Game of Thrones

Mongolia's western frontiers with Russia and China are guarded by the snow capped peaks of the Altai Tavan Bogd mountain range, highest in the country. Its highest and most interesting peaks are Khuiten, Nairamdal, Malchin, Snowchurch and Ulgii. The longest glacier of , the Potanin glacier stretches for 19km from the eastern face of Mt. Khuiten. On the summit day, when on the top of Khuiten, you will be able to glance into Russia and China. The local Tuvan herders acting as your camel caravan handlers and as porters will make an unforgettable company and share their culture and traditions with you.

Duration: 12 nights / 13 days Best Season: June - August Highlights: 14 day fully supported climbing tour. Summit the highest peak of Mongolia at 4374m. Maximum acclimatization and leeway time. Quality outdoor and climbing equipment is provided. Most dates will be led by Gangaamaa Badamgarav, the rst Mongolian woman to summit Mt.Everest.

Juulchin World Tours, Marco Polo Place Jamyan Gunii Str. 5/3,ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA www.juulchinworld.com [email protected] Mongolia Tours Trip Code: MOUNT-01 (976) 11 319 401 (976) 11 319 402 Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, guided city tour us through a high mountain terrain of rock outcroppings and of wetlands. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (UB), the capital of Mongolia and transfer to a With a bit of luck you will see some of the wildlife that inhabit the area centrally located 4 star hotel. Afternoon guided city tour will introduce including marmots, hares and a number of birds such us Golden Eagles, you to the highlights of the city: the Gandan Temple - city's main Black Vultures and Falcons. Our entire luggage will be transported by Buddhist center, the central city square with a grand statue of Genghis camels handled by Tuvan herders. Upon completing two thirds' of the way Khan and the Zaisan Memorial, an elevated hill on the city's edge there open majestic perspectives of Potanin and Alexander glaciers with the providing a panoramic view of UB. Then choose to visit one or two icy peaks of Khuiten (4374m), Nairamdal (4082m), Snowchurch (4071m), museums from the following: Museum of National History introducing Malchin (4050m), and Ulgii (4113m) on their far side. This evening we Mongolia's history from early humans to modern era, Natural History camp at 2900m. (tent/B,L,D) Museum with a unique collection of dinosaur fossils, Choijin Lama or 15 km State Oracle Residence-museum displaying best samples of Buddhist artwork and religious masks. The Winter palace of Bogd Khan showcasing rare statues of Buddhist deities and items of personal use of this last Day 5: Optional acclimatization ascent of the Malchin peak theocratic ruler of Mongolia is also worth considering. A show of The 4051m Malchin is the lowest of the peaks. We hike along the Potanin traditional music, throat singing and contortion at 6PM will be followed glacier moraine for an hour and start climbing on the scree of Malchin. Its by a welcome dinner. (hotel/D) ridgeline overlaps with the borderline of Mongolia and Russia and provides a spectacular bird's eye view of the Potanin glacier, glaciated peaks and Russia. Over to the west, weather permitting, you will see the massif of Mt.Belukha (4500m) lying in Russia. That is the absolute top of Altai Day 2: Flight to Bayan-Ulgy, the Muslim province of Mongolia mountain range. Back in camp we reward ourselves with a tasty meal. Early this morning take a 3 hour flight to Ulgy town in Western Mongolia. Those staying behind can relax in the camp and take the so-called Russian The Kazakhs living in the area are the largest national minority and border walk, an easy climb on to a neighboring ridge that allows a glance practice Sunni Islam. A number of other ethnic groups also reside in the into the territory of Russia. (tent/B,L,D) province in the region. Upon arrival meet with a support team of driver(s), 15 km cook(s) and a guide and head westward to Tavan Bogd national park. At the end of a 3 hours travel across mountainous desert we camp in the valley of Sogoot river. In general rivers in Mongolia are small and shallow Day 6-9: Khuiten ascent occasionally drying up but during the rainy season they rapidly rise and at Our challenge for the following 4 days (including one leeway day) is the times burst their banks. Upon arrival we erect our tented camp. It is Khuiten peak. To reach its base we need to cross the Potanin glacier, which guaranteed that curious locals on horse or foot will appear out of lies in between. An advanced base camp will be set up below the eastern nowhere to greet you. Dinner and overnight in tented camp. (tent/B,L,D) face of Khuiten. A number of crevasses is to be traversed before reaching the Khuiten's foothill. The actual ascent, although technically moderate 90 km 3 hours takes 4 hours. From the summit there opens a tremendous bird eye view over China, Russia and the neighboring snowcapped ridges and snow Day 3: Drive to the Tavan Bogd Peaks' gateway fields. Weather permitting we should be back to the base camp in the Travel further west and by early afternoon reach the White river valley, the evening of the eighth day. In such case you can use the following day gateway to the Tavan Bogd peaks. The valley is dominated by the sacred either for rest or for optional cultural activities upon return to the White Shiveet mountain, around which lie hundreds of ancient burial mounds river valley. (tent/B,L,D) and rock carvings that represent art of the Bronze age and the Neolith. En route we try to visit a Kazakh family, male members of which practice falconry. They employ Golden Eagles for hunting foxes, hares and other small animals. (tent/B,L,D) Day 10: Return hike to White River Today we hike back to our camp in the White River valley. This time it is a 90 km gradual descent along the White river which takes its source from the Potanin glacier. It is a chance to glance into every single valley of the icy Day 4: Hike to Tavan Bogd base camp massif and witness how the initial stream of glacial dust transforms into the Today we trek to base camp of the Tavan Bogd. This gradual ascent takes mighty White river. Back to our vehicles we celebrate our ascent with a delicacy of Kazakh cuisine - "besbarmak". Literally meaning "five fingers" this is a delicious assortment of Achit Lake stewed meat, vegetables and flour eaten with hands. (B,L,D). SIILKHEM MOUNT 17 km RUSSIA Khukh Khutul BAYAN ULGII Khovd River Day 11: Return transfer to Ulgy, overnight in gers We say "good bye" to our Tuvan friends and take a 7 Khuiten Shiveet Khaikhan Mount Sogoo river hour drive back to Ulgy. Tonight is your chance to Peak White river sleep in a Kazakh yurt. Hot shower and cold beers will highlight the day. (ger/B,L,D) ALTAI TAVAN BOGD Tsengel ULGII NATIONAL PARK 200 km CHINA RUSSIA Shargaljuut 4 x4 Offroad Domestic flight Tent river Khurgan Lake

