LUXURY TOURS IN MONGOLIA
WHY MONGOLIAN SECRET HISTORY? With a passion for travel, we started the Mongolian Secret History company in 2005, naming ourselves after the most famous Mongolian historical literary work. The stories in this book speak of our nation’s history, heritage and culture and are set in some of the most beautiful landscapes around the country. With this in mind, we aim to help you to build your very own travel story in Mongolia.
A PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE We recognise that travel and adventure can mean different things to different people, which is why your holiday will be tailored to fit your needs and your interests. Our highly experienced team is constantly seeking out new ways to make sure that your holiday is planned with the upmost care and attention. With our intimate knowledge of Mongolia we can plan every step of your journey to inspire your imagination and exceed your expectations. Tell us how you wish to explore, and we will make it happen.
A DESTINATION OF PARADOX After more than two decades since opening it’s borders to the western world, Mongolia still remains one of the most mysterious, magical and inspiring destinations on earth. From giant dinosaurs long ago, whose bones can still be found in the Gobi, to the markings of ancient civilisations etched on stones in the steppe, Mongolia is a land rich in history. Indeed, it was here that the largest land empire in history first began on horseback. And in just the last century, Shamanism and Buddhism, communism
and democracy, have all made their mark on a country where tradition and culture remain vibrant and alive. As the largest landlocked country on earth, Mongolia boasts pristine natural environments. Travellers are often overwhelmed by the sheer size of the country and the unending landscape unfurling before them. Whether you are looking for adventure, inspiration, education or just an off-the-grid experience you will find it all in Mongolia.
In Mongolia, the opportunity for adventure is as vast as the country itself.
SUGGESTED TOURS ALL OF OUR TOURS ARE TAILOR-MADE, BUT TO HELP INSPIRE YOU THE FOLLOWING BASIC ITINERARIES ARE SUGGESTED.
WILDLIFE TOUR Mongolia boasts one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Travellers can expect to see a variety of wildlife ranging from the world famous and unique Przewalski Horse to the Taiman Salmon known to grow up to one and a half metres in length. Mongolia is also home to 6 of the largest bird species on Earth including the endangered Mongolian Cinereous Vulture with a wingspan of up to 10 feet. The vultures are so large that they are unable to fly, preferring instead to glide and pounce upon their prey.
Our experienced tour guides have expert knowledge of the wide variety of flora and fauna to advise you about Mongolian wildlife. BEST EXPERIENCES: • The unique and endangered Przewalski Horse • The majestic and rolling Mongolian landscape • Rare and beautiful plant life • Learn traditional uses for plants and natural herbs
When to go: MAY - OCT Duration: 15 DAYS
GOBI TOUR The Gobi Desert is arguably one of the most necessary destinations for any serious traveller today. The famous explorer Roy Chapman Andrews considered it to be the finest place on Earth and remarked in his book - Across Mongolian Plains - that once foreigners had been there that the experience would remain with them and
affect them for the rest of their lives. The Gobi region previously supported both ancient forests and oceans and there is still visible and highly discernible evidence both on the ground in the form of petrified forests and ancient seabeds preserved in the underlying rock.
Our guides will take you across this vast expanse to visit our luxury camp at Ongi Temple and onwards to visit the world famous flaming cliffs where you can find the fossilised remains of ancient dinosaurs and see the incredible flaming sunrise as the cliffs light up with the morning’s first light.
BEST EXPERIENCES • Vast steppes stretching so far that the curvature of the earth can be viewed with the naked eye • The Flaming Cliffs and unique fossilised dinosaur remains • The ruins of the ancient and vast Ongi Temple • Overnight stay in luxury Secret of Ongi ger camp
When to go: AUG - OCT Duration: 15 DAYS
When to go: MAY - OCT Duration: 11 DAYS
CULTURE TOUR Buddhism, Shamanism and the traditional nomadic lifestyle combine to make Mongolian culture unique in its own way. The tour is a great way to explore the art, architecture, various religions and history of this country. We believe cultural experience is most fun and effective when you get to do things yourself and therefore you will be able to take an active part in each of the activities available instead of just watching. Become a member of a nomadic family and a stu-
dent of Mongolian artists with the help of our expert guides. BEST EXPERIENCES • Meet and talk with monks at Buddhist temples • Visit Kharkhorum, capital of the 13th century Mongolian Empire • Spend time with Mongolian herders and experience their ways of living • Learn about Mongolian art and calligraphy from practicing experts
GRAND KHAN TOUR
The grand tour covers all Mongolia’s main highlights giving you the perfect introduction to this fantastic destination. We will take you to the deep forests of the north, the glorious mountains of the west, and the world famous Gobi desert in the south. The changes in landscape, flora and fauna, wildlife and even in the customs of local people will astonish visitors. Additionally, you will have the chance to take mini tours by camel, horse and reindeer at each location and to meet with different ethnic groups in Mongolia. If you plan to visit Mongolia only once and wish to experience the best that it can offer then the Grand Khan tour is right for you.
