Trip summary: Tour Code: SMT-NF-13D Gateway: Ulaanbataar, Mongolia (not included the International air). Group size: Minimum 4-6 adults or more participants. Length: 13 days/12 nights Difficulty level: Easy to moderate. 2008 Tour Calendar: July 10-July 22-Post tour to Hosvgol Lake N.P. by Air. Mongolia Weight Limit: 15 kgs (33lbs) - *We would be pleased to have you join us!. Tour Highlights: Attendance at Naadam - the largest and most colorful of all Mongolian festivals. The Naadam Festival is a Mongolia's celebration of the three manly games: horse racing, archery, and wrestling. We will visit to the nomadic tented camps that have sprung up, and experience a concentration of nomadic Mongolia at one site. This 13 day tour gets well off the beaten track and into the southern regions of the Gobi desert where your only companions will be the natural habitat and the few nomadic people who still forage the plains as their forefathers have done for thousands of years. Expedition to the Spectacular Flaming Cliffs in Gobi desert where many fossilized dinosaur bones and eggs have been found. Hiking to the Yolyn Am Canyon in Gobi desert. Camel riding safari to the Hongoryn Els sand dunes in Gobi desert. Visits the most important monasteries as Gandan, Arraybal temple, Ongi temple, Erdene zuu in Karakhorum-was the ancient capital in the time of the Mongol empire during the 13-14th centuries. We would be pleased to have you join us!....Book Now! MAIN TOUR: Ulaanbaatar • Naadam Festival • The Sacred Tuul river Nomad's Valley • Terelj National Park-Arraybal Temple • Karakorum • Erdene zuu monastery • Saikhan Ovoo • Bayanzad in Gobi desert • Hongoryn Els Sand dunes in Gobi desert • Gurvashaikhan National Park in Gobi desert • Bagazarin Chuluu in Middle Gobi • Ulaanbaatar

Main Itinerary	Schedule
Day 1- July 10	ULAANBAATAR (UB) Upon arrival in Ulaan Baatar, you will be met at the airport by Samar Magic Tours's representative and are transferred to the 1st class hotel (Check in at 12:00m at the hotel), in the heart of the city!. In the afternoon, visits the Mongolia Main Square, the monument of "Chinggis" Khan, the National History Museum, where you will see artefacts from Mongolia from the Stone Age to the present, and displays of the development of Mongolian arts and culture. Evening National Performers (concert which includes the Tsam dance, traditional Mongolian singers, dancers, Tuvan throat singing and contortionists). Have welcome dinner at local restaurant featuring Mongolian and Western specialties. Overnight at the 1st class hotel. (D)
Day 2-July 11	NAADAM FESTIVAL  Today, attend the opening ceremony of the *Festival of Naadam in Ulaanbaatar national stadium. Taking place in the middle of July, the Festival of Naadam sees Mongolians from all over the country converge on the capital to participate in and watch these annual summer sports. See horse racing, wrestling and archery, the three age old national sports. Lunch at local restaurant . Spend the day with your guide in Ulaanbaatar national stadium. Accommodation at the 1st class hotel. (B)(L)
Day 3-July 12	NAADAM FESTIVAL Full day to enjoy the impressive *Naadam Festival at the National Stadium. The Naadam Festival horse races are continuous over the two main Naadam days, and today we will try our luck early and find a site beyond the restricted zone outside of Ulaanbaatar, where a close up encounter is possible with some 700-1000 children on horseback. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visits the "Bogd Khan" Winter Palace-home to Mongolia's last Khan, Damba Khutugt 8th, and the war memorial "Zaisan" Hill with a "New Buddha's" monument. Shop for souvenirs, original pure cashmere gifts and garment. Accommodation at the 1st class hotel.(B)(L)
Day 4-July 13	GANDAN-SACRED TUUL RIVER NOMAD'S VALLEY-MEET THE NOMADS In the morning, visit the Gandan Lamasery, the largest Monastery in Mongolia (80 foot tall statue of Buddha, practicing Tibetan Buddhist Lamas) and the buddhist ceremony. After, drive directly to the "Sacred Tuul river Nomad's Valley" -this is a beautiful valley of streams. There are national gers in beautiful natural locations, so it's easy to meet with locals and see their daily lives, interact with them, explore, take water adventures, go trekking, swimming in the Tuul river. The river Tuul is one of the longest rivers of the country, flowing from the Khentii Mountain Range. The valley of the river has been called sacred for centuries by the nomads as they truly respect the nature especially the rivers and the surface water. The beautiful valley in summer is often dotted with traditional Mongolian gers and offers picturesque sceneries. In route, we will stop, to observe and to take some amazing photos to the 40 meter (~133,3 feet) Statue of "Chinggis" Khaan with a big horse on Tsonjin Boldog Hill is located just ~3kms (~1,5miles) to "Chinggis" Tourist Traditional Ger Camp. Mongolian horseback riding tour or hiking to meet with the Nomads, to enjoy this amazing scenery of wide-open steppe with rolling hills in the background and river. Welcome dinner with traditional mongolian meal (khorkhog), which is mutton cooked with hot rock and with vegetables, water, potatoes, and onion. Overnight at comfortable "Chinggis" Tourist Base Camp. "Chinggis" Tourist Traditional Camp is Highly recommended by "Lonely Planet Mongolia-2005", by the author Michael Kohn on pages 70 and 101. This Tourist Base Camp provides hot water, showers, western style toilets and restaurant. (B)(L)(D)
