Asia
in the realm of genghis
khan with tim cope
trip highligh­­­ts
Travelling with Australian Adventurer Tim Cope
Exploratory style adventure that is culturally
enriching, remote and unique
Trek in the remote Ikh Bogd Uul of the Gobi Desert
Visiting sites of ancient rock art and dinosaur excavations
Sleep amongst Mongolia’s highest sand dunes
Trip Duration15 days
Trip Code: AGG
GradeIntroductory level
ActivitiesTrekking
Accommodation15 day trip, 2 nights hotel, 2 nights
ger camp and 9 nights camping
welcome to
World Expeditions
Thank you for your interest in our Australian Geographic Gobi
Expedition with Tim Cope. At World Expeditions we are passionate
about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our
travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched
cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are
committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched,
affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or
individuals - philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when
we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you
the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible
local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real
exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like
your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering,
kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you.
We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!!
1 – © 2013 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Rachel Imber 27/08/2012 5:43:14 PM
why travel with World Expeditions?
When planning travel to remote and challenging destinations, many
factors need to be considered. Our extra attention to detail and
seamless operations on the ground ensure that you will have a
memorable experience in Mongolia. We take every precaution to ensure
smooth logistics, our vehicles and equipment are the best available on
the market. Most importantly, our adventures have always sought to
benefit the local peoples we interact with, safeguard the ecosystems
we explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in the regions
we experience. Given our local knowledge, experience and excellent
leadership, we are quite sure that this tour will be a trip of a lifetime.
in the realm of genghis
khan with tim cope
Join Tim Cope on this unforgettable exploratory style trek through the Gobi Desert.
Russia
Mongolia
Karakoram
Ikh Bogd
Ulaanbaatar
Dalanzadgad
China
trip dates
important notes
trip cost
Joining Ulaanbaatar:$4890
options & supplements
World Expeditions does not require single travellers
to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will
arrange for you to share accommodation with
another traveller of the same gender and if we can
not match you up we will provide a single room at
no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single
supplement is payable to guarantee your own room.
The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
For competitive airfares and stopover ideas
to join this adventure, contact our expert staff
today to receive a detailed quote.
the trip
The Gobi Desert is a treasure chest full of astonishing surprises that draw in the most avid
travellers, explorers and scientists. This exploratory style journey has been developed by
Australian Adventurer Tim Cope, who is passionate about sharing his fascination for this
land and people, and local leader Tseren Enebish, one of the earliest pioneers of tourism in
Mongolia. Both Tim and Tseren are people intimate with every corner of the places we visit on
this remarkable adventure.
During the first half of the journey we will travel to Ikh Bogd mountain (3957m), which towers
over the surrounding desert like a watchtower of the Gobi. We will traverse this range and
hope to ascend Ikh Bodh peak itself. Our desert safari from there will take us deep into
the southern Gobi to ancient petroglyphs and dinosaur excavation sites. On the way back
towards the desert capital of Dalanzadgad, we visit the largest and most impressive sand
dunes in Mongolia at Khongoriin Els.
Integral to this tour is also supporting a local Mongolian charity, the Down Syndrome
Association of Mongolia (www.dsassociation.mn.) $100 of your tour price will be donated
to this charity in Ulaanbaatar at a special presentation when we arrive. There will be the
opportunity to meet with representatives from the charity and make additional donations
should you wish to do so.
For more information on Tim’s pioneering adventures visit his website: www.timcopejourneys.
com
our partners
The Australian Geographic Society is dedicated to supporting scientific research, protecting
and fostering a love for our environment and natural heritage, encouraging the spirit of
discovery and spreading knowledge of Australia to Australians and the world.
The Australian Geographic Society was established by Dick Smith in March 1988 and he
described it as “a group of people sharing similar fundamental aims and contributing funds
and support for projects and activities.”
Over the years it has spent more than $8,000,000 supporting Australian endeavour in the
fields of adventure, science and environmental research, and community projects.
