calls, laundry,excessbaggagefees, incidentals reservations •TravelinsuranceMealsnotspecifiedasincludedintheitineraryPersonalitemssuchtelephone recommended flight itinerary willbesent recommendedby ourtouroperatoruponconfirmation. flightitinerary the globalnature ofourmembersandpatrons, there isnogroup flight for thisprogram. Informationa on handling at the hotels and airports wherehandling atthehotelsandairports available •Comprehensivepre-departurepacket •Gratuitiestolocalguides,the itinerary drivers, Tour Managerandrestaurant staffduringincludedmeals•Baggage events andextensivesightseeing,includingentrancefees•English-speakingguides Tour Managerthroughout and theGobiineconomy class• All overland transportationperitineraryby privatevehicles •Specialcultural on scheduledstart/enddays•Roundtripairfarebetween Ulaanbaatar departure transfersforpassengersarriving/departing itinerary (B=breakfast,L=lunch,D=dinner)•Arrival/ transfer only. and aircostsisduebyJune 5,2018,60dayspriortodeparture. Paymentofthebalanceisduebycheckorbank Corporation-CA Trust) orcreditcardinformationtoTheCommonwealth Club. Balanceofpaymentforallland visit Bay Area may purchase aworldwide membership. To learnaboutmembershiptypesand topurchase amembership, Responsibility: Insurance: Single Travelers: Note: Cancellations andRefunds: Eligibility: Reservations andPayments: What toExpect: Air Arrangements: Not Included: Included: accommodations cannotbeguaranteedandasinglesupplementratewillapply. required fortripparticipation and isavailabletoprospective travelersuponrequest. A signedreleaseofliability/assumption ofriskagreementis and MIRCorporationforlossofproperty, injury,illnessordeathwillbeprovidedtopassengersuponenrollment you notpurchaseinternationalflightsuntilinstructedbyMIRCorporation. penalty incurredbythepurchaseofanon-refundableticketinconnection withthistour. Itisrecommendedthat will beprovided by theCommonwealth Clubwithyour confirmation packets. With theexceptionof Three CamelLodge, Mongolian western toiletsonthetripisunreliable, and squattoiletsare prevalent atmuseums andmany oftherestaurants. up withthegroup, andstandfor extendedperiodsoftimeduringwalkingtoursandmuseum visits. Availability of able towalkatleasttwo milesaday (withorwithouttheassistanceofacane)over uneven terrain whilekeeping climbing required. The tourisnotwheelchairaccessible. To reap thefullrewards ofthisadventure, travelers must be be refunded,ifany. participant, andsubjectonlytotherequirementthatrecoverablecost ofunusedservicesandaccommodations tour stafftobeinthebestinterestofhealth,safety,orgeneralwelfare ofthetourgrouporindividual participant towithdrawfromatouratanytimehis/herownexpense,when suchactionisdeterminedby Corporation reservestherighttodeclineacceptanypersonasaparticipant inatour,ortorequireany MIR Corporationreservetheright,withoutpenalty,towithdrawtour announced(i.e.,cancelatour). MIR who donotcompletethefulltourforanyreasonatall. Commonwealth Club Travel andourtouroperator per person;thosereceived30daysorlessbeforedeparture,norefund. Refundscannotbemadetopassengers person non-refundable deposit;thosereceived31daysto60beforedeparture,forfeit 50%oflandtour cost cancellation chargeswillapply:Cancellationsreceived61ormoredaysbeforedeparture,forfeit the$500per willingness to accept local standards of amenities and services arewillingness toacceptlocalstandards essentialtotheenjoyment ofamenitiesandservices ofthisprogram. dwellings heatedby wood stoves. Shower andtoiletfacilitiesare found inaseparatebuilding. Flexibilityandthe

Single Supplement: $495 Siberia Extension: $2,990 Single Supplement: $1,295 Land Program Rate: $7,495 (per personbasedondoubleoccupancy) commonwealthclub.org/membership Neither Commonwealth Club Travel norMIRCorporationacceptsliabilityforanyairlinecancellation All accommodation, hotel taxes • Meals per Allaccommodation,hoteltaxes•Mealsper

We require membershiptotheCommonwealth Clubtotravel withus. People wholive outsideofthe

A medical/evacuation andtripcancellation/interruption insurancepolicyisrecommended. Information Internationalairfareto/from Ulaanbaatar. Ourtouroperator MIRCorporationcanassistwith ©2017 MIRCorporation, allrightsreserved. Photos: Peter Guttman, Helge Pedersen, MIRCorporation

A detailedstatementoflimitationsand exclusionsofliabilityCommonwealth Club Travel

This tripisactive duetothesubstantialdistancescovered andtheextensive walkingandstair We makeeveryefforttomatchsingletravelerswhorequestaroommate. However,shared

Program ratesdonotincludeinternationalairfare to/from Ulaanbaatar. Becauseof .

All cancellations must be made in writing to MIR Corporation and the following All cancellationsmustbemadeinwritingtoMIRCorporationandthefollowing

CWC: CST #2096889-46; MIR Corporation: CST #2082306-40. WST #601-099-932.