Day 5-July 14	TERELJ NATIONAL PARK-ARRYABAL TEMPLE After breakfast, drive to "Terelj" National Park for a walking tour to Turtle Rock and hiking to the "Arryabal" Buddhist monastery on the top of the mountain. It is famous for its amazing rock formations, pristine alpine scenery and varied bird life. The Terelj National Park incorporates parts of Khenty Mountain Range. The forest consists of Aspen, Larch and Birch trees which support deer, wolf, wild boar, eagles and others. Picnic lunch is provided. In the afternoon, drive back to "Chinggis" tourist traditional camp. Free time for hiking, archery, etc. Dinner and overnight. (B)(L)(D)
Day 6-July 15	KARAKORUM-GENGHIS KHAN'S 13th CENTURY CAPITAL Breakfast. After breakfast, continue next drive seven or eight hours your journey to Karakhorum, Genghis (Chinggis) Khan's 13th century capital and heart of the mighty Mongolian Empire. It was the capital of the Mongol Empire until Kublai Khan moved it to Beijing. Visitors, such as Marco Polo, described its ornate building, including a 2500 sq. meters Palace of Worldly Peace. After the collapse of the Mongol Empire it was abandoned and vandalized by Manchurian invading hordes. Most of the remains were used to re-build the first Buddhist Monastery in Mongolia-Erdene Zuu, built-in 1586. 400 meter long with 108 Stupas still surrounds Erdene Zuu Monastery which was built in 1586. It was restored in 1760. In 1792 the Monastery still had 62 temples and 10,000 lamas. But in 1930 it became a victim of the Stalin's purges. All but three of the Temples were destroyed and most of the monks were either killed or sent to Siberia. Today the restoration of the Monastery is the government's top priority. Erdene Zuu retains much of its ancient glory and is well worth visiting. Arrive and transfer to the tourist base ger camp. Free time. (B)(L)(D)
Day 7-July 16	ERDENE ZUU MONASTERY -SAIKHAN OVOO IN MIDDLE GOBI In the morning, visits "Erdene Zuu" monastery, and the Tortoise rock . After, our journey continuing further long drive to south towards the Middle Gobi, enjoy endless views of changing scenery and arrive in Saihan-Ovoo village. Visit Ongi Monastery on the river banks of Ongi River and also walk up the sacred mountain. Overnight in Ger Camp.(B)(L)(D)
Day 8-July 17	SAIKHAN OVOO-FLAMING CLIFFS IN BAYANZAD IN GOBI DESERT Today, we drive to the legendary "Flaming Cliffs"; named for its glowing orange rock that is rich with dinosaur fossils in Bayanzad (dinosaur excavation site) to explore the Gobi Dinosaur Cemetery and to follow the historic trail of paleontologist / explorer Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews. Overnight in traditional ger dwellings at the Tourist camp. (B)(L)(D)
Day 9-July 18	BAYANZAD-TO THE LARGEST SAND DUNES IN GOBI DESERT After breakfast, drive to the largest sand dunes Hongoryn Els in Gobi desert. It is the biggest sand dunes in Mongolia and lasts 200kms and app. 40-50 ms high. Has an extraordinary length of 180 kms and 15-20 m. Climb up the towering piles of sand standing hundreds of metres high and later walk along Hongor River. Wildlife here includes ibex and gazelle and rare wild camels. See the largest sand dunes. 1 hour of Bactrian Camel (two-humped) Safari tour. Overnight in traditional ger dwellings at the Tourist camp .(B)(L)(D)
Day 10-July19	YOL VALLEY PROTECTED AREA IN GOBI GURVAN SHAIKHAN NATIONAL P. After early breakfast, long drive to "Yol Valley Protected Area in Gobi Gurvan Shaikhan National Park" for trekking and an opportunity to photograph the stunning landscape, the Gobi Glacier and the wildlife of the cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. Hike through the valley before visiting the local natural history museum for an overview of the flora and fauna of the area. Overnight in tourist ger camp. (B)(L)(D)
Day 11-July20	GOBI-BAGAZARIN CHULUU IN THE MIDDLE GOBI Next stop is in Bagazarin Chuluu in Middle Gobi. Free time for photo opportunities. We recommend you take a walk around the Bagazarin Chuluu-continue exploring this incredibly remote area where the nomadic herdsmen move in groups of two or three families, following the seasons to new pastures. You may be invited to share a cup of airag or koumiss (fermented mare's milk) with these friendly and hospitable people. Overnight in ger camp. (B)(L)(D)
Day 12-July21	BAGAZARIN CHULUU-ULAANBAATAR Today, return drive to Ulaanbataar. Transfer to the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the 1st class hotel.(B)(L).