Each year the Australian Geographic Society endorses a number of tours run by Australian
tour companies across Australia and around the world. These tours help the Society raise
funds for its work. A small number of tours include an Australian Geographic Host, adding a
unique AG aspect to a tour
about your leader
Tseren Enebish
Tseren is a Mongolian artist, traveller, philanthropist, pioneer of Mongolian adventure tourism,
and mother of four who has been exploring her own country for twenty years. Tim first met
Tseren and her family in the summer of 2000 during one of Tim’s earlier journeys by bicycle
across Siberia and Mongolia to Beijing. Tseren enables us to make a strong and personal
connection with the locals and learn about life through the eyes of the nomad.
Tim Cope
National Geographic Adventure Honoree in 2007 and Australian Adventurer of the year
in 2006, Tim is a 29 year old from Gippsland, Victoria (Australia), who is pursuing a life of
adventure, writing, and film. Tim, who speaks fluent Russian and has guided in Antarctica,
has spent around five years travelling in regions of Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and
Ukraine by bicycle, boat, skis, horse, camel and many other means. To learn more about Tim
Cope and his adventures visit timcopejourneys.com. Tim is thrilled to be leading this trip for
2 – © 2013 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Rachel Imber 27/08/2012 5:43:14 PM
in the realm of genghis
khan with tim cope
Join Tim Cope on this unforgettable exploratory style trek through the Gobi Desert.
Australian Geographic and can’t wait to share his passion and his fascination for this land and
it’s people.
at a glance
Day 1Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Day 2Travel to Mongol Els
Day 3Travel to Kharkhorin (Karakorum)
Day 4Drive south towards Ikh Bogd via Bayanteeg and Bogd Sum
Days 5-7Commence trekking in Ikh Bogd mountain
Day 8Complete trek, drive to Bichigt Khad
Day 9To Zuun Mod
Day 10Driving to Naran Daats
Days 11-12Driving to ‘Khongriin Els’ – the iconic ‘singing sand dunes’ of the Gobi.
Day 13To Dalanzadgad via Bayand Zad
Day 14Fly to Ulaanbaatar
Day 15Tour concludes
additional deposits required
In addition to the World Expeditions deposit, you will be required to pay an additional deposit
of USD$200 (paid in your local currency at the current rate of exchange). Every year during
the short summer period domestic flights within Mongolia fill very quickly so we require
prepayment of this flight amount to secure seats. This deposit is non-refundable and we
recommend you take out travel insurance at the time of booking.
what’s included
15 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 14 dinners
Expert bilingual guide
Internal flights within Mongolia
Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 15
Comfortable well located hotel in Ulaanbaatar
Fully supported camping during trek including pack animals
Private vehicles
Group medical kit
Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
Tour escorted by Australian Adventurer Tim Cope
Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the
adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the
local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of
cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have
chosen a policy not to ask for such payments.
detailed itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
On arrival in Ulaanbaatar you will be met by our representative and transferred to the group hotel.
Following an orientation tour of the city and a traditional Mongolian concert, involving unique throat
singing known as khoomi, we will have a pre trek briefing at around 6pm.
Often called UB by foreigners, Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia’s largest city however it still retains a small
town feel. The city is built along the Tuul River and surrounded by mountains. If you are arriving
3 – © 2013 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Rachel Imber 27/08/2012 5:43:14 PM
in the realm of genghis
khan with tim cope
Join Tim Cope on this unforgettable exploratory style trek through the Gobi Desert.
fast facts
Countries Visited:
Mongolia
Visas:
Yes*
Vaccinations:
Please consult a travel vaccination
specialist for up to date information
Private Groups:
Private group options are not
available for this trip
Singles:
A single supplement is available for this trip*
Leader:
Western Escort & local leaders in country
Brochure Reference:
Active Adventures
*Ask our staff for more information.
early you may wish to spend some time visiting one of the many monasteries and museums in the
city before the rest of the group arrive.
