles and a pot belly stove. All camps are operated by the local people, who also own them and directly benefit from profits made. So, the local herding families effectively are your hosts are in the area. The camp is seasonal; erected for the summer season from May to September, and taken down in the winter, leaving no traces. The philosophy behind the camps is to use only low-impact indigenous technology for lodging, and when appropriate local transportation with the assistance of yak carts or riding horses. The essence of this philosophy of using local resources is that we can be hosted by the services of the local people living in the area where we travel. Our local cooks are professionally trained offering a varied local and western cuisine.
Jalman Meadows
Ikh Nart
The Tuul River originates at Jalman Meadows in the Khan Khentii wilderness, an area devoid of people, only 3½ hours from Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar.
Established in 1996 Ikh Nart Nature Reserve is a community reserve where local people have partnered with the Denver Zoo Foundation, the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and Nomadic Journeys for research and conservation of the Ikh Nart Plateau.
The Jalman Meadows Ger Camp is situated on the banks of the Tuul River and surrounded by alluvial wooded meadows. Jalman Meadows is Nomadic Journey’s flagship camp, is fully collapsible and built in the nomadic style. The locals in the area keep horses, cows, sheep, goats and yaks. Our 4 day Jalman Meadows program ex Ulaanbaatar includes: • Return transportation by 4WD vehicles • 3 nights twin share Ger Camp stay • Full board outside Ulaanbaatar Price per person twin share: AU$ 650 Camp Season 2011: 18 May to 21 September
Arburd Sands
The northernmost reach of the Gobi steppe; treeless grasslands, is found surprisingly close to Ulaanbaatar. At Arburd Sands the nomadic equestrian steppe culture is still intact. The people here have been on horseback and living in gers (yurts) since before the construction of the Great Wall of China. The locals keep horses, cows, sheep, goats and camels. The Arburd Sands Ger Camp is beautifully positioned on the open steppe. You will have the opportunity to explore an area where the grasslands gives way to sandy subsoil and where a 20 km long sand dune rises above the steppe.
The Red Rock Ger Camp is located on its own next to the reserve area, which has an intact population of Gobi fauna. There are plenty of opportunities for wildlife walks and drives. There may be camels for rent. Getting there from Ulaanbaatar is by train and road. Our 4 day Ikh Nart program ex Ulaanbaatar includes: • Return transportation by train and minibus • 3 nights twin share Ger Camp stay • Full board outside Ulaanbaatar Price per person twin share: AU$ 760 Camp Season 2011: 15 May to 15 September
Our 4 day Arburd Sands program ex Ulaanbaatar includes: • Return transportation by 4WD vehicles • 3 nights twin share Ger Camp stay • Full board outside Ulaanbaatar • Excursion to Zorgol Hairhan Mountains Price per person twin share: AU$ 650 Camp Season 2011: 17 May to 23 September
Photo: Haroldo Castro
Naadam Festival The Naadam festival takes place in Ulaanbaatar every year in mid July. In conjunction with the festivities we offer a special Naadam program running from 09 to 12 July. Please ask us for details about this magnificent festival, where people from all over Mongolia gather for wrestling, archery and horse races. We can also organise tours for the more unknown Naadam celebrations in the countryside, which dates vary every year. See: www.fiftydegreesnorth.com/tours/Mongolian_Naadam_Festival
Mongolian Fishing
Mongol Horse Trails
In partnership with the local operator ‘Mongolia River Outfitters, 50 Degrees North provides guided fly-fishing adventures for Taimen, Amur trout, and lenok from our private camps located in the Mongolian wilderness. Our access agreements allow us to offer a few guests each autumn nearly two hundred miles of blue ribbon fly-fishing water. Mongolia River Outfitters have run extraordinary Mongolia adventures since 1993 and fly-fishing adventures since 1999. Our highly experienced guides and camp staff are some of the best in the business.
