the trip dossier - Trans

THE TRANS-SIBERIAN TRAVEL COMPANY
TS-MN-01 TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
▶ CONTENTS & ABOUT US
CONTENTS
3 ..... Trip overview & map
4 ..... Day by day itinerary
8 ..... Trip inclusions & exclusions
10 ... Destination guide
11 ... Recommended reading
12 ... Essential information
ABOUT US
Established as one of the UK’s leading,
independent and family owned Trans-Siberian and
China tour specialists our focus is on well thought
through private and tailor made rail adventures.
Our emphasis is very much on creating the right
trip for you and we work closely with you in order
to achieve this. We regard the Trans-Siberian as a
trip of lifetime and use our experience and
knowledge to achieve this for you.
ALL TOURS ARE FINANCIALLY PROTECTED
We are members of ABTA (Y1699) and our tours
are ATOL protected (license 10287) giving you full
peace of mind when booking with us both for
monies paid to us as well as the code of conduct
and high standards we are both delighted to and
required to uphold.
✪
THETRANSSIBERIANTRAVELCOMPANY.COM | Email: [email protected]
UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8925 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612
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▶ STARTING ULAANBAATAR: TS-MN-01 TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
ULAANBAATAR ● TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
THIS TOUR IS DESIGNED TO BE ADDED INTO
YOUR TRANS-SIBERIAN TOUR BUT CAN OF
COURSE BE BOOKED ON ITS OWN
ULAANBAATAR ✪
THE TRANS-SIBERIAN TRAVEL COMPANY
■ www.thetranssiberiantravelcompany.com
■ [email protected]
☎ +44 (0)20 8816 8925
■ ABTA member Y1699
■ ATOL License 10287
THIS TOUR IN BRIEF
Although we recommend Elstei as a short ger
experience outside of Ulaanbaatar some still
prefer to visit Terelj as it is better known. This
stopover is an ideal replacement to our usual
Mongolian stops used for the Trans-Siberian.
Terelj offers comfortable ger accommodation and
a wide range of activities and all only a short
drive from Ulaanbaatar.
✪
3 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS
TOUR AVAILABLE MAY TO SEPTEMBER
PRICE GUIDANCE*
UK £ 450 per person
THE PRICE IS BASED ON 2 PEOPLE TRAVELLING
*Prices vary by date, availability and the number of
people in your party. Please contact us for a firm
quote.
THETRANSSIBERIANTRAVELCOMPANY.COM | Email: [email protected]
UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8925 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612
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▶ YOUR TERELJ NATIONAL PARK TOUR - DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1
ARRIVE ULAANBAATAR
ARRIVAL IN ULAANBAATAR & OVERNIGHT IN A GER AT TERELJ
OVERNIGHT
MIRAJ / TENGERIIN ELCH GER CAMP
Located just over and hour from Ulaanbaatar in
the open steppe Terelj offers a unique Mongolian
ger experience in this beautiful National Park area.
Early morning arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia and a truly unique
destination that is for many a real highlight of the trip. Outside of the chaotic capital
of Ulaanbaatar this is a land of endless grassland, deserts, pristine lakes and
nomads whose way of life has changed little over the years offering a truly
rewarding travel experiences.
▶ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GER CAMPS IN MONGOLIA
Transfer out to Terelj National Park to experience the fabulous countryside of
Mongolia. The Miraj or Tengeriin Elch ger camps in Terelj offer comfortable
spacious gers and there are basic toilet and showering facilities as well as a dining
area where meals are served. Your guide will make some suggestions as to how to
spend the rest of the day.
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at the Ger Camp.
Photos for guidance only & not necessarily the room booked
ADDRESS: Gorkhi Terelj National Park, Mongolia
✪
THETRANSSIBERIANTRAVELCOMPANY.COM | Email: [email protected]
UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8925 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612
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▶ YOUR TERELJ NATIONAL PARK TOUR - DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 2
OVERNIGHT
TERELJ
MIRAJ / TENGERIIN ELCH GER CAMP
ENJOY THE STEPPE FURTHER OR RELAX AT THE GER CAMP
Located just over and hour from Ulaanbaatar in
the open steppe Terelj offers a unique Mongolian
ger experience in this beautiful National Park area.
A full day at Terelj to relax and enjoy this unique place. Your guide will offer a range
options including visiting local nomads, walking to points of interest on the
grasslands and learning about the nomadic way of life. There are also opportunities
to go horse riding on the steppe (payable locally) and for much of the year activities
such as archery, ger building and even the opportunity to learn how to wrestle
Mongolian style. Of course, another favourite activity is simply to relax and take in
this extraordinary landscape!
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at the Ger Camp.
