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INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES
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Mongolia has fascinated travelers for centuries. Sandwiched between Russia and China, it's known for its vast and rugged landscape, its nomadic peoples, and a history that has literally shaped much of eastern and western civilization. Once the largest empire in the world, and then shrouded behind the veil of Russian communism, Mongolia is now proudly emerging as a modern nation while trying to hold on to its rich heritage. It is a time of rapid change, where 25% of the population still live a nomadic lifestyle and 50% live in the modernizing city of Ulaanbaatar. During our two week journey we will explore the many different aspects of Mongolia, both past and present, as we experience the warm hospitality and wide-open landscape of the least densely populated country in the world. Maximum group size: 12
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This trip is suitable for active women in good health and physical condition who are flexible and have a sense of adventure. We have given the rating of 2 and 3 because of the availability of vehicle transport during all or part of the longer hikes. To prepare for a rated 3 trip participants should be engaging in aerobic conditioning, such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross country skiing or stair stepping for 30 - 45 minutes at least 3 - 4 times a week. Please note the ‘driving’ times listed in the itinerary. We cover a lot of territory which means there will be time spent riding in vehicles. Rating: 1 [2] [3] 4 5
Our trip to Mongolia combines moderate hiking with sightseeing, camel and horseback riding, and learning more about Mongolian history and culture, both traditional and modern. No hiking experience is necessary.
We will be spending 2 nights in 3-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar, 9 nights in Community/Family/Tourist Ger camps, and 2 nights in primitive community gers. Gers are very roomy and large canvas structures, the perfect accommodation in an area that only sees visitation about four months out of the year. Please note: Single supplements are offered but only guaranteed for the hotel portions of the trip. Where possible at Community/Family/Tourist Ger camps they may be possible. There is no possibility for singles at primitive community ger camps.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
- sharing the gers, having meals under the tent, talking to the families and understanding about their lives, watching the drivers cut across fields, streams and uneven gravel road, seeing the Mongolians and their love of horses, going to the National Museums, and the felting place that employed disabled folks. It was disappointing to go to the field on Nadam day. We spent our time walking across the field in the hot sun, and craning our necks to see/find out what was happening. For future trips, can there be tickets obtained so we can watch the wrestling finals (I saw it on TV at the hotel) or tickets to see a Nadam event.
It was a unique experience and a very memorable trip.
So many things/places were amazing; our Mongolian crew were so wonderful. I know its difficult to follow exact timelines, etc. but I think some of us would have liked to have seen more of the Nadaam festivities....but again, can't see and do it all , I know!
Need better descriptions of daily activities, ie hiking on horse trails that can be muddy and in bogs and marshy areas
The highlight were the family gers as well as the Kings Monument (not listed on itinerary) which I found by accident. Things that would have made for a better preparation include: 1) knowing that the 2 day hike was behind horses (with no alternate parallel hiking trail) and through two wetland meadows would have been a huge advantage 2) access to daily weather forecasts would be useful. 3) although our Mongolian guide was resourceful and very enjoyable, I found that I only received information by asking questions...it was on the last day that she mentioned that she preferred not to be considered a guide but as a friend who is accompanying the group.
Since I signed up at the last minute, I didn't have much time to research Mongolia or what to expect. What I found was something so beautiful and so different than anywhere I've ever been. It was challenging at times not to have electricity or showers or air conditioning. And there were bugs and critters and scat to deal with but it didn't matter. The trip was so special that all the little things were nothing. I'm so thankful to have gone.
Exceeded my expectations because I had no idea what to expect, although I read the materials. Just didn't expect the primitiveness of the Mongolian countryside, nor the expansive beauty.
Visiting the Mongolian families and experiencing how and where the Nomads live and their live style.
I was very comfortable traveling to this far away place to be with this company. I have heard great reviews from friends and others on how well run these tours are, and I have to agree.
Yes. The pure adventure and variety. Highlights were the sense of freedom on the trek and the interaction with the Mongolians and nature
Cross-country jeep travel...off-roading to remote ger communities Experiencing the hospitality of the nomadic families Horseback riding and hiking Sleeping in the gers
Wildflowers. Monasteries.nomadic families. My fellow travellers
I loved going to Mongolia as I always wanted to see it. I loved hiking to the monasteries, staying at the first community Ger (the one owned by Tour Mongolia), and meeting the families. I did not see the point of camping as a pretty nice tourist Ger camp was right around the corner.... Being this was the first time in Mongolia, I should have asked more about it. I do wish the trip had been better scouted as I would have loved to hike a day less in the sand and more in the wild flowers of the valley. Overall, I am happy I went and I saw things most people will not see!
The first couple of nights at community Ger camps -- all activities and feeling like we were meeting the community around there.
Being the 'wanderer' that i am, i really enjoy long, non-destination hiking...it's what i most looked forward to in going to Mongolia. But i would have preferred our long hikes to be in an area like the Orkhon Valley rather than the arid, sandy (hard to hike in) area where we were.
I did not enjoy the two days of hiking to nowhere. It was too hot and no shade, landscape monotonous. Loved the camel ride. Enjoyed also getting to meet the nomad families.
Although the trip was not as I had expected, it was nonetheless an incredible trip. I was not fully prepared for the day-to-day conditions traveling and lodging conditions.