Mongolia- Great Tour-Lands of Authentic Nomads

Key Information: Trip Length: 18 days/17 nights. Trip Type: Easy to Moderate. Tour Code: SMT-MKGT-18D Specialty Categories: Adventure Tour, Cultural Journey, Nomadic Lifestyle. Meeting Point: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (excluding flight). Departure Point: , Kyrgyzstan (excluding flight). Small Groups: 6-16 travelers-guaranteed! Valid Season: June-September. Tour Customizable: Yes.

Tour Highlights: This is a unique way to discover Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan-The Lands of the Authentic Nomads. This Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan Great Tour will give you plenty of opportunities in Mongolia to ride camels on the sand dunes, meeting nomadic people, staying in a traditional tent, seeing grasslands and beautiful vistas which are great options for families, couples, small group of friends and in Kyrgyzstan to visits Archa National Natural Park located in a picturesque gorge of Ala Archa, Burana Tower, Cholpon Ata Petroglyphs site, Djety Oguz Gorge, Issyk Kul Lake, Kochkor village, and Son Kul Lake. Incredible journey in just sixteen days. This journey designed especially for families, private trip, small group, and funny travel. We would be pleased to have you join us!

The Best Time to Travel to Mongolia: The travel season begins in June to September. The Best Time to Travel to Kyrgyzstan: The travel season in middle of June to September.

Brief Itinerary: Day 1-Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar, meet Samar Magic Tours team. (L) Day 2-Ulaanbaatar-Great Statue of Genghis Khan-Terelj National Park. (B)(L)(D) Day 3-Terelj National Park-Ulaanbaatar. (B)(L) Day 4-Ulaanbaatar-Hustain Nuruu National Park-Karakorum. (B)(L)(D) Day 5-Karakorum-Orkhon Valley-Nomadic Family-Turkish monuments-Karakorum. (B)(L)(D) Day 6-Taikhar rock-Tsetserleg-Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park. (B)(L)(D) Day 7-Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park/Khorgo Extinctic volcano. (B)(L)(D) Day 8-Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park-Tsenkher Hot Spa. (B)(L)(D) Day 9-Khogno Khan National Reserve-Uvgun temple-Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes. (B)(L)(D) Day 10-Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes-Ulaanbaatar. (B)(L) Day 11-Take your flight Ulaanbaatar/Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan with TK343 (Turkish Airlines) at 11:05 A.M (including the departure international flight). Arrive in Bishkek at Manas International airport at 01:35 P.M. Lunch in Bishkek. Drive to Archa National Park. (B)(L)(D) Day 12-Bishkek-Issyk Kul Lake via Burana Tower. (B)(L)(D) Day 13-Cholpon Ata town-Karakol town. (B)(L)(D) Day 14-Karakol town-Djety Oguz gorge. (B)(L)(D) Day 15-Djety Oguz gorge-Kochkor. (B)(L)(D) Day 16-Kochkor village-Son Kul Lake. (B)(L)(D) Day 17-Lake Son Kul-Bishkek. (B)(L)(D) Day 18-Departure Kyrgyzstan or extension tour to (excluding the departure flight). (B)

Day-by-day Itinerary: Day 1-Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar, meet Samar Magic Tours team. Change some money in the airport. Transfer to your selected hotel (the check-in time at hotel is after 02:00PM). Welcome lunch in local restaurant. City tour: visits the dinosaur’s fossil museum, the National History Museum-where you will see artefacts from Mongolia and from the Stone Age to the present and the Sukh Baatar square-this is the main square in the heart of Ulaanbaatar. Here you will see a large statue of the Genghis Khaan-inaugurated in 2006 on the occasion of 800th Anniversary of the Great Mongolian Empire of Genghis Khan (1206-2006), the Sukh Baatar Hero along with The Parliament House, Stock Exchange, the Drama Theatre and the Palace of Culture. 06:00PM-Enjoy the National Performers (concert which includes the Tsam dance, traditional Mongolian singers, dancers, Tuvan throat singing and contortionists) 07:30PM-Transfer to hotel. Overnight at Blue Sky & Tower hotel, 5*. (L)

