Trip
summary: |
|
| Length: |
14days
/ 13nights |
| Dates: |
May
10- Sep 20 |
| Max
altitude: |
3180m/10494ft |
| Walking
& hiking: |
7
days |
| Group
size: |
4-6
person |
| Difficulty
level: |
Easy
to moderate |
| All
inclusive land cost: |
US$
1090 per/p |
Detailed
Itinerary for HOLY MOUNTAIN TREK
Day 1. – Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (Abbr-UB)
Day 2. – City tour.
Day
3. – Start of the Expedition. Hustai National Park.
Today we start our Mongolian Gobi & Trekking Expedition. You can
stop for photos as often as you wish along the whole tour and we shall
stop and provide refreshments and snacks. After breakfast we drive
to reach the Khustai National Park, which is famous for the wild Takhi
horses, a species which has been brought back from the brink of extinction.
Wild horses or Przewalsky that had gone extinct in 1970-es were recently
re-introduced to their historic homeland from those survived in various
European zoos. A brief but informative presentation on the wild horses
and other wild life of the area will be given by the Park Ranger.
We will then go to see the wild horses and possibly marmots and roe-deer.
We will stop en route in the sand dunes to have picnic lunch. In the
afternoon drive to reach the "Piece of Sand", locally known
as "Little Gobi, the unique natural appearance - sand dunes among
mountains. The landscape is an open steppe with rolling hills and
mountains in the background. There will be an opportunity to hike
in sand dunes in the late afternoon. Set up our 1st camp.
Day 4. – Cultural tour at Karakorum, Hot Spring Spa.
In the morning, we drive for about 2 hours to Karakorum, the site
of ancient Capital of the Great Mongolian Empire. The city served
as the Mongolian capital for only 40 years (up until when Khubilai
Khaan moved it to what is now Beijing). Most of the city was later
destroyed by Manchurian soldiers. The remnants of the city were reputedly
used to build the Erdene Zuu Monastery in the 16th century. On arrival
in Karakorum the first and most obvious landmark is the massive wall
of the Erdene Zuu Monastery, which was the first Buddhist monastery
in Mongolia. We visit this monastery museum, which houses the best
of Buddhist architecture and many of religious art works. We’ll
then continue and see symbolic ruins of Karakorum. After lunch on
the bank of Orkhon river, hit the road onto Tsenkher hot spring spa.
This is a beautiful place amidst mountains covered by thick larch
forests, and lush meadows with grazing yaks and horses. We pitch our
tents by the Mineral spa resort to enjoy Japanese style hot shower
and lovely swimming pool.
Day 5. – Start of the trek.
Today we will stretch our legs as we start our 5-day trek climbing
over “Rashaany” Pass. You may leave some clothes or some
personal belongings here for your return if that is desired. We walk
about 15 kms each day guided and supported by local horsemen. After
taking a break on the top of “Rashaany” Pass, we will
descend through a valley of yellow flowers eventually reaching a wide
valley surrounded by gentle hills. Make camp by another mineral hot
spring with small wooden hut. It is believed that the spring water
has healing qualities for joints and bone fractures. Therefore local
people often visit the place. We will camp nearby and dinner will
be served about 7 pm.
Day 6. – Trek to the Holy mountain
Today we will have a great trek exploring through beautiful forest
and open meadows. It is here that the terrain begins to steepen and
we focus on the mountain ridges ahead of us on our way to the Holy
mountain - Suvarga Hairkhan. Some pieces of our trail may get
muddy on rainy days. The flora and fauna of the area are immense in
its variety including wild boars, deer, wolves and foxes. We are now
close to the Holy mountain. Easy to moderate day.
Day 7. – Arrival at the Holy mountain
A hard day. In the morning we load up the horses and leave the vehicles
behind. A group of horsemen will be now assisting us and move our
camp on pack horses.
Today we reach a small picturesque lake at the foothill of the Suvarga
Hairkhan mountain. The path to the mountain is a steep one and is
covered with dense vegetation. The Suvarga Hairkhan is the highest
mountain in the area and is worshipped by local people who ascend
to its top to pay homage every year. They bring various offerings
to the mountain spirit. We camp on a lower slope of the Holy mountain.
Day 8. – Ascent or rest (optional)
In the early morning we will take a strenuous climb up to the mountain
top elevated 3180 meters above sea level. According to local custom,
women are not allowed to do so. Respecting this custom is highly appreciated
by locals and our company. For those strong men who goes it will take
4 hours to make it to the summit and back. Your sweat will be rewarded
with breath taking views which are extraordinary. The rest of the
group can relax and recuperate from the last couple of days trekking.
When everybody is back to camp there will be a coffee break by 11
am.
We will then continue to win our last pass on this trek. After a short
way down we cross a stream which is the source of mighty Orkhon river.
Our final ascent starts here and takes about an hour. Fantastic views
opening from the summit make it a worthy lunch spot. A faint trail
will lead us down through forests of larch and pine to our greatest
campsite. There will be some time for washing in the river or exploring
the neighborhood.
Day 09. – Final trekking day
Today we stroll down widening valley till we meet our vehicles near
“3 Bridges” of Tamir River. There might be some ice left
in shadowed parts of the valley.
We will have a big dining tent to celebrate our successful trek. At
the party we sing and dance together with our horsemen celebrating
our last night of trekking.
Tonight there will be a chance to taste a true Mongolian delicacy
– ‘khorkhog’, a lamb or goat slowly cooked on a
fire in a pot partially filled with hot rocks. Dinner will be served
by a camp fire. Tomorrow we drive to Tsetserleg town for a hot shower!
Day 10. – Tsetserleg town. Shower.
Drive to northeast along Tamir river towards Tsetserleg, which literally
means “Garden”. We will take a chance to experience the
lifeways of nomadic people and visit a nomads’ ger. We will
learn about their lifestyle, including cow milking and dairy product
processing. No doubt, we will be invited to try their traditional
foods and drinks that are their staple diet. Continue to reach Bayankhongor
where we will visit a colorful ethnographic museum and enjoy hot shower.
Day 11. – Drive back towards UB, Last camping.
In the morning, we leave Tsetserleg for Hogno Khan Mt, a perfect place
for afternoon hiking. Here, we have the opportunity to spend the afternoon
just relaxing or exploring the area including the Hidden Temple. There
will be an opportunity to visit a famous fortuneteller and ask a few
questions as she welcomes foreign visitors to prophet his or her future
etc...
Day 12. – Arrival in UB
Return to Ulaanbaatar, stopping for a picnic lunch en route. Overnight
in Ulaanbaatar.
Day 13. – Shopping and private arrangements. (Spare
day)
A free day in Ulaanbaatar. Time to explore the town and to shop for
souvenirs – cashmere and leather products make great buys. The
evening concert of Folk song and music followed by a farewell dinner
will complete your Mongolian experience. Overnight at Hotel.
NOTE:
- This trek can be combined with famous Naadam festival or other trips.