Mongolian Dream Tours

Monday, November 4, 2013

Mongolian Climate

Mongolia’s climate is extremely continental. Mongolia lies in the temperature zone and has four seasons: that is hot summer and very cold winter. Winter usually lasts from mid-October until April, with the coldest period being between mid-December and the end of February or mid-March when the temperature drops to -20 or -30°C and occasionally even lower. Snow usually falls between mid-October and mid-April. There are some regions, especially in the North West, where the temperature goes down to -40 to -50°C. In the Gobi it drops to about – 40°C. In spring and autumn Mongolian weather is changeable. We see four seasons just one day. It has about 250 sunny days a year. We called “Sunny Mongolia, Land of the blue sky”. The mean annual precipitation is 200-300 mm. During the all seasons you can feel like on top of the world.

Car Rental Service

Mongolian Dream Tours offers many type of transportation for your trip in Mongolia. We have a range of safe, powerful and reliable cars, with many years of experienced drivers to ensure your journey is as safe, comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Our drivers have good experiences on very bad conditioned roads and they have very good skill on fixing the cars. The most part in Mongolia haven’t nice road with road signs, directions then it is easy to get lost, especially in Gobi. In the countryside we recommend that you travel in more sturdy and spacious Russian vans, Japanese jeeps or 4WD Minivans. You will see paved roads near the bigger towns, cities or around Ulaanbaatar.

Horse Trekking 10 Days Tour in Central Mongolia

Type: Special tour

Destination: Central Mongolia
Lengths: 9 nights/10 days
Adventure level: Moderate
Transportation: Russian van, Japan jeep
Trip dates: From May to end of September
Group size: 1-15 people

Day 1. Ulaanbaatar

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. You’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to hotel. Take a city tour to Gandan monastery where is one of Mongolia’s most important monasteries, and also one of its biggest tourist attractions. We will visit to National Museum of Mongolian History. Exhibits of the museum show the history and culture of Mongols from ages as early as the Stone Age and up to the modern day.

Day 2. Khugnu Khaan Natural Reserve

After breakfast drive to Khugnu Khaan Natural Reserve which is mountains, forests, steppes, Gobi desert and mineral water sources all in one location represents three different natural zones. Around area is nice place to hiking, climbing. We will visit local herders and experience the hospitality of the nomadis. You will ride camel to sand dunes.

Day 3. Orkhon valley

In the morning drive to Orkhon valley. We will see Red waterfall and Mongolian the longest river which is named Orkhon by Mongolia. The waterfall was formed by a unique combination of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes about 20,000 years ago. The waterfall cascades from an impressive height of 20 meters and its width is 10 meters. There is nice chance to photograph yak herds

Day 4. Eight lakes

Today we will start our four days trek through the Eight lakes. Here we will leave our vehicles and load our luggage and food on pack horses. Before horse trekking your guide will explain how to ride Mongolian horse. Then start horse riding to Bodongiin am valley. It is high mountainous area and in the pineapple tree forest, This is very attractive and much fun to explore the nature beauty and wildlife. Picnic Lunch in the forest. We will find nice spot for build tents.

Day 5. Eight lakes

Eight lakes were created by volcanic activities. It is locked between several extinct volcanoes and high mountain peaks. The lakes connected by underground. The lakes are supplied with fresh water running from the mountains. After breakfast we will pack luggage on the horse. We will ride horse to Khuist lake. This lake is dotted with a large rock island. We will pass high mountain and see two lakes. We will stay nomadic family. Explore the yak herder family’s lifestyle. You can help to family. For example to bring animals, chop wood, clean animal cottage, and make dairy products.

Day 6. Eight lakes

Ride horse to Shireet lake which is the biggest lake in the valley. On the way we can see four lakes. Explore flora and fauna of the valley.

Day 7. Orkhon valley

Horseback trekking back to Bodongiin Am, on the way picnic lunch. Our vans will be waiting for us near the Buureg tourist camp. Drive to waterfall’s family. Have Mongolian traditional BBQ.

