Dear Friends, - Tour Mongolia | Travel to Bhutan · As the foremost tour operator of Mongolia, it has been our privilege to organize: ... Sayan, Khangai and Khentii, with peaks reaching

Dear Friends,We are truly fortunate to be able to travel and experience new places, meet new people and explore this vast and exciting world in which we all live. As I continue to explore our amazing planet, I am for many wonderful reasons drawn back to Mongolia, where Nomadic Expeditions began over two decades ago. At the heart of Mongolia’s compelling attraction is my love for my ancestral homeland, where the tradition of hospitality and deep respect for nature has guided the daily lives of nomads for centuries. Traveling through lands of such timeless natural beauty, meeting the people for whom kindness and respect for that beauty are so essential to thier lives, has affected me in a way for which I will be forever grateful.

Memories that remain most dear to my heart are those of exploring Mongolia through the eyes of my son when we first traveled there together many years ago. Sharing that indescribable thrill of discovery with those closest to you is an experience I highly recommend to all. It is with that intimate journey in mind that we have created expeditions for families, in the hope that you too can share an unforgettable adventure with your loved ones.

As interest in these lands increases daily, new pressures adversely threaten the Earth’s delicate ecosystems and traditional cultures. We all have an obligation to ensure that future generations of fathers, mothers, sons and daughters can share these treasures by learning all we can from those whose traditional ways have so much to teach us about conservation and sustainability.

I hope you will join us for both a journey of discovery to experience these remarkable places and in our efforts to preserve the ecosystems and wildlife of Mongolia and all the Earth’s untamed places.

Jalsa UrubshurowFounder and CEO

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About Nomadic Expeditions 5Why Travel With Us 6Our Commitment to Sustainable Tourism 8Special Projects 9Where We Go Mongolia 10 Bhutan 12 China 13 Siberia 14 Tibet 15Festivals 16Our Expeditions 18Small Group Travel & Trip Pages 20Private Journeys 82Family Adventures & Sample Itineraries 84Nomadic Rail Journeys & Trip Pages 88Three Camel Lodge 96How to Book 98General Infomation 100Our Affliations/Travel With A Cause 102Contact Us 103

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The leading provider of travel services to Mongolia’s most fascinating destinations, Nomadic

Expeditions began building its worldwide reputation in 1992 following the advent of the new

Mongolian democracy. Also a pioneer in nearby regional expeditions comprising the countries

and regions of Bhutan, China, Tibet and Siberia, our company offers a wide range of travel services

to meet the needs and desires of any individual traveler or group. With offices in both Mongolia

and the United States, we are dedicated to providing the most intimate level of service to every

client. The moment you first speak with one of our personable and knowledgeable representatives

carries throughout the unforgettable journey crafted to your interests, and up to the moment of

your departure for home and beyond we will be at your side and fully at your service.

The Three Stones of the Hearth

• Unrivaled Experience means we expertly plan your journey down to the smallest details. Our staff are knowledgeable, creative, precise, and driven, and each is an expert in the skills necessary for leading rewarding adventure travel. Our experience exploring Mongolia and beyond is rivaled by no other travel company, and the talents and abilities we possess ensure that an adventure taken with Nomadic Expeditions will be exciting, enriching, enjoyable and safe — an experience likely to exceed your expectations.

• Responsibility is the assurance that the preservation and protection of the ecosystems and cultures we visit is of the utmost importance to us, both as individuals and as a company. Our reverence and respect for the places we travel to combined with our intimate knowledge of the destinations affect every aspect of our expeditions, from planning yours to helping preserve it for the future.

• Real, True Adventure is the heart of our motto and mission. The destinations we travel to house an incredible diversity of ecosystems and an array of traditional cultures awaiting discovery by those with an appreciation for the world’s truly wild places. To journey through each, a traveler must step back in time — long before the industry of ‘tourism’, when there were no detailed maps indicating ‘points of interest’ — and rely on the knowledge and kindness of locals to aid them on their expedition. We are dedicated to encouraging travelers to discover that the hidden corners of our world contain the most valuable souvenirs: friendships formed with the local people, and the insights they share about the remarkable places they call home.

Nomads traveling across Mongolia have long spoken of the “three stones of the hearth,” each the right size and shape needed to support the pot above the fire each night. These three stones represent the foundation required for a successful journey, and for those traveling with Nomadic Expeditions it is our experience, commitment to responsible travel, and dedication to seeking out true adventure that form the foundation of every extraordinary trip we craft and lead.

Why Travel with Nomadic Expeditions

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Our Commitment to Sustainable Tourism We are passionately committed to upholding the unique cultural, historic, and natural qualities that make travel to all of our destinations so rewarding. We don’t just transport you to an irreplaceable destination — we believe in an expansive approach to tourism, and invite you to participate in a growing global conversation. Through ours and our travelers’ investments in philanthropic efforts such as environmental education, community development initiatives, and the support of traditional arts, we strive to play a leading role in preserving the wonders of each region’s landscapes and cultures. By giving directly to local communities and supporting individuals and organizations operating both within Mongolia and beyond, we can help to protect the treasures that make this part of the world so unique: from the clear waters of its lakes and rivers and the abundant wildlife found throughout its diverse ecosystems to centuries-old artistic traditions and the customs of the ancient cultures living in the desert, mountains, and steppes.

Our long list of expedition clients and partners includes many of the world’s foremost authorities on conservation and preservation, with the Nature Conservancy, the Massachusetts Audubon Society and National Geographic Expeditions among them. By partnering with these and other educational and conservation organizations, we create connections amongst travelers that promote a dialog about the importance of preserving the wild places of our planet. Examples of our philanthropic efforts include:

• Establishment and funding of the Golden Eagle Festival, a cultural event which preserves the traditional culture of Mongolia’s Kazakh hunters• Sponsorship of the Thousand Camel Festival’s camel herding competition and provision of the award for its winner• Donation and planting of trees in the Gobi Desert and at the Dalanzadgad secondary school• Donations to the Lotus Children’s Center orphanage and the Deaf Children’s Kindergarten in Ulaanbaatar• Annual contributions to the local Bulgan Sum and local community Naadam Festival’s athletic and cultural events• Support of local conservation non-profit organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Mongolia office and Snow Leopard Conservancy’s Mongolia program• Support of national/international non-profit organizations like the Tibet House, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Children’s Tumor Foundation

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Special Projects Our company has planned and provided logistical support for a wide range of projects, to a diverse list of clients. Utilizing the knowledge and creativity of our staff as well as an extensive network of professional contacts, we have arranged visits for official delegations, scholars studying the region’s cultures and ecology, and medical teams traveling to remote villages by helicopter and on horseback. Artists, paleontologists, naturalists and student groups have all benefited from our many years of experience and expertise, as have filmmakers and photographers shooting some of Asia’s most striking scenery. We have provided pre-production and ground services for film crews using IMAX Solido 3D cameras, as well as set construction and talent casting services.

As the foremost tour operator of Mongolia, it has been our privilege to organize:

• Filming expeditions for IMAX and National Geographic Television production crews• Media production excursions for for print and online publications,• Scientific expeditions, including dinosaur fossil excavations and wildlife surveys• International and local nonprofit environmental study tours• Land Rover North America’s first Mongolian overland expedition• Solar eclipse journeys for groups of over 250 travelers• Artist exhibitions and exploratory trips for the Arts Council of Mongolia• Aerial filming productions and other projects requiring helicopter transportation• Exploratory birding trips targeting Central Asian rarities and endemics• Logistical planning and support for international rallies, and marathons• Board meetings, conferences and business meetings for international and local corporations• Traditional weddings

Mongolia’s vast countryside is widely inhabited by nomadic herders who consider their native landscape sacred. This ‘last wilderness nation’ entered the 21st century with its heritage largely intact, and it remains one of the most sparsely populated countries on Earth. From some of the world’s wildest mountain ranges - the Altai, Sayan, Khangai and Khentii, with peaks reaching 14,000 feet - to the heart of the fragrant conifer forest’s Lake Hovsgol, the Gobi, and beyond, the magnificence of the land of Chinggis Khan remains largely as it began thousands of years ago.

The core of the conifer forest far to the north conceals the cleanest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Hovsgol, christened

the Dark Blue Pearl of Mongolia. Eighty five miles long and over 800 feet deep, it is a great rift lake and holds more than 1% of the world’s fresh water. Unlike its nearby big sister Lake Baikal in Siberia, Hovsgol remains unspoiled by contamination. In the far west, the Great Lakes Depression contains Mongolia’s largest lake, Uvs Nuur, and many other still water bodies of varying character and great beauty. All of the country’s lakes are fed and drained by a system of rivers great and small, some flowing north to the Arctic Ocean, some eastward to the Pacific, and the remainder ending in shallow salt lakes in the Gobi.

Oceanic grasslands carpeted in the summer in swaths of yellow cinquefoil, pink primrose and blue iris extend south of

Mongolia

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the mountains to the far east, across the Russian and Chinese borders, forming the largest continuous steppe in the world - 10 times the size of the Serengeti. In the lowermost region of Mongolia’s expanse, past the vast plains, there lies an immense region of desert: the Gobi.

The name Gobi universally draws up images of the remote, the exotic, and the formidable, and not without good cause. The scale of the Gobi’s landscape is indeed breathtaking, but first time visitors may be surprised at the great variety and beauty of the desert. The towering sand dunes of Hongoryn Els, the craggy juniper-clad peaks of the Gobian Altai, the saxaul ‘forests,’ colorful desert flora and bird-filled lakes are all equally enchanting, as are the red sandstone spires of the Flaming Cliffs - where Roy Chapman Andrews began the Mongolian dinosaur

rush by bringing to light the first Oviraptor eggs the world had ever seen.

Along with its magnificent scenery and the rich cultural history that survives in the land’s welcoming, big-hearted nomadic herders, Mongolia is home to some of the most spectacular wildlife on Earth. Elk are common in the northern forests and mountain regions throughout the country harbor healthy populations of Argali, the largest of the world’s bighorn sheep, as well as Ibex, the agile mountain goat. Gazelle, the Wild Bactrian Camel, the Gobi Bear, and various bird species (including raptors such as the Steppe and Golden Eagle) all exist in the wilds of Mongolia, as well as the Takhi [Przewalski’s Horse] - the last remaining wild horse in the world.

Visitors exploring Bhutan’s traditional villages and mountain trails feel as if they’ve traveled back in time. In a country where no postage stamps existed before 1962 and no airports were built until 1982, the capital has no traffic lights, there are restrictions on billboards, plastic bags, and tourists, and GNH (Gross National Happiness) is the government’s priority. Bhutan is a land that few

people in the world have visited, and its scenic beauty is legendary. Hike along paths winding through hills and dipping valleys, taking in some of the most impressive panoramic landscapes in all of Asia, and attend some of the most important cultural festivals native to the region - including Ura Yakchoe and Jambay Lhakhang - which have been running annually for centuries.

Bhutan

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To walk along the structure known as the Great Wall of China - several thousand miles of fortifications built over the course of 2,000 years - is to walk in the footsteps of sentinels from centuries past, watching the horizon for northern invaders. Constructed by the first ruler of the Qin dynasty, who began by connecting existing fortifications into a long string of protective defensive structures, the Great Wall is now mainly besieged by a modern-day invasion of tourists. Areas such as Mutianyu

in the countryside outside of Beijing, however, offer visitors a quieter and more peaceful opportunity to experience the grandeur of this historic edifice. The Great Wall, along with the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army of Xi’an, and the more than three dozen World Heritage Sites housed within the country of China are an amazing and rich testament of history, culture, and innovation.

China

Home to the oldest and deepest lake in the world - Lake Baikal, in and around which freshwater seals bathe, and sable and lynx stalk the encroaching wilderness - Mongolia’s northern neighbor contains a sizable collection of beautiful historic towns. Irkutsk, the famed ‘Paris of Siberia’ founded in the 1660s, boasts traditional wooden houses and Orthodox churches

that have survived throughout the centuries. Listvyanka, a charming lakeside village founded by 17th-century pioneers, attracts visitors with its museum of wooden architecture, the Baikal Limnological Museum, and the famous Saint Nicholas Church - all of which is set against the tranquil backdrop of the Angara River, one of Siberia’s hottest kayaking destinations.

Siberia

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Lhasa: the center of the mythic land in the shadow of Everest, it sits in as dramatic a location as any capital city on Earth, ringed by mountains and crowned in clouds. This amazing city houses both Tibet’s most important spiritual centers and its palace. Jokhang Temple Monastery draws a steady stream of visitors to its halls filled with exquisite Buddhist art, while Drepung is a huge monastery that - at its peak - housed 10,000 monks. Potala Palace, justifiably Lhasa’s most famous

landmark, is an awe-inspiring 17th-century structure that served as the winter palace for generations of Dalai Lamas, and Samye, in a valley outside the city, was built in a remarkable mandala design as the first monastery in Tibet. An average 13,000 feet above sea level, Tibet’s spectacular mountain scenery and unique spiritual history compel travelers, year after year, to visit its remote and enigmatic wonders.

Tibet

Festivals

Golden Eagle Festival

A proud ancestral tradition survives in the remote wilderness of Mongolia’s far western frontier: Kazakh nomads set out on horseback, Golden Eagles perched on their arms, to hunt among the forests and valleys of the Altai Mountains. The raptor of choice for the Kazakh hunter is the female Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), which weighs up to fifteen pounds and is prized for its strength, boldness and keen eyesight. Thousands of skilled Kazakh horsemen are said to have ridden with their eagles in the armies of Chinggis Khan.

In 2000, Nomadic Expeditions CEO Jalsa Urubshurow founded the Golden Eagle Festival with the aim of preserving this venerable Kazakh hunting tradition and protecting the nomads’ magnificent birds of prey. Held annually in early October, this renowned festival features two days of competitions testing the speed and skill of the hunters and their eagles, as well as performances and ceremonies in their honor. A thrilling celebration of nomadic traditions, the Golden Eagle Festival showcases the crafts, culture and heritage of the Kazakhs who--for generations--have lived in this wild and beautiful region of Mongolia.

Lunar New Year

Mongolia’s Lunar New Year, or Tsagaan Sar, is the country’s most significant national festival. Traditionally it is an occasion to visit with family, spend time with older relatives, and celebrate the approach of spring. Mongolians typically enjoy large family meals featuring homemade dairy products and steamed dumplings, giving thanks for the survival of their herds through the long winter. For visitors, the holiday is a fascinating time to experience Mongolia’s customs and culture. Those traveling to Ulaanbaatar during Tsagaan Sar can attend the special New Year horse races and wrestling competitions, and share a traditional holiday feast with a Mongolian family.

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Naadam Games

The festivities surrounding Mongolia’s Naadam Games are among the most colorful and joyous of the year. Held each summer in communities throughout the country, these celebrations and competitions date back centuries and feature the three traditional Mongolian “manly sports” of archery, wrestling and horse racing. Competitors now include men, women, boys, and girls, who wear colorful traditional finery as they demonstrate their impressive skills. Archers take aim at distant targets with bows fashioned from wood, horn and sinew, firing with the legendary accuracy for which their ancestors were renowned as they rode with the armies of the great Mongol Empire. Wrestlers wearing silk vests and ornamental boots perform the symbolic ‘eagle’s dance,’ before trying to force their opponent’s elbow or knee to the ground in a contest of strength and strategy. And perhaps most thrilling of all: young jockeys ride in races of up to thirty kilometers, galloping across the grasslands on swift Mongolian horses.