Day 2-Breakfast. 09:00AM-Visit the Gandantegchinlen Monastery is a Tibetan-style Buddhist monastery that has been restored and revitalized since 1990. The Tibetan name translates to the "Great Place of Complete Joy". It currently has over 150 monks in residence. It features a 26.5-meter-high statue of Avalokitesvara. It came under state protection in 1994. Afterward, drive towards N/E to visit the 40-meter (~133,3 feet) Statue of Genghis or Chinggis Khaan. Visitors walk to the head of the horse through its chest and neck of the horse, where they can have a panoramic view. Continue north further to Terelj National Park. The valley is about 20kms/12miles long at 1600m. This picturesque National Park is a part of Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area. It is a great place for hiking, trekking, even you can rock climb here at its natural steep granite walls. On the way, we explore the 100 Lamas cave, where Lamas hide from the soviets repression. Explore on foot the Turtle shaped original giant rock. Overnight in tourist Gers camp. (B)(L)(D)

Day 3 -Breakfast.09:30AM-Meet Samar Magic Tours team. Hiking and walking to Arryabal Meditation temple, on the top of mountain. During the trip, you will also have opportunities to visit a local nomadic family. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to hotel (*the check-in time at hotel is after 02:00PM). Overnight at Blue Sky & Tower hotel, 5*. (B)(L)

Day 4 -Breakfast.09:30AM-Meet Samar Magic Tours team. A long drive towards to Karakorum-the Genghis (Chinggis) Khan's 13th century capital and heart of the mighty Mongolian Empire and Okhon river Valley, cradle of Mongolian civilization. Stop in route, to visit Hustain Nuruu Wild Horses Reserve (hustai is Mongolian for birch and nuruu means mountains) measures about 57,000 hectares, or including the buffer zone 120.000 ha., and is located on about 120kms/75miles west from the capital Ulaanbaatar. The flagship species for the Hustain Nuruu Nature Reserve is the reintroduced Przewalski horse. Drive towards to Karakorum. Overnight in Tourist Gers Camp. (B)(L)(D)

Day 5 - Breakfast. In the morning, we visit the legendary Erdene zuu monastery, the turtle monument and the Karakorum museum, which is recently opened to show the public, remains unique in Kharakorum found during an excavation organized by Mongolia and Germany together. Visitors, such as Marco Polo, described its ornate building, including a 2500 sq. meters Palace of Worldly Peace. 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. Drive to Okhon river Valley. Subsequently the Valley was continuously occupied throughout the Prehistoric and Bronze ages and in proto-historic and early historic times was settled successively by the Huns, Turkic peoples, the Uighurs, the Kidans, and finally the Mongols. Today, the cultural heritage of the valley constitutes a UNESCO World Heritage. We visit the Turkish memorial sites of the 6th-7th centuries. Khushuu Tsaidam Monuments to Bilge Khaan and Kul-Tegin, dated 732 AD, were found 47 km to the northwest of Karakorum, part of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape UNESCO world heritage site. This collection of historical heritage includes stone monuments with runic inscriptions, stone turtles, human statues and other relics. Both monuments were dedicated to Turkish khans who ruled Mongolia between the 6th and 8th centuries. During the trip, you will also have opportunities to visit a local nomadic family on the way and experience the traditional customs and lifestyle of local residents. Great opportunities for nature lovers to hike and optional horse ride on the steppes. Overnight in tourist Gers camp. (B)(L)(D)

Day 6-Breakfast. A long drive towards via Tsetserleg city to Khorgo a dormant volcano and Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park. On the way, stop to visit Taikhar rock-is situated at the south bank of Tamir River. Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur-this is a freshwater lake with volcanic area around it is certainly the highlight of Arkhangai province. Overnight in tourist Gers camp. (B)(L)(D)