A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR GER STAY
A ger stay is often a real highlight of a TransSiberian trip. The gers are comfortable and
spacious and usually have 4 beds, some
traditional style Mongolian furniture and a central
stove which an attendant may light on cooler
nights. Toilet, shower and dining facilities are
nearby in a purpose built block. Beyond is the
great Mongolian outdoors.
✪
THETRANSSIBERIANTRAVELCOMPANY.COM | Email: [email protected]
UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8925 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612
Photos for guidance only & not necessarily the room booked
ADDRESS: Gorkhi Terelj National Park, Mongolia
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▶ YOUR TERELJ NATIONAL PARK TOUR - DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 3
ULAANBAATAR
RELAX AT TERELJ BEFORE RETURNING TO ULAANBAATAR FOR A CITY
TOUR
OVERNIGHT
BAYANGOL HOTEL ✭ ✭ ✭
The Bayangol has been a reliable option for many
years in a great location just south of the city’s
main square. Still the best mid-range option.
A full morning free at Terelj before returning to Ulaanbaatar after lunch. Mongolia’s
capital is home to around a third of the entire population and has experienced a
major boom in the last 10 years, largely driven mainly by the mining industry.
However, there is much of cultural interest here and the city tour includes Gandan
Lama Monastery, the impressive Sukhbaatar square and the impressive views and
Soviet monuments of Zaisan Hill. Free time for the rest of the day, perhaps to delve
into the city’s surprisingly vibrant eating and drinking scene.
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast & Lunch at the Ger Camp.
Photos for guidance only & not necessarily the room booked
ADDRESS: Chinggis Khan Avenue 05, Ulaanbaatar 14251,
Mongolia
✪
THETRANSSIBERIANTRAVELCOMPANY.COM | Email: [email protected]
UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8925 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612
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▶ YOUR TERELJ NATIONAL PARK TOUR - DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 4
DEPART ULAANBAATAR
FREE TIME TO EXPLORE THE CITY BEFORE DEPARTURE
A free day in Ulaanbaatar to further explore the city, shop for souvenirs, visit some
of the museums or catch up on coffee and correspondence before a transfer to
your onward transport.
MEALS INCLUDED: Hotel Breakfast.
Ute Wilson
▶ CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE MORE MONGOLIA TOUR OPTIONS
In addition to this tour we offer longer, more in depth Mongolia stopovers
covering the Gobi Desert, Lake Khuvsgul, Karakorum and more.
✪
THETRANSSIBERIANTRAVELCOMPANY.COM | Email: [email protected]
UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8925 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612
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▶ LIST OF INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS FOR THIS TOUR
︎
︎ INTERNATIONAL TICKETS: Tickets for trains or flights the start and finish of the above trip
MORE CHINA
✈ International flight tickets are NOT included in this itinerary. We CAN arrange these for you.
ACCOMMODATION: Let us know if you have your own hotel preferences or wish to upgrade
✓ 2 nights Terelj - Miraj or Tengeriin Elch Ger Camp (shared 4 person Ger)
✓ 1 night Ulaanbaatar - Bayangol Hotel 4* (standard room with breakfast)
TRANSFERS: Private with driver and an English speaking guide (except where stated)
✓ Ulaanbaatar - Airport or Train Station to Terelj Ger Camp
✓ Ulaanbaatar - Terelj Ger Camp to Hotel
✓ Ulaanbaatar - Hotel to Airport or Train Station
TOURS: All our tours include entrance fees and use professional, licensed guides
HAVE YOU
CONSIDERED
TRAVELING MORE
EXTENSIVELY IN
CHINA ?
Our sister company...
✓ Mongolia - 3 night private Terelj Tour with Guide, 1 night Ulaanbaatar and City Tour as described
OTHER INCLUSIONS: Also included in this trip
✓ Meals - As indicated in the itinerary.
✓ Visa Paperwork - Confirmation documentation you need in order to get the visas.
✓ Support - Emergency numbers and contacts for each destination.
✓ Guidebook - Our exclusive Trip Guide personalised (only if booking with the Trans-Siberian).
✓ Financial Peace of Mind - All monies paid to us are legally protected under UK law.
THE CHINA
TRAVEL COMPANY
offers a wide range of
tours covering the
highlights of this vast
country as well as tours
to Tibet and the Silk
Road.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT
THE WEBSITE
✪
THETRANSSIBERIANTRAVELCOMPANY.COM | Email: [email protected]
UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8925 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612
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▶ LIST OF INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS FOR THIS TOUR
✘ NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
✘ International Air or Train Fare to / from the start / finish of your trip - we can book this transport.
✘ The Mongolian visa - we can advise and partner with VisaCentral.
✘ Travel insurance to cover any medical treatment - we recommend ABTASure.
✘ Discretionary gratuities to drivers and guides.