BEST EXPERIENCES • Listen to the silence on the vast steppes where the earth meets the sky • Watch the sun set over Lake Khovsgol and spend time with traditional reindeer herders • See how Mongolian Kazakhs train and hunt with golden eagles and other birds of prey • Ride the famous Bactrian camel through the golden sands of the Gobi desert • Experience the warmth and friendliness of nomads, learn about Mongolian’s culture and their traditional way of life • Step back in time while visiting historical buildings, Buddhist temples and ancient ruins
When to go: MAY - OCT Duration: 29 DAYS
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FESTIVALS
TSAGAAN SAR Tsagaan Sar or White Moon is one of the most ancient festivals in Mongolia celebrating the end of the harsh winter and the beginning of spring. Families gather together, dressed in traditional costumes, greet each other with blue silk held in their hands, discuss only good news,
eat boiled mutton, drink airag (mare’s milk) and play traditional games with sheep anklebones. With so much cultural and nomadic experience offer, Tsagaan Sar is one of the best reasons to visit Mongolia in winter. GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL Western Mongolia hosts a large Kazakh population
and each year in September they host an Eagle festival in the Altai Mountain range. This traditional festival is used as a chance for meeting and competing to test sills in hunting and falconry. Visitors can hike in the stunning scenery, climb glaciers and interact with a fascinating culture steeped in ancient tradition
and practices. Travellers will learn the art of hunting with eagles and be able to participate in a range of events held especially for visitors. NAADAM Naadam festival, one of the biggest traditional celebrations in Mongolia, takes place in July of every year. This is an ancient celebration dating from the
time of the Khunnu empire /209 BCE/. In 1206, when Temuujin was crowned and renamed Chinggis Khaan, Naadam festival was officially turned into a national holiday. The main Naadam festival is held from the 11th to the 13th of July in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia and other regions celebrate their local Naadam before or after the date. Naadam festival is also known as “the three manly games� as it involves archery, horse racing and wrestling. THE YAK FESTIVAL The yak is of huge cultural importance in Central and Northern Mongolia
and is used as a source of Cashmere wool, Milk and Meat. To celebrate the yak, Mongolians hold an annual festival in July and over time this has become a hugely popular event in the tourist calendar. The event begins with yak racing followed by yak lassoing and ends with a yak polo tournament. This festival has become a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike.
USEFUL INFORMATION Visa Contact us about your Mongolian visa, we can organise it for you in advance of your journey.
Transport By air: The most convenient way to reach Mongolia is by air. There are flights from London Heathrow with Aeroflot, Air China, Korean Air and Turkish Airlines. All flights have at least one stop and waiting times can vary. We will do our best to ensure that your flight length and seats are the most convenient for you.
By rail: if you wish to reach Mongolia in a more adventitious manner, Trans Siberian Railways is recommended.
EVERYTHING FOR YOUR COMFORT AND SAFETY How will we get around? Our tours are via luxury 4 wheel drive spots utility vehicles to ensure your comfort and safety, as roads can be bumpy in Mongolia. The vehicles are spacious, fully air-conditioned and manned by drivers who have been in the industry for at least 10 years and know the roads like the back of their hands. Even when there are no roads! For more remote destinations we fly with domestic airlines.
Where will we sleep? We stay in top end hotels in the city and a variety of designated ger (Mongolian yurt) camps in the countryside. We handpick the best possible lodging options for you.
What will we eat? We eat two meals at the ger camps and carry picnic lunches. Meals consist of both local and international cuisine, and special requests can usually be accommodated. On request we will organise for you to travel with our own trained chef who can cater directly to you as required.
Web: Tel:
www.mongoliansecrethistory.mn + 97611 680450, +976 99046841 +441865750791, +447411947147