|
|
|
|
|
Camel & Horse Trek near Gobi
Gobi Steppe
Mongolia
On this Mongolian journey we will use only the low impact and traditional modes of
transport that this incredibly vast and relatively untapped country have to offer. Our equipment will be carried on camel carts, just as the Mongoli herders transport their belongings, moving from one pasture
to another. We will travel south over the steppe lands, before meeting our own camel herdsmen who will accompany us on the rest of our adventure. Surprisingly near the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, the Gobi gradually begins to appear. Westerners perceive the Gobi as a desert, but most of it is actually a semi desert steppe. The steppes will give way to its sandy subsoil and we will meet an amazing 20 kilometre stretch of sand dune. All herdsmen lead a traditional way of life here, like them we
will carry a ger for our lodgings, which is the customary felt tent that Mongols
live in today. We will use the services of
the local people living in these parts, and absorb ourselves in their unique culture, so very foreign to the western traveler. The herdsmen are the experts here and we will
be able to immerse oursleves in an exclusive first hand experience of moving a nomadic camp the
traditional Mongolian way, camels and horses and all! Our hosts are relatives to one third of the population in the area we will explore! Quite often you will be invited into their own gers and get acquainted with the Mongoli lifestyle. A pair of riding camels will also be brought along with our caravan, so if you feel so inclined, you may try your hand as a passenger on one of them with some help from the herdsmen! The daily horseback rides, which head out from the ger camp, will be led by a true local, often they do not speak english, but they have so much to show you of their land by experience alone. Each rider will be paired with their own Mongolian mount to enjoy for the duration of the expedition, a pleasant travel companion as well as an wonderfully authentic way to see life as it is for those born of this country!
|
Meeting:
Ulaanbaatar
Airport:
Ulaanbaatar
Transfer:
Ulaanbaatar
|
|
|
|
Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Accommodations - 4 nighs in Ger/tents, 3 riding days (horse or camel), Guide, all meals outside Ulaanbaatar
| A | 2010 | 5 day trip with 3 days of riding, AP | 5d / 4n | $720 |
| Single supplement | $125 |
| Discount for No Riding - hiking only | ($120) |
| Hotel Package: 2 nights hotel (before and after) with breakfast - pp (dbl) | $100 |
| Extra nights at Ger Camp with meals | $70 |
| Nadaam extension July 10 to 13 pp (dbl) | $695 |
| Nadaam Extension Single supplement | $165 |
Transfer Option:
|
2010
|
Transfer from Ulaanbataar airport per car (1-3) one way ~
- to be paid locally
|
$22
|
|
2010
|
Transfer from Ulaanbataar airport included with hotel package
|
$0
|
Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
|
| A |
2010
|
05/06
- 05/10
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip with 3 days of ri...
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2010
|
05/16
- 05/20
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip with 3 days of ri...
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2010
|
05/26
- 05/30
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip with 3 days of ri...
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2010
|
06/05
- 06/09
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip with 3 days of ri...
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2010
|
06/15
- 06/19
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip with 3 days of ri...
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2010
|
06/25
- 06/29
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip with 3 days of ri...
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2010
|
07/05
- 07/09
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip with 3 days of ri...
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2010
|
07/18
- 07/22
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip with 3 days of ri...
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2010
|
07/28
- 08/01
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip with 3 days of ri...
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2010
|
08/07
- 08/11
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip with 3 days of ri...
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2010
|
08/17
- 08/21
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip with 3 days of ri...
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2010
|
08/27
- 08/31
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip with 3 days of ri...
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2010
|
09/07
- 09/11
|
5d / 4n
|
5 day trip with 3 days of ri...
|
2
/10
|
Reserve
|
|
Private departures are always available with a minimum of 2.
Rates do not include:
Gratuities, Airport departure tax, Imported drinks, Laundry.
if less than 5 pax no Gers but tents.
Can be combined with YAK supported trek
Also Nadaam extensions possible for July 10 to 13
Arrive Ulaanbaatar the day before:
Arrive to the Mongolian capital by air (from Moscow or Beijing), or from our Gobi Camel Trek. Meet for dinner with our guide to talk about the upcoming trip. (Dinner and overnights in the city at beginning and end of trip are not included, package begins the next morning.)
Day 01: Drive south
A.M. Drive south over the treeless steppes. In the afternoon we reach Semjit Hairhan, giant rock formations visibly standing up and away from the surrounding steppe. Here we meet with the camel herdsmen and our horse guide. Put up camp on the steppe. Scan the ridges of the surrounding hills and rocks for Argali Sheep (Ovis ammon), the largest wild sheep in the world. All wildlife viewing requires a certain portion of luck, not guaranteed here. Overnight in tents.