✪
THETRANSSIBERIANTRAVELCOMPANY.COM | Email: [email protected]
UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8925 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612
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▶ YOUR DESTINATION PROFILE
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PLACES THIS TRIP VISITS
MONGOLIA
✪
GRASSLANDS, DESERT & NOMADIC LIFE
Mongolia is a unique and remote country but a Trans-Mongolian rail trip makes it an
easy and fascinating stopover to make. It’s wild west capital of Ulaanbaatar soon
gives way to rolling grasslands and friendly nomadic people. In the north of the
country there are pristine lakes and mountains. By contrast the south of the country
is dominated by the starkly beautiful Gobi Desert. Wherever you travel in Mongolia
it is a special country and a real highlight of the Trans-Mongolian route.
WE SAY:
HIGHLIGHTS OF MONGOLIA
★ Spend a night or more in a traditional MONGOLIAN GER in the grasslands
★ A jeep trek to Genghis Khan’s ancient capital of KARAKORUM
★ Rugged and wild adventure in the GOBI DESERT
★ Experience the GRASSLANDS and their vast open spaces and nomadic life
★ The square, museums and monasteries of the capital of ULAANBAATAR
J
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Max temp °C
-14
-8
0
9
17
23
25
23
17
8
-4
-12
Min temp °C
-30
-26
-17
-8
0
7
11
8
0
-9
-20
-27
Rainfall mm
2
1
2
2
12
24
29
22
11
3
1
1
Averages
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THETRANSSIBERIANTRAVELCOMPANY.COM | Email: [email protected]
UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8925 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612
Graham Griggs
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▶ MONGOLIA READING LIST
OUR FAVOURITES TO GET YOU IN THE MOOD FOR YOUR TRIP
GHENGHIS KHAN & THE MAKING OF THE
MODERN WORLD
THE LOST COUNTRY: MONGOLIA REVEALED
JACK WEATHERFORD
Another Becker offering covering the history of
Mongolia through his travels there in the early 90’s. It is
full of anecdotes and historical stories of the strange
and bizarre and offers a good grounding in Mongolia up
until the early years after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Genghis Khan’s army conquered more land in 25 years
than the Romans did in 400. Despite a reputation for
brutality in warfare they brought law and order with
them which led to more trade, better communications
and enduring civilisations. Genghis abolished torture,
tore down feudal fiefdoms and allowed religious
freedom. This book charts the rise of Genghis and his
impact on the world we live in today.
WALKING HOME FROM MONGOLIA - ROB LILWALL
A truly epic journey that starts in the Gobi desert before
moving on 3,000 miles in 6 months through China.
More focused on China this is nevertheless a good
read and insight into the lands that border Mongolia. It
is also a classic adventures story of hardship and
exploration of areas that foreigners have rarely
travelled in. Although quite recent it provides a
fascinating snapshot in time of a fast changing China.
MONGOLIA - TRAVELS IN THE UNTAMED LAND
JASPER BECKER
Mongolia was pretty much closed to foreign travel until
the late 1980s. Becker was one of the first to explore
the country in detail starting his journey in Khubilai’s
Khans old Mongolian city of Beijing and following a
route deep into Mongolia. All this at a fascinating time
of real change as the country made the wrench from a
planned communist system to free market capitalism
and fledgling democracy.
✪
THETRANSSIBERIANTRAVELCOMPANY.COM | Email: [email protected]
UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8925 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612
JASPER BECKER
THE SECRET HISTORY OF MONGOL QUEENS
JACK WEATHERFORD
This is a fascinating story of the women who ruled
alongside the famous Khans of the Mongol Empire and
their role in developing the pax Mongolia that led to the
prospering of trade and education after the initial
conquests. This is also a story of the power struggles
between the daughters of Genghis that eventually led
them to be written out of the history yet the legends and
stories live on.
THE LOST HEART OF ASIA
COLIN THUBRON
This is a superb book and often cited as one of the best
travel literature has on Central Asia. Although not
focused on Mongolia in particular it does cover the
history that the Mongol invasions set in train and so is
valuable reading that is also likely to wet the appetite
for some of the other Central Asian countries. Thubron
travels from the Parmir Mountain to the desert and
Steppe bringing this area to life with stories and
anecdotes.
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▶ ESSENTIAL MONGOLIA INFORMATION, TIPS & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK?
As the season of travel in Mongolia is short an tourist numbers tend to
outstrip hotel rooms and train tickets we advise booking as far in
advance as possible. outside of the summer period later bookings
should normally be fine.
BEYOND MONGOLIA & THE TRANS-SIBERIAN?
Yes, we can book flight or train tickets to onward destinations and we
are also specialist China tour operators through our sister tour operator,
THE CHINA TRAVEL COMPANY.
