The Great Mongolian Balloon Adventure

goyotravel.com - +44 (0) 1869 866520 - +976 9959 8468 – [email protected] The Great Mongolian Balloon Adventure

Departure: 20-Aug-17 Duration: 15 Days Group Size: 16- 24 Pax

Overview Accomm. Type Name

Sun 20 Aug Arr. ; National History Museum; Tumen Ekh Hotel UB Hotel

Fly to South Gobi 07:00/08:20; Gurvan Saikhan National Park; Yolyn Mon 21 Aug Ger Camp Gobi Mirage Am (Lammergeier Gorge) - FLIGHT DAY 1

Moltsog Els Sand Dunes; Camel Riding; Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs; Tue 22 Aug Ger Camp Gobi Mirage Nomadic Family Visit; Mongolian Barbecue - FLIGHT DAY 2

Wed 23 Aug Drive to Ongiin Khiid Ger Camp Ongiin Nuuts

Thu 24 Aug Ongiin Khiid Monastery - FLIGHT DAY 3 Ger Camp Ongiin Nuuts

Fri 25 Aug Ongiin Khiid; ; Orkhon River Ger Camp Ursa Major

Orkhon Valley; Uurtiin Tokhoi Canyon; Temeen Chuluu Burial Stones - Sat 26 Aug Ger Camp Ursa Major FLIGHT DAY 5

Sun 27 Aug ; Erdene Zuu Monastery - FLIGHT DAY 6 Ger Camp Monkh Tenger

Mon 28 Aug Drive to Tsenkher Hot Springs Ger Camp Altan Nutag

Tue 29 Aug Tsenkher Hot Springs; Horse Riding - FLIGHT DAY 7 Ger Camp Altan Nutag

Wed 30 Aug Drive to Elsen Tasarkhai Ger Camp Sweet Gobi

Thu 31 Aug Khogno Khaan; Uvguun Monastery - FLIGHT DAY 8 Ger Camp Sweet Gobi

Fri 1 Sep Drive to Ulaanbaatar Hotel Shangri-La

Sat 2 Sep Ulaanbaatar; Gandan Monastery; Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan Hotel Shangri-La

Sun 3 Sep Depart - -

goyotravel.com - +44 (0) 1869 866520 - +976 9959 8468 – [email protected] THE EXPERTS

The tour is led by balloon operation experts Gone with the Wind, run by Phil and Allie Dunnington - world-renowned balloonists with extensive experience of operating in some of the globe's remotest environments. Phil is one of the most widely experienced commercial balloon pilots. Allie is not only a pilot, she is also a professional tour manager and has lived or worked in Asia since 1986. This will be their 4th expedition to . www.gonewiththewind.uk.com

THE ROUTE

LOCAL TOUR SPECIALISTS

During your journey you will be staying at some of our favourite characterful ger camps in the countryside & at two of the best-located hotels in UB.

Gers are equipped with beds, linen, stove, table and chairs and have electric lighting. Our vehicle of choice is the UAZ. These Some gers may have powerpoints. Loos beasts of the east were born for the wilds and showers are in separate female and of Mongolia. Fun, functional & practical, with a high wheel base, large surround male blocks. There is a restaurant ger/building where meals are served. windows, ample luggage space, and a At Goyo Travel we believe that a good flexible sociable layout. guide is essential to the enjoyment of any We provide each car with a first aid kit, trip. Knowledge, enthusiasm, good water, tea & coffee-making facilities, and a humour, pro-activity, language and selection of snacks for guests to enjoy. The communication skills need to combine with balloons will travel in separate trucks with responsibility and a sensitivity to guests' fully sealed rear compartments, whilst needs. Your guides will be handpicked by another specially-equipped van will carry us to suit the itinerary and details will be the gas. sent out a week prior to travel.

goyotravel.com - +44 (0) 1869 866520 - +976 9959 8468 – [email protected] TRIP DETAIL