Ice Festival

Travelers attending the Ice Festival, scheduled each year during the week following the Lunar New Year holiday, can enjoy exciting competitions and interact with local nomads as well as with reindeer-herding Tsataan, who travel up to 150 kilometers with their reindeer to attend the festival. Following an opening ceremony dedicating the festival to the ‘mother lake,’ horse-drawn sleigh races, reindeer races and traditional anklebone-shooting contests are held on Hovsgol’s frozen surface. Wrestling and driving competitions on the ice, a market where handmade clothing, food, and crafts are sold, and the unspoiled alpine scenery of Lake Hovsgol are all part of the magnificent experience.

Thousand Camel Festival

One of the world’s most unusual and entertaining cultural events, the Thousand Camel Festival is held amidst the singular beauty of the Gobi in winter. This annual celebration and competition takes place following the Lunar New Year in the desert town of Bulgan Sum, and celebrates the Bactrian camel and the important role it plays in the lives of the desert’s nomads. Beginning with a parade featuring camel riders dressed in traditional attire, events include camel polo matches, camel herding competitions and performances of traditional music and dance. The Thousand Camel Festival is organized by a local non-governmental organization working to protect and preserve the Bactrian camel population, which has been in decline for over a decade, and offers visitors the chance to learn about these beautiful animals and meet the camel herders of the Gobi.

Nomadic Expeditions’ collection of trips is as diverse and distinctive as the adventurers who join us. On all of our expeditions, travelers can expect the extraordinary and the unforgettable: whether traveling in search of thrills or tranquility, we have a journey for every traveler with an adventurous spirit and a love for discovering the world’s hidden wonders. From the incense-filled halls of centuries-old Buddhist temples to the rousing excitement of the Naadam Games in the Gobi, these trips offer something for every curious traveler. Join us in exploring some of the world’s most fascinating traditions, legendary historical sites and awe-inspiring spiritual centers on trips that are enriched by the insights of our expert guides and the warm welcome extended to all visitors traveling with Nomadic Expeditions.

Our Expeditions

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Cultural Journeys - The world’s diverse locales are not only a source of significant beauty, but also full of living history. Travelers seeking intimate experiences with local communities, festivals, archaeological dig sites, and breathtaking open spaces can utilize our expertise, connections and accommodations with our yearly pre-planned departures. Our Cultural Travel covers some of the most amazing once-in-a-lifetime experiences travelers will ever witness, including the famed Naadam Festival - a celebration and competition dating back to the reign of Chinggis Khan.

Active Adventures - For travelers in search of outdoor adventure, these expeditions offer a wide range of activities — including kayaking on the world’s most pristine lake, horse trekking into the mountain wilderness of Central Mongolia, crossing the Gobi by camel, and hiking through Western Mongolia’s spectacular Altai Mountains and lake district. The pace and activity level of our expeditions vary — most can be enjoyed by any adventurous traveler, while some are designed to challenge even the hardiest of explorers. Contact us to find out which of Nomadic Expeditions’ Active Adventures are right for you.

Cross Border Expeditions - With our Cross Border Expeditions, travelers have the luxury of visiting some of the most amazing regions in multiple countries during one exciting expedition. From Mongolia to Siberia, China to Tibet, and China to Mongolia, these expeditions are designed with a multicultural feel in mind. So, you have nearly two weeks of vacation time: how do you choose between Tibet, China, and Mongolia? If you’re on the departure for our incredible From Mystical Tibet to Nomadic Mongolia, the simple answer is that you don’t have to.

Natural History Tours - Asia is home to a fascinating array of historically significant sites and points of interest. Mongolia in particular contains a large number of natural wonders, and we make it our mission to showcase the best of them in every journey we lead. From festivals held in celebration of endemic species to native Deer Stone monuments, current archaeological finds, and expeditions in search of famous sites discovered by legendary adventurer Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews, these tours capture a multitude of unique regions not to be missed.

Small Group TravelInteracting with travelers from different walks of life in exceptionally beautiful and vast regions has never been more intimate or rewarding. Our group travel covers a wide variety of expeditions which fall into four main categories: Cultural Journeys, Active Adventures, Cross Border Expeditions, and Natural History Tours. Each is an amazing collection of finely-tuned itineraries designed to showcase the best of the regions we visit.

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Across Mongolian Plains p22

Adventure Mongolia p24

Adventure Trekking in the Altai p26

Ancient Empires of the Khans p28

Archaeological Treasures of Mongolia p30

Bhutan: Gangtey Trek p32

Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon p34

Classic Mongolian Odyssey: The Naadam Festival p36

Dinosaurs of the Gobi p38

Epic Mongolian Overland Adventure p40

Explorer’s Mongolia and Siberia p42

From Mystical Tibet to Nomadic Mongolia p44

From Yak to Kayak p46

Gobi Trek p48

Golden Eagle Festival p50

Golden Eagles of the Kazakhs p52

Hidden Treasures of Tibet p54

Horse Trek to Hagiin Har Lake p56

In Search of Dragons and Eagles p58

Journey through the Steppes: Naadam Games p60

Mongolia and Bhutan - Lands of the Buddha p62

Mongolian Vistas p64

Natural History of Mongolia p66

Northern Mongolia on Horseback p68

Temples and Trekking in Tibet p70

The Gobi and North to Siberia p72

The Quest for the Snow Leopard p74

Ultimate Gobi p76

Western Mongolia Expedition p78

Winter Festivals of Mongolia p80

Across Mongolian Plains in the Footsteps of Roy Chapman Andrews

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Day 1 & 2 BeijingArrive in Beijing, sample some of the city’s finest cuisines and visit historic sites, including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Hutong district.

Day 3 & 4 Zhangjiakou | ErlianDrive toward Zhangjiakou (ancient Kalgan), once an important trade pass between Mongolia and China for centuries. Explore the famous Dajing Gate of the Great Wall and hike West Taiping Mountain, heading to the ancient military fortress Buzili afterward. The next morning, drive to Erlian.

Day 5 & 6 Erlian | Sainshand | Hamriin HiidExplore the sights and sounds of the modern trade town Erlian, including a dinosaur park. Board the train for Sainshand, visiting the Museum of Danzanravjaa and various Buddhist temples including Hamriin Hiid in the morning and early afternoon.

Day 7 & 8 Ikh Nart | Gorkhi-Terelj National Park | Horse TrekDrive to Ikh Nart via Choir (Tauren) and visit its nature reserve, home to the last remaining populations of over 300 different mammal, reptile, bird and plant species. The next day, discover the nearby Gorkhi-Terelj National Park where Roy Chapman Andrews spent months camping with his expedition.

Day 9 Ulaanbaatar | South Gobi | Local Naadam FestivalDrive to Ulaanbaatar in the morning and then fly to the South Gobi region. Attend the Naadam Festival, a competition dating to the time of Chinggis Khan, and then spend the night at our luxury ecolodge, the Three Camel Lodge.

Day 10 - 12 Yol Valley | Hongoryn Els | KhavstgaitSpend the next three days exploring the verdant Yol Valley, the ‘singing’ sand dunes of Hongoryn Els, and the preserved petroglyphs of Khavstgait.

Day 13 Tugrugiin Shiree | Bulgan | Flaming CliffsDrive to the Tugrugiin Shiree escarpment, famous for its ‘Fighting Dinosaurs’ fossil, and then discover the town of Bulgan and its natural spring in the afternoon. Relax in the evening by the legendary Flaming Cliffs.

Day 14 & 15 UlaanbaatarFly back to Ulaanbaatar and for the next two days visit the National History Museum, the Zaisan Memorial, and the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum. Explore the Bogd Khan Winter Palace, home of Mongolia’s last theocrat, and enjoy a traditional Mongolian musical performance.

Day 16 Departure

One of the most celebrated explorers of the 20th century, Roy Chapman Andrews had an uncommon hunger for adventure and a gift for storytelling. Named for his book, “Across Mongolian Plains,” and inspired by his love of exploring, this journey follows in the footsteps of his Central Asiatic Expeditions on a beguiling blend of history, unique culture, scenic wilderness and active adventures. Explore ancient Beijing and Kalgan (modern-day Zhangjiakou), Ulaanbaatar, the Gobi Desert, and the Flaming Cliffs on this expedition, awarded the prestigious 50 Tours of a Lifetime distinction by National Geographic Traveler.

16 Days

7 Hotel Nights1 Ger Camp Nights

2 Tented Nights4 nights at our award-winning

Three Camel Lodge1 Train Cabin Night

Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension to Beijing, China Post-Trip Extension to Siberia’s Lake Baikal

Post-Trip Extension to Mongolia’s Lake Hovsgol

www.NomadicExpeditions.com | [email protected]

Adventure Mongolia

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Day 1 UlaanbaatarExplore Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s dynamic capital city, where traditional wooden temples sit side-by-side with modern high-rises.

Day 2 Hustain Nuruu | Karakorum Drive to Karakorum, site of the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire, via stop at Hustain Nuruu National Park to see wild horses.

Day 3 Erdene Zuu Monastery | Tsenheriin Hot SpringVisit the impressive monastery reputedly built from its ruins in the 16th century, then travel across scenic steppe and forested hills to Tsenheriin Hot Spring, and enjoy a soak in the mineral-rich waters.

Day 4 - 7 Horse Trek | Naadam Festival | Taikhar RockTravel on horseback in traditional Mongolian style to Tsetserleg, the capital of beautiful Arkhangai Province. Attend the horse races, wrestling tournaments and archery matches of the Naadam Festival, before continuing on to Taikhar Rock and the lovely Tamir River Valley.

Day 8 - 12 Ongiin Hiid | Flaming Cliffs | Yol Valley | Hongoryn ElsDrive across the vast steppe to the Gobi Desert. Hike and camel trek through diverse landscapes, including dramatic red sandstone cliffs, towering

sand dunes and deep desert valleys.Day 13 UlaanbaatarReturn to Ulaanbaatar, visit the Fine Arts Museum and enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian music and dance.

Day 14 Departure

Leave the beaten path behind and explore the pine-forested mountains and meadows of the Central Mongolian countryside, crossing the dramatic landscapes of the Gobi Desert. Journey through the Orkhon Valley--the cradle of Mongolian civilization in which Erdene Zuu Monastery was erected from the ruins of the legendary Karakorum--weave in and out of the hot springs and summer ger camps, and gaze in awe at the towering sand dunes and red sandstone cliffs of the Gobi. Want more? Join our July departure, and travel on horseback to the famed Naadam Festival.

14 Days



Three Camel Lodge

Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension to Western Mongolia’s Altai Mountains

Post-Trip Extension to Mongolia’s Lake Hovsgol


Adventure Trekking in the Altai Mountains

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Day 1 & 2 Ulaanbaatar | Ulgii Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, visit the Zaisan Memorial on a hill overlooking the city. Fly to Ulgii the following day and drive to the campsite at the Tsambagarav Mountain.

Day 3 & 4 Tsambagarav | Namarjin Valley | Tavan Belchir Gorge Begin the trek towards the permanently snow-capped peak of Tsambagarav Mountain, passing through the stunning Namarjin Valley and Tavan Belchir Gorge.

Day 5 & 6 Tsambagarav | Har Asga Camp |Maraat Valley Continue trekking through the foothills of Tsambagarav Mountain, across glaciers, boulders and grassy hills, visiting Uuld and Kazakh families along the way.

Day 7 & 8 Had Uzuur Bridge | Tolbo LakeAfter hiking down Bayan Gol Zuslan, complete the trek at Had Uzuur Bridge. The following day, drive to crystal clear Tolbo Lake, stopping to visit the homes of Uriankhai families whose culture and traditions have been preserved for centuries.

Day 9 & 10 Ulaanbaatar Following a visit to a museum and mosque in Ulgii, return to Ulaanbaatar. Spend a day exploring Gandan Monastery and the National aHistory and Bogd Gegen Winter Palace Museums. Enjoy an evening performance of throat singing.

Day 11 Departure

The high altitude of the Altai Mountain Range, with several peaks that reach over 14,000 feet, is a spectacular and otherworldly view that few people in the world have witnessed. Travelers on excursions through the foothills of the mountains breathe deeply as glaciers, boulders and grassy hills all pass underfoot, and gaze at permanently snow-capped mountains in the near distance.

11 Days

3 Hotel Nights 7 Tented Nights

Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension to Southern Mongolia’s Gobi Desert

Post-Trip Extension to Western Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival (September departure only)


The Argali - or Mountain Sheep (Ovis ammon) - is the world’s largest wild sheep, and lives in remote mountain regions of Mongolia and elsewhere in Central Asia. The horns of the rams are especially impressive, reaching a length of up to 6.2 feet. During mating season, male sheep rear up on their hind legs and bash heads in competition for females. All of the world’s big horn sheep are close to endangerment due to hunting, habitat destruction and use of body parts in traditional Chinese medicine.

Ancient Empires of the Khans

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Day 1 - 3 Beijing | Great Wall | Ming Tombs Begin exploring Beijing, a former capital of the Mongol Empire, with visits to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Cheng Ling Ming Tombs.

Day 4 & 5 Ulaanbaatar In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s vibrant capital, sample traditional Mongolian dishes, visit the Great Khans Memorial and get an overview of Mongolian history at the National and Bogd Gegen Winter Palace Museums.

Day 6 & 7 Hogno Han Mountains | Karakorum Discover the beauty of the Hogno Han Mountains with a trek along the nearby sand dunes, followed by a journey to Erdene Zuu Monastery, Shankh Hiid and Karakorum, site of the legendary capital of the Mongol Empire.

Day 8 & 9 Ulaanbaatar | Herlen River Return to Ulaanbaatar and visit a nomadic family along the way. The following morning, travel to the Herlen River and Har Zurhnii Hoh Nuur Lake, where it is believed Chinggis Khan was enthroned in 1206.

Day 10 Baldan Bereeven | Oglogchyn FortressDrive to Baldan Bereeven Monastery and Oglogchiin Fortress, thought to be one of the burial sites of the direct lineage of Chinggis Khan.

Day 11&12 Dadal Soum Explore the area known as teh birthplace of Genghis Khan. Day 13 Har Zurkhnii Khoh Lake Drive to the lake where Temuujin was crowned as the Khan of Mongol tribed.

Day 14 UlaanbaatarReturn to Ulaanbaatar. Explore the priceless collection of Buddhist art at the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 15 Departure

During a great meeting of diverse steppe and forest tribes in the Khan Kentii Mountains in 1206, a man from poor nomadic origins was proclaimed Chinggis Khan, ruler of the Great Mongolian Nation. This man and his descendants would dominate half the world for the next few centuries, eventually commingling the arts and culture of other nations with their own - including Yuan Dynasty-era China. Explore the legacy of the Great Khans and the timeless beauty of centuries of dynasties through the incredible landscapes of China and Mongolia.