Day 8. Kharakorum

In the morning drive to Kharakorum which was ancient capital of Mongolian Empire in 13th century. In 1220 Genghis Khan chose to move his capital from Khentii to Karakorum. Though the city was not completed until after his death it was, for a time, the political, economic and cultural center of the vast Mongol Empire, housing great palaces, mosques, churches and monasteries representing many of the world’s religions. We will visit the largest monastery, named “Erdene Zuu” by Mongolian and local museum where see the Great Mongol Empire, Stone Age, Bronze Age. Also we will see phallic and turtle rocks.

Day 9. Ulaanbaatar

Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Farewell dinner in a restaurant

Day 10. Departure

In the morning transfer to the airport or train station for your international departure.

Horse riding in Mongolia

Mongolian culture and hundreds of years of Mongolian history are tightly connected with the horse and modern Mongolia is one of the last real horse cultures left in the world. Mongolian domestic horses are smaller than European horses and ponies by European standards (less than 1.5 shoulder heights) but these animals are really tough. They have more energy for work and can carry heavy loads for long periods. Mongolian horses have great stamina, although they can gallop for 10 km without break. That is the reason why Mongolian Empire’s cavalry was the most powerful in the world in 13th century. Chinggis kaan said;”It is easy to conquer the world from the back of a horse”… During the winter, Mongolian horses are find grass under the snow. The herding style of Nomads is different from Europe farming. Nomadic horses are in a semi-wild condition; they are allowed to go freely and find their food and protect themselves from predators. Also Mongolian horses are very sensitive. When you riding in Mongolia you will see nomadic herders at work, eat Mongolian food, and see some of the most beautiful unspoiled countryside in the world. Set out on a four-day trek on horseback, riding through fields of wildflowers across the vast steppe to sacred Khangai Mountains. Settle into a ger camp and nomadic hosts. Spend time exploring the lush, beautiful valley on foot visiting nomad families and enjoying the gentle rhythms of nomadic life.

Colors of Gobi /10 Days Tour/

Type: Classic tour

Destination: Gobi desert

Lengths: 9 nights/10days

Adventure level: Moderate

Transportation: Drive (Russian van and bus)

Trip dates and price: April – November

Group size: 1-15 people

Day 1 Ulaanbaatar city

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. We will pick up from the airport and transferred to hotel. Defending on an arrival time, you can enjoy a short city orientation tour or take a city tour to Gandan monastery where is one of Mongolia’s most important monasteries, and also one of its biggest tourist attractions. We will visit to National Museum of Mongolian History. Exhibits of the museum show the history and culture of Mongols from ages as early as the Stone Age and up to the modern day.

Day 2 Baga gazriin chuluu

Early morning drive to Baga gazriin chuluu. It is located in Delgertsogt soum, Dundgovi province and surrounded by plain. The highest one is 15 km long and 10 km wide granite stone-mountain elevated at 1768 m above sea level. There are also over 20 kinds of medical herbs like burnet, many kinds of world rare animals like marmot, ibex and mountain sheep. Also you can see burial mounds and ruin of temple.

Day 3 Tsagaan suvraga

After breakfast drive to Tsagaan suvraga (White Stupa). The name is given by local people to the impressive and legendary cliff which is eroded by natural phenomenon. It is located junction of middle gobi and south gobi provinces. Having 10 million years history, the cliff indicates different times by its colored layers. Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa) is interesting to see the sheer slope, facing east, which from a distance seems to be the ruins of the ancient city. Mongolia people found fossilized con shell print of sea plans from here.

Day 4 ”Three beauty mountains” National Park

Drive to ”Three beauty mountains” National Park. We will pass Dalanzadgad which is capital of Umnugobi province. The mountains are most easterly points of the Altai mountain complex and the highest peak is 2815 meter above sea level. A number of rare plants and animals are found in the park, including the elusive snow leopard, wild goat/ibex/, wild sheep/argali/. We will explore Yoliin Am (Vulture Valley). You will visit local musuem and walk to end of valley. It is wonderfully picturesque place with ice even in summer, and surrounded by sheer rocky walls, forming incredible canyons.

