Heartland Circuit

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Heartland Circuit
Departures: May-Oct

Duration: 8 Days

Overview

Group Size:

1 - 8 Pax

Accomm. Type

Name

Hotel

UB Hotel

Day 1

Arr. Ulaanbaatar; National History Museum; Tumen Ekh

Day 2

Gandan Monastery; Khustai National Park; Przewalski 'takhi' Horses

Ger Camp

Khustai NP

Day 3

Khogno Khaan; Uvgun Khiid; Elsen Tasarkhai Dunes; Camel Riding;

Archery

Ger Camp

Sweet Gobi

Day 4

Orkhon Valley; Temeen Chuluu Burial Stones; Uurtiin Tokhoi Canyon;

Nomadic Family Visit; Riding

Ger Camp

Talbiun

Day 5

Tovkhon Khiid Hike; Kharkhorin; Monument of 3 Kings

Ger Camp

Monkh Tenger

Day 6

Erdene Zuu Monastery; Turkic Monuments; Ogii Lake

Ger Camp

Ogii Tour

Day 7

Ulaanbaatar

Hotel

UB Hotel

Day 8

Depart

During your journey you will be staying

at some of our favourite characterful ger
camps in the countryside and at a centrallylocated hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

Our vehicle of choice is the UAZ. These

beasts of the east were born for the wilds
of Mongolia. Fun, functional & practical,
with a high wheel base, large surround
windows, ample luggage space, and a
flexible sociable layout . Our guests fall in
love with these indomitable vehicles and
our fantastic team of drivers.
We provide each car with a first aid kit,
water, tea & coffee-making facilities, and a
selection of snacks for guests to enjoy. To
provide comfort and flexibility, there is a
vehicle per every 4-5 guests.

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At Goyo Travel we believe that a good

guide is essential to the enjoyment of any
trip. Knowledge, enthusiasm, good
humour, pro-activity, language and
communication skills need to combine with
responsibility and a sensitivity to guests'
needs. Your guide will be handpicked by
us to suit the itinerary and your
requirements. We personally brief them on
all elements of the trip. You will be sent
guide details in the week prior to travel.

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+976 9959 8468

Gers are equipped with beds, linen, stove,

table and chairs and have electric lighting.
Some gers may have powerpoints. Loos and
showers are in separate female and male
blocks, except Sweet Gobi which has ecofacilities. There is a restaurant ger/building
where meals are served.

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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 will influence things, and you may want some
downtime to relax. You may also need to sort out exchanging money and other
practical things.
We suggest meeting your guide in the hotel reception at 14:30 for a leisurely walk
across the impressive Sukhbaatar Square to visit the National History Museum
with its well-laid out informative displays showcasing the country's fascinating
past.
Afterwards, walk south towards the city's main park, and enjoy an intimate
performance of music and dance by the Tumen Ekh ensemble at a small theatre. A
welcome dinner at one of our favourite Mongolian restaurants rounds off your first
day in Mongolia.
Travel Details

Arrival time tbc; 45mins /14km Airport-Hotel

Accommodation

Standard Twin Room, Ulaanbaatar Hotel

Meals Included

Dinner

GANDAN MONASTERY - KHUSTAI NATIONAL PARK - TAKHI HORSES

You will be picked up at a time to suit you - we suggest leaving around 9:30am to
make the most of the day. Jump in the vehicle with your guide and stop off at
Gandan Monastery - enter the temples, including that of the Mijig Janraisig with
it's huge golden buddha statue. In the old temple complex listen to the chanting
ceremonies which happen mid-morning. Afterwards, board the vehicle again for
the journey West to Khustai. Picnic en route - or at the ger camp on arrival. There
may also be a chance this afternoon to visit a nomadic family and/or do some
riding.
At dusk, drive from your camp into the park to see the Takhi - this is the time
when they gather to drink at streams so you have a better chance of seeing them
up close, and in accessible areas. You may want to combine the trip with a longer
walk in the park - in which case you should leave a little earlier. Discuss your
preference with your guide. Afterwards head back to camp for dinner and your
first night in a ger.