Day 02-04 Camel & Horse trek
We will ride/trek for a three full days across the treeless steppes meeting nomadic herdsmen families on the way. Your private horse guide maybe not be fluent in English, but has a fast knowledge of horses and the best riding country. The riding pace is according to your riding level. Some participants will be hiking along the ways - so this trip is very suitable for rider and non riders at the same time! Our hosts in the area are relatives to one third of the local population! During the last day we will trek through Arburd Sands, a 20km long sand dune. Strangely enough, a good number wolves - normally very wary of man - have taken refuge in these dunes and can sometimes be seen. We have brought one ger (yurt) that will be our mobile restaurant. Tents, all provisions and a cook are provided. All equipment will be loaded on to camel carts. There will be one or two riding camels available so that we can try some riding them as well. Herdsmen will follow the carts. We will make contact with other herdsmen along the way. We will be invited into the gers, and learn about their ancient lifestyle. Overnight in tents and the last night at the Arburd Sands Ger Camp.
Day 05: Bogd Khan Mountain
A.M. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. On the way, we will visit the Bogd Uul Biosphere Reserve and the site of the ruins of the Manzhir monastery. This is the southernmost taiga of the area, and we will get up into the hills and explore some forest. Red deer (Cervuselaphus) can usually be seen here.
Arrival in the afternoon to Ulaanbaatar and end of our services.
You may also transfer to nearby Jalman Meadows Ger Camp, 8 km further up the Tuul River Valley, and extend your stay in Mongolia.
|
Meeting:
|
|
Ulaanbaatar
|
|
Airport:
|
|
Ulaanbaatar
|
|
Transfer:
|
|
Ulaanbaatar
are only included on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
|
|
Level:
|
|
Easy to Moderate
|
|
|
|
5-8 hours - many fast pace stretches
|
|
Participants:
|
|
Min
2 participants
|
Max
10 participants
|
|
Camel riding: If you would like to have your own camel to ride during the trek, this can be arranged at the time of booking for an additional cost of USD 25 per day. This cost is payable in Mongolia only. Mongolian camels are Bactrian (two humped) and easy to ride even without previous experience.
Horses: Included on 3 or 4 days (unless you prefer to hike). You will be riding out with a local guide (he most likely does not speak fluent English). Mongolian horses are peculiar and horsemanship is somewhat different among the Mongols as compared to home and may take some getting used to. We suggest you bring your own riding hat with you, since none are available in Mongolia.
Mongolia is probably the
most equestrian nation in the world. Not only is the Mongol heritage and
lifestyle intimately connected with the horse, Mongolia is an exceptionally
inviting place for keen horse riders. The absence of fences and the vast
expanses of the steppes and forests are ideal for uninterrupted and scenic
riding at its best!
It should be remembered that the most professionally bred
horses exists in central and steppe areas rather close to Ulaanbaatar, since the
horse racing tradition is more competitive and pronounced. The reason for this
is the competitive edge needed to succeed in the national annual Naadam Games
held in Ulaanbaatar. We will provide you Russian saddles, which are more
convenient for "western bottoms" than the Mongolian equivalent. The latter are
made of birch wood! We recommend that you bring your own hard hat. Riding boots
or short chaps are essential. We provide a saddle bag if needed.
Passport and Visa Requirements: Passports Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart. Visas Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except: 1. nationals of the USA, if . more
Mongolia is known as the Land of the Blue Sky and throughout the
year, there are 278 sunny days and 9-23 cloudy days.
Although summer
temperatures are around 20°C, the city shivers in minus zero temperatures for
five months of the year, with January and February being the coldest months with
temps hovering between -15°C to -30°C. As a result of these prolonged periods of
intense cold, the city has an average annual temperature of -1.3°C, giving it
the dubious distinction of being the world's coldest capital.
In Mongolia, the Central Asian desert zones meet with the Siberian
taiga, hence, Mongolia is a transition zone with climatic extremes. Most of the
year it is very cold, especially at night. Precipitation is low and skies are
usually clear during the wintertime.
Summers, however, are very pleasant
just as in the US and Europe. There is a short rainy season in July and August
during which most of the annual rain will fall.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
| |
| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
|
barbara henry
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/15/2007
|
|
shari phalan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
beverly barnett
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
angela rumble
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
..view other reports for different trips
All overnights in hotel (2n.) and tents (4n.) - please note the first and last night in the Ulaanbaatar hotel is at your own cost and not part of the package!
Meals: Our cook will prepare the meals. We pride ourselves in having cooks adapt with both western and Mongolian cooking on our trips. There are always vegetables available, and we have no problem accommodating vegetarians on our trips. For breakfast we can usually buy fresh yogurt from the herdsmen in the local area.