15 Days

7 Hotel Nights2 Tented Nights

5 Ger Camp Nights

Trip Extensions

Post-Trip Extension to Southern Mongolia’s Gobi Desert


Archaeological Treasures of Mongolia

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Day 1 - 3 Ulaanbaatar | Ulaan Kherem | Har BuhArrive in Ulaanbaatar. Visit Gandan Monastery, the Zaisan Memorial and explore the National History Museum with a local historian. Drive to Ulaan Kherem, an important recently-discovered archaeological site, and Har Buh Fortress, which dates back to the time of Uighar domination.

Day 4 & 5 Ugii Lake | Kultegin Monument | Erdene Zuu Monastery | Har Balgas | Tsenheriin RashaanDrive to Kultegin Monument via Ugii Lake, erected for a prince during the Turkic Empire in the 8th century, along with visits to Erdene Zuu Monastery, Har Balgas - the 9th century Uigur capital in ruins - and the Tsenheriin Rashaan hot springs.

Day 6 - 9 Tsetserleg | Shivertiin Deer Stones | Terkiin Tsagaan Lake | Jargalant SoumExplore the town of Tsetserleg, one of the most beautiful and archaeologically rich areas of the Mongolian heartland, along with the Shivertiin and Chuluut Deer Stones, Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake - the ‘Great White Lake’ of Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park - and the northern Jargalant, in which remains the ruins of Ariin Huree Monastery.

Day 10 - 13 Muron | Hyadagiin Deer Stones | Lake Hovsgol | UlaanbaatarDrive towards Muron, capital of Hovsgol Province, stopping along the way to visit nomadic families. Observe the Hyadagiin Deer Stones, five well-preserved relics, some of which reach the extraordinary height of nine feet. Continue

overland to Lake Hovsgol, exploring the lakeshore and surrounding mountains. Return to Ulaanbaatar.

Day 14 Departure

Monuments to historic deeds, mysterious stone carvings and the metropolitan ruins of once-venerable empires dot the vast expanse of Mongolia. Travelers exploring ancient burial sites, stone men, the ruins of legendary cities and finely-rendered deer stones erected thousands of years ago by Turkic-Mongol tribes also find themselves enveloped in the stunning scenery of Mongolia’s lakes, mountains and steppes - a unique experience not to be missed.

14 Days

3 Hotel Nights 9 Ger Camp Nights 1 Tented Night

Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension to Beijing, China

Pre-Trip Extension to WesternMongolia’s Altai Mountains



An inventive variety of dairy products are among the unusual tastes of Mongolian fare. Made from the milk of cows, goats, mares, sheep, and camels, these include dried and fresh curd, cheeses, butter, and cream. Fermented mare’s milk is also the source of airag, Mongolia’s most popular alcoholic drink, which is usually offered to guests, enjoyed at celebrations, and used in religious ceremonies. As milk symbolizes good will and purity, nomads customarily throw milk as an offering to the gods when someone is departing on a long journey.

Bhutan Gangtey Trek

32

Day 1 & 2 Thimphu Upon arrival in Paro, drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. Explore the Textile Museum, Heritage Museum, Handicrafts Emporium and local market the following day.

Day 3 & 4 Thimphu | Gangtey | GogonaContinue discovering the cultural wonders of Thimphu at the King’s Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong and the National Library, before driving past misty waterfalls and dense forests of oak and rhododendron to Gangtey. Trek along the Phobjika Valley the following morning.

Day 5 - 7 Gogona | Khotokha | Chazam |Wangdiphodrang | Trongsa Spend these days trekking through landscapes rich with wildlife, including Khotokha and Mulaila Pass, followed by a drive through the beautiful Pele La Pass and Nikka Chhu River to Trongsa Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortresses.

Day 8 & 9 Bumthang | Ura Yak-choe FestivalBegin the journey to the valleys of Bumthang, the sacred heartland of Bhutan. Explore the region with trips to Kurje Lhakhang, local markets and the scenic village of Ura. Enjoy the conclusion of the teschu mask and sword dances of the Ura Yak-choe Festival.

Day 10 ParoReturning to Paro, explore historic Ta Dzong,

the Temple of the Tree of Wisdom and other extraordinary fortresses and temples.

Day 11 Paro | Tiger’s NestOn your final day, hike to Bhutan’s iconic Taktsang Monastery—also known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest.’ Perched on a cliff 9700 ft/2950m above the valley floor, Taktsang is a thrilling end to your journey.

Day 12 Departure

The mask-and-sword dances of the Ura Yak-choe Festival are one of Bhutan’s most colorful religious celebrations. Held in the picturesque village of Ura, this exuberant display features music, dancing and religious ceremonies dating back hundreds of years. Travel through the towns and villages of Bhutan, meet farmers, villagers, artisans and monks, and see the finest artistic treasures, ancient valleys and magnificent dzongs of the last remaining Tibetan Buddhist kingdom.

12 Days

4 Hotel Nights3 Lodge Nights4 Tented Nights

Trip Extensions

Pre-trip extension to Tibet

Post-trip extension to Mongolia


Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon

34

Day 1 & 2 Paro | Thimpu Start the journey in Paro, with visits to Kyichu Temple, the National Museum and Drukgyal Dzong, a fortress near majestic Mt. Chomolhari. Travel onwards to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city.

Day 3 & 4 Thimphu | Punakha Explore the Chorten Memorial and the Heritage Museum. Travel to Punakha the following day, where a fortress stands between Pho Chu and Mo Chu, the Male and Female Rivers.

Day 5 & 6 Wangdiphodrang | Phobjikha | TrongsaDrive toward Gangtey via Wangdiphodrang, and spend the following day discovering the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley. Continue to Trongsa, passing forests, waterfalls and frolicking monkeys along the way.

Day 7 - 9 Trongsa | Bumthang | Jambay Lhakhang FestivalThese three days will be spent exploring the incredible valleys of Bumthang, the holiest in Bhutan. Witness the Mewang fire blessing and attend the Jambay Lhakhang Festival.

Day 10 & 11 Paro Fly to Paro and explore Drukyul Dzong and hike to Taktsang Lhakhang—popularly known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’—perched on a cliff face above the valley floor.

Day 12 Departure

With its timeless villages and picturesque valleys, high mountain passes, museums, monasteries, and impressive dzongs - citadels teeming with beautifully-painted wooden architecture - Bhutan is an awe-inspiring country of culture and majestic mountain scenery. The Jambay Lhakhang Festival, held to commemorate the birthday of Guru Rimpoche - widely acknowledged as the founder of Tibetan Buddhism - showcases the brilliance of the teschu mask and sword dances. Little-visited and focused on the preservation of its culture and people, Bhutan remains the jewel of the Himalayas.

12 Days

6 Hotel nights5 Lodge nights

Trip Extensions

Pre-trip extension to Tibet

Post-trip extension to Mongolia


The legend of Bhutan’s Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) dates back to roughly 747 AD, when the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), first visited. The legend states that the Guru flew to the site on the back of a tiger and meditated there, and that he continues to be concealed among the rocks in the cliff in various forms. Today, the iconic monastery sits high above Paro Valley, watching the world from amongst the clouds. Hikers frequently visit the site, which takes approximately two and a half hours to climb.

Classic Mongolian Odyssey: The Naadam Festival

36

Day 1 - 4 Ulaanbaatar | Gun Galuut NatureReserveArrive in Ulaanbaatar. Spend the following two days exploring the Gun Galuut Nature Reserve, a beautiful river valley and mountain range surrounded by rolling steppe and Genghis Khan Statue Complex. Make various visits to local sites, including the Bogd Khan Palace, home of Mongolia’s last theocrat. Fly to Muron, and continue overland to Lake Hovsgol.

Day 5 & 6 Naadam FestivalEnjoy the thrills and excitement of the local Naadam Festival’s wrestling, archery and horse racing competitions.

Day 7 & 8 Muron | UlaanbaatarReturn to Ulaanbaatar via Muron. The next morning enjoy visits to Gandan Monastery, the National History Museum and the Choijin Lama Museum.

Day 9 - 12 Gobi | Yol Valley | Hongoryn Els |Tugrugiin Shiree | Flaming CliffsFly to the Gobi, and enjoy visits to the verdant Yol Valley, the ‘singing’ sand dunes of Hongoryn Els, Tugrugiin Shiree - the site of the famed ‘Fighting Dinosaurs’ fossil find - and the Flaming Cliffs while staying at the Three Camel Lodge, our premier luxury ecolodge in the heart of the desert, and ger camps.

Day 13 UlaanbaatarFly to Ulaanbaatar and discover the Zanabazar

Fine Arts Museum - named for the first Buddhist leader of Mongolia and a renowned sculptor. Enjoy viewing some of Zanabazar’s original works, along with the museum’s impressive collection of historical art and traditional Mongolian performance in the evening.

Day 14 Departure

Wrestling, horse racing and archery are the three age-old competitions used to measure the courage, strength, and tenacity of nomads and warriors, and each of these is key to the structure of the Naadam Games. Cross the steppes in search of beautiful river valleys and palaces and attend the amazing spectacle of Naadam at the cleanest freshwater lake in the world, well away from the increasing crowds of tourists who attend the games in Ulaanbaatar. Celebrate with Mongolia as it welcomes the short, joyful summer season!

14 Days


3 nights at our award-winning Three Camel Lodge

Trip Extensions


Post-trip extension to Siberia’s Lake Baikal


A desert bird that feeds mainly on seeds and often travels great distances in a large flock to visit oases for water, Pallas’s Sandgrouse has a beautifully speckled exterior. The feathers of the males in particular are adapted for water absorption in order to carry water back to the young at the nest. Though they are not classified as grouse, these are closely related to the shorebirds. Pallas’s Sandgrouse of Central Asia occasionally undergo population irruption, in which large numbers of the birds disperse beyond their normal range - reaching as far as Great Britain.

Dinosaurs of the Gobi

38

Day 1 & 2 Ulaanbaatar Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and visit Gandan Monastery the following day. To contextualize the trip ahead, stop by the paleontological laboratory of the Academy of Sciences.

Day 3 & 4 Hongoryn Els | Nemegt Basin Following the short flight to the Gobi, drive to the incredible sand dunes of Hongoryn Els. The following morning, drive to Nemegt Basin and prepare for the dig.

Day 5 - 7 Nemegt Basin Days will be spent prospecting under the supervision of the trip leader, who after dinner will review the day’s work and discuss the significance of any discoveries.

Day 8 - 10 Altan Ula | Ukhaa Tolgod | Hongoryn ElsTravel to the fossil-rich sites in Altan Ula and Ukhaa Tolgod. Spend a night at the Hongoryn Els sand dunes.

Day 11& 12 Tugrugiin Shiree/Flaming Cliffs Explore Tugrugiin Shiree, where the famous “Fighting Dinosaurs” fossil was discovered and the legendary Flaming Cliffs the legendary Flaming Cliffs, where the first nest of dinosaur eggs the world had ever seen was unearthed.

Day 13 Ulaanbaatar Return to Ulaanbaatar. Explore the collections at the National History Museum and visit Bogd Gegeen Palace.

Day 14 Departure

Join Nomadic Expeditions and noted paleontologist Dr. Phillip Currie for the trip of a lifetime to the remote fossil beds of the Flaming Cliffs and Nemegt Basin, two of the world’s premier fossil sites! Working under the auspices of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, and with the guidance of Dr. Currie, expedition members will have the opportunity to prospect for and excavate fossils from the Gobi Desert, the location of some of the most exciting finds of the 20th century. Past members of our paleontological expeditions have made significant discoveries, such as the huge jaw of a Tarbosaurus (a relative of Tyrannosaurus rex), dinosaur eggs, Velociraptor claws and Protoceratops skulls. Join us on this exclusive journey—voted one of National Geographic Traveler’s Tours of a Lifetime!

14 Days

3 Hotel Nights 1 Ger Camp Nights

7 Tented Nights 2 nights at our award-winning

Three Camel Lodge

Trip Extensions


Pre-Trip Extension to Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery


Mongolia has produced revolutionary dinosaur discoveries and gained a reputation as one of the world’s richest dinosaur sources. Since the first identifiable dinosaur eggs were discovered at the Flaming Cliffs, expeditions continued to make exciting finds—dinosaur embryos, mother dinosaurs in their nests, and evidence suggesting that dinosaurs still live (we call them birds!). Sensational fossils including the “Fighting Dinosaurs” and baby Protoceratops in their nest attract travelers from around the world to Mongolia. The more adventurous join an active paleontological expedition to the Gobi Desert to see fossils still encased in stone!

Epic Mongolian Overland Adventure

40

Day 1 & 2 Ulaanbaatar Arrive in the Ulaanbaatar. Explore the capital’s Gandan Monastery and the National History and Bogd Gegen Winter Palace Museums.

Day 3 - 5 Lake Hovsgol Fly to Muron and drive to Lake Hovsgol. Spend the following days exploring the mountains and meadows that surround the lake’s crystal clear waters.

Day 6 & 7 Uushgiin Deer Stones |Terkhiin Tsagaan LakeTravel to Zuun Nuur and the Uushgiin Deer Stones, mysterious monuments dating back thousands of years. Drive to Arkhangai Province, where the Horgo Volcano and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake are located amidst some of Mongolia’s most beautiful scenery.

Day 8 & 9 Taikhar Rock | Tsetserleg | Karakorum Visit Taikhar Rock, Tsetserleg and the Zayayn Gegeenii Temple, before arriving at Karakorum, site of Erdene Zuu Monastery and the vanished capital of the Mongol Empire.

Day 10 - 13 Ongiin Hiid | Yol Valley | Khavtsgait | Flaming CliffsDrive to Ongiin Hiid Monastery and across vast steppe into the Gobi Desert. Arrive at the Three Camel Lodge. Hike in the Yol Valley, discover the ancient rock paintings at Khavtsgait and visit the dramatic Flaming Cliffs.

Day 14 Ulaanbaatar Return to Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon and enjoy a traditional dance and throat singing performance.

Day 15 Departure

Few people in the world can claim to have traversed an entire country, north to south, nearly border to border.-- particularly a vastly unoccupied country such as Mongolia. Utilizing four-wheel-drive off-road vehicles, make your way from Lake Hovsgol to the Flaming Cliffs and back to Ulaanbaatar - stopping at ancient deer stones, dormant volcanoes, the verdant Yol Valley, and the ruins of a 17th-century temple along the way.

15 Days



Trip Extensions


Post-trip extension to Beijing


The saxaul (Haloxylon ammodendron) is a shrub or small tree that grows in open ‘forests’ throughout the desert regions of Central Asia. It is one of the characteristic plants of the Gobi. Saxaul is highly salt tolerant and drought resistant and has very small leaves to minimize moisture loss. The wood is so dense that it will not float in water, but the bark is spongy and stores water. The wood is widely used as fuel, and the species is becoming endangered over much of its range.

Explorer’s Mongolia and Siberia

2442

Day 1 & 2 Ulaanbaatar | Hogno Han Mountains Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and enjoy the view from the Zaisan Memorial. In the morning, visit the temples of Gandan Monastery, followed by a drive to the Hogno Han Mountains.

Day 3 - 5 Tsenheriin Hot Spring | TsetserlegDrive to Tsenheriin Hot Spring. The following morning, begin the horse trek to Tsetserleg, riding through the Bulgan Mountain Valley and past Buyandelgeruuleh Monastery.