Please mail the completed registration form with check (payable to MIR Please mailthecompletedregistrationformwithcheck(payabletoMIR orcall(415)597-6720.

ger campsare small, rusticencampmentsof round yurt-like

Please mail the completed registration form with check (payable to MIR Corporation-CA Trust) or credit card information to The Commonwealth Club of , 110 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105. Balance of payment for all land and air costs is due by June 5, 2018, 60 days prior to departure. Payment of the balance is due by check or bank transfer only. Space is limited. Reservations will be processed in order of receipt, subject to availability. We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. Please check one of the following options: The Commonwealth Club of California  I am a current member of the Commonwealth Club  Please use the credit card information below to sign me up or renew 110 The Embarcadero my membership.  I will visit commonwealthclub.org/membership to sign up for a membership San Francisco, CA 94105 The enclosed non-refundable deposit of $ ______($500 per person) to hold ______place(s).  Enclosed check, payable to MIR Corporation-CA Trust  Visa  Mastercard  American Express  Discover ______Credit card number Exp date CVC ______Billing Address (if different from mailing address) ______Signature of cardholder ______Full name #1 (as listed in passport) Date of birth ______Full name #2 (as listed in passport) Date of birth ______Mailing address (no PO boxes please) ______City State/Province Zip Country ______Phone (Home) (Work/Cell) Email

Please note preferences:  I am traveling alone and prefer a single room wherever available at the single supplement rate ($1,295).  I will share accommodations with ______ I am traveling alone and would like to share a room with a  Non-smoker  Smoker (shares are not guaranteed) International airfare is not included in the tour price. Information on the recommended flight itinerary will be sent by our tour operator upon confirmation.

For more information, contact The Commonwealth Club at (415) 597-6720 or [email protected] You may fax this reservation to (415) 597-6729. Optional Post-Tour toSiberia &LakeBaikal Ulaanbaatar with a country Naadamwith acountry Festival August 3-132018 • Mongolia

Hustai •

Kara KorumKara •

Gobi

The Commonwealth Club 415-597-6720 [email protected]

Program Highlights Day by Day Itinerary • Listen to the mesmerizing sound of Mongolian throat-singing. Aug 3-4 Depart USA • Arrive Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Aug 9-11 South Gobi Depart the U.S. on flights bound for Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Fly to the South Gobi, Mongolia’s southernmost province of semi-arid desert. • Explore the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum on a curator-led Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel (Meals in flight) Explore Yolyn Am (Vulture’s Mouth) Canyon, which cuts a narrow path into the tour. rocky slopes of the Gurvansaikhan Mountains. Discover one of the few areas • Search for the elusive Przewalski horse, the last remaining Aug 5 Ulaanbaatar of sand dunes in the Gobi, Moltsog Els, where the constantly shifting sands breed of truly wild horse, in Hustai Nuruu National Park. Ulaanbaatar is the political and cultural heart of Mongolia, and the country’s largest city. are piled by the wind and reach surprising heights. Join with local people to Located on a high plateau and bathed in brilliant sunshine much of the year, it is home celebrate an intimate rural version of Ulaanbaatar’s annual Naadam Festival. • Visit homes of local nomads and perhaps sample airag, to the country’s most extensive cultural, historical and archaeological collections. Visit Gobi dwellers gather from near and far to participate. Drive to Togrogiin fermented mare’s milk. the Gandan Monastery, with the 20-ton gilded statue of “the Lord Who Looks in Every Shiree, where the famous “Fighting Dinosaurs” (a fossil of a Protoceratops and a Direction.” Take a curator-led tour of the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Art, named in Velociraptor locked in combat) were discovered in the 1970s. Admire the Flaming • Watch the sun set over the Gobi Desert at the luxury Three honor of the 17th century Buddhist leader, a painter, sculptor, linguist, and architect. Visit Cliffs, one of the most renowned paleontological sites in the world, where the Camel Lodge, Mongolia’s premier ger camp. the Museum of Paleontology at Hunnu Mall, and attend a lecture by a paleontologist world’s first nest of dinosaur eggs was discovered in 1922. • Learn from a Mongolian paleontologist about the discovery from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences. Enjoy an evening performance of Mongolian Three Camel Lodge & Ger Camp (3B, 3L, 3D) of the first dinosaur eggs, those of anOviraptor , discovered by throat-singing, an otherworldly musical form in which a single vocalist produces two or Roy Chapman Andrews in 1922. more distinct tones, or overtones, simultaneously. Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel (1B, Aug 12 Ulaanbaatar 1L, 1D) Fly back to the capital today and enjoy free time for independent exploration, • Discover Erdene Zuu (Thousand Treasures) Monastery, built last-minute shopping, or packing. Gather for a festive farewell dinner. in 1586 from the stones of Genghis Khan’s ruined capital, Aug 6 Hustai Nuruu National Park Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel (B, L, D) Kara Korum. Drive to Hustai Nuruu National Park, home of the Przewalski horse, the last remaining breed of truly wild horse in the world, reintroduced into the wild in 1994. Learn about Aug 13 Depart Ulaanbaatar • Witness a local country Naadam celebration, a tribute to the The tour concludes with transfers to the airport for international departures. nomad’s strength, dexterity and marksmanship the current conservation efforts and status of herds. Spend the night here in a ger camp, a rustic encampment of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Hustai Ger Camp (B, L, D) (B flight time permitting)