Dayan Lake CHINA Climb Ger Camp Hotel Trekking

Juulchin World Tours, Marco Polo Place Jamyan Gunii Str. 5/3,ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA www.juulchinworld.com [email protected] Mongolia Tours Trip Code:MOUNT-01 (976) 11 319 401 (976) 11 319 402 Tour Itinerary

Day 12: Return flight to Ulaanbaatar This morning we catch a return flight to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Free afternoon for shopping and else. Farewell dinner. (hotel/B,D) 3 hours

Day 13: Leisure day in Ulaanbaatar This is a spare day to spend for shopping and self-exploration. You may refer to our recommendations in order to make most out of it. (hotel/B)

Day 14: Departure Transfer to airport for your return flight home. (B)

PACKAGE INCLUDED ITEMS TO BRING All accommodation (twin shared) Ÿ Ice Axe w/Leash. General mountaineering tool. Sizing is important: All transfers including arrival & departure, internal flights under 5'7” use a 60cm tool; 5'7”- 6'1” use a 65cm tool; over Indicated meals (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner) 6'1” use a 70cm tool. (Too short is preferable to too long). Please Visits & national park fees, no rubberized grips on the shaft of the ice axe. Make sure that Camping equipment, you have a leash that is designed for use on a glacier axe. Please Mountain guide, no technical leashes designed for technical ice climbing-they are English speaking guide, too short, heavy, and not versatile. Expedition cook, Ÿ Carabiners (2 Locking; 2 Regular) 2 pear shaped locking Local guides, carabiners; 2 standard ovals. Horse & camel hire Ÿ Perlon - 4feet. of flexible 6mm for prussiks. Ÿ Alpine climbing harness. PACKAGE NOT INCLUDED Ÿ Climbing helmet. Lightweight Long Underwear. Travel insurance, Ÿ Heavyweight Long Underwear Top or Fleece Vest. Excess luggage fees on internal flights, Ÿ Synthetic/Soft Shell Jacket. Meals not indicated, Ÿ Insulated Synthetic Pants - Full separating side zippers Personal climbing equipment, Ÿ Down jacket Sleeping bags and pads, Ÿ Hard Shell Pants & Hard Shell Jacket w/ hood Drinks, (waterproof/breatheable) Gratuities

