Mongolia - Hiking in the footsteps of Genghis Khan

One of the greatest leaders the world has ever known Genghis Khan, spent much of his youth in the forested foothills of the Khentii Mountains. This hike takes us deep into the valleys, hills and meadows of what is known as the Baga Khentii Mountain Range - Baga meaning small as this range is the smaller sister of the mightier Khentii Mountain range found further to the north.

The trekking is within the bounds of the Gorkhi Terelj National Park. This Park encompasses some of the most beautiful peaks in Mongolia, with a landscape of pine and birch and a proliferation of wildflowers in the summer months. In the autumn the trees produce an amazing display of golden leaves.

On this journey we will also visit the Gunjiin Monastery. This is an ancient monastery left largely in ruins but still with its own unique charm and mystery.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Ulaanbaatar (UB) and transfer to Bayangol hotel. After lunch at the hotel restaurant we will spend some time sightseeing in the capital, including the Bogd Khan Palace which is a series of beautiful traditional buildings in which the last religious King of Mongolia resided. It is now a museum displaying fascinating artefacts and costumes associated with the King as well as his collection of European furniture and stuffed animals. Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant followed by overnight at the Bayangol Hotel.

Day 2 After breakfast at the hotel we will depart in our expedition vehicles for the Khentii Mountains. The drive will take us into Gorkhi Terelj National Park and past the small township of Terelj. We will cross the Terelj River and make camp on the river bank.

Days 3 - 6 We begin our trek along the banks of the Terelj River. Each day we will walk about 15 km. A yak cart will carry all the camping equipment and kitchen supplies. There will also be two yak carts available for those who wish to just sit and watch the scenery or have a short rest form walking. The scenery is quite picturesque, with valleys carpeted with a huge range of wildflowers. The meadows are green and there is an abundance of bird life. Our final destination is the Mountain known as Altan Olgii. This is the highest peak in the Khentii Mountain Range. We will make a base camp at the base of the mountain.

Day 7 Today we will have a well earned rest at our base camp after being on the move for several days. The wildlife in this area is varied and includes musk deer and moose, brown bear, roe and elk. It is also paradise for bird lovers who may be lucky enough to spot whopper swans, spoonbills, great white egrets and numerous raptors.

Day 8 Today we will continue our trek over the hills until we reach the ruins of Gunjiin monastery and explore the quaint old Manchurian ruins. The monastery was named after a princess. We will make camp overnight close to the monastery.

Day 9 - 11 We will continue our trek through the valleys and meadows of the Gorkhi Terelj National Park. We will visit the Baruun Bayan River Valley known for its vast display of wildflowers. We will also trek into the Dund Bayan Valley. As with much of the Khentii Range this valley has large, interesting rock formations and beautiful lush green forests, small mountain streams and spectacular mountain scenery. On the final day we will trek into the Gurvan Bayan Valley and down along the Dund Bayan River through a combination of forests and meadows. We will make camp overnight in the Bayangiin Valley.

Day 12 This will be our final day spent in the mountains for further hiking and exploring or resting at camp. In the afternoon we will return to UB and have dinner and overnight at the Bayangol Hotel.

Day 13 Today will be a full day of sightseeing in UB. We will visit the largest functioning monastery - Gandan monastery. We will also visit the Fine Arts Museum and the fascinating National History Museum with its impressive display of Mongolian costumes. There will also be time for shopping in the afternoon.

Day 14 Today you will be transferred to the airport for departure.

NEW Visa Rules - If you are planning to stay in Mongolia for more than 30 days you must register (and de-register) with the Foreign Citizens Registration Office – the cost of this is negligible, but you may need to allow extra time for the two visits to the registration office.
 

Climate

Trip Code / Dates: NTM003 - 28 May to 8 Jun and NTM007 - 13 to 24 August 2005 (2006 to be agreed)

Price Indication per person GB £ / US $ - 2006:

2-3 people in the group - GB£1050 / US$1939
4-5 people in the group - GB£847 / US$1550
6-8 people in the group - GB£819 / US$1499
9-12 people in the group - GB£755 / US$1380

Single supplement: £140 / US$260           Email for current price

You can book as an individual, but we need a minimum of 2 for the trek to proceed.

What is included
All transfers and transportation within Mongolia. Twin accommodation in a mid priced hotel, single accommodation can be arranged at an additional cost. Tented and ger camp accommodation in the countryside while hiking. Three meals per day throughout the trek and breakfasts in UB. An English speaking guide. All sightseeing costs and fees. Yak hire where needed. All support staff including drivers, yak men and camp assistants.

What is not included
International airfare or departure taxes. Travel insurance. Visa fees. Alcoholic drinks while trekking or any drinks when in UB. Tips. Items of a personal nature.

Visas
A visa is required for Mongolia and this will cost about £30.

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. We recommend the BMC policies www.thebmc.co.uk