Overnight: Hotel
meals: L,D
Day 2Travel to Mongol Els
This morning we travel westwards by 4WD vehicle across the rolling green grasslands of Central
Mongolia to an area approx 275 km from Ulaanbaatar. Mongol Els is a stunning area featuring sand
dunes, rock formations and a small meandering river and lake. We stop along the way to enjoy a
picnic lunch in our spectacular surrounds. In the afternoon there is the option to do some horse or
camel riding, hike to the picturesque ruins of a monastery (Ovgon Khiid), or relax at camp and enjoy
the breathtaking scenery.
Overnight: Camp
meals: B,L,D
Day 3Travel to Kharkhorin (Karakorum)
After an early start we continue our drive west to explore the ancient ruins of Karakorum, which
for a short time served as the capital of the Mongol Empire under Ogedei Khan. Its ruins lie in the
northwestern corner of the Övörkhangai Province, near today’s town of Kharkhorin. The location
marks the eastern foothills of the Khangai Mountains, where they meet the rolling steppe of central
Mongolia, and forms part of the World Heritage Site - Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape.
There is not a lot left of the old city except for the impressive Erdene Zuu Monastery. This
monastery was built in the 16th century with building materials from the city and consists of
beautiful (Tibetan style) temples, statues and stupas. Since the collapse of communism in 1990 the
monastery has again become active and is a draw card for many pilgrims.
After lunch we continue our journey, Driving to Arvaikheer and camping on the steppe near
Khairkhan Ulaan.
Overnight: Camp
meals: B,L,D
Day 4Drive south towards Ikh Bogd via Bayanteeg and Bogd Sum
Today will be a full day of driving south towards Ikh Bogd Uul via Bayanteeg and Bogd Sum. As we
drive we will leave the Khangai Mountains of central Mongolia and enter the wide open spaces that
form the northern fringes of the Gobi desert. Eventually we will make camp in the plains below Ikh
Bogd mountain (3957m).
Overnight: Camp
meals: B,L,D
Days 5-7Commence trekking in Ikh Bogd mountain
The trek starts from Bituut valley at around 1200m and follows the route that nomads take with their
animals to the high mountain slopes for grazing. Accompanied by camels or yaks and local nomads
we will spend three days trekking towards the summit of Ikh Bogd mountain that rises to a height
of 3957m. This place is known locally as the “desert watch tower” as from its lofty slopes one can
see several hundred kilometers in all directions. Ikh Bogd moutain is part of the tail end of the Altai
Mountain range and was at the centre of a massive earthquake in 1957 - the biggest quake on
Mongolian territory with a reading of 8.1 on the Richter scale. The earthquake sheered some of the
slopes in Ikh Bogd in half sending gigantic rock avalanches into the river valleys that remain full of
rubble to this day.
This remote and wild mountain hosts a diverse range of wildlife ranging from mountain goats,
marmots, black kites, buzzards and snow leopards.
The third day of trekking will include an optional climb to the very summit of the mountain.
Overnight: Camp
meals: B,L,D
4 – © 2013 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Rachel Imber 27/08/2012 5:43:14 PM
in the realm of genghis
khan with tim cope
Join Tim Cope on this unforgettable exploratory style trek through the Gobi Desert.
responsible travel
The environments we travel through are
fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to
minimise the impact of our presence. World
Expeditions were the proud recipients of
the inaugural Australian National Travel
Industry’s Environmental Achievement award
for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This
detailed guide to responsible and sustainable
travel is provided to all World Expeditions
clients before they travel. Please ask your
consultant if you have not received your copy
of our award winning book. Alternatively,
you may like to download a copy from our
website www.worldexpeditions.com
trip grading
The Australian Geographic Gobi Expedition
is rated level 5 - moderate. You will need a
good level of fitness and be in good health.