Aug 7-8 Kara Korum • Ulaanbaatar Study Leader: John Ordway Visit the ruins of Kara Korum, Genghis Khan’s 13th century capital. Nearby Erdene Siberia & Lake Baikal Post-Tour Zuu (Thousand Treasures) Monastery has remained intact since its construction in John Ordway is a retired Foreign Service Officer 1586, and is built from the stones of the ruined capital. It stretches nearly a quarter of August 13-18 who is the U.S. Commissioner for the New START a mile in either direction, and is surrounded by a brick wall studded with 108 stupas, Aug 13-14: Irkutsk Treaty’s Bilateral Consultative Commission. He or shrines. Kara Korum and Erdene Zuu are included in the Orkhon Valley UNESCO Aug 15-16: Olkhon Island served as Ambassador to and to Site, an area covering more than 300,000 acres along both sides of Mongolia’s Orkhon Aug 17-18: Irkutsk Armenia. He was Director of African Affairs River. The site also encompasses the 8th century carved rock memorials to Turkish at the NSC during the George H.W. Bush heroes Bilge Khan and Kul Tigin, discovered only in the late 19th century; the ruins Fly from Mongolia to nearby Siberia for a six-day/five-night Siberian Administration, as well as Deputy Chief of of 8th century Khar Balgas, capital of the Uighur Empire; Tuvkhun Hermitage; and the adventure. Explore Siberia’s charming “capital” city, Irkutsk, once a Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow from remains of the 13th and 14th century Mongol palace at Doit Hill, possibly Ögedei staging area for trade convoys and exploring expeditions. Climb to the 1999-2001. Following retirement from the Foreign Khan’s residence. Overnight at a local ger camp, and drive back to Ulaanbaatar in the top of the bell-tower of an Irkutsk church to enjoy a concert of chimes Service in 2008, he served in the U.S. Embassies of , Bulgaria, afternoon. 1 night: Munkh Tenger “Blue Sky” Ger Camp, 1 night: Best Western Premier Tuushin by a master bell ringer. & Kazakhstan. From November 2014 until July 2015 Hotel (2B, 2L, 2D) he was Senior Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, working Then head to UNESCO-listed Lake Baikal. More than a mile deep on the resolution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Ambassador in places, Baikal holds about twenty percent of the world’s unfrozen Ordway graduated from Stanford University and the University of fresh water. Explore its largest island, sacred Olkhon. Attend a shaman California’s Hastings College of Law before entering the Foreign ceremony at Olkhon’s best-known spot, Shaman Rock, and walk Khoboi Service in 1975. He was the runner-up for the 2008 Charles Cape, a sharp and narrow outcropping that gave it the name, which Cobb Award as the ambassador who had contributed the most means tusk or fang. to commercial diplomacy, and received awards from the American Details will be sent with confirmation. Chambers of Commerce in Russia, Armenia and Kazakhstan. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. calls, laundry,excessbaggagefees, incidentals reservations •TravelinsuranceMealsnotspecifiedasincludedintheitineraryPersonalitemssuchtelephone recommended flight itinerary willbesent recommendedby ourtouroperatoruponconfirmation. flightitinerary the globalnature ofourmembersandpatrons, there isnogroup flight for thisprogram. Informationa on handling at the hotels and airports wherehandling atthehotelsandairports available •Comprehensivepre-departurepacket •Gratuitiestolocalguides,the itinerary drivers, Tour Managerandrestaurant staffduringincludedmeals•Baggage events andextensivesightseeing,includingentrancefees•English-speakingguides Tour Managerthroughout and theGobiineconomy class• All overland transportationperitineraryby privatevehicles •Specialcultural on scheduledstart/enddays•Roundtripairfarebetween Ulaanbaatar departure transfersforpassengersarriving/departing itinerary (B=breakfast,L=lunch,D=dinner)•Arrival/ transfer only. and aircostsisduebyJune 5,2018,60dayspriortodeparture. Paymentofthebalanceisduebycheckorbank Corporation-CA Trust) orcreditcardinformationtoTheCommonwealth Club. Balanceofpaymentforallland visit Bay Area may purchase aworldwide membership. To learnaboutmembershiptypesand topurchase amembership, Eligibility: Reservations andPayments: What toExpect: Air Arrangements: Not Included: Included: Responsibility: Insurance: Single Travelers: Note: Cancellations andRefunds: accommodations cannotbeguaranteedandasinglesupplementratewillapply. required fortripparticipation and isavailabletoprospective travelersuponrequest. A signedreleaseofliability/assumption ofriskagreementis and MIRCorporationforlossofproperty, injury,illnessordeathwillbeprovidedtopassengersuponenrollment you notpurchaseinternationalflightsuntilinstructedbyMIRCorporation. penalty incurredbythepurchaseofanon-refundableticketinconnection withthistour. Itisrecommendedthat will beprovided by theCommonwealth Clubwithyour confirmation packets. With theexceptionof Three CamelLodge, Mongolian western toiletsonthetripisunreliable, and squattoiletsare prevalent atmuseums andmany oftherestaurants. up withthegroup, andstandfor extendedperiodsoftimeduringwalkingtoursandmuseum visits. Availability of able towalkatleasttwo milesaday (withorwithouttheassistanceofacane)over uneven terrain whilekeeping climbing required. The tourisnotwheelchairaccessible. To reap thefullrewards ofthisadventure, travelers must be be refunded,ifany. participant, andsubjectonlytotherequirementthatrecoverablecost ofunusedservicesandaccommodations tour stafftobeinthebestinterestofhealth,safety,orgeneralwelfare ofthetourgrouporindividual participant towithdrawfromatouratanytimehis/herownexpense,when suchactionisdeterminedby Corporation reservestherighttodeclineacceptanypersonasaparticipant inatour,ortorequireany MIR Corporationreservetheright,withoutpenalty,towithdrawtour announced(i.e.,cancelatour). MIR who donotcompletethefulltourforanyreasonatall. Commonwealth Club Travel andourtouroperator per person;thosereceived30daysorlessbeforedeparture,norefund. Refundscannotbemadetopassengers person non-refundable deposit;thosereceived31daysto60beforedeparture,forfeit 50%oflandtour cost cancellation chargeswillapply:Cancellationsreceived61ormoredaysbeforedeparture,forfeit the$500per willingness to accept local standards of amenities and services arewillingness toacceptlocalstandards essentialtotheenjoyment ofamenitiesandservices ofthisprogram. dwellings heatedby wood stoves. Shower andtoiletfacilitiesare found inaseparatebuilding. Flexibilityandthe