ULAANBAATAR - NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM - TUMEN EKH Your guide and driver will meet you in the arrivals hall at Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khan Airport. Transfer to the hotel and check into your room. The plan for today is quite flexible, as arrival times may differ between group members, and you will probably want some downtime to relax and catch up on sleep. You may also need to sort out exchanging money and other practical things. We suggest meeting your guide in the hotel reception at 14:00 for a leisurely walk across the impressive Sukhbaatar Square, where the group shall commemorate the Ulaanbaatar , meaning "Red Hero", was so start of the trip with a photo in front of the statue of Chinggis Khaan. Then visit the named in 1924, following the creation of the National History Museum with its well-laid out informative displays showcasing the Mongolian People's Republic. The city was country's fascinating past. founded in 1639 as a moveable Buddhist monastic centre but in 1778 it settled Afterwards, walk south towards the city's main park, and enjoy an intimate permanently at its present location on the Tuul performance of music and dance by the Tumen Ekh ensemble at a small theatre. A River in north-eastern central Mongolia. The welcome dinner at one of our favourite Mongolian restaurants rounds off your first city lies at an elevation of about 1,310 metres day in Mongolia. (4,300 ft) and is home to almost half of the country's 2.7m population.

Travel Details Arrival time tbc; 45mins/14km Airport-Hotel Accommodation Standard Twin Room, Ulaanbaatar Hotel Meals Included Dinner

ULAANBAATAR - SOUTH GOBI - YOLYN AM - FLIGHT DAY 1 You will be picked up at 4:50 from your hotel for the transfer to the airport. Fly south to Dalanzadgad where your vehicles will be waiting. Then drive 45mins or so to Yolyn Am in the Gurvan Saikhan hills. En route to the gorge, stop at the small museum and craft gers at the park entrance, before continuing to the head of the valley where you will leave the cars and continue on foot. Keep a look out for birds of prey and ibex on top of the rocky outcrops above you as you wander down the lush valley. The walk here typically lasts around 1-2hrs depending on distance ventured and The Gobi Desert covers much of southern one's individual pace. Although there is scope for a longer foray. As you walk Mongolia, and about 40% of the country as a further down the valley into the gorge the steep rock faces close in and the stream whole. It is characterised by barren expanses that criss-crosses the path disappears under sheets of ice - there is not likely to be of gravel plains and rocky outcrops - with only much ice at this time of year but there should be some. a few areas of dune. The climate in the Gobi is Afterwards drive to the ger camp where you will be staying tonight. Arrive in time extreme. Temperatures reach +40°c in summer, and as low as -40°c in winter, with for lunch, and then unpack the balloons which will have travelled down by truck strong winds in spring and autumn. over the past 2 days. Today's first flight will be from close by the camp across the Precipitation averages less than 100 mm per vast plains that stretch out for miles in this wilderness section of the Gobi desert. year. In the evening enjoy dinner at the camp and your first night sleeping in a ger.

Yolyn Am is a deep and narrow gorge in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains of southern Mongolia. In English, the name translates as Lammergeier Valley. The Lammergeier is an Old World vulture, hence the name is often translated to Valley of the Vultures or Valley of the Eagles. Wildlife abounds in this area - ground squirrels, marmots, ibex and argali roam the land, whilst birds of prey soar overhead. Although the area sees little precipitation, Yolyn Am is notable for a deep ice field. The ice field reaches several metres thick by the end of winter, and is several kilometres long. In past years it remained year round, but now the ice often disappears by late August.

Travel Details 30 mins/14km Hotel to Airport; Flight Dep. 07:00/Arr. 08:20; Up to an hour/40km to Yoln Am; 1hr/50km to Ger Camp Accommodation Standard Ger, Gobi Mirage Ger Camp Meals Included Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

goyotravel.com - +44 (0) 1869 866520 - +976 9959 8468 – [email protected] MOLTSOG ELS SAND DUNES - NOMADIC VISIT - CAMEL RIDING - BAYANZAG (FLAMING CLIFFS) - MONGOLIAN BARBECUE - FLIGHT DAY 2 In the morning drive to Moltsog Els sand dunes. Here you will have the opportunity to visit a local family of camel herders - enjoy the hospitality in their ger where you will be able to try camel milk and other traditional Mongolian fare. Then head off for an hour's camel ride through the dunes, or those who prefer to walk may do so. Head back to camp for lunch and in the afternoon drive to Bayanzag for a an exploratory walk around the spectacular sandstone formations, known as the Flaming Cliffs due to their deep red hue. Prepare the balloons for an aerial view of the area at sunset over this paleontological goldmine. Bayanzag is one of the most famous For dinner you will dine on a traditional Mongolian nomadic feast of goat paleontological sites in the world. Huge 'khorkhog', which is steamed, along with root vegetables, in a pot using red hot shelves of rock and sand descend into many stones from the fire. In a specially-erected ger next to a nearby nomadic family, canyons that meander down to the desert you will have a this private meal followed by a special performance of music and floor. Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the dance by local musicians. Afterwards drive back to the ger camp. world's first nest of dinosaur eggs here in 1922 and unearthed over 100 dinosaurs. Other finds in the area include specimens of Velociraptor, and eutherian mammals.