Day 13-July22	DEPARTURE MONGOLIA OR POST TOUR TO HOVSGOL LAKE Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for departure Mongolia or Post Tour (online request) to Hosvgol Lake National Park by Air. (B)

Included Services in Mongolia: Four (4) nights at the 1st Class Hotel, in Ulaanbataar city, in twin room. Eight (8) nights in tourist class camps throughout the tour, in double occupancy. Accompanied by experienced English speaking local guide. Private transport transfers (included the patrol). All Admission fee as specified: Terelj N.P., Arryabal Temple, Erdene zuu monastery, Gandan monastery, the specified museums, Yolym Am Canyon in Gobi, the sand dunes, Ongii temple, Bayanzad, etc. Meals as specified, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner Evening entertainment as specified; Entrance fees to the two main days of *Naadam Festival in *July 11, and *July 12; One Mongolian traditional folk songs concert in UB in *July 10. Horseback riding excursion in *July 13, close to "Chinggis" gers camp in the "Sacred Tuul river Nomad's Valley . One Special Welcome dinner with traditional mongolian meal (khorkhog) in *July 13. Road's taxes. All expenses at the nomadic family in the "Sacred Tuul River Nomads' Valley". 1.5 liter of bottled water each day . Visa support invitation letter if necessary. Important Notes: Please, make your reservations at your earliest convenience, a minimum 6-10 months prior to Naadam Festival!. Especially hotels, buses and the flights in and out of Ulaan Bataar are fully booked at this time!. Seats can be difficult to get in July during Naadam Festival!. These Complete Tours include arrival and departure transfer services to/from Airport. All you have to do is to make necessary International air arrangements. Tour and Tour Information are subject to change. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO ? : Mongolia is vast! Generally, it is recommended to pay your visit from May to September when the grass is green. The Naadam Festival in Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia is celebrated on July 11 and 12 (this an annual festival of culture, sports and trade occurs during this time). Please note when you choose your clothes: April to May, or on September: warm days and cool nights around (6-10°C). June, July to August: is summertime, days around (15°C-30°C), nights around (10/20°C). COMMENT ABOUT MONGOLIAN CONDITIONS: Hotels in Ulaanbaatar during Naadam Festival are subject to change. Substitutions, if any, are similar class to listed hotels. Hotels are based on double occupancy in Ulaanbaatar city. Triple rooms at hotels during Naadam Festival in July (High seasonal!) are not available and will not confirmed!. Check-in at hotels is at 12:00m/Check-out at hotels is at 12:00m. Tourist Base Gers Camps in Mongolia are based on double or on triple occupancy only!. Single occupancy in Tourist Gers Camps in Mongolia is not available and not confirmed during Naadam Festival in July (only the accommodations in the countryside must be assigned on a share basis due to insufficiency of single rooms)!. Single gers are NOT available. Single supplements reflect sharing in gers and single rooms in hotels in Ulaanbaatar city. Accommodation in the countryside of Mongolia: Most tourists will stay in specially constructed gers camps. These camps provide accommodation in the round felt houses used by nomads and usually have separate toilet, washing and restaurant facilities. Hot water is not always available. Mongolia's tourism infrastructure is in its infancy which requires a flexible and adventurous attitude and patience. Some adjustments to this itinerary may be necessary right up to time of departure. With less than 4-6 passengers, we reserve the right to cancel the tour. top Not Included Services in Mongolia: International air. Additional transfers airport-hotel-airport due to changing of date or time of arrival, or departure to/from Ulan Bator (additional payment must be borne by the passengers and is payable immediately $ 30.00 per person for one way (from 08:00AM-07:00PM). In other time: $ 45.00 per person for one way. Single supplement at hotels in Ulaanbaatar city. Changing of date of departure from Ulaanbataar. Occasional flight delays or cancellation. Additional meal, services or night at hotels in Ulaanbataar. Drinks. Excess baggage (the max. weight of your luggage on internal flights is 10 kg and in our land transport is 15 kg, (additional payment for additional cost for your luggage must be borne by the passengers and is payable immediately a day per each additional car, only in cash, prior to the departure to the countryside). Extra luggage can be stored at hotels in Ulaan Bataar, free of cost.) Travel Insurance. Extras. Optional activities: camel riding, horseback riding, boating, fishing, etc. Any circumstances beyond of our control, such as the imposition of quarantine restrictions, weather conditions, any changes in Naadam Festival schedule, etc.
Tel: 976-11-311051; Fax: 976-11-327503 USA Voice Mails/Fax: (1-206-888-4286)	What is the cost per person?-On Line Request Form

top