This journey on horseback provides a close encounter with Mongolian horsemen and their horses - a nomadic people who have thus far survived modern pressure and lifestyles. There is no other nation in the world that so much depends on horses. Mongol horsemanship is famous and strikingly different than anywhere else. The herders keep their horses in a semi-wild condition, allowing them to live freely in harem groups. During the harsh winter of subzero temperatures, the horses fend for themselves and protect their foals against predators such as wolves. There are no fences or stables anywhere. We will ride out on the steppe, which is the summer pastureland of the Mongolian nomads. We will trail-ride in two strikingly different areas; first, the treeless steppe and then through the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area, which is in the mountain and forest taiga zone.
When to go: September Duration: 8 or 11 days ex Ulaanbaatar Price: on request Details: www.fiftydegreesnorth.com/places/Mongolia Ask us for 2012 dates.
When to go: June to September Duration: 11 days ex Ulaanbaatar Price per person twin share: AU$ 1,990 Details: www.fiftydegreesnorth.com/tours/Mongol_Horse_Trails Ask us for 2012 dates.
Photo: Mark Johnstad
Photo: Mark Johnstad
Photo: Tietse Stelma
Photo: Maly Semyachik Crater, The Lost World
Trans Siberian Railway Bears & Volcanoes of by Private Carriage Kamchatka - 10 days Beijing to Oslo - 25 days
This journey from east to west combines a home stay under the Great Wall and a Mongolian wilderness experience with a rail journey in a private premium carriage across Siberia to Moscow and St Petersburg. The journey is then topped up with a trip across Scandinavia from Helsinki through Sweden and finishing in Oslo, the Norwegian capital. Join us for this comfortable journey of discovery where scenery, people and cultures will change before your eyes while you travel overland to the west. The ending in Oslo leaves you at the gateway of the beautiful mountains and fjords of Norway, and we can of course offer you any length extension to explore these landscapes. Dates ex Beijing: 11 May, 22 June, 13 July & 03 August Price per person twin share: AU$ 13,900 Details: www.fiftydegreesnorth.com/tours/Trans_Siberian_ Railway_and_Scandinavia Ask us for 2012 dates.
This is our most popular trip to this Russian outpost. Ringed by mountains and situated in an ancient volcano crater, Kurilskoye Lake is one of Kamchatka’s trademark destinations. Stay in a quaint, wooden lodge on the lake’s shores and take part in some of the best bear viewing on the peninsula. Watch the massive pink salmon run and take walking excursions on the lake to view Stellar sea eagle’s nesting. After Kurilskoye Lake you’ll join our “Geologists and Volcanologist tour of Kamchatka” on the plateau of Mutnovsky Volcano and take a spectacular helicopter flight north of the peninsula to visit the famous Valley of Geysers and the caldera of the Uzon volcano. Dates ex Petropavlovsk: 25 July & 14 August Price per person twin share: AU$ 3,950 Details: www.fiftydegreesnorth.com/tours/Bears_Volcanoes_ Kamchatka Ask us for 2012 dates. For more tours in Kamchatka see: www.fiftydegreesnorth.com/places/Russia
Important: All prices in this brochure are indicative and should be used as a guide only. Final prices are available online. All bookings are subject to our Booking Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.fiftydegreesnorth.com/pages/Terms_Conditions
50 Degrees North 50 Degrees North is a boutique, independently owned, specialist travel company that aims to give you more than just a holiday. We specialise regionally, as we believe it is not possible to be good at everything. We focus on offering the most enriching style of travel, full of real life experiences with the opportunity to take home with you learning and understanding that others will miss.
50 Degrees North Pty Ltd PO Box 75, Clifton Hill 3068, Melbourne, VIC, Australia Phone: 1300 822 421 Fax: +61 3 8682 8904 E-mail: info@fiftydegreesnorth.com Web: www.fiftydegreesnorth.com License: 32937 - ABN: 37 437 434 292
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