Single Supplement: $495 Siberia Extension: $2,990 Single Supplement: $1,295 Land Program Rate: $7,495 (per personbasedondoubleoccupancy) commonwealthclub.org/membership Neither Commonwealth Club Travel norMIRCorporationacceptsliabilityforanyairlinecancellation All accommodation, hotel taxes • Meals per Allaccommodation,hoteltaxes•Mealsper

We require membershiptotheCommonwealth Clubtotravel withus. People wholive outsideofthe

A medical/evacuation andtripcancellation/interruption insurancepolicyisrecommended. Information Internationalairfareto/from Ulaanbaatar. Ourtouroperator MIRCorporationcanassistwith ©2017 MIRCorporation, allrightsreserved. Photos: Peter Guttman, Helge Pedersen, MIRCorporation

A detailedstatementoflimitationsand exclusionsofliabilityCommonwealth Club Travel

This tripisactive duetothesubstantialdistancescovered andtheextensive walkingandstair We makeeveryefforttomatchsingletravelerswhorequestaroommate. However,shared

Program ratesdonotincludeinternationalairfare to/from Ulaanbaatar. Becauseof .

All cancellations must be made in writing to MIR Corporation and the following All cancellationsmustbemadeinwritingtoMIRCorporationandthefollowing

CWC: CST #2096889-46; MIR Corporation: CST #2082306-40. WST #601-099-932.

Please mail the completed registration form with check (payable to MIR Please mailthecompletedregistrationformwithcheck(payabletoMIR orcall(415)597-6720.

ger campsare small, rusticencampmentsof round yurt-like

Please mail the completed registration form with check (payable to MIR Corporation-CA Trust) or credit card information to The Commonwealth Club of California, 110 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105. Balance of payment for all land and air costs is due by June 5, 2018, 60 days prior to departure. Payment of the balance is due by check or bank transfer only. Space is limited. Reservations will be processed in order of receipt, subject to availability. We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. Please check one of the following options: The Commonwealth Club of California  I am a current member of the Commonwealth Club  Please use the credit card information below to sign me up or renew 110 The Embarcadero my membership.  I will visit commonwealthclub.org/membership to sign up for a membership San Francisco, CA 94105 The enclosed non-refundable deposit of $ ______($500 per person) to hold ______place(s).  Enclosed check, payable to MIR Corporation-CA Trust  Visa  Mastercard  American Express  Discover ______Credit card number Exp date CVC ______Billing Address (if different from mailing address) ______Signature of cardholder ______Full name #1 (as listed in passport) Date of birth ______Full name #2 (as listed in passport) Date of birth ______Mailing address (no PO boxes please) ______City State/Province Zip Country ______Phone (Home) (Work/Cell) Email

Please note preferences:  I am traveling alone and prefer a single room wherever available at the single supplement rate ($1,295).  I will share accommodations with ______ I am traveling alone and would like to share a room with a  Non-smoker  Smoker (shares are not guaranteed) International airfare is not included in the tour price. Information on the recommended flight itinerary will be sent by our tour operator upon confirmation.