Day 7-Breakfast. Free day and relaxation in Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park. Explore the area on foot. As you hike up the volcano, the dramatic scenery of the beautiful alpine lake to the west and volcanic lava flows to the east will open in front of you. Overnight in tourist Gers camp. (B)(L)(D)

Day 8-Breakfast. A long drive towards to reach Tsenkher hot spa. Relaxing and enjoy baths at Tsenkher Hot Springs (89C/192.2F). Visit a Yak breeder’s family and experience the traditional customs and lifestyle of local residents. Overnight in tourist Gers camp. (B)(L)(D)

Day 9-Breakfast.Drive to visit and explore Khogno Khaan Mountain Nature Park-it is located about 270kms/135miles west of Ulaanbaatar. Covering an area of 47000 hectares, this park contains many historical monuments, forests of silver birches and poplar trees, and sources. The ecosystem of this park is particularly interesting because the steppe and the taiga meet here. Created in 1997 as a natural reserve, it became in 2003 a natural park. One of the main attractions of this area is the small Uvgun monastery which was built in 17th century by Saint Zanabazar who was a great sculptor and the biggest representative of Buddhism in Mongolia. Continuous drive further to visit Elsen Tasarkhai (also known as Bayangobi desert)- is a part of the 80kms/50 miles long Mongol Els Sand Dunes and is located on about 270kms/167miles west from the capital Ulaanbaatar. The nature in this area is really spectacular and great for relaxing. During the trip, you will also have opportunities to ride two- humped Bactrian camel, walk on sand dunes, experience staying in a traditional Mongolian dwelling, the ger, and walk and relax in beautifully serene nature. Overnight in Tourist Gers Camp. (B)(L)(D)

Day 10-Breakfast. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Arrive and to be transferred to the hotel. Shopping for souvenirs and cashmere. Overnight at Blue Sky & Tower hotel, 5*. (B)(L)

Day 11-Breakfast. Transfer to airport. Take your International flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan with TK343 (on Turkish Airlines) at 11:05 A.M. Arrive in Bishkek at Manas International airport at 01:35 P.M. Lunch in Bishkek. Drive to Archa National Park (about 40kms/25miles), located in a picturesque gorge of Ala Archa (about 40kms from Bishkek). On the way to the park short stop at the traditional Kyrgyz cemetery and excursion to the Gumbez (mausoleum) of Baitik Baatyr, the local respected tribal leader. At the territory of the park tourists can trek up the Ak Sai gorge (side gorge of the main Ala Archa gorge) to enjoy views of magnificent peaks of Kyrgyz Alatau Ridge (Tien Shan Mountains). Easy hike along the fast mountain river in the main gorge of Ala Archa. After excursion drive back to Bishkek. Dinner in local café. Overnight in hotel. (B)(L)(D)

Day 12-Breakfast. One-hour drive to Burana Tower, near city. That was constructed in town; one of the capitals of Karakhanid State existed in 11-12 centuries AD. Explore ruins of that important trading point at the Great and visit a little local museum telling about that civilization. Also watch a collection of Balbals, Turkic ancient tombs. We drive to the Issyk Kul Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America. Lunch in route. In summer, the water temperature reaches 25-28 degrees centigrade (warmer than the air) and you can swim in the lake enclosed on all sides by the snowy peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains. Dinner in café. Overnight in hotel on the lake shore. (B)(L)(D)