To prepare for a moderate trek you should
begin training at least three months prior
to your departure. As a guideline, an hour
of aerobic exercise three to four times per
week would be considered a minimum
requirement. Remember the fitter you are
the more enjoyable your experience will be.
adventure travel
By its very nature adventure travel involves
an element of the unexpected. In remote
and developing countries do not expect
standards you are used to at home. Remote
areas are sometimes unpredictable and
itineraries may be altered. To get the
most out of your adventure it is important
that you are flexible, positive and eager
to take on all the challenges that arise. If
you are uncertain about your suitability for
this trip we recommend that you speak
with your consultant or travel agent.
Day 8Complete trek, drive to Bichigt Khad
On the high plateau below the summit of Ikh Bogd Uul we will be met by the four wheel drive
vehicles and begin a descent to the southern side of the mountain via Bayangovi. Our destination is
Bichigt Khad - a world class petroglyphic site, where rock carvings date back to the Bronze age. The
nearby Tsagaan Agui or White Cave is believed to be the place the earliest human inhabitance in
Mongolia, with evidence human presence dating as far back as 700,000 years ago.
Overnight: Camp
meals: B,L,D
Day 9To Zuun Mod
From the petroglyphs we drive further ever deeper into the remote Gobi desert via Altan Uul and will
camp by Zuun Mod which is a beautiful oasis of trees and bushes among the sand dunes
meals: B,L,D
Day 10Driving to Naran Daats
We reach Naran Daats,one of the most remote areas of the Gobi desert where even the hardy
nomads do not live because of the lack of water. Here we will visit a dinosaur excavation site where
fossilized remains of dinosaurs and other fresh-water inhabitants have been found. These findings
are a clear indication that this part of the Mongolian Gobi was a depository or fresh-water riverbed
some 100-200 million years ago.
meals: B,L,D
Days 11-12Driving to ‘Khongriin Els’ – the iconic ‘singing sand dunes’ of the Gobi.
We spend two days driving through remote desert via, Gurvan Tes, and the village of Sevrei. This
landscape is one of constantly changing rock formations, salt pans, and a surprising array of colour
from the tough desert plants to red, purple and green mountains. Nomads living in this region are
very sparsely populated and almost completely self-reliant.
Eventually we arrive in ‘Khongriin Els’ – the iconic ‘singing sand dunes’ of the Gobi. These dunes
rise like mountains along a long narrow valley and will make the perfect location for some reflection
about our journey. We will stay in a ger camp and have the opportunity to explore the dunes on foot
or camel.
Day 11, Camp. Day 12, Tourist Ger Camp.
meals: B,L,D
Day 13To Dalanzadgad via Bayand Zad
We drive from Khongoriin Els dunes via Bayand Zad (a unique desert forest of Saksaul trees) and
with a possible visit to the renowned gorge of Yolyn Am, the floor of which is covered in a thick
sheet of ice for most of the year. We will drive onwards from here and camp near Dalanzadgad
which is the capital of South Gobi.
meals: B,L,D
Day 14Fly to Ulaanbaatar
Today we fly to Ulaanbaatar where we will have some time to do some last minute shopping. In the
evening we will join for a farewell meal.
meals: B,L,D
Day 15Tour concludes
After breakfast your tour concludes. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
meals: B
This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
5 – © 2013 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Rachel Imber 27/08/2012 5:43:14 PM
in the realm of genghis
khan with tim cope
Join Tim Cope on this unforgettable exploratory style trek through the Gobi Desert.
important note country information
These trip notes represent the most
current information for this itinerary, and
may supersede any information in the
current brochure, including but not limited
to the itinerary and price. The itinerary
should be seen as a guide only. This
itinerary may change at any time due to
inclement weather, forces of nature and
other circumstances beyond our control.
Mongolia is a vast country, dominated by the steppes to the north and the Gobi Desert to the
south. It is landlocked and with an average altitude of 1,580m (5,180 ft), it is one of the worlds
highest countries. Between the deserts are lakes, both salt and freshwater. Lake Hovsgol holds
2% of the worlds fresh water – so fresh you can drink it.