For more information, contact The Commonwealth Club at (415) 597-6720 or [email protected] You may fax this reservation to (415) 597-6729. Optional Post-Tour toSiberia &LakeBaikal Ulaanbaatar with a country Naadamwith acountry Festival August 3-132018 • Mongolia

Hustai •

Kara KorumKara •

Gobi

The Commonwealth Club 415-597-6720 [email protected]

Program Highlights Day by Day Itinerary • Listen to the mesmerizing sound of Mongolian throat-singing. Aug 3-4 Depart USA • Arrive Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Aug 9-11 South Gobi Depart the U.S. on flights bound for Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Fly to the South Gobi, Mongolia’s southernmost province of semi-arid desert. • Explore the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum on a curator-led Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel (Meals in flight) Explore Yolyn Am (Vulture’s Mouth) Canyon, which cuts a narrow path into the tour. rocky slopes of the Gurvansaikhan Mountains. Discover one of the few areas • Search for the elusive Przewalski horse, the last remaining Aug 5 Ulaanbaatar of sand dunes in the Gobi, Moltsog Els, where the constantly shifting sands breed of truly wild horse, in Hustai Nuruu National Park. Ulaanbaatar is the political and cultural heart of Mongolia, and the country’s largest city. are piled by the wind and reach surprising heights. Join with local people to Located on a high plateau and bathed in brilliant sunshine much of the year, it is home celebrate an intimate rural version of Ulaanbaatar’s annual Naadam Festival. • Visit homes of local nomads and perhaps sample airag, to the country’s most extensive cultural, historical and archaeological collections. Visit Gobi dwellers gather from near and far to participate. Drive to Togrogiin fermented mare’s milk. the Gandan Monastery, with the 20-ton gilded statue of “the Lord Who Looks in Every Shiree, where the famous “Fighting Dinosaurs” (a fossil of a Protoceratops and a Direction.” Take a curator-led tour of the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Art, named in Velociraptor locked in combat) were discovered in the 1970s. Admire the Flaming • Watch the sun set over the Gobi Desert at the luxury Three honor of the 17th century Buddhist leader, a painter, sculptor, linguist, and architect. Visit Cliffs, one of the most renowned paleontological sites in the world, where the Camel Lodge, Mongolia’s premier ger camp. the Museum of Paleontology at Hunnu Mall, and attend a lecture by a paleontologist world’s first nest of dinosaur eggs was discovered in 1922. • Learn from a Mongolian paleontologist about the discovery from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences. Enjoy an evening performance of Mongolian Three Camel Lodge & Ger Camp (3B, 3L, 3D) of the first dinosaur eggs, those of anOviraptor , discovered by throat-singing, an otherworldly musical form in which a single vocalist produces two or Roy Chapman Andrews in 1922. more distinct tones, or overtones, simultaneously. Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel (1B, Aug 12 Ulaanbaatar 1L, 1D) Fly back to the capital today and enjoy free time for independent exploration, • Discover Erdene Zuu (Thousand Treasures) Monastery, built last-minute shopping, or packing. Gather for a festive farewell dinner. in 1586 from the stones of Genghis Khan’s ruined capital, Aug 6 Hustai Nuruu National Park Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel (B, L, D) Kara Korum. Drive to Hustai Nuruu National Park, home of the Przewalski horse, the last remaining breed of truly wild horse in the world, reintroduced into the wild in 1994. Learn about Aug 13 Depart Ulaanbaatar • Witness a local country Naadam celebration, a tribute to the The tour concludes with transfers to the airport for international departures. nomad’s strength, dexterity and marksmanship the current conservation efforts and status of herds. Spend the night here in a ger camp, a rustic encampment of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Hustai Ger Camp (B, L, D) (B flight time permitting)