Ulaanbaatar , meaning "Red Hero", was so

named in 1924, following the creation of the
Mongolian People's Republic. The city was
founded in 1639 as a moveable Buddhist
monastic centre but in 1778 it settled
permanently at its present location on the
Tuul River in north-eastern central
Mongolia. The city lies at an elevation of
about 1,310 metres (4,300 ft) and is home
to almost half of the country's 2.7m
population.

Khustai National Park lies in the foothills of

the southern Khentii Mountain Range about
100km south west of Ulaanbaatar. It takes
its name from the birch trees growing in
surrounding mountain areas.The park's area
was used in the early 20th Century as a
hunting ground for Bogd Khaan, the last
king of Mongolia, and afterwards by
Mongolian political officials.

While nomads have also used the park as a pasture reserve for their stock, the park has never had a permanent settlement or been used for
agriculture. This limited use has allowed the preservation of the steppe, one of the world's most threatened ecosystems.
It was designated a Specially Protected Area in 1993, 1 year after the project initiation for the reintroduction of the Takhi horses - also known
as Przewalski horses. The population has thrived since, and there are now over 220 of them roaming free in the park. As well as abundant
plant and bird life, the park is also home to red deer, gazelle, roe deer, wild boar, Argali, Ibex, marmots, grey wolves, Lynx, Pallas cat, Corsac
fox and Eurasian badger.

Travel Details

2.5hr/120km drive to Khustai National park; Short drives and walk within the park

Accommodation

Standard Ger, Khustai NP Ger Camp

Meals Included

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

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KHOGNO KHAAN - UVGUN KHIID - ELSEN TASARKHAI DUNES - CAMEL RIDING

Today you head to the nature reserve of Khogno Khaan, where you can explore over to the lower temple complex of Uvguun
Khiid, see the reconstructed temples, prayer-wheel and look around the ruins. Then we recommend taking the 45minute hike up
to the older ruined temple complex in the hills - the scenery is fantastic, and depending on time of year, wildflowers are in
abundance. Head back down to the valley floor, and onto the sand dunes at Elsen Tasarkhai, a 30 minute drive away. You will
also have a chance to visit a family of camel herders and head off on a Bactrian ride across the dunes for an hour. Then settle into
tonight's ger camp nearby.
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
Zanabazar. 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

180km/3.5hrs drive Khustai to Khogno Khaan; 1.5km/45mins walk to old monastery site

Accommodation

Standard Ger, Sweet Gobi Ger Camp

Meals Included

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

ORKHON VALLEY - TEMEEN CHULUU - UURTIIN TOKHOI CANYON - HORSE RIDING

- NOMADIC FAMILY VISIT
After breakfast, continue your journey west and then south to the Orkhon Valley.
Arrive at camp in time for lunch and in the afternoon head off on a horse ride. You
will also have time today to visit a nomadic family - step inside and experience
some more local nomadic hospitality.
You can also head to view the Temeen Chuluu - ancient Bronze Age burial stones.
Then continue to the Uurtiin Tokhoi Canyon. Mongolian for Eternal Elbow, this
is a steep cliff bordering a right angled bend of the river. The cliff offers a
marvellous view over Orkhon Valley. You may do these things before arriving at
camp, or later in the afternoon - all very flexible.
The design of the Mongolian ger has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. It consists of
wooden lattice walls - usually in 4 or 5 sections - which are linked & tied together, with a door facing
south. Two large central poles support a round ceiling opening, which is kept in position by many long
poles which fan out as a roof and attach to the top of the wall sections. This wooden frame is then
covered with felt, tarpaulin and a linen cover, all tied down with animal-hair rope. A stove is then
placed in the middle of the ger, with the chimney coming out through the central roof hole.

Travel Details

3hrs/170km to Orkhon Valley

Accommodation

Standard Ger, Talbiun Ger Camp

Meals Included

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

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TOVKHON MONASTERY - KHARKHORIN

In the morning head to Tovkhon Monastery, leave the vehicle on the west side
and walk up to the hilltop temples through the scenic forested countryside. It takes
around an hour and a half to reach, spend an hour at the top including having a
picnic lunch, then return down the steeper/quicker east side to where the vehicle
will have driven round to.
Afterwards drive to Kharkhorin - depending on time, visit the Monument of the 3
Kings overlooking the Orkhon River, and the fertility stone on the edge of town. Or
you could do this tomorrow.
In the evening we hope you will be able to enjoy a performance of traditional
music and dance - either at the ger camp where you are staying or at a nearby
camp down the road.