The nomadic lifestyle in Mongolia prevails even in the growing urban landscape around
Ulaanbaatar, where gers (yurt is a Russian word for ger) are found between the crumbling Soviet
style buildings. The ger is the centrepiece of Mongolian traditions. The mobility of the tent suits
the nomadic lifestyle, and the layout of the interior is culturally significant. The door always faces
the south and the rear is reserved as a place of honour for guests, where a family altar is found
decorated with family photos and Buddhist images.
The predominant religion of Mongolia is Buddhism, which has been revived following the lifting
of the ban on religion in 1990. Historically, Mongolia has had close ties with Tibet through the
Buddhist religion, and many similarities exist in the culture and lifestyle of these two countries.
Mongolian religion and their nomadic lifestyle is depicted in their music, literature and artwork.
Throat (or Khoomi) singing is a particular style of male singing which requires special training,
and involves several notes being released at once from the base of the throat. Contortionism is
also a Mongolian tradition, and dance performances will often include a sequence.
The language is Mongolian - part of the Ural- Altaic family which also includes Finnish, Turkish,
Uzbek and Korean. The language is written using the Russian Cyrillic alphabet.
Although it’s only the fifth largest in the world, the Gobi Desert is the most expansive arid
region on the Asian continent. The desert spans two countries, covering parts of northern and
northwestern China and up into southern Mongolia.The desert is far less sandy than other
deserts. Instead, the desert floor is mostly bare rock, due in most part to the high winds that
whip across the plateau.
political situation
In 1990 Mongolia abandoned its 70-year-old Soviet-style one-party state and embraced political
and economic reforms. Democracy and privatisation were enshrined in a new constitution.
climate
Mongolia has an extreme climate, with a temperature range to suit. Droughts and unusually cold
and snowy winters are not unusual. June through July are rainy months, August is late summer.
The region is alpine so daytime temperatures can fluctuate between 10º - 25º C (50º - 77º
F), and evenings between -10º – 0 º C (14º - 32º F). It can snow on any day of the year in the
mountains.
A rain shadow desert, Gobi suffers from having most of its rain blocked by the Himalayas.
However, this doesn’t mean the region receives zero precipitation. In fact, the Gobi gets about 7
inches of rainfall each year.
The Gobi is a cold desert, thanks to its northern location and height (roughly 1520 meters above
sea level at the area’s highest points). As a result, sometimes frost and even snow can be seen.
what you carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location
and weather), a rain jacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as
sunscreen, lip-eze etc. Pack animals carry all group gear and your trek pack.
equipment required
Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is
provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking). A sleeping bag is required on
6 – © 2013 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Rachel Imber 27/08/2012 5:43:14 PM
in the realm of genghis
khan with tim cope
Join Tim Cope on this unforgettable exploratory style trek through the Gobi Desert.
this trip but can be hired in Mongolia. Please ask your reservations consultant for relevant costs
as this must be prearranged prior to your departure.
what’s not included
International airfares
Visa
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Meals and beverages not mentioned in itinerary
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
Tips and gratuities
info nights
World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel information nights. These
special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced
and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a info night schedule or
register on our website - www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to
register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!
private groups
The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for
many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can
organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity’s, schools or even
work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from
itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today.
subscribe to our e-newsletter
To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and
adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter! You can do this on line through our
website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office.
social networking
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WorldExpeditions
trip availability
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There
are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space
on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure
services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The
demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can
assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our
team at your earliest convenience.
how to book
To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non
refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function for most trips, or
if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to us by fax, or mail your
booking form and deposit to your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent. We can also
help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get
you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that
you wish to take in conjunction with the main World Expeditions trip.
7 – © 2013 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Automated Import 7/01/2013 5:42:28 PM