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MONGOLIA
Nomads of the Steppes
July 8 - 23, 2015
16 Days • All Meals
Escorted by David and Roslyn Craig
Traditional Ger Housing
Set between the giants of China and Russia, the land of
Mongolia really is quite unique. Our mind immediately
thinks of Ghengis Khan and the extraordinary fighting skills
of his hordes that resulted in the largest empire ever known
to mankind. While those times are long gone, Mongolia is a
land of vast open spaces inhabited by peaceful friendly
people. Excluding the capital, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia has
an extremely low population density.
Mongolians have a distinct way of life, which they have
followed for centuries. Nomadic herdsmen follow the grass
and water with their movable dwellings (gers) facing
temperature extremes (from 30° C down to -50°C). Their
diet is based on mutton and dairy, provided by their herds.
The local drink, airag, is fermented mare's milk. Last
century the nomadic society was almost destroyed by
communism. But in 1990, when Mongolia became a
democracy, many people left the urban areas to resume
their nomadic life, herding animals and living off the land.
Our journey has been timed to include Naadam, the
largest and most interesting festival in Mongolia. The
gathering brings locals from across Mongolia into the
capital. This is the best time to explore this amazing land.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The “Ger” is the traditional housing unit used for centuries in
Mongolia and central Asia, perfectly suited to the Mongolian
nomadic lifestyle. It consists of a lattice wooden frame over
which is laid felt matting covered with canvas sheeting.
Each has a single door which traditionally faces south. Our
units will be used by one or two persons. “Ger” camps
provide the best way to experience the countryside and the
Mongolian nomadic way of life, each generally has a
wooden floor, a wood burning stove (for heating), beds,
chairs and a side table. Camps have shared bathroom
facilities - basins, western toilets and showers with hot
water. All camps will provide electricity in the common areas
- washroom blocks, restaurant and some may have power in
the rooms. Power may only be available during certain
hours. Power will be available to charge batteries, etc.
Camps also feature a restaurant, serving both Mongolian
and western dishes. Some may also have a lounge, a shop
and laundry facilities.
While we will use the best
available camps in each area
visited, not all camps are
created equal, some will be
decidedly basic in nature.
TOUR ESCORTS
David Craig, President of Craig Travel, and Roslyn bring
with them many years of travel experience both as escorts
and as tour operators. After attending U of T and York
University, David travelled around the world and lived in
Australia for a number of years before returning to Canada
and Craig Travel. For almost forty
years he has devoted his working
life to arranging and operating
tours and cruises to scores of
destinations around the world. An
Australian by birth, Roslyn, has
lived and worked in the business of
travel for most of her life. For over
three decades, David and Roslyn
have led tours and cruises visiting
over 100 countries and all seven
David & Roslyn on their
continents.
travels through Namibia
INCLUSIVE FEATURES
 Roundtrip airfare to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from Canadian
cities listed via either Toronto or Vancouver
 Comfortable, but sometimes very basic Ger camp
accommodations (see note below) as well as first class
hotels in Beijing and Ulaanbaatar as indicated or similar
 41 meals included as noted in the itinerary (shown as B 14 breakfasts, L - 13 lunches, D - 14 dinners)
 All gratuities and taxes for included services
 Comprehensive insurance coverage
 Services of our tour escort plus professional driver/guides
in Mongolia
 Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value
July 8, Wednesday
Canada / Beijing
Tour members from across Canada gather in Vancouver for
the overnight Air China flight to Beijing.
July 9, Thursday
Beijing
On arrival in Beijing, after arrival procedures, we will be met
and transferred to our airport hotel.
Langham Hotel (1 night)
D
July 10, Friday
Beijing / Ulaanbaatar
After a good night’s rest, we fly to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s
capital, set on the banks of the Tuul River and surrounded by
majestic pine-clad mountains and blessed public squares,
wide avenues, and parks. Today we will explore the city with
visits to the Gandantegchilen Monastery (one of the few in
Mongolia that was not destroyed by the communist regime),
the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan and Genghis Khan Square.