4 x4 Offroad Domestic flight Tent

Climb Ger Camp Hotel Trekking

Juulchin World Tours, Marco Polo Place Jamyan Gunii Str. 5/3,ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA www.juulchinworld.com [email protected] Mongolia Tours Trip Code:MOUNT-01 (976) 11 319 401 (976) 11 319 402 Travel Tips in Mongolia

© It usually gets very hot during the day in the Gobi Desert. We WEATHER CONDITIONS advise you to take plenty of bottled water with you when As one of the highest and most landlocked countries in the world, traveling in the Gobi as the local water is salty. You will have a Mongolia is subject to extreme continental climates with scorching great chance to see spectacular sunrises and sunsets as well as hot summers and long sub arctic winters. The average temperature observe countless stars at night. If you get up early in the in Ulaanbaatar is -25C (-13F) in winter and +25C (60F) in summer. morning, you may also see wild animals and a beautiful Gobi The capital city averages 260 sunny days per year. The summer mirage. travel season goes from mid May to mid October. June and July are © There are boiler systems at our countryside base camps. Ask our usually blistering hot while August is cooler with more rain. Wet service people to warm shower water 30 minutes prior to your use. conditions make travel difficult, especially in the northern part of © Do not forget to pack a small medical kit and your personal the country. toiletries for your countryside trip. © During domestic flights you may feel uncomfortable due to The weather in Mongolia is extremely changeable that you might turbulence, especially during take-offs and landings. You may experience unpredicted rain, dust storms, intense sun shine or other wish to have appropriate medications for such discomfort. extreme conditions. © An off road condition in the countryside may make you feel It usually gets hot during the day and cooler in the evening and in unpleasant that you may wish to have an appropriate medication. the early morning so it is recommended to bring a hat, sunglasses, © Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in urban areas and sun block, light rain jacket, warm clothes etc. crowded places. © In museums and other entertainment venues, always ask for VISIT LOCAL NOMADIC FAMILY permission before taking a photograph. Most of these places will It is customary though not compulsory for guests to bring small gift require an extra fee for taking photographs. from your country to present host family. It could be anything from © If your car stop by an Ovoo, a sacred mounds of stones, you are wine to chocolate to something unique from your home state. Pen, expected to circle the stones clockwise three times and to toss pencil or sweets are fine for kids. It does not have to be elaborate, something onto the pile (a small stone will do). just a small gesture for your new Mongolian friends. © Do not whistle inside of a Mongolian ger. © Never step over dishes and cooking utensils when they are placed Always accept food or drink offered to you. It is considered rude not on the ground. to accept such hospitality but you do not have to eat everything. © Putting your feet up onto someone’s table is very offensive. Both food and drinks are passed with the right hand. © Never place your hat or someone else’s hat on the floor. It is bad Do not step to the eastern side of GER when visiting a nomadic luck for the wearer. family. It is customary for visitors to sit aling the western side of a GER.

GER CAMPS TIME AND ELECTRICITY The term “GER” is interchangeable and describe the traditional Local time in Ulaanbaatar is GMT +9 hours in summer season and portable Mongolian habitation consisting of a wooden frame and GMT +8 hours in winter season. The standard voltage in Mongolia felt walls. Mongolian ger has been used for thousands of years by the is 220volts/50Hz. Electrical sockets accept two round prongs, nomads of Central Asia. similar to those used in Russia and Europe.