Kharkhorin is located at the lower end of

the upper valley of the Orkhon River where
the eastern foothills of the Khangai
Mountains meet the rolling steppe of central
Mongolia. The town marks the site of the
ancient town of Karakorum, which served as
the capital of the Mongol Empire under
Ogedei Khan. Only a few relics, such as the
stone turtles, remain.

The hilltop monastery of Tovkhon Khiid is situated on Shireet Ulaan uul - a flat area of rocky
mountain top surrounded by thick forest. This beautiful spot was chosen carefully by the 14yr old
first Bogd Zanabazar, a prominent representative of red sect Buddhism.
The first temple dedicated to meditation was established in 1651. In this monastery Zanabazar
devised the Soyombo script in 1686 and created his most famous works. The monastery had 14
temples, of which 4 survive today.

Travel Details

2hrs/70km drive to Tovkhon Khiid; 3hrs walking/exploring; 2.5hrs/70km to Kharkhorin

Accommodation

Standard Ger, Monkh Tenger Ger Camp

Meals Included

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

ERDENE ZUU MONASTERY - TURKIC MONUMENTS - OGII LAKE

After breakfast drive the short distance to Erdene Zuu Monastery in time to hear
the monks chanting, which takes place from 10am. Take a walk around the main
temples, and stroll around the grounds. Then drive north east to the Orkhon
Monuments known as Khoshoo Tsaidam; early 8th century Turkic memorials to
Bilge Khan and Kul Tigin. There is a small museum and a rare piece of flat asphalt
leading there, paid for by the Turkish government. Enjoy!
Continue to Ogii Lake and settle into your gers. Take a stroll around the shore and
look out for the abundant bird life on display. There are also opportunities for
boating and fishing - the ger camp may have equipment to rent.

Ogii Lake is a freshwater lake in east

Arkhangai. It is 7km long, 5km wide - half
the lake is less than 3m deep. It is known for
birdlife and is a stopover for over 150 types
of migrating waterbirds who gather there
from April onwards, including Cape Barren
Goose, Spoonbill, and Dalmatian Pelican.

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

Short drive in morning; 1hr/40km to Orkhon Monuments; 1hr/40km further to Ogii Lake

Accommodation

Standard Ger, Ogii Tour Ger Camp

Meals Included

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

ULAANBAATAR
Head back to Ulaanbaatar at a time to suit you. You may want to get back in time to do some shopping - perhaps at the Gobi
Cashmere outlet store on your way back into town, and then also at any of the decent craft outlets (Tsagaan Alt felt shop,
Quilters, Mary and Martha) or the State Department Store. Your guide will be on hand to assist. After freshening up at the hotel,
enjoy a farewell meal at one of our favourite restaurants.
Travel Details

5hrs/320km drive to Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation

Standard Twin Room, Ulaanbaatar Hotel

Meals Included

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

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DEPART
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Travel Details

45mins/14km Hotel-Airport; Departure time tbc

Accommodation

Meals Included

Breakfast

Cost Per Person

1 Pax

USD
$2,685

GBP
1,985

Euro
2,440

2 Pax

$1,775

1,315

1,615

3-4 Pax

$1,485

1,095

1,350

5-8 Pax

$1,295

960

1,175

$165

125

150

Single Supplement

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
Airport transfers - Surface transportation - Road taxes - Accommodation
as specified - Local Guide - Sightseeing and activities as specified Museum & park entrance fees - Meals as specified above - Water &
snacks in the vehicle

Excluded
International flights - Tips - Laundry - Bar bills - Items of a
personal nature - Visas - Photography/filming charges at
e.g. museums and monasteries

Booking - To confirm your booking we require a deposit of 25% of the total trip price. 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.

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+44 (0) 1869 866520

+976 9959 8468

info@goyotravel.com