Ramada Hotel (3 nights)
BLD
July 11, Saturday
Ulaanbaatar / Naadam Festival
This morning we will attend the inauguration ceremony of the
Naadam Festival. The Nadaam (means game or
competition) Festival or Eriyn Gurvan Nadaam is Mongolia’s
largest event, lasting three full days. It highlights Mongolia's
popular sports of horse racing, archery and wrestling. This
gathering has been held for centuries as a form of a
memorial celebration and annual sacrificial ritual, to honor
various mountain Gods or to celebrate a special community
traditional Mongolian hospitality at the home of a camel
herding family. Take a ride on a Bactrian camel if you wish.
End the day with the sunset on this stunning and remote
desert landscape. (210km / 5 hrs)
Gobi Erdene Ger Camp (1 night)
BLD
July 15, Wed Tugrugiin Shiree / Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs
Mongolia is home to some of the worlds most brilliant fossils.
In Tugrigiin Shiree paleontologists discovered the famous
“Fighting Dinosaurs” in the 1970’s. In the afternoon we head
to Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs. Here, brilliant
red sandstone harbors a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils
and eggs. Look for fossils and hike into the gorge enjoying
the breathtaking views of the desert. (160km / 4 hrs)
Three Camel Lodge Ger Camp (1 night)
BLD
Watch the events of the Naadam Festival. Photo credit V.Idor
endeavor. The festivities commence with a colorful parade of
athletes, monks, soldiers, musicians and Mongolians
dressed in Chinggis style warrior uniforms. This afternoon we
will enjoy typical contests in and around the main stadium:
wrestling, archery and anklebone flicking. Every year, 512
wrestlers compete for the Nachin or “Falcon” (those who win
5 rounds), Zaan or ‘Elephant” (those who win 7 rounds) and
the title “Arslan” or “Lion” (the national wrestling champion
who wins all nine rounds). If a wrestler wins “Arslan” twice,
he receives the title of “Avarga” or “Champion”. This evening
we will enjoy a Mongolian folklore concert before our
Welcome Mongolian dinner at a local restaurant.
BLD
July 12, Sunday
Naadam Festival
Naadam begins in earnest today and we are in for a real
treat, watching the events and the people who come from
across Mongolia. This morning we will drive to the horse
racing field, to enjoy the competition and a number cultural
performances. In horse racing, horses of six different age
groups participate (2 to 6 years old) with the distance
determined by the horse’s age. More than 700 horses can
join a race with riders being as young as five. The first 5
horses to finish a race are called “Airagdakh” (sprinkled with
airag). The title “Tumnii Ekh” of “Top Horse of 10,000” is
given to the winning horse. Archery is another Naadam
game which attracts many of the best archers from all over
the country. The winner is given a title “Erkhiin Mergen
Kharvaach” which means “Archer of Greatest Wisdom”. BLD
July 13, Monday
South Gobi Desert
Departing very early this morning, we fly into the heart of the
Gobi Desert. Soaring over the vast steppes on a flight to the
mystical Gobi, site of some of the most important
paleontological discoveries of the 20th century. Over the next
four days, we shall discover the wildlife and landscapes of
the desert, home to Bactrian camels, Argali mountain sheep,
and asker falcons, as well as rare species such as snow
leopards and Gobi bears. On arrival we will be met by our
driver guides and begin our journey. Stop in Gegeet Valley,
the habitat of the elusive snow leopard. Travel to Yoliin Am
(Eagle Valley) a dramatic chasm that cuts a narrow path
through the foothills of the arid Altai Mountains. Set out on a
hike through this lush spot, keeping your eye out for native
vultures (lammergeiers), ibex, and gazelles. Later we shall
visit the local natural history museum. (80km / 2hrs)
Three Camel Lodge Ger Camp (1 night)
BLD
July 14, Tuesday
Khongoriin Els Sand Dunes
Awaken early to watch the rising sun infuse the desert with
glowing hues of orange and gold. After breakfast we drive to
the Khongoryn Els, a 60-mile stretch of rippling sand dunes
that soar up to 600 feet and trace the edge of the Altai range.