Aug 7-8 Kara Korum • Ulaanbaatar Study Leader: John Ordway Visit the ruins of Kara Korum, Genghis Khan’s 13th century capital. Nearby Erdene Siberia & Lake Baikal Post-Tour Zuu (Thousand Treasures) Monastery has remained intact since its construction in John Ordway is a retired Foreign Service Officer 1586, and is built from the stones of the ruined capital. It stretches nearly a quarter of August 13-18 who is the U.S. Commissioner for the New START a mile in either direction, and is surrounded by a brick wall studded with 108 stupas, Aug 13-14: Irkutsk Treaty’s Bilateral Consultative Commission. He or shrines. Kara Korum and Erdene Zuu are included in the Orkhon Valley UNESCO Aug 15-16: Olkhon Island served as Ambassador to Kazakhstan and to Site, an area covering more than 300,000 acres along both sides of Mongolia’s Orkhon Aug 17-18: Irkutsk Armenia. He was Director of African Affairs River. The site also encompasses the 8th century carved rock memorials to Turkish at the NSC during the George H.W. Bush heroes Bilge Khan and Kul Tigin, discovered only in the late 19th century; the ruins Fly from Mongolia to nearby Siberia for a six-day/five-night Siberian Administration, as well as Deputy Chief of of 8th century Khar Balgas, capital of the Uighur Empire; Tuvkhun Hermitage; and the adventure. Explore Siberia’s charming “capital” city, Irkutsk, once a Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow from remains of the 13th and 14th century Mongol palace at Doit Hill, possibly Ögedei staging area for trade convoys and exploring expeditions. Climb to the 1999-2001. Following retirement from the Foreign Khan’s residence. Overnight at a local ger camp, and drive back to Ulaanbaatar in the top of the bell-tower of an Irkutsk church to enjoy a concert of chimes Service in 2008, he served in the U.S. Embassies of Austria, Bulgaria, afternoon. 1 night: Munkh Tenger “Blue Sky” Ger Camp, 1 night: Best Western Premier Tuushin by a master bell ringer. Czech Republic & Kazakhstan. From November 2014 until July 2015 Hotel (2B, 2L, 2D) he was Senior Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, working Then head to UNESCO-listed Lake Baikal. More than a mile deep on the resolution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Ambassador in places, Baikal holds about twenty percent of the world’s unfrozen Ordway graduated from Stanford University and the University of fresh water. Explore its largest island, sacred Olkhon. Attend a shaman California’s Hastings College of Law before entering the Foreign ceremony at Olkhon’s best-known spot, Shaman Rock, and walk Khoboi Service in 1975. He was the runner-up for the 2008 Charles Cape, a sharp and narrow outcropping that gave it the name, which Cobb Award as the ambassador who had contributed the most means tusk or fang. to commercial diplomacy, and received awards from the American Details will be sent with confirmation. Chambers of Commerce in Russia, Armenia and Kazakhstan. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. The Commonwealth Club 415-597-6720 [email protected]

Program Highlights Day by Day Itinerary • Listen to the mesmerizing sound of Mongolian throat-singing. Aug 3-4 Depart USA • Arrive Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Aug 9-11 South Gobi Depart the U.S. on flights bound for Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Fly to the South Gobi, Mongolia’s southernmost province of semi-arid desert. • Explore the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum on a curator-led Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel (Meals in flight) Explore Yolyn Am (Vulture’s Mouth) Canyon, which cuts a narrow path into the tour. rocky slopes of the Gurvansaikhan Mountains. Discover one of the few areas • Search for the elusive Przewalski horse, the last remaining Aug 5 Ulaanbaatar of sand dunes in the Gobi, Moltsog Els, where the constantly shifting sands breed of truly wild horse, in Hustai Nuruu National Park. Ulaanbaatar is the political and cultural heart of Mongolia, and the country’s largest city. are piled by the wind and reach surprising heights. Join with local people to Located on a high plateau and bathed in brilliant sunshine much of the year, it is home celebrate an intimate rural version of Ulaanbaatar’s annual Naadam Festival. • Visit homes of local nomads and perhaps sample airag, to the country’s most extensive cultural, historical and archaeological collections. Visit Gobi dwellers gather from near and far to participate. Drive to Togrogiin fermented mare’s milk. the Gandan Monastery, with the 20-ton gilded statue of “the Lord Who Looks in Every Shiree, where the famous “Fighting Dinosaurs” (a fossil of a Protoceratops and a Direction.” Take a curator-led tour of the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Art, named in Velociraptor locked in combat) were discovered in the 1970s. Admire the Flaming • Watch the sun set over the Gobi Desert at the luxury Three honor of the 17th century Buddhist leader, a painter, sculptor, linguist, and architect. Visit Cliffs, one of the most renowned paleontological sites in the world, where the Camel Lodge, Mongolia’s premier ger camp. the Museum of Paleontology at Hunnu Mall, and attend a lecture by a paleontologist world’s first nest of dinosaur eggs was discovered in 1922. • Learn from a Mongolian paleontologist about the discovery from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences. Enjoy an evening performance of Mongolian Three Camel Lodge & Ger Camp (3B, 3L, 3D) of the first dinosaur eggs, those of anOviraptor , discovered by throat-singing, an otherworldly musical form in which a single vocalist produces two or Roy Chapman Andrews in 1922. more distinct tones, or overtones, simultaneously. Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel (1B, Aug 12 Ulaanbaatar 1L, 1D) Fly back to the capital today and enjoy free time for independent exploration, • Discover Erdene Zuu (Thousand Treasures) Monastery, built last-minute shopping, or packing. Gather for a festive farewell dinner. in 1586 from the stones of Genghis Khan’s ruined capital, Aug 6 Hustai Nuruu National Park Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel (B, L, D) Kara Korum. Drive to Hustai Nuruu National Park, home of the Przewalski horse, the last remaining breed of truly wild horse in the world, reintroduced into the wild in 1994. Learn about Aug 13 Depart Ulaanbaatar • Witness a local country Naadam celebration, a tribute to the The tour concludes with transfers to the airport for international departures. nomad’s strength, dexterity and marksmanship the current conservation efforts and status of herds. Spend the night here in a ger camp, a rustic encampment of a number of round yurt-like dwellings. Hustai Ger Camp (B, L, D) (B flight time permitting)