Day 6 - 7 Karakorum | UlaanbaatarDrive to Karakorum early in the morning, discovering the 13th-century capital and the monastery Erdene Zuu, surrounded by 108 stupas. The following day drive back to Ulaanbaatar, enjoying visits with local families and a picnic lunch along the way.

Day 8 - 9 Ulaanbaatar | Irkutsk | ListvyankaVisit Ulaanbaatar’s National History Museum, transferring to the airport in the late afternoon for your flight to Irkutsk. The following day after breakfast, set out for Lake Baikal and the nearby village of Listvyanka. Enjoy an optional visit to the hotel’s banya, a traditional Russian sauna experience.

Day 10 - 12 Listvyanka | Angara | Irkutsk | UlaanbaatarVisit the Saint Nicholas Church, Chersky Mount and

Baikal Limnological Museum. Hike to Bolshiye Koty, located north of Listvyanka across small mountains, and catch the hydrofoil on Lake Baikal back to Listvyanka. Explore the Angara River by kayak and walk along its shores. Fly to Ulaanbaatar in the evening and transfer to the hotel.

Day 13 Departure

From Ulaanbaatar to Irkutsk: trek through Mongolia’s mountains, discovering hidden hot springs, forests and rolling grasslands, spinning the prayer wheels at a centuries-old monastery and discovering beautiful mountain valleys before flying north to the city of Irkutsk in Siberia to explore the historic wooden houses and churches on the shores of magnificent Lake Baikal. Spend a night in a riverside ger camp amidst the pristine mountain scenery of Mongolia, kayak on the Angara River Bay, and hike forest trails along the shores of Siberia’s “Blue Pearl.”

13 Days

7 Hotel Nights3 Ger Camp Nights (Mongolia)

2 Tented Nights (Mongolia)

Trip Extensions




From Mystical Tibet to Nomadic Mongolia

44

Day 1 & 2 Beijing | Forbidden City Arrive in Beijing. The following day, explore the Imperial Palace known as the Forbidden City.

Day 3 - 6 Tsetang | Lhasa | Samye, Drepung & Sera Monastery Fly to Lhasa and drive through the scenic valley of Yarlung to Tsetang. The following day, explore incredible Samye Monastery and its structural mandala. Tour Lhasa with visits to the Potala Palace, Barkhor market and Norbulingka Palace. Travel to Drepung, Jokhang and Sera Monasteries, as well as a local carpet factory.

Day 7 & 8 Beijing | UlaanbaatarReturn to Beijing from Lhasa and fly to Ulaanbaatar the following day. Visit Mongolia’s National History Museum.

Day 9 - 12 Flaming Cliffs | Yol Valley | Hongoryn Els | Tugrugiin Shiree Following a morning flight to the Gobi, explore the Yol Valley and the legendary paleontological site at the Flaming Cliffs. The magnificent Hongoryn Els sand dunes are an unforgettable highlight of the Gobi.

Day 13 Ulaanbaatar Experience the culture of Mongolia’s vibrant capital with visits to Gandan Monastery and the priceless collection at the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, followed by a traditional dance and throat singing performance in the evening.

Day 14 Departure

The people of The Roof of the World and The Land of Blue Sky share a direct spiritual bond through their Buddhist heritage, expressed in traditions, arts and customs, and woven throughout their way of life. The historic monasteries of Lhasa and Ulaanbaatar, the mountain scenery of the Himalayas, and the unforgettable beauty of the Gobi Desert all share a distinct transcendent element. Discover these, along with the mountain valleys and villages of Tibet and the vibrant city of Beijing, China, on your journey.

14 Days

9 Hotel Nights1 Ger Camp Night (Mongolia)3 nights at our award-winning

Three Camel Lodge

Trip Extensions

Post-Trip Extension to Central Mongolia’s Karakorum


From Yak to Kayak

46

Day 1 & 2 UlaanbaatarArrive in Ulaanbaatar and discover the treasures on display at the National and Bogd Gegen Winter Palace Museums and Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum. Enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian dance and throat singing.

Day 3 & 4 Lake Hovsgol | Horse Trek Following a visit to the Gandan Monastery, fly to Hovsgol Province and drive to the lake Hovsgol known as Mongolia’s “dark blue pearl.” Spend a day horse trekking among the forested peaks of the Khoridol Saridag Mountains.

Day 5 & 6 Kayaking on Lake Hovsgol |UlaanbaatarReturn by horse to the lakeside base camp and kayak the clear waters of Lake Hovsgol. Fly back to Ulaanbaatar.

Day 7 & 8 Yol Valley | Moltsog Els | Flaming CliffsArrive in the Gobi and explore Yol Valley National Park. The following morning, stop at Moltsog Els sand dunes on the way to the Flaming Cliffs. Begin the camel trek to Tugrugiin Shiree.

Day 9 Camel Trek to Tugrugiin Shiree | Bulgan SumContinue the camel trek and arrive at Tugrugiin Shiree. Visit the farming community at Bulgan Sum before returning to the Three Camel Lodge.

Day 10 - 12 Ulaanbaatar | Hustain Nuruu National ParkFly back to Ulaanbaatar and visit the Bogd Khan

Winter Palace. The following morning, travel to the beautiful Hustain Nuruu National Park, home of the last remaining species of wild horse in the world - the takhi - before returning to the capital.

Day 13 Departure

Kayak across the clear blue waters of Lake Hovsgol, the cleanest freshwater lake on earth, and travel on horseback throughout the forested mountains surrounding its shores. Camel trek through the Gobi, an incredible region of canyons, sand dunes and a deep desert valley sheltering frozen streams and rare wildlife. Experience one of the most unique adventures anywhere, and explore the diverse landscapes of the Last Wilderness Nation.

13 Days



Three Camel Lodge

Trip Extensions


Post-Trip Extension to Central Mongolia’s Karakorum


This large, spectacular duck is found throughout Mongolia where it nests in holes in cliffs, trees and ruins or abandoned mammal burrows, often far from water. Though frequently seen grazing on vegetation in open steppe and desert, Ruddy Shelducks also feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans and worms on rivers and lakes. Their reddish plumage recalls the robes of Buddhist monks, and the species is considered sacred in Mongolia and Tibet. The shelducks are closely related to geese - a kinship that is apparent in their loud, honking calls.

Gobi Trek

48

Day 1 & 2 UlaanbaatarArrive in Ulaanbaatar and enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the Zaisan Memorial. Spend the following day at the capital’s Gandan Monastery and the local museums.

Day 3 & 4 Gobi | Yol Valley | Gyalaan CanyonBegin exploring the Gobi with a flight to Dalanzadgad, Mongolia’s southernmost provincial capital, and explore on foot Yol Valley National Park cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. Drive to the award-winning Three Camel Lodge for dinner. The trek to Gyalaan Canyon begins the following morning.

Day 5 & 6 Jargalant | Hutul BulagTrek on foot along canyons famous for ancient rock paintings and through a mountain valley with views of distant sand dunes.

Day 7 - 10 Seruun Bulag | Elsen Us | Balar Tsonj | Flaming CliffsWatching for herds of wild gazelle, begin camel trekking through the Gobi’s sand dunes, traveling as Mongolian nomads have for centuries, and onward through a region of sand and clay cliffs past dense forests of saxaul bushes. Visit the Flaming Cliffs, discovered by legendary adventurer Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews in 1923.

Day 11 & 12 Karakorum | Ongiin Hiid MonasteryDrive to Karakorum, site of Erdene Zuu Monastery and the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire,

stopping along the way to explore Ongiin Hiid, one of Mongolia’s largest monasteries.

Day 12 & 13 Ulaanbaatar Drive back to Ulaanbaatar, visiting the homes of nomads along the way.

Day 14 Departure

Traverse the sand dunes, canyons, and valleys of Mongolia’s most amazing landscape - the great Gobi. Ancient desert routes pass dramatic canyons and cliffs, purple, rose and heather wash the desert skyline at dusk, and black-tailed gazelle and ibex leap through the wilderness. A desert experience like no other, Gobi Trek allows travelers to discover ancient monasteries and traditional nomadic culture alike.

13 Days



Three Camel Lodge

Trip Extensions


Post-Trip Extension to Northern Mongolia’s Lake Hovsgol


One of two living species of true camels in the world - the other, its cousin the single-humped Dromedary, resides in western Asia and northern Africa - the Bactrian of Central Asia was domesticated by 2500 BC and continues to be of great importance in the lives of the nomadic herders of Mongolia — especially in the arid Gobi region, where it provides food, yields valuable wool and serves as a beast of burden. A few wild Bactrian camels continue to survive in the most remote reaches of the Gobi, but they are critically threatened and declining.

Golden Eagle Festival

50

Day 1 & 2 Ulaanbaatar Begin exploring Ulaanbaatar at the Zaisan Memorial, located on a hill overlooking the city. Visit Gandan Monastery, Fine Arts Museum and National History Museum the following day.

Day 3 - 4 Bayan-UlgiiFly to Ulgii, capital of Bayan-Ulgii in western Mongolia. Visit the local History Museum, experience local craftwork, and visit a Kazakh family.

Day 5 - 6 Opening Ceremonies | Competition | Awards CeremonyFor two unforgettable days, experience the Golden Eagle Festival’s colorful parades and thrilling competitions. Attend the official opening and awards ceremonies, the celebration dinner and a Kazakh play.

Day 7 Riding with Eagle HuntersSpend the morning in nearby mountain valleys, riding on horseback alongside the hunters through a scenic landscape rich in plant and animal life. In the afternoon, visit a local mosque and the town market.

Day 8 Ulaanbaatar Fly to Ulaanbaatar from Ulgii in the morning. Visit Bogd Khan Palace, home to Mongolia’s final theocrat, and enjoy an evening performance

featuring traditional Mongolian dancers and singers.

Day 9 Departure

Nomadic Kazakhs have depended historically on the Golden Eagle for a hunt, using its speed, agility, and accuracy to track down and capture prey. Founder and CEO of Nomadic Expeditions Jalsa Urubshurow established the Berkut Association and the Golden Eagle Festival in 1999 as a means to promote conservation of the majestic and iconic raptor, and each year Kazakh hunters from near and far attend the festival to compete and celebrate their traditional heritage, organized by the local Kazakh community. All proceeds from the Festival go toward furthering the goals of the organization, including arranging the Festival each year.

9 Days


Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension to Southern Mongolia’s Gobi Desert

Post-Trip Extension Eagle Hunting in the Altai Mountains


The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is one of the world’s most iconic raptors. Its image is widely used in military symbolism as the embodiment of strength, valor and nobility, and the species is deemed sacred in Native American culture. It nests throughout the northern hemisphere, mainly in remote mountain and desert regions. In the wild, Golden Eagles prey mainly on rabbits, marmots and ground squirrels, but in Central Asia, including western Mongolia, they have been trained for centuries by local falconers to attack foxes and even wolves.

Golden Eagles of the Kazakhs

52

Day 1 & 2 Ulaanbaatar | Ulgii Upon arrival in Mongolia’s capital, transfer to the hotel and enjoy a meal of traditional Mongolian foods. The next day, fly to Ulgii, capital of Mongolia’s westernmost province. Enjoy tea and bortdsig (fried cakes) and stay in a Kazakh ger.

Day 3 & 4 Riding with Kazakh Hunters Spend these days riding in the mountains alongside Kazakh hunters and their Golden Eagles, and experience the nomadic traditions and breathtaking scenery of the Altai.

Day 5 & 6 Ulaanbaatar | Hustain Nuruu National ParkFollowing a visit to a local mosque in Ulgii, fly to Ulaanbaatar. The next morning, drive to Hustain Nuruu National Park, home to the last remaining species of wild horse in the world - the takhi.

Day 7 Ulaanbaatar Spend the day discovering the highlights of Ulaanbaatar with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the National History Museum and Zaisan Memorial, as well as a performance featuring khoomi throat singing.

Day 8 Departure

Join the hunt on horseback through the wild mountains and remote valleys of Western Mongolia alongside Kazakh nomads with their trained Golden Eagles. Sleep in a Kazakh ger, meet with local families, discover the traditional culture and magnificent scenery of the Altai Mountain Range, and fall in love with one of Mongolia’s most remote and beautiful regions - the province of Bayan-Ulgii.

8 Days

4 Hotel Nights3 Kazakh Family Stay Nights

Trip Extensions

Post-Trip Extension to Beijing, China


Hidden Treasures of Tibet

54

Day 1 & 2 Beijing | LhasaArrive in Beijing, and then fly to Gongkar Airport in Tibet. Drive to Lhasa, and spend the afternoon acclimating to the altitude.

Day 3 & 4 Gandan Monastery | LhasaDrive outside the city to the first Gelugpa [Yellow-Hat] monastery, Gandan, and visit the Golden Tomb of Tsongkhapa, the master and founder of the monastery. Return to Lhasa and experience the Saga Dawa Festival, which celebrates the enlightenment of the Buddha. Spend the following day visiting the most sacred sites of Lhasa, including Potala Palace and Jokhang, and sampling traditional Sichuan cuisine.

Day 5 & 6 Tsetang | SamyeSpend a day at Tsetang, exploring the breathtaking Yarlung Valley, the colossal tombs of Chongye and Trandruk Monastery. Visit beautiful Samye Monastery the following day.

Day 7 & 8 Gyantse | ShigatseTravel to Gyantse to explore the Fortress of Gyantse and Zhalu Monastery. Spend the next day at Shigatse, visiting Tashilunpo Monastery and a local carpet factory.

Day 9 - 11 Lhasa Fly to Ulaanbaatar and visit the Bogd Gegen Palace, along with the National History Museum. The next day drive early to Hustain Nuruu National Park, home to the world’s last remaining species of wild horse - the takhi.

Day 12 Lhasa | BeijingSpend the morning in Barkhor Square, bargaining for turquoise jewelry, carpets, yak wool boots, and Tibetan fur hats before flying to Beijing in the afternoon.

Day 13 Departure

One of Tibet’s most joyful celebrations, the Saga Dawa Festival - held at Lhasa’s most important temples and monasteries on the day of the full moon - is the event that marks Shakyamuni Buddha’s enlightenment. Tsam dancing and the displaying of giant thangkas, large paintings on silk with embroidery, await you, along with the holiest sites of Lhasa and an overland adventure - all beginning and ending in Beijing.

13 Days

12 Hotel Nights

Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip extension to Beijing and Great Wall

Post-Trip extension to Mongolia and the Gobi Desert


Since the 16th century, the dalai lamas have been central to the close spiritual link between Tibet and Mongolia. Born in Mongolia in 1589, Yonten Gyatso, the Fourth Dalai Lama, received his religious education in his homeland before traveling to Tibet at the age of 12. The great-grandfather of the Fourth Dalai Lama was the Mongolian prince Altan Khan, himself a descendent of Chinggis Khan and the first to bestow the title of Dalai Lama, meaning “ocean teacher,” upon a Tibetan lama.

Horse Trek to Hagiin Har Lake

56

Day 1 & 2 Ulaanbaatar | Gorkhi Terelj National ParkUpon arrival in Mongolia’s capital, enjoy the view from Zaisan Memorial Hill, followed by a meal of traditional Mongolian foods. The following day, visit Mongolia’s largest monastery before driving to Gorkhi Terelj National Park.