Camels - About 285,000 Bactrian camels - 30% of the world’s population - live in Mongolia, mainly in the Gobi desert. Camels are powerful animals, standing over 2 metres tall at the hump and weighing 720-820kg. A camel can haul loads of nearly 300kg at a rate of 50km per day. Although averaging 4km/h, they have been clocked at over 65km/h. Well adapted to harsh climates, camels are famous for their ability to travel as many as 160kms without water. They retain their body moisture efficiently, and have a large capacity for storage. A thirsty camel can drink as many as 135litres at a 10minute sitting. They don't store water in their humps - these conserve up to 36kg of fat, which allows the camels to survive when food is scarce. The humps shrink as fat is consumed for energy.

Travel Details 1hr/50km to Moltsog Els; 1hr/50km to Bayanzag; 15mins/7km to local family Accommodation Private ger alongside local family Meals Included Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

ONGIIN KHIID - FLIGHT DAY 3 Start the journey north towards the heartland of Mongolia. The temple complex of Ongiin Khiid is a noteworthy and convenient stop-off point en route. After a few hours drive, with the usual photographic and picnic stops en route, settle into your ger camp before taking a stroll around the temple complex. Enter the reconstructed temple, see the engraved with the names of the victims of the purges, and see the monks who run the monastery. There will also be time to see the monastery the following day if you prefer - including from the air. You will have 2 nights here to be able to enjoy the area, and more importantly get another flight in.

Ongiin Khiid is a ruined and partially rebuilt monastery founded in 1760 to commemorate the first ever visit of to Mongolia. It originally consisted of two temple complexes on the North and South of the Ongi River and was one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia. It was completely destroyed in 1939 under Khorloogiin Choibalsan, the then president and leader of the Communist Party of Mongolia. Over 200 monks were killed, and many surviving monks were imprisoned or forced to join the army. Re-construction work started a few years ago, and first temple was inaugurated in 2004. One of the has also been reconstructed as well. There is also a small museum and around 15 monks who are guardians of the site.

Travel Details 4.5hrs/170km drive Bayanzag - Ongiin Khiid Accommodation Standard Ger, Ongiin Nuuts Ger Camp Meals Included Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

goyotravel.com - +44 (0) 1869 866520 - +976 9959 8468 – [email protected] KHUJIRT - KHANGAI HILLS - ORKHON VALLEY - TEMEEN CHULUU -UURTIIN TOKHOI CANYON - KAYAKING - FLIGHT DAY 4 After breakfast, continue your north. As you drive you will see the open flat plains give way to greener undulating countryside, with more families and livestock. Pass through the village of Khujirt where you may stop for a pit stop, supplies and maybe lunch - depending on what time you have set off in the morning. Arrive at the ger camp by around 3pm. There will be an opportunity in the afternoon to go for a walk or a horse ride. Or, the conditions may be right for a flight, although currently this would be planned for the next day. The following morning and/or evening is planned for a flight over the Orkhon River and the Uurtiin Tokhoi Canyon. These can also be explored during the day by kayak and on foot respectively. We will pack 2 or 3 of our inflatable double kayaks for the trip. There will also be an opportunity to drive the short distance to see the Temeen Chuluu - ancient Bronze Age burial stones.

Kayaking is a great way to experience the wild natural landscapes of Mongolia, whilst also being exhilarating and active. Our kayaks are robust, and of top commercial outfitter quality. We also provide lifejackets, dry bags to keep your personal equipment in - cameras etc. - and water shoes.

Travel Details 5.5hrs/250km Ongiin Khiid to Orkhon Valley Accommodation Standard Ger, Ursa Major Ger Camp Meals Included Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

goyotravel.com - +44 (0) 1869 866520 - +976 9959 8468 – [email protected] KHARKHORIN - ERDENE ZUU MONASTERY - FLIGHT DAY 5 After breakfast drive the short distance to Erdene Zuu Monastery in time to hear the monks chanting, which takes place mid-morning. Take a guided tour around the main temples, and walk around the grounds. Afterwards visit the Monument of the 3 Kings overlooking the Orkhon River, and Kharkhorin is located at the lower end of the the fertility stone on the edge of town. The small museum is also worth a look. You upper valley of the Orkhon River where the can do some or all of these things before or after lunch. eastern foothills of the Khangai Mountains In the afternoon prepare the balloons for a sunset launch from inside the walled meet the rolling steppe of central Mongolia. compound of the monastery. No doubt there will be much curiosity, and also help The town marks the site of the ancient town of , which served as the capital of the offered, from the monks. As this is a town, there will be much local interest in Mongol Empire under Ogedei Khan. Only a few today's flight! relics, such as the stone turtles, remain.