Day 13-Breakfast.Visit the Cholpon Ata Petroglyphs site-this is a large open-air collection of rock carvings sometimes referred to as a Stone Garden, which covers some 42 hectares and contains a number of prehistoric monumental structures (stone circles, tombs, the remains of a boundary stone wall, Balbals) and Petroglyphs (dating from the II millennium BC thru the Middle Ages and up to the VI century AD). After, excursion drives to Karakol town situated in the east of the lake area, at the foot of the most picturesque mountains of Tien Shan. On the way visit the museum of N. M. Przhevalski, the outstanding Russian explorer of Asian continent. Upon your arrival at Karakol, we have lunch. Visit the Dungan mosque, a unique construction in Chinese style, but serving as a mosque. Also you will see an Old Russian Orthodox Church – Holy Trinity Cathedral made of wood without any nails. We will visit the Ethnographical museum to learn more about the different nationalities inhabiting the territory of Kyrgyzstan. You can also walk around the town to see the blockhouses of the 19th century, which were built in Russian style (white houses with blue windows) and sometimes called “ginger man” or “doll houses”. Dinner in café. Overnight in the guest house. (B)(L)(D)

Day 14-Breakfast. Drive towards to Djety Oguz Gorge (means “Seven Bulls”). This picturesque gorge is named so because of the red rocky sand formations covered with forests of Tien Shan spruces. Upon arrival in the gorge short hiking to admire the scenery of the gorge from bird eye’s view. Lunch in camp. Dinner and overnight in yurt camp. (B)(L)(D)

Day 15-After breakfast, start your trip along the southern shore of the Issyk Kul Lake. Transfer to Kochkor village along the southern shore of the Issyk Kul Lake. On the way, we admire landscapes and make several stops for short hiking in the most picturesque spots. Lunch in route in Bokonbaevo village. Further drive to Kochkor village where you can watch how local people make felt, various carpets, embroidering and spinning, and other handicraft stuff. We also visit a handicraft museum and a shop, where you can buy different masterpieces - starting from huge felt-silk blankets, finishing with small Christmas tree decorations. Dinner and overnight in a home stay family in Kochkor. (B)(L)(D)

Day 16-Breakfast. Drive to Kochkor village for Son Kul Lake. It is a fabulous mountain lake located in Tien Shan Mountain Range at the altitude of 3016m above sea level. The route to Son-Kul winds through mountainous terrain until it seems to disappear into the very sky itself. You pass greenery valley and a very dramatic pass on your way to the lake. Upon arrival, accommodation and lunch in the camp. Today, we step into the nomadic life at the Son Kul

Lake. Here the Kyrgyz people still live in traditional simplicity. We enjoy horseback riding or just hiking, spend time with always friendly Kyrgyz families and taste their fresh airan (yogurt) and kumis (a fermented national drink from mare's milk). Dinner and overnight in the yurt camp. (B)(L)(D)

Day 17-Breakfast. Drive back to Bishkek through Kochkor village, where we have lunch. We pass through "Boom Gorge", which lies at the eastern end of the Kyrgyz Range and provides the only corridor between two Chui and Issyk Kul regions. Converging together through this narrow canyon are a highway, a railway (rising high above the road apparently it was built by German prisoners of war, the first train to travel along the 189km track to Balykchi was in 1948), and the River (so bellowed by white-water rafters). Upon your arrival in Bishkek, to be transferred to the hotel. Overnight at hotel. (B)(L)(D)

Day 18-Breakfast. Transfer to International airport “Manas” to catch your flight back home or extension tour to Uzbekistan (excluding the departure flight). (B)

What's Included? One-way trip International airfare Ulaanbaatar-Bishkek (on Turkish Airlines) at 11:05 A.M. Arrive in Bishkek at Manas International airport at 01:35 P.M. 3 nights at Blue Sky & Tower hotel, 5* in Ulaanbaatar, based on Deluxe double room, with breakfast. 7 nights in Traditional Mongolia Tourist Camps, outside of Ulaanbaatar, based on double Gers (for 2 persons), with Full board, in Mongolia. 2 nights at Asia mountains hotel 3* o similar in Bishkek, based on double standard room. 1 night at Karven hotel 4* o similar in Lake Issyk Kul, based on double standard room. 1 night at guesthouse in Karakol. 2 nights at Yurts camps in Lake Son Kul & in Yeti Oguz. 1 night at family house in Kochkor village. English speaking local guide throughout. All transfers for arrival, departure and sightseeing programmes on private basis, including the all petrol. Food as specified (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner). Welcome lunch in local restaurant in Ulaanbaatar. All applicable main entrance fees to the specified protected areas, national park, museums, and monuments in Mongolia & in Kyrgyzstan. One Mongolian traditional folk songs concert in Ulaanbaatar. 1 hour of ride two-humped Bactrian camel in Mongolia. Meeting nomadic families in Mongolia. Mongolia Taxes. Letter-visa support for Mongolia visa (if necessary).