Day 3 - 5 Horse Trek | Jivkheest River Spend these days trekking on small but sturdy Mongolian horses, crossing the Terelj River on the way to the Baruun and Dund Bayan Mountains. Stop to explore the atmospheric Gunjin Temple ruins. Continue riding through Central Mongolia’s dramatic forest and mountain scenery, spending a night beside the Jivkheest River.

Day 6 & 7 Hagiin Har Lake Spend these days relaxing and exploring the area surrounding Hagiin Har, a peaceful lake accessible only by foot, horse or helicopter.

Day 8 & 9 Havirgyn Davaa Pass | Zuugiin Spring Pass through breathtaking scenery on the ride back to Gorkhi Terelj National Park, stopping to spend the night at Havirgyn Davaa Pass and Zuugiin Spring.

Day 10 Han Hentii Mountains | Ulaanbaatar Drive back to Ulaanbaatar, passing through the Han Hentii Strictly Protected Area. Enjoy the final day in Ulaanbaatar with a trip to the Natural History

performance featuring traditional Mongolian folk music and throat singing.

Day 11 Departure

Hidden deep within untamed and pristine wilderness, Hagiin Har Lake is accessible only by foot or horse. Previously explored only by local hunters, this peaceful lake set amidst the forested peaks of the Khentii Mountains - only a short distance from the capital city of Ulaanbaatar - remains one of Mongolia’s most rewarding and best-kept secrets. A horse trek across mountain passes, along green river valleys and through coniferous forests, marshlands and meadows engages the traveler in a rugged journey - providing an unmatched exploration of the lands of the nomads.

11 Days


1 Ger Camp Night

Trip Extensions




Mongolia’s native religion is a system of beliefs and practices in which the gods of the earth and sky are believed to control the world of humans, and shamans are chosen by the gods to communicate with the spirit realm. Long before the arrival of Buddhism, shamans played an important role in Mongolian society - especially among the people of the North, West, and East - performing rituals to protect livestock, cure sickness, and otherwise protect humans from the work of evil spirits.

In Search of Dragons and Eagles

58

Day 1 & 2 Ulaanbaatar Arrive in Ulaanbaatar. Spend the following day at Gandan Monastery and the National and Fine Arts Museums.

Day 3 & 4 Ulgii | Golden Eagle FestivalFly to Ulgii and explore the local culture with visits to a museum, an eagle hunter’s family and a Kazakh musical performance. The following day features the eagle hunters’ parade, competitions and a Kazakh play.

Day 5 & 6 Golden Eagle Festival | UlaanbaatarThe Golden Eagle Festival continues today, with more thrilling competitions, an awards ceremony and celebration dinner. Return to Ulaanbaatar the following day.

Day 7 & 8 Gobi | Yol Valley | Hongoryn ElsFly to the Gobi, and upon arrival drive to Yol Valley National Park. A remarkable landscape that is home to a wide range of wildlife, Yol Valley is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert. Drive to the Three Camel Lodge, our award-winning ecolodge located near Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. The following day, explore the 600-foot ‘Singing Sands’ of Hongoryn Els.

Day 9 & 10 Tugrugiin Shiree | Bulgan Sum | Flaming CliffsTravel to Tugrugiin Shiree early in the morning and visit the town of Bulgan Sum, where some of the Gobi’s few farms are located. Drive the following

day to the site of the Khavtsgait Petroglyphs, hundreds of stone carvings that date to the Bronze Age. Later in the afternoon drive to the legendary Flaming Cliffs, discovered by legendary adventurer Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews in 1923.

Day 11&12 UlaanbaatarReturn to Ulaanbaatar. Drive to Bogd Khan Mountain and Mandshir Monastery, and enjoy a throat singing performance and farewell dinner in the evening.

Day 13 Departure

Experience the wild scenery and traditional cultures of Western Mongolia’s Altai Mountains, where Kazakh nomads celebrate their magnificent hunting eagles in a thrilling two-day festival. The canyons and sand dunes of the Gobi, the Flaming Cliffs and Yol Valley, and the towering sand dunes of Hongoryn Els in the south of Mongolia exhibit the wonderful variety of some of the region’s most picturesque and fascinating destinations.

13 Days



Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension to Siberia’s Lake Baikal

Post-Trip Extension to Beijing, China


Journey through the Steppes: The Naadam Games

60

Day 1 - 3 Ulaanbaatar | Hustain Nuruu National ParkArrive in Ulaanbaatar, visiting Hustain Nuruu National Park and the world’s last remaining wild horse—the takhi, or Przewalski’s Horse—the following two days. Enjoy visits to local sites, including Gandan Monastery and the Great Khans Memorial.

Day 4 & 5 Karakorum | Ulaanbaatar Travel to Karakorum and witness the stunning settings of the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. Explore Shankh Hiid and Erdene Zuu Monasteries as well as Turkic monuments dating to the 8th century. Drive to Ulaanbaatar.

Day 6 & 7 Ulaanbaatar Naadam FestivalEnjoy the thrill and excitement of the Naadam Festival’s wrestling, archery, and horse racing competitions in the capital of Ulaanbaatar. This special Naadam Games is the country’s largest and most prestigious!

Day 8 - 11 Gobi Desert | Yol Valley | Gegeet Valley | Hongoryn Els | Tugrugiin Shiree | Flaming CliffsTravel to the Gobi Desert and enjoy visits to Yol Valley and Gegeet Valley, the latter home to the elusive Mongolian Snow Leopard. Spend a night at the Hongoryn Els sand dunes, and continue to Tugrugiin Shiree, where the famous “Fighting Dinosaurs” fossil was discovered.

Day 12 UlaanbaatarReturn to Ulaanbaatar, touring Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum—home of Mongolia’s final

theocrat. Experience a traditional Mongolian performance of dance and khoomi throat singing before enjoying a farewell dinner.

Day 13 Departure

Join us on a visit to the legendary Naadam Games of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia! Explore the cliffs and canyons of the Gobi, cross the steppes in search of the world’s last wild horses, and discover the ruins of ancient cities and temples on this fascination introduction to the people and culture of Mongolia.

13 Days

6 nights at hotels 3 nights at ger camps


Trip Extensions


Post-Trip Extension to Siberia’s Lake Baikal


Once widespread on the steppes of Central Asia, the last wild population of the Takhi - the last remaining wild horse in existence anywhere in the world - went extinct in the 1960s in the Gobi Desert. Fortunately pure bred animals remained in several zoos, and beginning in 1992 captive-bred Takhi from Europe were released in a 150,000 acre reserve near Ulaanbaatar, now known as Hustain Nuruu National Park. Takhi have also be reintroduced at two other locations, and the wild population in Mongolia now numbers over 400 animals.

Mongolia and Bhutan - Lands of the Buddha

62

Day 1 & 2 Ulaanbaatar Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and visit Gandan Monastery the following day. Later, enjoy downtown Ulaanbaatar’s National History Museum with private behind-the-scenes access to the dinosaur hall of the Mongolian Paleontological Laboratory.

Day 3 & 4 Gobi Desert | Yol Valley | Tugrugiin Shiree | Khavtsgait Valley Following a short flight to the Gobi, discover lush Yol Valley, Tugrugiin Shiree—site of the famous ‘Fighting Dinosaurs’ fossil of the 1970s—and the petroglyphs of Khavtsgait Valley.

Day 5 & 6 Moltsog Els | Flaming Cliffs | UlaanbaatarEnjoy more visits through the Gobi Desert’s beautiful ecosystems: Moltsog Els, one of the few regions covered in sand dunes, and the Flaming Cliffs discovered by Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews in 1923. Fly back to Ulaanbaatar and tour the modern 976 Art Gallery with its founder, Ms. Gantuya.

Day 7 Ulaanbaatar | BangkokFly to Bangkok this morning. Upon arrival, take a shuttle to the hotel.

Day 8 Paro | ThimphuFly to Paro from Bangkok and drive directly to Thimphu, passing over a 15th-century iron bridge. Visit the world’s tallest seated Buddha statue,

the National Textile Museum, the Royal Textile Academy, and Tashichho Dzong—which houses the royal throne room.

Day 9 - 12 Thimphu | Punakha | Paro Continue touring Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro over the following three days. Several of the highlights include the most prominent monasteries and dzongs in the country: Wangditsay Monastery, Chimmi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong, Taa Dzong, and Drukyul Dzong.

Day 13 Taktsang MonasteryOn the final day of your adventure, hike to Bhutan’s iconic Taktsang Monastery, known as the Tiger’s Nest. Perched on a cliff face 9700 ft / 2950 m above the valley floor, Taktsang is a thrilling end to your journey!

Day 14 Departure

Discover the fascinating traditional nomadic culture of Mongolia along with the majestic mountain scenery of Bhutan on this unforgettable cultural journey. The little-visited country of Bhutan, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, offers those few visitors fortunate enough to explore its timeless villages and picturesque valleys a travel experience like no other. The shifting sands of Mongolia’s mystical Gobi Desert, sandstone cliffs, and the beauty of her wildlife are awe-inspiring. Get a glimpse of the Lands of the Buddha on this luxurious globetrotting adventure!

14 Days

10 nights at hotels 3 nights at our award-winning

Three Camel Lodge


Mongolian Vistas

64

Day 1 & 2 Ulaanbaatar | Gorkhi Terelj National ParkArrive in Mongolia’s capital. Explore National History Museum the following day, before driving to Gorkhi Terelj, a national park rich in bird and plant life.

Day 3 - 5 Ulaanbaatar | Lake Hovsgol After a morning visit to Gandan Monastery, fly to Muron, capital of Hovsgol Province. Spend the following days at Lake Hovsgol, exploring the mountains, meadows and lakeshore by foot or on horseback.

Day 6 - 9 Ulaanbaatar | Hogno Han Mountains | Karakorum Return to Ulaanbaatar. Drive to the Hogno Han Mountains, located at the stunning confluence of steppe, desert and forest. Travel to Karakorum, site of the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire, stopping along the way at Shankh Hiid and Erdene Zuu Monastery. Return to Ulaanbaatar.

Day 10 - 12 Flaming Cliffs | Yol Valley | Gegeet Valley | Hongoryn ElsFly to the Gobi Desert and explore the fossil-rich Flaming Cliffs and the incredible Yol Valley. Enjoy peaceful nights at our award-winning Three Camel Lodge. Drive to the sand dunes of Hongoryn Els, passing through Gegeet Valley, habitat of the

elusive snow leopard. Explore the ‘singing sand dunes’ on foot or camelback.

Day 13 Tugrugiin Shiree | Flaming CliffsTour Tugrugiin Shiree, home of the famous ‘Fighting Dinosaurs’ fossil, and explore the fossil-rich Flaming Cliffs

Day 14 Ulaanbaatar Visit the Bogd Gegen Winter Palace and enjoy a traditional throat singing and dance performance.

Day 15 Departure

The modern nomads of an ancient civilization and their hospitality serve as the backdrop to a land filled with extraordinary contrasts in this journey spanning from Lake Hovsgol in the north to the Gobi Desert in the south. From verdant fields dusted with wildflowers and forested mountains bordering alpine lakes to sandstone cliffs towering above the sands of the Gobi, the wild beauty of Mongolia is inescapable. Catch a glimpse of the quintessential Mongolia: from life to landscape, gleaning a rare harvest of knowledge centered on the unique biodiversity of a country located at the crossroads of Asia’s three major ecosystems.

15 Days



Trip Extensions


Post-Trip Extension to Western Mongolia’s Altai Mountains


Natural History of Mongolia

66

Day 1 - 3 Ulaanbaatar | Hustain Nuruu National ParkArrive in Ulaanbaatar and visit its most historic sites, including Gandan Monastery, the National History Museum and Hustain Nuruu National Park - the home of the last remaining species of wild horse in the world.

Day 4 - 6 Hustain Nuruu National Park | Lake HovsgolExplore more of the wonderful sights at Hustain and then fly north to Muron and the Lake Hovsgol region. Spend the following two days reveling in the area surrounding the cleanest freshwater lake in the world, hiking amid meadows filled with wildflowers, horseback riding and visiting nomads’ dwellings.

Day 7 - 9 Ulaanbaatar | Gun Galuut Nature ReserveReturn to Muron and fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Travel to nearby Gun Galuut Nature Reserve, an extraordinarily beautiful river valley and mountain range surrounded by rolling steppe. Visit the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, named in honor of the renowned artist, sculptor, politician and first Buddhist leader of Mongolia.

Day 10 - 14 Ulaanbaatar | Gobi | Hongoryn Els | Khavsgait | Flaming Cliffs | Yol ValleyReturn to Ulaanbaatar and visit Bogd Khan Palace, home to Mongolia’s last theocrat. In the

evening fly to the Gobi, and spend the next three days exploring the fascinating landscapes of the desert including the famous Three Camel Lodge, the ‘singing’ sand dunes of Hongoryn Els, the Khavsgait Petroglyphs, the Flaming Cliffs and Yol Valley National Park. Fly to Ulaanbaatar the final evening.

Day 15 Departure

An adventure millions of years in the making, this expedition focuses on the natural wonder of Mongolia in all its forms. From the last remaining species of wild horse in the world to a national park holding small populations of the endangered Argali mountain sheep and the graceful White-naped Crane, this itinerary speaks to the rare and beautiful in the heart of every traveler. Days spent walking the wilderness near the cleanest freshwater lake in the world, the singing sand dunes of the Gobi, and the rolling steppe of northern Mongolia revive the nomad within with each step.

15 Days

5 Hotel Nights 6 Ger Camp Nights 3 nights at our award-winning

Three Camel Lodge

Trip Extensions



Among the smallest of the world’s 15 species of cranes, the graceful Demoiselle is a common sight throughout the steppes of Mongolia including the arid grasslands of the Gobi. It lays its two eggs in a mound of vegetation on the ground, and both parents tend the young for a full year after their birth. In fall Mongolian Demoiselles gather in large flocks and migrate over the Himalayas to wintering grounds in India and elsewhere in southern Asia. Cranes are widely threatened by hunting and habitat destruction.

Northern Mongolia on Horseback

68

Day 1 & 2 UlaanbaatarArrive in Mongolia’s capital and enjoy traditional dishes. Spend the following day exploring Mongolia’s rich history at the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, National History Museum and Fine Arts Museum.

Day 3 & 4 Muron | Tsagaan Nuur Village After a morning visit to Mongolia’s largest monastery, fly to Muron, the capital of Hovsgol Province, and continue overland to Rinchinlhumbe Village. After breakfast the following day, drive to Tsagaan Nuur, a village built for the local Tsaatan community.

Day 5 & 6 Darkhadyn Khotgor | Har Davaa PassStart riding through the beautiful wilderness region of Darkhadyn Khotgor, crossing numerous rivers along the way. Ride past the west end of Targan Nuur Lake to reach the remote Tsaatan settlement.

Day 7 - 9 Tsaatan | Darkhadyn Khotgor | Arsai River Spend a day experiencing the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Tsaatan. Depart on horseback for Jigleg Pass the following morning.

Day 10 - 12 Jigleg Pass | Har-Us River Spend these days horse trekking through Jigleg Pass and along the Har-Us River.