Transport: Mongolian families frequently move from one pasture to another using wooden traditional carts. These are tied to the animals available in the region. Here we will use camels and horses. The services of some herdsmen will be hired by the expedition, and they will provide us with their animals.
Staff: A Mongolian leader will accompany the group at all times. For these groups the service will be in English. Other language interpreters are available upon request. There will also be an assistant to the cook. In addition, the services of the local herdsmen will be hired along with their animals.
Camel riding: If you would like to have your own camel to ride during the trek, this can be arranged at the time of booking for an additional cost of USD 25 per day. This cost is payable in Mongolia only. Mongolian camels are Bactrian (two humped) and easy to ride even without previous experience.
Horses: Included on 3 or 4 days (unless you prefer to hike). You will be riding out with a local guide (he most likely does not speak fluent English). Mongolian horses are peculiar and horsemanship is somewhat different among the Mongols as compared to home and may take some getting used to. We suggest you bring your own riding hat with you, since none are available in Mongolia.
Mongolia is probably the
most equestrian nation in the world. Not only is the Mongol heritage and
lifestyle intimately connected with the horse, Mongolia is an exceptionally
inviting place for keen horse riders. The absence of fences and the vast
expanses of the steppes and forests are ideal for uninterrupted and scenic
riding at its best!
It should be remembered that the most professionally bred
horses exists in central and steppe areas rather close to Ulaanbaatar, since the
horse racing tradition is more competitive and pronounced. The reason for this
is the competitive edge needed to succeed in the national annual Naadam Games
held in Ulaanbaatar. We will provide you Russian saddles, which are more
convenient for "western bottoms" than the Mongolian equivalent. The latter are
made of birch wood! We recommend that you bring your own hard hat. Riding boots
or short chaps are essential. We provide a saddle bag if needed.
|
Tack:
|
|
MongolianBuryat Soldier Saddles
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Mongolian
|
|
Pace:
|
|
5-8 hours - many fast pace stretches
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2 to 2 out of 5)
Novice+
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min 12 |
Max 75
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max 200
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min 2 |
Max 10
|
Camel riding: If you would like to have your own camel to ride during the trek, this can be arranged at the time of booking for an additional cost of USD 25 per day. This cost is payable in Mongolia only. Mongolian camels are Bactrian (two humped) and easy to ride even without previous experience.
Horses: Included on 3 or 4 days (unless you prefer to hike). You will be riding out with a local guide (he most likely does not speak fluent English). Mongolian horses are peculiar and horsemanship is somewhat different among the Mongols as compared to home and may take some getting used to. We suggest you bring your own riding hat with you, since none are available in Mongolia.
Mongolia is probably the
most equestrian nation in the world. Not only is the Mongol heritage and
lifestyle intimately connected with the horse, Mongolia is an exceptionally
inviting place for keen horse riders. The absence of fences and the vast
expanses of the steppes and forests are ideal for uninterrupted and scenic
riding at its best!
It should be remembered that the most professionally bred
horses exists in central and steppe areas rather close to Ulaanbaatar, since the
horse racing tradition is more competitive and pronounced. The reason for this
is the competitive edge needed to succeed in the national annual Naadam Games
held in Ulaanbaatar. We will provide you Russian saddles, which are more
convenient for "western bottoms" than the Mongolian equivalent. The latter are
made of birch wood! We recommend that you bring your own hard hat. Riding boots
or short chaps are essential. We provide a saddle bag if needed.
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
1. nationals of the USA, if entering the country as a tourist, for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
(a) All foreign nationals staying in Mongolia for longer than 30 days are required to register with the police within 10 days of arrival. (b) Nationals entering Mongolia for stays up to 30 days should apply for an Entry and Exit visa; for stays over 90 days nationals should apply for an Entry visa. (c) Nationals transiting via trains can apply for a single-, double- or multiple-entry Transit visa.
Types of Visa and Cost
Entry and Exit visa: £40 (single-entry, 30 days); £55 (double-entry, 30 days per visit). Entry visa: £35 (single-entry, 90 days). Transit visa: £35 (single-entry); £40 (double-entry); £45 (multiple-entry).
Validity
Visas are valid for three months from date of issue.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses. If travelling on an organised tour, visas can be obtained through tourism companies or travel agencies. A group visa in the name of the tour leader is valid for all tourists on the list attached, provided relevant details (nationality, sex, date of birth, passport numbers, and dates of issue and expiry) are given at the time of application.
Working Days Required
Two to five. An express service is available which costs an additional £20.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
1 |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
|
|
|
|
Camel & Horse Trek near Gobi
|