It will be really interesting and different experience. Toilet and MONGOLIAN CUISINE bathroom facilities will be separate from the gers you will be staying There is a common misunderstanding that Mongolians have an and there are 2-4 beds inside the GER. There is a main building in the unhealthy diet and only live on meat and dairy products. However, camps that provides shower and modern toilet. This building is in a nowadays this misunderstanding is slowly fading as more tourists short walking distance from your own ger. In a separate building, visiting Mongolia and getting introduced to its modern balanced there will be a restaurant where you will have all meals. Since, all diet. Even if you are vegetarian, there is no problem. facilities located separately you might need a torch or flash light in case you need to go to the bathroom at night. Mongolian traditional cuisine such as Khorkhog (classic Mongolian cooking method that involves placing strips of meat, vegetables, Please remember that is VERY SLIPPERY on the GER basement, stairs spices, water and hot pebbles inside a large metal canister), even though on the grasses when it is raining or after rain. Boodog (Mongolian specialty made of goat meat), Airag ( There is no safe deposit box at the camps so please remember to lock fermented mare’s milk) are quite strong so trying these foods for the GER when you go out. the first time may make you feel unpleasant and may cause Do not walk in to the forest on your own because there could be wild diarrhea. animals or possibly get lost

SAFETY INSTUCTION FOR HORSE RIDING

Mount the horse. Grasp the horse's Use the reins to steer. Pull up the reins at equal length while holding saddle horn with your left hand and them over the center of the horse's neck with its head. Do not wrap the back of the saddle with your the reins around your wrist or waist. To turn left, you pull the reins right. Do not pull on the horse. left, so that the bit puts pressure on the horse's mouth, turning the Place your left foot in the stirrup, horse's head in that direction. Pull the reins to your chest in order to pull yourself up, and swing your stop the horse. Remember that sudden pull may cause horse to rise r i g h t l e g o v e r t h e h o r s e ' s on the hind legs. hindquarters. Land softly on seat, so you won’t startle or hurt the Coax the horse into motion. Urge the horse forward by gently horse. Drop your right foot in the squeezing your calves into the horse's sides. Mongolian horses stirrup, lean forward in a semi- respond to verbal command "choo" which means “giddy up”. standing position just above the saddle, and feel if the saddle seems tight. If it has a tendency to slip, or doesn't feel tight, request your guide/instructor to tighten the saddle and adjust the stirrups

Juulchin World Tours, Marco Polo Place Jamyan Gunii Str. 5/3,ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA www.juulchinworld.com [email protected] Mongolia Tours TRAVEL TIPS (976) 11 319 401 (976) 11 319 402 Travel Tips in Mongolia

Don’ts:

Ride in open areas. As a beginner, Ÿ Wear a coat which may make excessive noise in the wind it's important to stay away from Ÿ Wear bright color clothes fences,holes,and low branches of Ÿ Use an umbrella trees, steep grades or anything that Ÿ Put on or remove clothing may spook the horse. Keeping the Ÿ Bring a handbag or purse reins closer to you will prevent the Ÿ Open packaged foods horse from eating grass or drinking Ÿ Do not feed horses as Mongolian horses are never taught to water. Always wear boots with a be fed heel, so that if you slip the heel will Ÿ Make sudden or strange movements catch on the stirrup and prevent Ÿ Make loud or shrill noises your leg from becoming caught. Ÿ Run or ride away from the group without proper supervision Always wear a helmet and sheen Ÿ Approach a horse from behind. If startled, a horse will kick, guards. They are there to protect potentially harming you or others. Even the cutest little pony you. could hurt you. Ÿ Approach horse head Ÿ Stand straight in front of a horse (it's one of their blind spots) Ÿ Mount and dismount horse without permission of horse guide Ÿ Drop your feet deep in the stirrup or not dropping. The stirrup should be kept at the ball of the foot. Ÿ Changing horse without permission of horse guide Ÿ Riding horse when you are drunk Ÿ Take photos. If necessary, please approach your local guide for help Ÿ Not informing your guide, if case you feel bad /nausea etc/ while riding Ÿ The clothing should meet the appropriate needs. It includes: Ÿ Should have shoes with high tops and smooth heals Ÿ Should not wear any clothes which are easily disturb and make noises by wind Ÿ Should not use any shade when mounted on the horseback Ÿ Should not dress or undress during horse ride Ÿ Should not hold handbag while horse ride

Juulchin World Tours, Marco Polo Place Jamyan Gunii Str. 5/3,ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA www.juulchinworld.com [email protected] Mongolia Tours TRAVEL TIPS (976) 11 319 401 (976) 11 319 402