Day 13 & 14 Lake Hovsgol | Muron | UlaanbaatarRelax for a day at Lake Hovsgol. Drive to Muron and fly to Ulaanbaatar.

Day 15 Departure

Eight days of horse trekking through mountains, taiga forests and idyllic meadows of Mongolia’s northernmost province is an adventurous journey not to be missed. Mongolian horses, legendary for their stamina and ability to navigate difficult terrain, aid travelers through the beautiful Khoridal Saridag Mountains to Lake Hovsgol, Mongolia’s ‘dark blue pearl,’ stopping along the way to visit Tsaatan families who herd domesticated reindeer.

15 Days


9 Tented Nights

Trip Extensions



The largest member of the salmon family, the Taimen can reach up to 2 meters in length and weigh in at about 50 pounds. It lives in clean rivers in Russian and northern Asia with strongholds in the wilderness of northern Mongolia. Taimen do not travel to the sea like many salmon, but migrate for spawning purposes within their home river system. It has recently become popular as a sport fish, but because of its low numbers, Mongolia has instituted a strict catch-and-release policy.

Temples and Trekking in Tibet

70

Day 1 & 2 Beijing | LhasaArrive in Beijing. Rest and recover from your flight, and then fly to Lhasa the following morning after breakfast. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon. A welcome dinner at the hotel begins your journey in Tibet.

Day 3 & 4 Jokhang, Ramoche, & Drepung Monastery | Potala Palace | Sera MonasteryVisit the Jokhang and Ramoche temples, Drepung Monastery, and for the May departure dates view the Saga Dawa Festival, featuring cham dancing and giant thangkas. The next day, drive to Potala Palace, the Dalai Lama’s winter residence, and Sera Monastery. In the afternoon, debates by Sera’s monks can be viewed in the Debating Courtyard. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5 Drak YerpaHike to Drak Yerpa, originally Thogyal Lhunpo Yerpa, one of Tibet’s three principal cave retreats and the retreat of choice for prominent Buddhist teachers. Return to Lhasa in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner.

Day 6 Woka Valley | Dzingchi | Woka ChölungDrive to isolated Woka Valley, an important meditational site of the Gelugpa, visit the intriguing Dzingchi Monastery, and drive to Woka Chölung, a temple founded by Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa School in the 15th century.

Day 7 - 10 Amando | Chökorgye MonasteryTrek overland through Amando, a dramatic region of scattered nomadic settlements, to Chökorgye Monastery. Explore the ruins of the complex, built in 1509 by the Second Dalai Lama. At its peak it housed 500 monks, and it is now being restored to its former glory.

Day 11 Lhamo La TsoContinue trekking to Lhamo La Tso, the most spiritually significant lake in Tibet believed to house the life force of the diety Palden Lhamo, identified with the life-spirit of Tibet and the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon return to Chökorgye.

Day 12 & 13 Tsetang | Samye MonasteryDrive a long day’s journey to Tsetang through the Metoktang Valley. Upon arrival in Tsetang, transfer to the hotel for a restful dinner. Drive to Samye Monastery in the morning and explore the first Tibetan monastery, built in the 8th century by King Trisong Detsen. Return to Tsetang.

Day 14 Tsetang | BeijingSpend the day sightseeing and shopping, transferring to the Gonggar Airport in the afternoon for the return flight to Beijing.

Day 15 Departure

The chants of monks fill the air, and the fragrance of incense lifts the spirit. The incredible landscapes of dramatic peaks, crystal clear lakes and the ruins of ancient hilltop palaces are some of the most revered and untouched in the world. The Roof of the World holds many surprises for its travelers on this journey, including treks to Chokorgye Monastery and Lhamo La Tso, the ‘vision lake’ of the Dalai Lamas and the most important oracle lake in Tibet.

15 Days



The Gobi and North to Siberia

72

Day 1 & 2 Ulaanbaatar | IrkutskArrive in Ulaanbaatar and visit some of the city’s sites, including the Zaisan Memorial, Gandan Monastery - the seat of Buddhist activity in Mongolia - and the Natural History Museum. Depart by plane to Irkutsk.

Day 3 & 4 Irkutsk | ListvyankaBoard the Circumbaikal Old Railway and experience a scenic journey along the original Trans-Siberian railway route. Arrive in Port Baikal and take the Angara River ferry to the lakeside village of Listvyanka, exploring the Saint Nicholas church, the Baikal Limnological Museum, the Museum of Wooden Architecture and the oldest and deepest lake in the world - Lake Baikal.

Day 5 & 6 Irkutsk | UlaanbaatarReturn to Irkutsk and explore the ‘Paris of Siberia,’ including the Decembrist House Museum, the Angara Icebreaker, the Gagarin Embankment and several Orthodox churches as well as a concert of chimes. Visit the Regional History Museum and explore Irkutsk independently for an entire afternoon before flying back to Ulaanbaatar.

Day 7 - 10 Ulaanbaatar | Hustain Nuruu National Park | Gobi | Yol Valley National Park | Tugrugiin Shiree | Moltsog Els | Flaming CliffsDrive to Hustain Nuruu National Park and enjoy the atmosphere of the region, home to the last remaining species of wild horse in the world - the

takhi. Fly to the Gobi, and for the next three days explore its stunning landscapes - including the verdant Yol Valley, Tugrugiin Shiree - the site of the famous ‘Fighting Dinosaurs’ fossil - Moltsog Els, one of the few regions of the Gobi covered in sand dunes, and the Flaming Cliffs, discovered in 1923 by the famed adventurer Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews.

Day 11 UlaanbaatarFly to Ulaanbaatar in the morning, and visit the National History Museum as well as the Bogd Khan Winter Palace museum, home of Mongolia’s last theocrat.

Day 12 Departure

Formed more than 25 million years ago, Lake Baikal of Siberia grew to be the deepest lake in the world, now holding one of the only species of freshwater seal. Across the border to the south, Mongolia’s incredible national parks and natural wonders include the remarkable Yol Valley, where a startling variety of flora and fauna exist within two million hectares of dramatic rock formations, towering cliffs and sand dunes. The biodiversity of these extraordinary natural treasures, the charm of Siberia’s historic lakeside villages, and the hospitality and culture of Mongolia’s desert nomads are the experience of a lifetime.

12 Days

8 Hotel Nights3 nights at our award-winning

Three Camel Lodge

Trip Extensions


Post-Trip Extension to Western Mongolia’s Altai Mountains


The Quest for the Snow Leopard

74

Day 1 & 2 UlaanbaatarArrive in Ulaanbaatar. Spend the following day at Gandan Monastery and the National HIstory Museum.

Day 3 & 4 Western Mongolia | Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain | Ustyn Am ValleyFly to Hovd and then transfer to the area surrounding Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain. Enjoy the views of the nearly 8,000-ft-high peaks as well as Tsagaan Sair Valley. Camels carry your belongings while you trek on foot to Ustym Am Valley.

Day 5 - 9 Ustyn Am ValleyExplore Ustyn Am Valley on foot, hiking daily to various snow leopard habitat sites to catch a glimpse of the Himalayan cat. Each night return to the host family for dinner and overnight.

Day 10 - 14 Omno Uliastai ValleyDrive to Omno Uliastai Valley and hike daily to snow leopard habitat sites. Some days the local biologists with the WWF will accompany us and share their knowledge of the feline. Each night return to the host family for dinner and overnight.

Day 15 Khar-Us Lake | Dorgon SteppeDrive in the morning to the Dorgon steppe region. Stop at Khar-Us Lake, the 2nd-largest lake in the country. Enjoy the performance of local folk singers from Chandmana village in the afternoon, believed

the cradle of hoomii throat singing.

Day 16 Hovd | UlaanbaatarFly to Hovd and then on to the capital of Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening.

Day 17 Departure

Designed in conjunction with the field biologists of the World Wildlife Fund as a conservation project aimed at preserving the longevity of the species, this fascinating itinerary is based in a highly remote region of the Altai mountain range of Mongolia. A truly unique adventure, this expedition focuses on the elusive Himalayan cat and its habitat and is tailored for those who thrive on exploratory journeys in challenging conditions that are well off the beaten path.

17 Days

4 Hotel Nights7 Ger Stay Nights

1 Local Family Stay Nights


Inhabiter of the most remote regions of the Mongolian Altai mountain range in Mongolia as well as Nepal, Pakistan, China, Bhutan, and Kazakhstan, the snow leopard is an elusive feline most closely to the tiger. Classified as its own species [Panthera uncia], the snow leopard is a bewitching creature that few have the opportunity to see - their coloration and stealth help them blend in perfectly with their perpetually snow-laden habitats.

Ultimate Gobi

76

Day 1 & 2 UlaanbaatarBegin exploring the rich history and culture of Mongolia with visits to the National History Museums. Spin the prayer wheels at Gandan Monastery and enjoy an evening performance of traditional dance and throat singing.

Day 3 & 4 Gobi | Havsgait | Yol Valley National ParkFly to the Gobi Desert, home to abundant wildlife including Bactrian camels, Argali mountain sheep, and goitered gazelles. Explore the beautiful Yol Valley.

Day 5 - 7 Gyalaan Valley | Ayaldai Valley | Hongoryn ElsTravel by car to the multihued rocks of Gyalaan Davaa, passing through the Haalgan Davaa Pass and the Hongoryn Els sand dunes. The next day, drive or travel by camel through the Ayaldai Valley to the towering Hongoryn Els. Spend two days journeying deep within the Gobi, an unforgettable desert experience. Enjoy a night at the Three Camel Lodge, our premier ecolodge in the Gobi Desert.

Day 8 & 9 Tugrugiin Shiree | Bulgam Sum | Flaming CliffsDrive to Tugrugiin Shiree, the site of the famous ‘Fighting Dinosaurs’ fossil unearthed in the late 1970s. Explore the area and then drive to Bulgan Sum, which houses one of the only farms in the

Gobi. Travel the following day to the legendary Flaming Cliffs, discovered by Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews in 1923.

Day 10 - 12 Gobi | Ulaanbaatar | Hustain Nuruu National ParkFly to Ulaanbaatar in the morning and visit the Bogd Khan Winter Palace museum, home of Mongolia’s last theocrat. The following two days explore Hustain Nuruu National Park, home to the last remaining wild species of horse in the world - the takhi - and visit the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, named for the renowned 17th-century artist and politician who became the first Buddhist leader of Mongolia.

Day 13 Departure

It is said that only in wide-open spaces do we have true vision. The vast otherworldly beauty of the Gobi Desert is one of Mongolia’s legendary treasures, and the view is one of the most spectacular anywhere in the world. Discover towering sand dunes, dramatic canyons and cliffs, and the thrill of riding a camel beneath the Gobi’s vast blue skies. Based at our award-winning ger camp, explore the diverse ecosystems of the desert, the plants and wildlife, starry skies and dramatic sunrises and sunsets, and take a journey into the heart of the Gobi.

13 Days


1 Tented Night5 nights at our award-winning

Three Camel Lodge

Trip Extensions


Post-Trip Extension to Siberia’s Lake Baikal


Western Mongolia Expedition

78

Day 1 - 3 Ulaanbaatar | Gorkhi Terelj National ParkThe journey begins in Ulaanbaatar with a visit to Gandan Monastery. Spend a day at Gorkhi-Terelj, exploring the beautiful scenery by foot or on horseback. The following day, visit the National History Museum and enjoy performances of traditional dance and throat singing.

Day 4 & 5 Ulgii | Khoton Lake Fly to Ulgii, capital of Mongolia’s westernmost province. Drive through beautiful mountain valleys to camp at the Sagsai River. Travel towards Khoton Lake and Aral Tolgoi the following morning, enjoying magnificent views of the Altai Mountains along the way.

Day 6 - 8 Dayan Lake | Tsengel Khairkhan | Tolbo Lake Visit Kazakh families who breed yak, hunt with Golden Eagles and craft incredible tapestries and carpets. Explore the shores of Dayan Lake and the slopes of magnificent Tsengel Khairkhan Mountain. Drive to crystal clear Tolbo Lake and visit a family of Uriankhai nomads whose traditions have been diligently preserved for centuries. Return to Ulgii after lunch.

Day 9 - 10 Ulgii | Ulaanbaatar Following a visit to a local mosque and museum, fly to Ulaanbaatar. In the morning, stop at a cashmere factory for gifts. Continue discovering the rich history of Mongolia at the Bog Gegen Winter Palace Museum and the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum.

Day 11 Departure

The wilderness of the region in and around the Altai Mountains - Mongolia’s highest, with several peaks reaching upwards of 14,000 feet - remains relatively unexplored, and its remarkable landscapes reveal pristine natural lakes and remote mountain valleys. Discover and interact with local Kazakh families and learn about their unique culture, spending time amongst the nomads and their Golden Eagles.

11 Days

54 Hotel Nights2 Ger Camp Night

4 Tented Nights

Trip Extensions




Winter Festivals of Mongolia

80

Day 1 & 2 Ulaanbaatar | Muron | Lake Hovsgol Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and visit Gandan Monastery in the morning, along with the treasures of the Natural History Museum, before flying north to the capital of Hovsgol Province - Muron - in the early afternoon. Continue on to Lake Hovsgol, considered the cleanest freshwater lake on Earth, and overnight in traditional Mongolian gers.

Day 3 & 4 Ice Festival Enjoy the spectacular scenery surrounding Lake Hovsgol in the winter and the events of the Ice Festival, which involve horse sledge races and anklebone-shooting contests on the frozen ice of the lake, as well as the possibility of local shaman rituals.

Day 5 - 6 Muron | Ulaanbaatar | Eagle Festival Return to Ulaanbaatar via Muron, and then attend the annual winter Golden Eagle Festival, held by local Kazakhs traveling from western Mongolia. Nearly a dozen hunters come to display their proud partnerships with trained Golden Eagles, and those with the fastest times and best technique are awarded the highest scores. Return to Ulaanbaatar and enjoy fine Mongolian cuisine.

Day 7 & 8 Gobi | Thousand Camel Festival | Flaming CliffsFly to the legendary Gobi Desert, visit the fossil-rich Flaming Cliffs, and attend the Thousand Camel

Festival - featuring a camel parade, polo match and other exciting competitions.

Day 9 & 10 Ulaanbaatar | Hustain Nuruu National ParkFly to Ulaanbaatar and visit the Bogd Gegen Palace, along with the National History Museum. The next day drive early to Hustain Nuruu National Park, home to the world’s last remaining species of wild horse - the takhi.

Day 11 Departure

A festival held on the frozen surface of Lake Hovsgol, a celebration in the Gobi in honor of the Bactrian camel, and the experience of the Lunar New Year Holiday at a ger camp in the Central Mongolian countryside are in store on this expedition for the hardiest and most determined of travelers. Camel races and polo competitions, performances of traditional Mongolian music and dance, horse and sled races and games all make their way into our travelers’ tales when they reach home, and spending nights in a ger amidst Lake Hovsgol’s winter scenery makes this expedition truly unforgettable.

11 Days



Trip Extensions

Post-Trip Extension to Beijing


Our custom adventure package, designed for the traveler with a nomadic spirit and a specific set of interests, is our trademark service. Whether your dream trip is a private camel trek through the Gobi or a journey focusing on the textiles and handicrafts of a specific region, our creative trip planners can design a unique expedition or study program based on your personal interests and preferences, both for individuals and groups of travelers.