Accommodation in Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar: Blue Sky & Tower hotel 5* (3 nights). Outside of Ulaanbaatar: 7 nights in Traditional Mongolia Tourist Gers Camps (for 2 persons).

Accommodation in Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek: Asia mountains Hotel 3* o similar (2 nights). Lake Issyk Kul: Karven Hotel 4* (1 night). Karakol: Guesthouse (1 night). Lake Son Kul: Yurt (1 night). Yeti Oguz: Yurt (1 night). Kochkor village: family house (1 night).

What's Not Included? Not indicated International flights. Occasional flight delays or cancellation. Airport tax. Visa. Excess baggage. Any rescue costs or costs of early departure. Changing of date of departure. The traveler is responsible for having proper travel documents, such as a valid passport, proper visa, the necessary passport pictures, and the International airfares. Travel insurance. Items of personal nature such as gratuities to porters at hotels, telephone / telex / fax charges, laundry, beverages, meals, optional activities, and services not specified in the itinerary. Any circumstances beyond of our control, such as the imposition of quarantine restrictions, weather conditions, etc.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR MULTI-COUNTRIES TOURS

PAYMENT SCHEDULE: These require a booking form and a deposit which is non-refundable. Booking requests with deposits will be considered in order of their receipt. A booking form is accepted and acceptance becomes definite only from the date that we have confirmed acceptance in writing and issued a confirmation invoice. At this point, a contract between the applicant and us comes into existence. We reserve the absolute right to decline any bookings for any legal reasons whatsoever, at our sole discretion.

Payment of the balance for Multi-Countries Tours: In order to confirm your chosen arrangements and the International airfare Ulaanbaatar-Bishkek a minimum non-refundable deposit of $ US 1000 per person must be paid at the time of booking if you are booking more than 16 weeks in advance. The tour cost is due not later than 12 weeks before the departure date. Your tour price is guaranteed: once Samar Magic Tours has received your full payment. All tour prices are in US dollars and in Euro and are based on tariff and rates of currency exchange in effect at the time of printing. No further reminder will be sent and, if payment is not received by the due date, I reserve the right to treat the booking as cancelled and charge a cancellation fee, the amount of which will not exceed the total cost of the holiday. You are therefore strongly recommended to take out travel insurance at an early stage to cover you in event of cancellation. All itineraries are as written, but reserve the right to alter these due to any unforeseen circumstances, and will notify you of any changes as soon as possible.

Refunds for Multi-Countries Tours: Deposits are non-refundable. 90-31 working days prior to departure: 50% of Land Cost. 30-00 working days prior to departure: No refund.

Air cancellation terms are additional: The air fares are subject to change based on availability at the time of entering the reservation. Rates in international flights only freeze the issuance and payment in full of the tickets. Tickets are not refundable and can only be annulled on the day of issue. All cancellation requests are required in writing. Telephone / verbal cancellation is not accepted.

HOTELS: By hotels policy check-in time is after 14:00. By hotels policy check-out time is before 12:00 noon.

PASSPORT, VISA AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: All participants are responsible for, and must be in possession of, a full passport, valid for at least six months beyond the end of the tour. In addition, participants must obtain any necessary visas and vaccination certificates required for the tour.

ACCEPTANCE OF RISK: The Client acknowledges that the nature of the tour is adventurous and that such holidays may involve a significant amount of personal risk. The Client hereby assumes all such risk and does hereby release the Company from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages or injuries or death resulting from these inherent risks.