Day 5 “Khongor” sand dunes

In the morning drive to “Khongor” sand dunes. The shifting dunes is 180 km long, 400 m hight, 20 km wide. The dunes surrounded by higher mountains and bordered lush green vegetation. Local people named “Singing dune” When the wind blows over the dunes it makes strange sound like high pitched tone of an air plane.

Day 6 “Khongor” sand dunes

After breakfast, you will visit nomadic family. You wil ride a camel three hours to sand dunes. Have shower. Optional you can see sun set on the sand dunes.

Day 7 Bayan Zag

In the morning drive to Bayan Zag. It means “rich in saxaul shrubs”is more common known as the Flaming Cliffs. It was formed 60-70 million years ago. The area is most famous for the first discovery of dinosaur eggs. Flaming Cliffs was discovered in 1922 by the explorer Roy Chapman Andrews, who visited in Mongolia.

Day 8 Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain

In the morning drive to one of sacred mountain in Mongolia. The mountain noted “Secret history of Mongolian”. It has many caves and water springs. Lucky visitors may see wild animals like mountain goats, ibex and eagles. There are several burial sites of ancient Mongol soldiers around this mountain. According to shamanic custom, pronouncing the name of the holy mountains while visiting them is forbidden.

Day 9 Ulaanbaatar city

Drive back Ulaanbaatar.

Day 10 Departure

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Mongolian Camel

Two-humped Bactrian camel 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. Mongolia is one of the nations in the world that is home of two-humped Bactrian camel. It is the most important animal to transportation and makes dairy products. The humps function the same way- storing fat which can be converted to water and energy when sustenance is not available. These humps give camels their legendary to endure long periods of travel without water, even in harsh desert conditions. As their fat is depleted, the humps become floppy and flabby. Temperatures in these locales can become searing hot—over 40°C in summer. They can also drop to –30°C in winter. Bactrian camels have developed special adaptations to allow them to survive in such a brutal environment. One is a thick, shaggy coat that protects them in winter and falls away as seasons change and temperatures rise. Camels are friendly, calm demeanor has long impressed and despite moving at slow pace camel can travel as long as 30 miles a day. They thrive well on the salty scrub of the wild desert and well known for its survival ability without drinking water for long period. A very thirsty animal can drink 200 liter of water in only 13 minutes. Protection status is endangered. Bactrian camels give birth usually to just one calf after a gestation period of 12 to 14 months.

Type: Adventure tour

Destination: Gobi desert, central and northern Mongolia
Lengths: 19 nights/20days Transportation: Drive (Russian van, bus) Trip dates: From April to November

Group size: 1-15 people

Day 1. Ulaanbaatar Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. We will pick up from the airport and transferred to hotel. Defending on an arrival time, you can enjoy a short city orientation tour or take a city tour to Gandan monastery where is one of Mongolia’s most important monasteries, and also one of its biggest tourist attractions. We will visit to National Museum of Mongolian History. Exhibits of the museum show the history and culture of Mongols from ages as early as the Stone Age and up to the modern day.

Day 2. Baga gazriin chuluu

Early morning drive to Baga gazriin chul

uu. It is located in Delgertsogt soum, Dundgobi province and surrounded by plain. The highest one is 15 km long and 10 km wide granite stone-mountain elevated at 1768m above sea level. There are also over 20 kinds of medical herbs like burnet, many kinds of world rare animals like marmot, ibex and mountain sheep. Also you can see rock images, petroglyphs, burial mounds and ruin of temple.

Day 3. Tsagaan suvraga

After breakfast drive to Tsagaan suvraga(White Stupa). The name is given by local people to the impressive and legendary cliff which is eroded by natural phenomenon. It is located junction of middle gobi and south gobi provinces. Having 10 million years history, the cliff indicates different times by its colored layers. Tsagaan Suvraga(White Stupa)is interesting to see the sheer slope, facing east, which from a distance seems to be the ruins of the ancient city. Mongolia people found fossilized con shell print of sea plans from here.

