Samar Magic Tours-10-day of 2008 Naadam Festival Tour!

Main Itinerary	Schedule
Day 1- July 4	ULAANBAATAR 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, and 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 5	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 the "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 3- July 6	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 Khentii 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 4- July 7	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 5- July 8	ERDENE ZUU MONASTERY -OGII NUUR LAKE In the morning, visits "Erdene Zuu" monastery, the Tortoise rock and the Boovon khad -Men's secret statue (it is stone men's penis and made by monks of temples in 18 century for reason of shame on young monks who are not follow rule). After, our journey continuing further drive to the freshwater Lake Ogii. This freshwater lake is located in the valley of the Orkhon River. Ogii lake is a wonderful place for birdlife (cranes and ducks, to name just a few species, migrate to the area around late April & May). This a freshwater lake located in the valley of the Orkhon River. Optional you can fish, boating, ride horses with local nomads. You may be invited to share a cup of airag or koumiss (fermented mare's milk) with these friendly and hospitable people.Overnight in tourist camp.(B)(L)(D)
Day 6- July 9	OGII NUUR LAKE-BAYANGOBI DESERT After breakfast, drive to Bayangobi desert. Visit the area. Climb up the towering piles of sand. Optional you can ride camels or horses with local nomads. You may be invited to share a cup of airag or koumiss (fermented mare's milk) with these friendly and hospitable people. Overnight in tourist camp. (B)(L)(D)
Day 7- July 10	BAYANGOBI-HUSTAIN NURUU NATIONAL RESERVE-ULAANBAATAR Early drive to "Hustain Nuruu" National Reserve to see the Przewalski wild horses (Takhi horses), recently re-introduced back into Mongolia. The Przewalski horse (Equus przewalskii Poliakov) or Takhi as the Mongolians name them are rather small, sturdy animals with a short, strong neck. The earliest written reports of Przewalski horses or Takhi date from the ninth century and in 1226 , a herd of Przewalski horses is said to have caused "Genghis" Khan to fall of his horse. The Hustain Nuruu Reserve (Hustai is Mongolian for birch and nuruu means mountains) measures about 57,000 hectares, or including the bufferzone 120.000 ha., and is located on about 140 km west from the capital Ulaanbaatar. Visit the park museum to learn about the history of the last pure wild horses in the world and the history of the area. Return drive (in two hours) to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to the hotel. Free time. Accommodation at the 1st class hotel. (B)(L)
Day 8-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 9-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 10-July13	DEPARTURE MONGOLIA OR POST TOUR Breakfast. Transfer to Ulaanbaatar airport. Departure Mongolia or Post Tour (online request form!) to Hovsgol Lake National Park or to Gobi desert. End of our services. (B)
Tour Costs:	This fascinating 2008 Naadam Festival Tour (on July 4-July 13) 10-day tour for only: online request form

Included Services in Mongolia:

Four (4) nights at the 1st Class Hotel, in Ulaanbataar city, in twin room.
Five (5) 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, specified museums, and Hustain Nuruu National Reserve.
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 4.
Horseback riding excursion in *July 5, close to "Chinggis" gers camp in the "Sacred Tuul river Nomad's Valley .
One Special Welcome dinner with traditional mongolian meal (khorkhog) in *July 5.
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

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