Following lunch, we will encounter the “Singing Sands,”
dunes known for the uncanny deep groan they emit when the
dunes’ surface is disturbed. Next we shall experience some
July 16, Thursday
Ongi Temple Ruins
Heading north this morning we drive to Ongi Temple ruins,
located in the middle of Gobi region. As we move north we
move away from the sand desert and into the steppes with
low rolling hills. After getting settled in our ger camp, we shall
make a short trek into the hills where the temple ruins are
located. Dating from 1730, Ongi Monastery was one of the
largest Buddhist Monasteries with more than 1,500 monks
and was the most important Buddhist centre in the Gobi. In
its prime there were two monasteries and over 30 temples,
most of which were destroyed during the socialist purge in
the 1930’s. We shall have ample time to explore temple ruins
and stupa remains, and to learn of the communist
destruction as well as the new efforts to restore the order
and keep old traditions alive. (150km / 4hrs)
Ongiin Nuuts Ger Camp (1 night)
BLD
July 17, Friday
Orkhon Valley / Nomad Family
We continue our journey through the Gobi, driving to Uurtiin
Tohoi (a fresh water spring) and Temeen Chuluun (noted for
the rectangular tombs of the Bronze Age) in the Khanghai
Mountains. The scenery changes from rolling steppes and
broad valleys into a mountainous region marked by rugged
lava rocks. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Orkhon
Valley was the cradle of the Mongolian nation and the site of
numerous cities, and palaces. Enjoy a drive through the
valley and take short walks in search of ancient rock
paintings and burial mounds dating from 300BC. This
afternoon we will visit a nomadic family that herd yaks and
breeds horses. Meet the family and begin to understand
more of their nomadic life on the open steppes. Enjoy yak
dairy products and watch them being milked. Sample the
traditional national drink airag, made from fermented mare’s
milk. (380km / 6+ hrs)
Talibuun Ger Camp (1 night)
BLD
July 18, Saturday
Orkhon Valley / Kharakhorum Town
We will drive along the Orkhon Valley north to Kharakhorum,
which contains the ruins of the 13th century capital of the
Mongolian Empire. It was here that Genghis Khan and his
sons consolidated the empire that would become the largest
in the world. After lunch, we will visit the newly opened
museum dedicated to the history and military campaigns of
the Mongolian Empire. Nearby we shall visit Mongolia’s
oldest Buddhist Monastery, Erdene Zuu which dates from
1586. Regretfully much of it was destroyed by the
Communists in 1937. Enjoy its stunning architecture and
admire the valuable religious relics in its museum. Nearby
we shall find Turtle Rock before continuing to the ruins of an
ancient Turkish city in the Khoshoo Tsaidam Valley, which
dates from the 8th century. A new museum (built by modern
Turkey) examines the Turkish influences in Mongolia.
(100km / 2-3 hrs) Munkhtenger Ger Camp (1 night)
BLD
July 19, Sunday
Tsenkher Hot Spring
This morning we cross the Khangai Nuuru Mountains
through a series of passes until we reach “the paradise of the
horse breeders”, an area known for its lush grasses and wide
valleys. Once again we will be amazed by the ever changing
landscapes and the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Our destination is the to Tsenkher Hot Springs, a region of
once active volcanoes which still provide a number of
excellent and refreshing hot springs. This afternoon we will
be free to enjoy this natural spa, to relax in a hot pool or to
hike up to the source of the spring. Water temperatures
range up to 82C. Later we may want to relax with a massage
(extra cost). (140km / 3.5hrs)
Duut Ger Camp (1 night)
BLD
July 20, Monday
Tsenkher / Ogii Lake
This morning will be spent driving across the steppes en
route to Ogii Lake, located in the wetlands region. The
afternoon has been left free to enjoy some activities on or by
the lake. Options include swimming, horseback riding, sailing
or fishing. There is also excellent bird watching; it is not
uncommon to see swan, geese, white spoonbills or
Dalmatian pelicans. Alternatively you can go for a trek or visit
a Nomadic family and watch them making felt items from
sheep wool. (140km / 3 hrs)
Khatan Ogii Ger Camp (1 night)
BLD
July 21, Tuesday Khustain Nuruu (Hustai) National Park
This morning we will visit the ruins of the White Palace of
Mongolian Queen Madai Taigol and her illustrious son,
Prince Tsogt Taij, dating from 1740’s. Continuing onto Hustai
(Wild Horses) National Park set around Mount Khustai. It
was to this park that the takhi, the original wild horses of
Mongolia were re-introduced in 1992. A local biologist guide
will introduce us to the park and the work being done there.
