MONGOLIA!
From Genghis Khan to the Naadam Festival
June 28 - July 12, 2010

OVERVIEW
Join us! as we explore Mongolia, the ‘Land of the Blue Sky,’ and home to one of the greatest empires the world has ever known. Mongolia is a vast undiscovered wilderness. Awesome expanses of rolling steppe, home to Mongolia’s famous horses and herdsmen meet high glacial mountains, impenetrable forests, and deep crystal lakes. To the south, the great Gobi Desert stretches to the horizon. Across much of this vast land little has changed since the days of Genghis Khan. You will relish the hospitality of the Mongolian people and the breathtaking natural beauty.

Our expedition will begin with an introduction to Ulaanbaatar, the urban capital of this nomadic nation. Stretching along the valley of the Tuul River and embraced by four sacred mountains, Ulaanbaatar hints at the adventure and open spaces of its nation beyond the peaks. Our visit will include the Bogd Khaan’s Palace Museum, home of Mongolia’s eighth living Buddha and the last king. Outside of Ulaanbaatar accommodations are in comfortable traditional ger (yurt) camps.

A drive will take us to Elsen Tasarkhai, a picturesque combination of Mongol Els sand dunes, the rocky mountains of Khogno Khaan National Park, green meadows and lovely lakes. At Karakorum, Erdenezuu monastery shows its glory with collections of many priceless religious objects and Mongolian art. We will next stop at the Turkic monuments at Khoshoo Tsaidam and then continue to Lake Ogii, the only lake in the heart of Mongolia. The lake abounds in fish and bird life. We will look for White Pelican, Gadwalls, Demoiselle Cranes, geese, sandpipers, and more! We will have optional opportunities for boating, swimming, and other activities.

Our journey will continue to Hustai National Park where the wild Takhi-Przewalski horses have lived peacefully since 1993 when they were reintroduced to their native Mongolia. There is a chance we will see red deer, wolves, marmots and other wildlife here, too.

We will next venture to Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve, a beautiful combination of mountains, steppes, lakes, rivers, and wetlands. It is home to the endangered wild mountain sheep, the Argali, several cranes, whoopers and more. There are opportunities for kayaking and hiking in addition to visiting a nomadic family and horse riding.

We will go to Terelj via the Giant Genghis monument complex. Terelj has stunning granite mountains and flowery green meadows. Here we will visit Turtle Rock and the Temple of Meditation and explore on foot, with a traditional folk concert in the evening.

Our trip will culminate at the famous Naadam Festival, which originated in 209 BC. It consists of 3 games for men: archery, wrestling, and horse racing. During the opening ceremony, hundreds of artists in traditional Mongolian costumes will dance and sing. The wrestlers dress in the traditional costume: the “zodog,” “suudag,” and Mongol boots. There are 6 horse races with 6 ages of horses. Hundreds of horses compete, with jockeys from 6-12 years old! Female archers also compete in this extraordinary festival!

Trip Fee: $3,295 per person twin share + air $1200 San Francisco/Beijing, RT + air Beijing/Mongolia, RT $500. Single Supplement: $495.

FOR RESERVATIONS & A BROCHURE: PHONE Renee, (800) 252-4910 or Email:

Betchart Expeditions Inc. - 17050 Montebello Road - Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

Brochure (Requires an Adobe pdf reader to view)