ARE GER CAMPS OPEN IN THE WINTER MONTHS?
DO I NEED A VISA?
Most people do including UK nationals. The main notable except is
USA passport holders. If coming from or going to China or Russia you
are also likely to need visas for these countries. We have an partnership
with the visa agents CIBT Visa Central who will guide you through the
visa application process. Plan well ahead.
IS IT SAFE TO BOOK WITH YOU?
In a word, Yes! We members of ABTA and ATOL Bonded so any
payments made to us are fully protected in the unlikely event of our
financial failure. Our ABTA membership number is Y1699 and our ATOL
license number is 10287.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MONGOLIA?
The majority of tourists visit Mongolia from June to August with the peak
being around the Naadam Festival in mid-July. May and September are
also good times to travel in Mongolia and are less busy than the
summer months although the weather can be unpredictable.
DO YOU HAVE FINANCIAL PROTECTION?
Many ger camps close in the winter. A few do remain open in the
grasslands around Ulaanbaatar though. The season for ger camps
generally runs from mid-May to the end of September or early October.
In the winter the camps close because they become difficult to reach
and facilities need to be shut down to avoid pipes freezing. Even the ger
camps that do remain open will be on a “winter regime” which means no
running water and basic toilet facilities (long drop style). A winter ger
experience is thoroughly worthwhile though!
WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I BRING?
Be prepared for hot scorching sunshine and cold chilly and windy
nights. Layers and plenty of them are the answer as the weather
changes frequently and with little notice. Sunglasses and cream, a hat
and good walking boots or sturdy shoes are a must. In winter bring
everything!
IS MONGOLIA TRAVEL SAFE?
The vast majority of our clients visiting Mongolia have a safe and trouble
free trip. However, you do need to keep your wits about you in
Ulaanbaatar watching your pockets and bags in crowded places and
avoid walking around at night.
In a word, Yes! We members of ABTA and ATOL Bonded so any
payments made to us are fully protected in the unlikely event of our
financial failure. Our ABTA membership number is Y1699 and our ATOL
license number is 10287.
✪
THETRANSSIBERIANTRAVELCOMPANY.COM | Email: [email protected]
UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8925 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612
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▶ ESSENTIAL MONGOLIA INFORMATION, TIPS & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DO GERS HAVE ELECTRICITY?
Many ger camps will have electricity now either from generators or solar
panels. It won’t always be a reliable supply though. Mongolian plugs
have two round pins and power is 220 V / 50Hz (same as China and
Russia)
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE WE MAKE A BOOKING?
On taking a booking we will confirm as many of the services as can be
at that point and then ask you for a £250 per person deposit with the
final balance payment due 60 days before your trip start date with us.
On booking we will also offer advice about obtaining the visas if this has
not been covered before.
CAN YOU BOOK INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS ?
Yes, as we hold an ATOL license (number 10287) we are permitted by
the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK to book flights on behalf of our
clients.
WILL MY PHONE WORK ?
Yes, at least built up areas. However, if you buy a SIM card make sure
you are buying for the right phone system as some mobile companies in
Mongolia operate on GSM (same as UK, Europe) and others CDMA
(North America and Japan). In general Mobicom & Unitel are for GSM
phones and G-Mobile & Skytel for CDMA. Check what roaming charges
will be with your mobile provider.
WHY SHOULD WE BOOK A TRIP WITH YOU
We took our first Mongolia and Trans-Siberian trip in 1997 and between
us have taken many trips since. We have been to all destinations we
offer, often many times, and are passionate about sharing our
knowledge and providing you with the best possible travel experience of
these destinations which we love to visit ourselves. Add to this the back
up we offer from financial protection of your payments to us to the 24
hour emergency numbers we give you before your trip and we think we
are the full package for quality, service and reliability.
HOW MUCH MONEY WILL I NEED TO TAKE WITH ME?
Assuming you already have a tour booked around £ 20 per person per
day for extras such as tips, alcohol and the odd souvenir is usually
enough. As ever, it is easy to spend more.
WHAT CURRENCY SHOULD I BRING?
We would suggest a mixture of credit / debit cards and a small amount
of cash in USD (preferred) or Euros. Mongolia is a good place to
change any excess Chinese Yuan or Russian Roubles depending on
your direction of travel. Make sure you let your card provider know you
will be in Mongolia or your card may be stopped!
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD BE ASKING?
Almost certainly! We fully expect you will have many more questions
and we are here to answer them so please do not hesitate to contact us
- that is what we are here for!
WHAT IF I AM A VEGETARIAN?
As long as we are informed at the time of making your booking we can
cater for almost all dietary requirements.
✪
THETRANSSIBERIANTRAVELCOMPANY.COM | Email: [email protected]
UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8925 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612
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