After lunch we will explore the park, visiting a spring where
the takhi come daily. (380km / 5 hrs)
Khustai Ger Camp (1 night)
BLD
July 22, Wednesday
Ulaanbaatar
Enjoy your breakfast and some time for your own leisure this
morning. Following lunch at the camp, we will head back to
Ulaanbaatar in the early afternoon where we will visit the
National History Museum (providing excellent insights into
the origin and long history of the nomadic tribes and
Mongolia). If time permits you might want to visit the
Dinosaur Museum, Fine Arts Museum and/or maybe the
Naran Tuul Market. This evening we will gather for our
Farewell Dinner. (80km / 2 hrs) Ramada Hotel (1 night) BLD
July 23, Thursday
Ulaanbaatar / Beijing / Canada
All too soon our journey draws to a close as we make the
long journey home, flying via Beijing and Vancouver to our
homes across Canada. By advance arrangements, members
can arrange to extend their adventure with a few nights in
Beijing.
B
A NOTE ON TRANSPORTATION
Travel will be in small 4WD Mitsubishi vans or similar,
vehicles best suited to the environment. Our trucks are
capable of carrying up to 8 persons (driver plus 7 guests)
but we will carry a maximum of one driver and 4 guests per
vehicle, with the balance of the interior used for luggage
and supplies. A typical day will see us driving between
camps in the morning, arriving at our next camp in time for
lunch. The afternoon will be utilized at the new camp for
exploring the surrounding sites. Approximate distance
between camps and travel times are estimated on the daily
itinerary, subject to local conditions. Roads are often dirt
tracks across the desert or plain, and will be dusty so
surgical style masks are suggested. The experience can
be absolutely breathtaking as we discover magnificent
viewpoints while we move across the rolling steppes and
treeless tundra.
REV04FEB15
CT RATING 4 - Very Challenging: This journey involves
a number of walks and treks often over rough terrain so is
only suited to those with NO mobility issues. In addition
accommodation will be primitive, food will be basic with
very limited choices (they will not be able to cater to
special dietary needs) and roads will be rough with some
long uncomfortable drives. All members need to be
prepared for the reality of rustic travel in Mongolia.
A Taste of Beijing
Extend your stay in Beijing with two nights
at the Beijing New World Hotel. Explore
on your own or customize your Beijing
experience as you wish and explore one
or all of the many ancient treasures this
city has to offer. Discover The Great
Wall, Forbidden City, wonderful parks and
markets, Tiananmen Square, the Summer
Palace, and so much more!
Contact us for full rates and details.
Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars (per person)
Land Only (Join / Leave at hotel in Ulaanbaatar) ...... $5,395
Vancouver ................................................................ $7,295
Victoria ...................................................................... $7,485
Calgary ...................................................................... $7,565
Edmonton ................................................................. $7,665
Saskatoon / Regina ................................................... $7,695
Winnipeg .................................................................... $7,785
Toronto / Ottawa / Montreal ....................................... $7,995
Halifax ....................................................................... $8,095
St John’s .................................................................... $8,245
Single Supplement .................................................... $1,335
Airfares from other gateways are available on request.
Airfares and related costs are subject to change and will be
confirmed prior to final payment. Land only price excludes
all international airfares, taxes and associated land
arrangements in Beijing.
Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room at
hotels. Prices are based on a minimum 20 members and
on rates, taxes and fees effective August 2014. Prices are
subject to change due to factors beyond our control.
The price includes the cost of comprehensive insurance
($320 - $388pp) for passengers up to and including 74
years on departure date (rate varies by the cost of the trip).
Cost supplements will apply for members aged 75 - 85
(from $195 - $402pp). Clients 86 years and older and/or
residing outside Ontario - please contact our staff for
procedures. This insurance is effective from the date of
purchase and carries limitations on pre-existing medical
conditions. Discuss insurance coverage before booking.
Please check our website for the most current information.
Refer to enrollment form for general information and
conditions. Final payment will be due April 2, 2015.
To reserve your places on this tour, complete the
enrollment form, indicating the tour and your home city,
and forward it with your deposit of $600 per person plus
insurance premium to:
CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD
1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6
Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143
Email: [email protected] / www.craigtravel.com
.