Aug 7-8 Kara Korum • Ulaanbaatar Study Leader: John Ordway Visit the ruins of Kara Korum, Genghis Khan’s 13th century capital. Nearby Erdene Siberia & Lake Baikal Post-Tour Zuu (Thousand Treasures) Monastery has remained intact since its construction in John Ordway is a retired Foreign Service Officer 1586, and is built from the stones of the ruined capital. It stretches nearly a quarter of August 13-18 who is the U.S. Commissioner for the New START a mile in either direction, and is surrounded by a brick wall studded with 108 stupas, Aug 13-14: Irkutsk Treaty’s Bilateral Consultative Commission. He or shrines. Kara Korum and Erdene Zuu are included in the Orkhon Valley UNESCO Aug 15-16: Olkhon Island served as Ambassador to Kazakhstan and to Site, an area covering more than 300,000 acres along both sides of Mongolia’s Orkhon Aug 17-18: Irkutsk Armenia. He was Director of African Affairs River. The site also encompasses the 8th century carved rock memorials to Turkish at the NSC during the George H.W. Bush heroes Bilge Khan and Kul Tigin, discovered only in the late 19th century; the ruins Fly from Mongolia to nearby Siberia for a six-day/five-night Siberian Administration, as well as Deputy Chief of of 8th century Khar Balgas, capital of the Uighur Empire; Tuvkhun Hermitage; and the adventure. Explore Siberia’s charming “capital” city, Irkutsk, once a Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow from remains of the 13th and 14th century Mongol palace at Doit Hill, possibly Ögedei staging area for trade convoys and exploring expeditions. Climb to the 1999-2001. Following retirement from the Foreign Khan’s residence. Overnight at a local ger camp, and drive back to Ulaanbaatar in the top of the bell-tower of an Irkutsk church to enjoy a concert of chimes Service in 2008, he served in the U.S. Embassies of Austria, Bulgaria, afternoon. 1 night: Munkh Tenger “Blue Sky” Ger Camp, 1 night: Best Western Premier Tuushin by a master bell ringer. Czech Republic & Kazakhstan. From November 2014 until July 2015 Hotel (2B, 2L, 2D) he was Senior Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, working Then head to UNESCO-listed Lake Baikal. More than a mile deep on the resolution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Ambassador in places, Baikal holds about twenty percent of the world’s unfrozen Ordway graduated from Stanford University and the University of fresh water. Explore its largest island, sacred Olkhon. Attend a shaman California’s Hastings College of Law before entering the Foreign ceremony at Olkhon’s best-known spot, Shaman Rock, and walk Khoboi Service in 1975. He was the runner-up for the 2008 Charles Cape, a sharp and narrow outcropping that gave it the name, which Cobb Award as the ambassador who had contributed the most means tusk or fang. to commercial diplomacy, and received awards from the American Details will be sent with confirmation. Chambers of Commerce in Russia, Armenia and Kazakhstan. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. calls, laundry,excessbaggagefees, incidentals reservations •TravelinsuranceMealsnotspecifiedasincludedintheitineraryPersonalitemssuchtelephone recommended flight itinerary willbesent recommendedby ourtouroperatoruponconfirmation. flightitinerary the globalnature ofourmembersandpatrons, there isnogroup flight for thisprogram. Informationa on handling at the hotels and airports wherehandling atthehotelsandairports available •Comprehensivepre-departurepacket •Gratuitiestolocalguides,the itinerary drivers, Tour Managerandrestaurant staffduringincludedmeals•Baggage events andextensivesightseeing,includingentrancefees•English-speakingguides Tour Managerthroughout and theGobiineconomy class• All overland transportationperitineraryby privatevehicles •Specialcultural on scheduledstart/enddays•Roundtripairfarebetween Ulaanbaatar departure transfersforpassengersarriving/departing itinerary (B=breakfast,L=lunch,D=dinner)•Arrival/ transfer only. and aircostsisduebyJune 5,2018,60dayspriortodeparture. Paymentofthebalanceisduebycheckorbank Corporation-CA Trust) orcreditcardinformationtoTheCommonwealth Club. Balanceofpaymentforallland visit Bay Area may purchase aworldwide membership. To learnaboutmembershiptypesand topurchase amembership, Responsibility: Insurance: Single Travelers: Note: Cancellations andRefunds: Eligibility: Reservations andPayments: What toExpect: Air Arrangements: Not Included: Included: accommodations cannotbeguaranteedandasinglesupplementratewillapply. required fortripparticipation and isavailabletoprospective travelersuponrequest. A signedreleaseofliability/assumption ofriskagreementis and MIRCorporationforlossofproperty, injury,illnessordeathwillbeprovidedtopassengersuponenrollment you notpurchaseinternationalflightsuntilinstructedbyMIRCorporation. penalty incurredbythepurchaseofanon-refundableticketinconnection withthistour. Itisrecommendedthat will beprovided by theCommonwealth Clubwithyour confirmation packets. With theexceptionof Three CamelLodge, Mongolian western toiletsonthetripisunreliable, and squattoiletsare prevalent atmuseums andmany oftherestaurants. up withthegroup, andstandfor extendedperiodsoftimeduringwalkingtoursandmuseum visits. Availability of able towalkatleasttwo milesaday (withorwithouttheassistanceofacane)over uneven terrain whilekeeping climbing required. The tourisnotwheelchairaccessible. To reap thefullrewards ofthisadventure, travelers must be be refunded,ifany. participant, andsubjectonlytotherequirementthatrecoverablecost ofunusedservicesandaccommodations tour stafftobeinthebestinterestofhealth,safety,orgeneralwelfare ofthetourgrouporindividual participant towithdrawfromatouratanytimehis/herownexpense,when suchactionisdeterminedby Corporation reservestherighttodeclineacceptanypersonasaparticipant inatour,ortorequireany MIR Corporationreservetheright,withoutpenalty,towithdrawtour announced(i.e.,cancelatour). MIR who donotcompletethefulltourforanyreasonatall. Commonwealth Club Travel andourtouroperator per person;thosereceived30daysorlessbeforedeparture,norefund. Refundscannotbemadetopassengers person non-refundable deposit;thosereceived31daysto60beforedeparture,forfeit 50%oflandtour cost cancellation chargeswillapply:Cancellationsreceived61ormoredaysbeforedeparture,forfeit the$500per willingness to accept local standards of amenities and services arewillingness toacceptlocalstandards essentialtotheenjoyment ofamenitiesandservices ofthisprogram. dwellings heatedby wood stoves. Shower andtoiletfacilitiesare found inaseparatebuilding. Flexibilityandthe