Erdene Zuu Monastery was founded in 1586 by Altai Khaan, Erdene Zuu (Hundred Treasures) was the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. It is enclosed by an imposing wall with 108 stupas. In its prime it boasted around 100 temples, plus many gers, and up to 1000 monks in residence. Although many of the temples were destroyed during the purges of the 1930s, and artefacts stolen, enough remains to make this monastery the most important in Mongolia.

Travel Details 1.5hrs/70km drive to Kharkhorin Accommodation Standard Ger, Monkh Tenger Ger Camp Meals Included Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

TSETSERLEG - TSENKHER VALLEYS - HOT SPRINGS - FLIGHT DAY 6 Today you head to Tsenkher, perhaps taking the route via Tsetserleg where there will be a fuel pitstop, an opportunity to visit the local market, and the charming Byandelgeruulekh Monastery in the foothills overlooking the town. Alternatively you may take the short cut across country via the village of Tuvshruuleh. On arrival at your camp at Tsenkher Hot Springs, settle into your gers before enjoying a welcome thermal bath - and perhaps a massage (not included). The next day you will take a morning and/or evening flight in the Tsenkher Valleys above the rolling forested hills. There will also be time to relax, hike or ride in the area, and visit nomadic a nomadic family. On one of the evenings you will enjoy a meal with a local family.

The tree-lined hills and valleys of Tsenkher are home to many nomadic families and their livestock. The area is a perfect backdrop for exploratory hikes and horse rides. A great place to relax - especially at the hot springs!

Travel Details 3.5hrs/190km to Tsenkher Accommodation Standard Ger, Altan Nutag Resort Meals Included Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

goyotravel.com - +44 (0) 1869 866520 - +976 9959 8468 – [email protected] ELSEN TASARKHAI - KHOGNO KHAAN - UVGUN KHIID - ELSEN TASARKHAI - FLIGHT DAY 8 Today you head to the Bat Khan hills which are surrounding by outcrops of dunes of the northernmost edge of the Gobi. The variety of landscapes and the rocky backdrop makes for stunning scenery and a great place to fly. Settle into your ger camp at Elsen Tasarkhai - a beautiful secluded eco-camp near a small lake that attracts indigenous and migratory birdlife. Have lunch and afternoon preparing for an evening flight, depending in the weather. With just today and tomorrow left, you'll be wanting to get in as much flying as possible with the gas that is left. The following day drive to the nature reserve of Khogno Khaan, perhaps an early morning flight before a packed breakfast and a visit to explore the lower temple complex of Uvguun Khiid. See the reconstructed temples, prayer-wheel and look around the ruins. Then take the 1.5hr round-trip hike up to the older ruined temple complex in the hills - the scenery is fantastic, and there should still be some wildflowers. Head back down to the valley floor and back to camp. Afternoon at leisure - perhaps a horse ride or walk in the surrounding area. You'll also have a last chance for a spot of archery - we will have sent a couple of our bows on the trip so you should all be expert shooters by now. A final dinner in the camp's atmospheric restaurant ger rounds off your countryside odyssey.

Khogno Khaan Natural Reserve covers 46,990 hectares of land. The granite mountain originally known as Bat Khan Uul extends 12 miles north-south , and 6 miles east-west, and at 6453ft it rises over 2000ft above the surrounding steppe. Taiga and steppe plants grow in this area and represent two or three different natural zones. The scenery is a combination of desert, mountains, forest, streams and green grassland. In the hills lie the sites of the lower and upper Uvgun monastery which was built in 17th century by . In 1688, during the fighting between Western and Eastern Mongolians (Dzungaria and Khalkh Mongolia) after the collapse of the Mongol Empire, Dzungarian chieftain Galdan Bolshigt destroyed the temples at both the lower and upper sites. The lower site was rebuilt but destroyed again in the 1930's. After democratic revolution in 1990 the monastery was re-opened and some temples restored, and are looked after by the granddaughter of the monks who originally lived at the monastery during the time of the persecution.