All of our group itineraries (Cultural Journeys or Active Adventures) can be modified to fit your schedule, desired activity level and unique hobbies, or a new and original itinerary can be created for a one-of-a-kind adventure. Through organizing expeditions with an emphasis on the archaeological or historical, a trekking or horseback riding focus, meditational retreats and more, our company has forged strong relationships with naturalists, historians, scientists and artists. Our years of experience and the scope of our contact base help us in planning exceptional journeys to fit any interest, leaving you time to relax and enjoy the ride.

Private Journeys

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Are you are a family looking to explore the world together? We offer family-friendly trips with just the right mix of adventure, history, and cultural opportunities. Meet families from remote corners of the earth, explore the beautifully scenic regions of Lake Hovsgol and the majestic Gobi Desert, ride horses, kayak, and hike. These are just a few of the exciting activities that await you in the heart of Mongolia, the Land of the Endless Blue Sky!

The following pages contain three samples of possible itineraries for a family adventure. Each is customizable according to your family’s needs and expectations, and additional itineraries are available upon request. To book a family journey please contact our expedition specialists.

Family Adventures

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Family Time in the Orkhon Valley and the Gobi

Day 1 & 2 Ulaanbaatar | KarakorumArrive in Ulaanbaatar and visit some of the city’s sites, including Sukhbaatar Square. In the morning travel to Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of Mongolia, and visit the Karakorum Museum and Erdene Zuu Monastery.

Day 3 - 5 Kultegin Monuments | Ogii Lake | Tsenheriin Hot Spring | Family VisitSpend the next three days exploring the monuments of the Turkik king Bilge and his brother general Kultegin, hiking near Lake Ogii in Arhangai Province, bathing in the Tsengeriin Hot Spring - known for its high mineral content and rich therapeutic value - and visiting nomadic families near the outskirts of Karakorum.

Day 6 & 7 Ulaanbaatar | Gobi | Yol ValleyDrive to Ulaanbaatar and then fly to the Gobi. Drive

to Yol Valley, cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountain range, and explore the verdant region carved by an ancient river.

Day 8 - 10 Khavtsgait | Tugrugiin Shiree | Moltsog Els | Flaming CliffsSpend the next three days exploring the ancient artwork of Mongolia’s ancestral peoples at Khavtsgait, the fossil finds at Tugrugiin Shiree, Moltsog Els - one of the few regions of the Gobi covered in sand dunes - and the Flaming Cliffs, discovered by Roy Chapman Andrews in 1923.

Day 11 UlaanbaatarFly to Ulaanbaatar and visit the Natural History Museum, a showcase of the most spectacular fossil finds from the Gobi.

Day 12 Departure

A mind-bending exploratory expedition for little adventurers and adults alike, this trip includes cultural experiences within the ancient capital of Karakorum, a visit to Turkish monuments, relaxing hot springs, and overnight stays in gers. Visiting families will experience the thrill of the Gobi’s unusual desert landscapes, including the Flaming Cliffs, Moltsog Els and the verdant Yol Valley, carved by an ancient river whose remnant streams create ice formations that can persist as late as July.

12 Days

3 Hotel nights8 Ger Camp nights


Family Fun: Hovsgol National Park and the Gobi

Day 1 & 2 UlaanbaatarArrive in Ulaanbaatar and visit some of the city’s sites, including the Zaisan Memorial, Gandan Monastery - the seat of Buddhist activity in Mongolia - and the Natural History Museum.

Day 3 - 5 Lake HovsgolFly to Muron and spend the next three days traveling to and exploring the Lake Hovsgol region, the cleanest freshwater lake in the world. Discover the area’s wonders on horseback and by boat, and hike through alpine meadows strewn with wildflowers.

Day 6 & 7 Ulaanbaatar | Gobi | Yol ValleyReturn to Ulaanbaatar by plane. Travel to the Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue in Tsonjin Boldog and ascend through its inner structure to discover a gorgeous view of the surrounding forest and the

Tuul River. The next morning, fly to the Gobi and drive to the Three Camel Lodge, our premier luxury ecolodge in the heart of the desert.

Day 8 & 9 Khavtsgait | Moltsog Els | Flaming CliffsSpend the next three days exploring the ancient artwork of Mongolia’s ancestral peoples at Khavtsgait, Moltsog Els - one of the few regions of the Gobi covered in sand dunes - and the Flaming Cliffs, discovered by Roy Chapman Andrews in 1923.

Day 10 UlaanbaatarFly to Ulaanbaatar and enjoy a final free afternoon for sightseeing and shopping, complete with an evening of traditional Mongolian music and hoomii throat singing.

Day 11 Departure

Featuring two of Mongolia’s most magnificent natural wonders – Lake Hovsgol National Park and the Gobi Desert – this trip offers families a special opportunity to share an unforgettable adventure amidst the atmospheric Land of Blue Sky. Discover the incredible scenery, diverse wildlife, ancient history, and traditional culture of Mongolia on a journey designed especially for families with burgeoning explorers, beginning in the capital of Ulaanbaatar.

11 Days



Family Time in the Gobi: Kids and Kamels

Day 1-2 UlaanbaatarArrive in Ulaanbaatar and visit Zaisan Memorial, Gandan Monastery and the Natural History Museum – complete with a dinosaur wing that displays rich fossils from the Gobi Desert.

Day 3-4 Gun Galuut Nature Reserve | Horseback RidingDrive to Gun Galuut Nature Reserve and explore its four separate ecosystems before settling into a local ger camp within the reserve. The next day, begin a horseback exploration of the area and visit nomadic families along the way.

Day 5-6 Gobi & Yol Valley | Havsgait Petroglyphs | Biking | Family VisitFly to the Gobi Desert and explore the verdant Yol Valley, carved by an ancient river in the foothills of the Altai Mountains, as well as the petroglyphs

of ancient ancestors at Havsgait and a family visit. Enjoy your evenings in the luxurious Three Camel Lodge, an eco-lodge in the heart of the Gobi.

Day 7-9 Tugrugiin Shiree | Moltsog Els | Flaming Cliffs | UlaanbaatarTravel to Tugrugiin Shiree, site of the famous ‘Fighting Dinosaurs’ fossil of a Protoceratops and Velociraptor locked in combat, and then return to the Three Camel Lodge to enjoy traditional Mongolian games – a staple of nomadic life. Over the following two days explore Moltsog Els – a region of the Gobi covered by sand dunes – on the back of a camel, the legendary Flaming Cliffs discovered by Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews in 1923, and the Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue located 30 miles outside of Ulaanbaatar.

Day 10 Departure

A family vacation like no other, this action-packed Mongolian journey leads from the dinosaur halls of Ulaanbaatar’s Natural History Museum to the wide open steppe of Gun Galuut Nature Reserve, before heading south into the legendary Gobi Desert, where fossils and dinosaur eggs were unearthed by the 20th century’s most daring explorers. Parents and children can share in the thrill of discovering this unique land, its fascinating ancient culture, and the kindness of its nomadic people.

10 Days



Profound experiences await on nine separate Trans-Siberian Railway journeys throughout Siberia, Mongolia, and China. Moscow’s Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the ancient Tartar capital of Kazan, Yekaterinburg’s memorial to the final Tsar, the imposing Opera House of Novosibirsk, Lake Baikal—the cleanest freshwater lake in the world—the Gobi Desert, and the seaport of the entire Russian military fleet are all part of this new division in Nomadic Expeditions’ roster of incredible journeys.

The longest railway expedition in the world at a jaw-dropping 6,600 miles, the Golden Eagle Luxury Train’s Moscow to Vladivostok expedition combines the maximum amount of experiences available along the traditional route of the Trans-Siberian Railway—from the Red Square in Moscow to the ‘Ruler of the East’ seaport of Vladivostok and its Russian military fleet.

An entirely new set of tailored journeys for those who want to revel in Mongolia’s diverse Gobi Desert, the Tsar’s Gold to Mongolia expeditions travel to or from Mongolia and explore the famed sites of the world’s northernmost arid desert. Witness the Flaming Cliffs, site of the first dinosaur eggs ever discovered by Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews, along with sand dunes and a verdant valley in the middle of the vast Gobi.

Nomadic Rail Journeys

Golden Eagle LuxuryGolden Eagle Eastbound to / Westbound from Mongolia (Naadam Games)

Golden Eagle Eastbound to / Westbound from VladivostokGolden Eagle Ulaanbaatar Express

Tsar’s GoldTsar’s Gold Eastbound to Beijing / Westbound to Moscow

Tsar’s Gold Eastbound to / Westbound from Mongolia

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Golden Eagle Train - Between Moscow &Ulaanbatar (Naadam Games)

Day 1 & 2 MoscowArrive in Moscow. Spend two days touring the Kremlin, Red Square, and Lenin’s tomb, with an alternative visit to Sergiev Posad—home to one of the most beautiful monasteries in Russia—or the famous National Museum of Fine Art.

Day 3 & 4 Kazan | YekaterinburgExplore the onetime-Tatar capital of Kazan and its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kremlin Fortress, along with a private concert of Kazan-born Feodor Chaliapin—one of Russia’s most famous opera singers. The next day, Yekaterinburg’s poignant Cathedral-on-the-blood awaits exploration.

Day 5 & 6 Novosibirsk | Onboard the Golden EagleSituated on the River Ob, explore Novosibirsk—Lenin Square’s Opera House, and the city center where the arts and sciences prevail. The next day, unwind on the train and practice your Russian on the train with fellow passengers.

Day 7 - 9 Irkutsk | Lake BaikalVisit the ‘Paris of Siberia’, Irkutsk, and enjoy its classic wooden architecture, the Volkonsky House Museum with a private champagne reception and concert, and the city’s fine museums. The next two days, explore the unsurpassed beauty of Lake

Baikal, ‘Pearl of Siberia’, the oldest and deepest lake in the world—home to 20% of the world’s fresh water.

Day 10 - 12 Ulan Ude | Ulaanbaatar | Naadam FestivalCapital of the Buryat Republic, Ulan Ude holds a unique ethnic and cultural diversity you’ll explore through its people and architecture. Enjoy a concert featuring local traditions and folk singing. For the next three days leading up to your departure, encounter the many sights and sounds of Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, during the famous Naadam Games—the highlight of this tour. Experience wrestling, archery, and a lightning-fast horseback race, along with a tour of one of Mongolia’s most important monasteries—Gandan.

Day 13 Departure

The diverse history and cultural complexities of Siberia and Mongolia are navigated in this exceptional journey through some of the world’s most fascinating cities and landscapes. This extraordinary itinerary is not to be missed—from the imposing, intricate, and beautiful facades of Moscow’s architectural wonders to Lake Baikal and Mongolia’s capital of Ulaanbaatar. Join us as we explore the Naadam Games, Mongolia’s most celebrated holiday! Please note that departures are available eastbound to Mongolia or westbound from Mongolia.

13 Days

3 Hotel Nights 9 Train Cabin Nights


Golden Eagle Train - Between Moscow & Vladivostok




Day 7 & 8 Irkutsk | Lake BaikalVisit the ‘Paris of Siberia’, Irkutsk, and enjoy its classic wooden architecture, the Volkonsky House Museum with a private champagne reception and concert, and the city’s fine museums. The next day, explore the unsurpassed beauty of Lake Baikal, ‘Pearl of Siberia’, the oldest and deepest lake in the world—home to 20% of the world’s fresh water.

Day 9 & 10 Ulan Ude | UlaanbaatarCapital of the Buryat Republic, Ulan Ude holds a unique ethnic and cultural diversity you’ll explore through its people and architecture. Enjoy a concert featuring local traditions and folk singing. The next day, arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, and experience one of Mongolia’s most important monasteries—Gandan. Drive to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and discover the life of a local nomadic family.

Day 11 - 13 Onboard the Golden EagleSpend three rejuvenating days aboard the Golden Eagle in the company of fellow travelers, attending interesting lectures or Russian language lessons and passing through Khabarovsk. Enjoy the unrivaled beauty of the Russian Far East outside your cabin.

Day 14 VladivostokReach Vladivostok after traveling through 8 time zones and covering 6,600 miles, and explore the ‘Ruler of the East’. Discover a preserved World War II submarine and Golden Horn Bay’s enormous suspension bridge.

Day 15 Departure

The diverse history and cultural complexities of Siberia and Mongolia are navigated in this exceptional journey through some of the world’s most fascinating cities and landscapes. This extraordinary itinerary is not to be missed—from the imposing, intricate, and beautiful facades of Moscow’s architectural wonders to Lake Baikal and Mongolia’s capital of Ulaanbaatar. Join us as we travel from Moscow to Vladivostok, the ‘Ruler of the East’—the longest railway journey on Earth! Please note that departures are available eastbound to Vladivostok or westbound from Vladivostok.

15 Days



Golden Eagle Ulaanbaatar Express




Day 7 & 8 Irkutsk | Lake BaikalVisit the ‘Paris of Siberia’, Irkutsk, and enjoy its classic wooden architecture, the Volkonsky House Museum with a private champagne reception and concert, and the city’s fine museums. The next day, explore the unsurpassed beauty of Lake Baikal, ‘Pearl of Siberia’, the oldest and deepest lake in the world—home to 20% of the world’s fresh water.

Day 9 & 10 Ulan Ude | UlaanbaatarCapital of the Buryat Republic, Ulan Ude holds a unique ethnic and cultural diversity you’ll explore through its people and architecture. Enjoy a concert featuring local traditions and folk singing. The next day, arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, and experience one of Mongolia’s most important monasteries—Gandan. Visit Bogd Khan Winter Palace,winter residence of Mongolia’s final khan. Enjoy a traditional performance of Mongolian throat singing and contortionists.

Day 11 Departure

The diverse history and cultural complexities of Siberia and Mongolia are navigated in this exceptional journey through some of the world’s most fascinating cities and landscapes. This extraordinary itinerary is not to be missed—from the imposing, intricate, and beautiful facades of Moscow’s architectural wonders to Lake Baikal and Mongolia’s capital of Ulaanbaatar!

11 Days



Tsar’s Gold Train- Between Moscow &Beijing

Day 1 & 2 MoscowArrive in and tour Moscow’s Red Square and stunning Metro stations. Enjoy the ‘Moscow by Night’ city lights tour, as well as visits to the Kremlin and a magnificent cathedral.

Day 3 & 4 Kazan | YekaterinburgExplore the old Tartar capital of Kazan and learn about the wild relations of the Tartars, Cossacks, and Russians. Discover Yekaterinburg’s newly-erected Cathedral-on-the-blood, a monument to the last Tsar and his family.

Day 5 & 6 Novosibirsk | Onboard the Tsar’s GoldTravel to Siberia’s heart, Novosibirsk, on the mighty Ob River, and then travel over mountains, crystal-clear rivers and verdant slopes while enjoying the train’s culinary specialty, the ‘Tsar’s Feast.’

Day 7-9 Irkutsk | Lake Baikal | Ulan UdeDiscover Eastern Siberia’s capital Irkutsk, with visits to wooden Siberian cottages and a fascinating open-air museum. Explore the ancient Trans-Siberian route along the shores of Lake Baikal, passing through the valley of Selenga the following day. Stop in Ulan Ude on the border of Mongolia and experience its unique cultural atmosphere.