Single Supplement: $495 Siberia Extension: $2,990 Single Supplement: $1,295 Land Program Rate: $7,495 (per personbasedondoubleoccupancy) commonwealthclub.org/membership Neither Commonwealth Club Travel norMIRCorporationacceptsliabilityforanyairlinecancellation All accommodation, hotel taxes • Meals per Allaccommodation,hoteltaxes•Mealsper

We require membershiptotheCommonwealth Clubtotravel withus. People wholive outsideofthe

A medical/evacuation andtripcancellation/interruption insurancepolicyisrecommended. Information Internationalairfareto/from Ulaanbaatar. Ourtouroperator MIRCorporationcanassistwith ©2017 MIRCorporation, allrightsreserved. Photos: Peter Guttman, Helge Pedersen, MIRCorporation

A detailedstatementoflimitationsand exclusionsofliabilityCommonwealth Club Travel

This tripisactive duetothesubstantialdistancescovered andtheextensive walkingandstair We makeeveryefforttomatchsingletravelerswhorequestaroommate. However,shared

Program ratesdonotincludeinternationalairfare to/from Ulaanbaatar. Becauseof .

All cancellations must be made in writing to MIR Corporation and the following All cancellationsmustbemadeinwritingtoMIRCorporationandthefollowing

CWC: CST #2096889-46; MIR Corporation: CST #2082306-40. WST #601-099-932.

Please mail the completed registration form with check (payable to MIR Please mailthecompletedregistrationformwithcheck(payabletoMIR orcall(415)597-6720.

ger campsare small, rusticencampmentsof round yurt-like

Please mail the completed registration form with check (payable to MIR Corporation-CA Trust) or credit card information to The Commonwealth Club of California, 110 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105. Balance of payment for all land and air costs is due by June 5, 2018, 60 days prior to departure. Payment of the balance is due by check or bank transfer only. Space is limited. Reservations will be processed in order of receipt, subject to availability. We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. Please check one of the following options: The Commonwealth Club of California  I am a current member of the Commonwealth Club  Please use the credit card information below to sign me up or renew 110 The Embarcadero my membership.  I will visit commonwealthclub.org/membership to sign up for a membership San Francisco, CA 94105 The enclosed non-refundable deposit of $ ______($500 per person) to hold ______place(s).  Enclosed check, payable to MIR Corporation-CA Trust  Visa  Mastercard  American Express  Discover ______Credit card number Exp date CVC ______Billing Address (if different from mailing address) ______Signature of cardholder ______Full name #1 (as listed in passport) Date of birth ______Full name #2 (as listed in passport) Date of birth ______Mailing address (no PO boxes please) ______City State/Province Zip Country ______Phone (Home) (Work/Cell) Email

Please note preferences:  I am traveling alone and prefer a single room wherever available at the single supplement rate ($1,295).  I will share accommodations with ______ I am traveling alone and would like to share a room with a  Non-smoker  Smoker (shares are not guaranteed) International airfare is not included in the tour price. Information on the recommended flight itinerary will be sent by our tour operator upon confirmation.

For more information, contact The Commonwealth Club at (415) 597-6720 or [email protected] You may fax this reservation to (415) 597-6729. Optional Post-Tour toSiberia &LakeBaikal Ulaanbaatar with a country Naadamwith acountry Festival August 3-132018 • Mongolia

Hustai •

Kara KorumKara •

Gobi