Expedition Guide
Altanshagai, a native of Ulaan Baatar, is a skilled equestrian and expert tour guide for more than a decade. In the past, he has trained horses for the Mongolian State Circus, an organization showcasing Mongolia's cultural heritage. Altanshagai has a degree in international relations from the National University of Mongolia and has worked in the U.S. Embassy in Ulaan Baatar.
Travel Facts
- Country Name
- Mongolia
- Capital
- Ulaanbaatar
- Coordinates
- 47.916667,106.916667
- Area
-
- Total: 603,909 sq mi
- Land: 599,832 sq mi
- Water: 4,077 sq mi
- Elevation Extremes
-
- Low: Hoh Nuur 1,699 ft
- High: Nayramadlin Orgil (Huyten Orgil) 14,350 ft
- Population
- 3,086,918
- Demonym
- Mongolian
- Climate
-
Month High Low Rain Jan -2 -26 .03 Feb 9 -20 .03 Mar 25 -8 .08 Apr 47 18 .19 May 55 28 .39 Jun 70 45 1.1 Jul 72 52 3 Aug 70 46 2 Sep 57 36 0.9 Oct 43 18 .19 Nov 21 -4 .19 Dec 3 -18 .07 - Time Zone
- UTC+8
- Currency
- Tögrög (or tugrik) (MNT)
- Voltage
- 220 V
- Calling Code
- 976
Mongolia: On the Trail of the Khan
- Expedition Type [ Mountain Trekking ]
- Difficulty [ Demanding ]
- Activities [ Archery Lessons, Hiking, Horseback Riding Lessons ]
- Duration [ 8 Days ]
Expedition Timeline
Explore remote Mongolia, the land of 13th-century emperor Genghis Khan. A contemporary icon, he and his army conquered most of Asia and the Middle East. They were exemplary warriors, skilled in archery and horse riding. Participate in classes to hone your own archery and riding skills and learn about the wrestling tricks that make up a part of the nomadic Olympic Games. Hike the remote land dominated by the Gobi Desert, through rugged mountain passes and scenic forests, stopping along the way to meet with locals and their families to discover the nuances of nomadic life.
- DAY 1
Arrive Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia
Arriving in Ulaan Baatar, you are met by your expedition guide and transferred to your hotel.
Chinggis Khaan Hotel- DAY 2
Ulaan Bataar
You start your adventure honing your archery, wrestling and horse riding skills, the main components of the three manly games — the Olympic games of nomads. This evening, attend a shaman ritual ceremony, in practice since the 13th century when Mongols worshipped the blue sky. Spend the night in a ger, a traditional felt tent of nomadic herders.
Tuul Riverside Lodge [ B L D ]- DAYS 3-4
Ulaan Baatar/Bosgiin Davaa/Dood Ovoo
Genghis Khan, the 13th-century emperor and conqueror of much of Asia and the Middle East, has become a contemporary icon. Mongolians have put his name and/or visage on the airport, currency and in a huge statue on the banks of the Tuul River in Tsonjin Boldog. Stop to see the 131-foot statue of the ruler sitting on horseback, erected on a 33-foot-high base and covered by stainless steel. The next day, you head out toward Burkhan Khaldun, a mountain of the Khentii range, at Dood Ovoo. The sacred mountain is a powerful landmark and is rumored to be Genghis Khan’s birthplace.
Ger (tent) camp [ B L D ]- DAYS 5-6
Dood Ovoo/Iluuriin Gol River/Kherlen River
Today, ascend nearly five miles up the forested mountain ranges to Ikh Ovoo, where there is a “carpet” of thriving wild berries. You then descend 12 miles to Iluuriin River, where you camp for the night. Start early the next morning trekking toward the Kherlen River, one of Mongolia’s largest, and home to 38 species of fish. This evening, sit down to a traditional Mongolian meal of khorkhog — mutton cooked slowly with vegetables in a huge, metal urn set over hot stones.
Ger (tent) camp [ B L D ]- DAYS 7-8
Kherlen River/Kherlen River Bridge/ Depart Ulaan Baatar
During your last day, hike about 12.5 miles to the bridge of the Kherlen River where you are met by a vehicle to transfer you back to Ulaan Baatar. The next day, you depart for home.
Chinggis Khaan Hotel [ B L D (Day 8: B) ]
Departure Dates & Pricing
Various Departure Dates can be arranged. Please tell us your preferred travel dates on the reservation form.