Day4. Three beauty mountains National Park

Drive to”Three beauty mountains” National Park. We will pass Dalanzadgad which is capital of Umnugobi province. The mountains are most easterly points of the Altai mountain complex and the highest peak is 2815 meter above sea level. A number of rare plants and animals are found in the park, including the elusive snow leopard, wild goat/ibex/, wild sheep/argali/. We will explore Yoliin Am (Vulture Valley). You will visit local musuem and walk to end of valley. It is wonderfully picturesque place with ice even in summer, and surrounded by sheer rocky walls, forming incredible canyons.

Day 5, 6. Khongor sand dunes

In the morning drive to “Khongor” sand dunes. The shifting dunes is 180 km long, 400 m height, 20 km wide. The dunes surrounded by higher mountains and bordered lush green vegetation. Local people named “Singing dune” When the wind blows over the dunes it makes strange sound like high pitched tone of an air plane. You will visit nomadic family. You will ride a camel three hours to sand dunes. Have shower. Optional you can see sun set on the sand dunes.

Day7. Bayan Zag

In the morning drive to Bayan Zag. It means “rich in saxaul shrubs” is more common known as the Flaming Cliffs. It was formed 60-70 million years ago. The area is most famous for the first discovery of dinosaur eggs. Flaming Cliffs was discovered in 1922 by the explorer Roy Chapman Andrews, who visited in Mongolia.

Day 8. Ongi monastery

Early morning drive to Ongiin Khiid/monastery/. Formerly one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia, it was founded in 1660 and consisted of two temples complexes on the North and South of the Ongi Gol river. It was completely destroyed in 1939. Over 200 monks were killed, and many surviving monks were imprisoned or forced to join the Communist regime. Drive to Saikhan Ovoo small town.

Day 9.10. Orkhon valley

Day 11. Tsenkher hot spring

After breakfast drive to Tsenkher hot spring. It is one of the biggest Mongolia’s hot springs, has a temperature of 86 degree with flow rate and high alkalinity and relatively high amounts of fluoride. The hot spring is mostly used for relaxing and resorting your health.

Day 12, 13. Khorgo Terkhiin tsagaan nuur National Park

Early morning drive to Khorgo Terkhiin tsagaan nuur National Park. On the way we will see Chuluut gorge. Extinct volcanic craters, pine-clad lava fields and the occasional herd of grazing yaks, the Great White Lake, as it’s known in English, is the natural highlight of Arkhangai province.There is an opportunity to hiking and fishing.

Day 14. Shine Ider small town

Head to Shine Ider small town.

Day 15. Khuvsgul lake

Drive to Khuvsgul lake. It is 136 kilometers long and 36 kilometers wide, 265 m deep and at 1.645 meters above sea level. It is the second-most voluminous freshwater lake in Asia, and holds almost 70% of Mongolia’s fresh water and 0.4% of all the fresh water in the world. Well known as the Blue pearl of Mongolia because of its crystal clear water, 99 springs and rivers flow into the lake and just one river flows out of the Khuvsgul which is Eg river. Also the lake surrounded by alpine mountains, which are covered with thick taiga.

Day 16. Khuvsgul lake

Explore flora and fauna. You will ride horse along shore of the lake. On the way we will visit Tsaatan family, breed reindeers. Some families bring their reindeer to the shore of Khuvsgul lake each summer, to partake in the tourist in industry.

Day 17. Khutag Undur small town

Head to Uran Togoo uul, dead volcano in Bulgan province of Mongolia. It is located about 60 km directly west of Bulgan city. Then we will drive to Khutag Undur small town.

Day 18. Amarbayasgalant monastery

After breakfast start your journey to Amarbayasgalant monastery, one of most beautiful monasteries in Mongolia. It was build between 1726 and 1736. It is dedicated to Undur Gegeen Zanabazar and built by Manchu style.

Day 19. Ulaanbaatar

Drive to Ulaanbaatar city.