Day 10-12 Ulaanbaatar | Onboard the Tsar’s GoldArrive in Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia, and visit Gandan Monastery. Visit nomadic herdsmen in the countryside and explore the museum’s capital

before settling in for two days aboard the train.

Day 13 & 14 Beijing | Temple of Heaven | Forbidden CityArrive in Beijing and spend the next two days touring the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and the nearly 10,000 rooms of the Forbidden City, completed in 1420 AD.

Day 15 The Great Wall of ChinaExplore the Great Wall of China, a pearl cultivation farm, the Ming Tombs, and the Avenue of the Spirits on your final day in Beijing. Enjoy the world-famous Chinese dish, Peking Duck, straight from the source.

Day 16 Departure

A breathtaking non-stop voyage through three separate countries, this sixteen-day itinerary features the best of Russia, Mongolia, and China. From the imposing, intricate, and beautiful facades of Moscow’s architectural wonders to Mongolia’s vast Gobi Desert and the Great Wall of China, this journey will lead you through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes and hotspots in the world! Please note that departures are available eastbound to Beijing or westbound to Moscow. Important Note: Westbound Journey to Moscow is for a duration of 15 days.

16 Days



Tsar’s Gold Train- Between Moscow &Ulaanbaatar

Day 1 & 2 MoscowArrive in and tour Moscow’s Red Square and stunning Metro stations. Enjoy the ‘Moscow by Night’ city lights tour, as well as visits to the Kremlin and a magnificent cathedral.

Day 3 & 4 Kazan | YekaterinburgExplore the old Tartar capital of Kazan and learn about the wild relations of the Tartars, Cossacks, and Russians. Discover Yekaterinburg’s newly-erected Cathedral-on-the-blood, a monument to the last Tsar and his family.

Day 5 & 6 Novosibirsk | Onboard the Tsar’s GoldTravel to Siberia’s heart, Novosibirsk, on the mighty Ob River, and then travel over mountains, crystal-clear rivers and verdant slopes while enjoying the train’s culinary specialty, the ‘Tsar’s Feast.’

Day 7-9 Irkutsk | Lake Baikal | Ulan UdeDiscover Eastern Siberia’s capital Irkutsk, with visits to wooden Siberian cottages and a fascinating open-air museum. Explore the ancient Trans-Siberian route along the shores of Lake Baikal, passing through the valley of Selenga the following day. Stop in Ulan Ude on the border of Mongolia and experience its unique cultural atmosphere.

Day 10 UlaanbaatarArrive in Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia, and visit Gandan Monastery as well as the newly-remodeled

National History Museum. 976 Art Gallery provides context for the contemporary creative world of the Mongolian art scene.

Day 11 & 12 Gobi Desert | Yol Valley | Tugrugiin Shiree | Bulgan SumFly south to the Gobi Desert and discover Yol Valley, carved from an ancient river, Tugrugiin Shiree—site of the famed ‘Fighting Dinosaurs’ fossil, and Bulgan, home to one of the Gobi’s only farms.

Day 13 & 14 Moltsog Els | Flaming Cliffs | Family Visit | UlaanbaatarDrive to Moltsog Els and the Flaming Cliffs, the latter discovered by Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews in 1923 on his famous Central Asiatic Expeditions. Enjoy three days of adventure travel luxury at our eco-lodge, Three Camel Lodge, before returning to Ulaanbaatar for a final day of exploration.

Day 15 Departure

An in-depth experience on the Trans-Siberian Railway, filled with unique historical and cultural perspectives in Siberia and Mongolia, awaits you on this incredible journey. This fifteen-day expedition covers some of the world’s most renowned, diverse, unique, and secluded locales—from Novosibirsk to Lake Baikal and the magnificent Gobi Desert! Please note that departures are available eastbound to Mongolia or westbound from Mongolia.

15 Days

4 Hotel Nights 7 Train Cabin Nights 3 Three Camel Lodge Nights


A founding member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, the Three Camel Lodge is the first and only true luxury accommodation in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. Built according to environmentally sustainable development guidelines amidst the awe-inspiring landscape of Gurvansaikhan National Park, the lodge is an ideal base for exploring the diverse ecosystems and nomadic culture of the Gobi. Along with providing discriminating travelers an unforgettable desert experience, the Three Camel Lodge also serves as a center of environmental education in the Gobi and is at the forefront of efforts to preserve and protect the myriad treasures of this unique region.

Situated beside a rocky outcrop filled with ancient petroglyphs and facing a vast expanse of uninterrupted desert scenery, the Three Camel Lodge was constructed with the aim of providing visitors to the Gobi with the highest level of comfort and service while having minimal impact upon the fragile ecosystem that surrounds it. Powered by solar and wind energy, the lodge consists of accommodations in a collection of large finely-appointed gers - the wood and felt dwellings of Mongolia’s nomads - along with a main building (handcrafted in the traditional Buddhist architectural style) and a dining ger where guests enjoy delicious meals prepared by the lodge chef.

We offer opportunities for guests with an interest in the nomadic culture of the Gobi to visit the homes of local herders, and additionally to attend nearby cultural events such as the provincial Naadam Festival held in summer or the Thousand Camel Festival held in winter. Local artists regularly perform traditional music and dance in the lodge’s Dino Hall, and the Three Camel Lodge maintains strong ties to local communities, including the town of Bulgan Sum, where some of the Gobi’s few farms supply the lodge’s restaurant with fresh produce.

Among the many adventurous activities available to guests are hiking and camel trekking excursions, visits to the sites of legendary paleontological discoveries, and day trips to some of the region’s most extraordinary destinations. The dramatic red sandstone Flaming Cliffs, the “singing sand dunes” of Hongoryn Els and the remarkable Yol Valley - a deep desert valley famous for its frozen streams and rare wildlife - are all a short journey away. Possibilities abound for viewing the desert’s rich diversity of wildlife, such as ibex, gazelles and a wide variety of birds, as well as the spectacular wildflowers and other flora found throughout the Gobi. And each night, as darkness falls across the desert, the sky reveals a dazzling canopy of stars, yet another reward for venturing to this remote and incomparably beautiful place.

For more information about our award-winning eco-lodge, please contact Nomadic Expeditions to request a Three Camel Lodge brochure, or visit the lodge online at www.ThreeCamelLodge.com.

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How to book

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RESERVATIONS FOR SMALL GROUP DEPARTURE

1. Select the trip that best fits your interests and schedule.2. Download, complete and sign our Trip Application Form, or request a copy via regular mail by calling us at 800-998-6634 or 609-860-9008.3. Mail the completed and signed forms to us along with your trip deposit 4. Start dreaming about your adventure...

Immediately after receiving your Trip Application Form and deposit, we begin a mailing structure geared toward informing you in stages about your journey and what you will encounter.

Confirmation MailingThis package contains confirmation details, including: • Written confirmation of your reservation • Travel insurance information • Reading List, Comprehensive pre-departure notes, including a suggested packing list, to help you to prepare for your journey

Secondary Package Sent electronically, this package contains: • Cultural and environment guidelines • Articles related to the destination where you are traveling

Final MailingThis package contains final instructions and itinerary details, including: • Final departure notes • Itinerary • Participant list • Contact numbers • Map • Luggage tags • Air tickets (if applicable)

RESERVATIONS FOR INDEPENDENT DEPARTURE

Most of our itineraries can depart with a minimum of two travelers on dates of the travelers’ choice. Tier pricing remains the same for a group of two or more travelers, with an additional non-refundable Independent Departure Fee of $750 per person. All booking and cancellation policies and procedures will apply. Solo departures are possible for some itineraries; additional costs are assessed based on a single traveler.

Please note: For trips involving air transportation, the days of the week must remain the same in order to take advantage of commercial domestic flight schedules. If your travel dates do not coincide with the specified days of the week, or if you have special needs or requests for your itinerary, please contact one of our expeditions specialists about arranging a Customized Adventure. 99

General InformationSingle SupplementsAccommodations are based on double or twin occupancy. For single accommodations, an additional charge will be assessed. If single travelers wish to share accommodations, every effort will be made to match them with a roommate. If a suitable roommate is not available at the time of booking, a single supplement fee will be invoiced. A refund will be issued if a share situation subsequently becomes available.

Cancellation PolicyAll cancellations must be submitted in writing to Nomadic Expeditions. Cancellation charges are based on the number of days from the date we receive the written cancellation notice until the main trip departure date.

Cancellation charges for non-rail journeys: 90 days or more $500 89 - 60 days 25% of the total tour cost59-30 days 50% of the total tour cost29-0 day No refundAfter trip departs No refund

Cancellation charges for train journeys:95 days or more: deposit amount 65-94 days: 50% of the total tour cost64-0 days: No refundAfter trip departs No refund

In addition, any unrecoverable charges or fees imposed by suppliers or vendors on advance payments will be assessed. Airfares are refundable in accordance with the policy of the airline carrier being used, subject to a $50 handling charge.

Nomadic Expeditions reserves the right to cancel or postpone any travel services prior to departure for any reason, including insufficient number of participants. In the event that a trip cannot depart on the dates specified due to unforeseeable events that render the itinerary inoperable or inadvisable, Nomadic Expeditions reserves the right to postpone services until such time as it is deemed appropriate by

Nomadic Expeditions. The refund of all land payments shall release Nomadic Expeditions from any further liability.

Nomadic Expeditions is not responsible for any unrecoverable expenses incurred by trip participants due to trip cancellation or postponement, including non-refundable airline tickets, medical expenses and visa fees, or additional arrangements, made either through Nomadic Expeditions or another provider, purchased to coincide with this scheduled departure.

Travel & Trip Cancellation InsuranceNomadic Expeditions strongly recommends the purchase of comprehensive travel and medical insurance. Please remember that trip cancellation coverage can protect you against the loss of your tour payments should you have cause to cancel prior to departure or withdraw from all or part of the trip because of illness, or due to a traveling companion’s or family member’s illness, injury or death.

Please note that travel insurance is not health insurance. We recommend that you review your own health insurance coverage to make sure that it applies when you are traveling. Travel insurance may be purchased to supplement your own health insurance to cover medical expenses you may incur when traveling.

Limitation of Liability Nomadic acts only in the capacity of an agent in making ar-rangements for transportation, hotels, and other services included in this tour and does not assume any responsibility or liability for any injury, damage, illness, death, loss, accident, delay, expense or other irregularity to the Participant due to any act of or default or negligence of Nomadic, its owners, officers, directors, associates, employees, representatives, affiliated companies and subcontrac-tors or failure to act by any carrier, hotel, restaurant, company or person rendering any of the services included in this tour, or any of their employees or agents, which may arise including, but not limited to, any breakdown of machinery or equipment, improper visas, health certificates or documents or acts of any governmental authority or caused by strike, civil disturbances, sicknesses, quar-antine, weather, natural disaster, hostility or acts of war or other force majeure.

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Nomadic does not assume nor shall it have any responsibility or liability for itinerary and routing changes, chang-es in modes of ground and air travel, changes in quality of ac-commodations and other program changes, and the risks and dangers associated with travel in general and specifically with ad-venture travel and physical activities including, but not limited to, mountain climbing, horse riding, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, camel trekking, and hiking/trekking. Any additional charges aris-ing from the delay or extension of this tour or arising from any of the previously described acts or events will be the Participant’s responsibility. Nomadic reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a Participant in the tour or to refuse to retain any Partic-ipant in the tour and shall have the right to remove any Partici-pant during the tour trip at such Participant’s expense. Nomadic reserves the right to adjust the itinerary of changes in the modes of ground and air travel, changes in the quality of accommodations or hotels or changes in the tour without prior notice. The passen-ger contract in use by said airline and/or public carrier shall be the sole contract between said carrier and passenger.

Trip Participant’s ResponsibilitiesAll travelers assume the responsibility of choosing a trip that matches their physical abilities. We will provide you with any additional information that you may need in order to ensure that you are comfortable with the trip that you choose.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance, to protect you against financial losses in the unlikely event of illness, injury, trip interruption or other unforeseen circumstances.

You should make sure your passport is signed and valid for six months past the last day of your trip. Once you have a valid passport, you should consult the visa sent in the pre-departure notes document in order to obtain any necessary visas.

AffiliationsNomadic Expeditions is proud to be a member and supporter of the following organizations:

The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)

The Arts Council of MongoliaThe International Air Transport Association (IATA)

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)The Mongolia Society

The Mongolian Tourism AssociationThe North American-Mongolian Business Council

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)PURE Life Experiences

The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA)Traveller Made

Virtuoso Active & Speciality Travel (VAST)Virtuoso: Specialists in the Art of Travel (Virtuoso)

Travel With A CauseWe also arrange expeditions for various organizations that have a respect for the earth’s fragile environment, wildlife, and cultural treasures. Please feel free to contact us for information about their travel programs and how to support these organizations.

American Museum of Natural HistoryChildren’s Tumor FoundationCystic Fibrosis FoundationDenver-Ulaanbaatar Sister CitiesHarvard Museums of Science & CultureHarvard University Alumni Association Massachusetts Audubon SocietyMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyNational Geographic Society Stanford University Alumni AssociationThe Nature ConservancyThe Wildlife Conservation SocietyTibet HouseUniversity of Indiana Alumni Association

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Credits & Copyrights:© Photographs in this brochure by: B. Balik, N. Baatarnyam, Bathuyag, Batmunkh, Brooks-Schmitt,

U. Buyannekekh, M. Dunlap, G. Gan Ulzii, Golden Eagle Trains, M. Klimenta, Lernidee Erlebnisreisen, P. Mc Fadden, F. Meckler, I. Mogliner, B. Nyamgerel, W. Plucinski, R. Hare Stavers, Tumendelger,

S. Venturelli, J., Urubshurow, B. Uugansukh

Design by: L. Mukabenov, Copy by: S. Parker

© 2015 Nomadic Expeditions, Inc., all rights reserved.No part of this brochure including text, design, layout, artwork, or photographs may be reproduced

or distributed in any form (including scanned, photocopied, or faxed) without the explicit consent and written permission of Nomadic Expeditions, Inc.

Mongolia:Nomadic Expeditions, LLC.

Building 76, Suite 281-40 000, Peace Avenue

Chingeltei District, Ulaanbaatar, MongoliaPhone: (976-11) 313-396

or (976-11) 325-786Fax: (976-11) 320-311

Email: [email protected]

United States:Nomadic Expeditions, Inc.

1095 Cranbury-South River RoadSuite 20A

Monroe Twp., New Jersey USA 08831Phone: (1-609) 860-9008

or (1-800) 998-6634Fax: (1-609) 860-9608

Email: [email protected]

Contact us to begin a journey of a lifetime...

Nomadic Expeditions, Inc.1095 Cranbury-South River Road, Suite 20A

Monroe Twp., New Jersey 08831(1-609) 860-9008 or (1-800) 998-6634

[email protected]

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Dear Friends, - Tour Mongolia | Travel to Bhutan · As the foremost tour operator of Mongolia, it has been our privilege to organize: ... Sayan, Khangai and Khentii, with peaks reaching