Travel Details 4.5hrs/250km to Elsen Tasarkhai; 30mins/15km to Khogno Khaan; 45mins/1.8km walk each way to ruins Accommodation Standard45mins/1.8km Ger, Sweet walk each Gobi way Ger toCamp ruins; 5hrs/280km to UB Meals Included Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

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ULAANBAATAR Head back to Ulaanbaatar. Rest of day and evening at leisure. This afternoon will be 'packing up time' for the balloon owners. The trucks will be parked in front of the hotel this afternoon and tonight, ready to take the balloons to the airport for customs clearance the following morning. If time suits, they might be sent to the airport this afternoon for storage overnight.

Travel Details 4-5hrs/320km drive to Ulaanbaatar Accommodation Deluxe Room, Shangri-La Hotel Meals Included Breakfast; Lunch

GANDAN MONASTERY - WINTER PALACE OF THE BOGD KHAN After breakfast, meet your guide in reception at 09:30 and jump in the vehicles for the short trip across town to Gandan Monastery. Enter the ancient walled temple complex, where monks chant every morning - you can walk around inside during these daily ceremonies. Then visit the revered Midjig Janraisig temple with its huge gold Buddhist statue inside. Then drive south over Peace Bridge to the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, and explore the residence of the last king of Mongolia. A short journey south then Gandantegchinlen Monastery , meaning brings you to the Zaisan Memorial commemorating Russian-Mongolian solidarity "Great Place of Complete Joy", is a Tibetan- and friendship during the soviet era - this hilltop viewpoint looks out over the style monastery situated on the edge of the Ulaanbaatar skyline and the mountains beyond. city's ger district. The monastery was constructed by the order of Yongzheng In the afternoon you may want to do some shopping - perhaps at the Gobi Emperor in 1727. It was one of the few Cashmere outlet store, and then also at any of the decent craft outlets (Tsagaan Alt monasteries to escape the soviet purges of the felt shop, Quilters, Mary and Martha) or the State Department Store. Your guide 1930's, being spared as an example of will be on hand to assist. Mongolia's feudal past. Since the fall of Return to the hotel to relax and freshen up before heading out for a farewell meal communism in 1990 it has been renovated and at one of our favourite restaurants. restored into a working monastery and currently has over 150 monks in residence.

The Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan was built between 1893 and 1903.The palace is the only one left from originally four residences of the 8th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu, the Bogd Khan. The palace was spared destruction by the Russians and turned into a museum. The complex includes six temples. On display are many of the Bogd Khan's possessions, such as his throne and bed, his collection of art and stuffed animals, his ornate ceremonial ger lined with the skins of 150 snow leopards, and a pair of ceremonial boots given to the Khan by Russian Tsar Nicholas II.

Travel Details No long drives today, just short distances around town no longer than 3kms/20mins each Accommodation Deluxe Room, Shangri-La Hotel Meals Included Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

DEPART Pick up for the transfer to the airport for your flight home. Travel Details Up to an hour/14km Hotel-Airport; Departure time tbc Accommodation - Meals Included Breakfast

goyotravel.com - +44 (0) 1869 866520 - +976 9959 8468 – [email protected] USD GBP Euro Cost Per Person $6,920 £5,495 € 6,210 Single Supplement $490 £390 € 440

Currencies - All trip costs are priced in USD. The GBP and Euro rates above are indicative only - if paying in these currencies the amount will be calculated according to the exchange rate on xe.com at the time of booking.

Included Excluded Balloon Team participation & flights subject to weather (incl. share of int’l shipping International flights - Tips - Laundry - Bar bills - costs and gas for the balloons) - Co-ordination and logistics management by Gone with Items of a personal nature - Visas - the Wind directors Phil and Allie Dunnington - Domestic Flights - Airport transfers - Photography/filming charges at e.g. museums Surface transportation - Road taxes - Accommodation as specified - Local English- and monasteries speaking guide - Sightseeing and activities as specified - Museum & park entrance fees - Meals as specified above - Water & snacks in the vehicle

Booking - To confirm your booking we require a 25% non-refundable deposit, with balance due 8 weeks prior. Payment methods, bank details and further information can be found on our Booking Form & Conditions.

Travel Advice - We provide all our guests with a copy of our Mongolia Travel Advice. If you have not received this, please request a copy from us.

goyotravel.com - +44 (0) 1869 866520 - +976 9959 8468 – [email protected]