Mongolia and Central Asia
Description
NOMADIC LIFE IN TRADITIONAL MONGOLIA
One of the world’s last untouched wilderness, Mongolia is a mesmerizing country of spectacular nature and unique culture. With glorious countryside, tranquil mountains and calm lakes, Mongolia holds a unique and unexplored beauty. Discover unique cultures, authentic traditions and surprising adventure. Southeast region of Kazakhstan: This region, stretching from Almaty (Kazakhstan’s former capital city) to Lake Balkhash, is known as Zhetisu/Land of Seven Rivers/. It’s one of Kazakhstan’s most varied regions: from semi-deserts to lush greenery and dense forests, from Grand Canyon-like rock formations to waterfalls and lakes fed by the glacier meltwater of the snow-peaked Tien Shan mountain range. This part of the country is nicknamed ‘the Golden Triangle’ for its trio of major natural attractions: the Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes Highlights in Kazakhstan: Charyn Canyon, Huns Ethno village, Big Almaty Lake, Shymbulak Mountain Resort (The biggest mountain resort in the world), Nomadic life, Almaty city – Economical, Traditional and Natural heart of Kazakhstan, Local people and their lifestyle, Central Asian cuisine: Gastronomy tour and more.
Highlights in Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar city, Chinggis Khan Statue, Central Mongolia, Terelj National Park, Sleeping in Yurts, Stargazing, Mongolian Nomads, Nomadic life, old capital city of Mongol Empire: Karakorum city.
13 Days | Max People : 26 | Jan 18 - Dec 21 | Langauge - English |
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive to Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty is a former capital of Kazakhstan and continues as the major commercial and cultural center of the country, as well as its most populous and most cosmopolitan city. Meet your local team at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Do check in at your hotel and explore the city while enjoying the local kitchen.
Day 2. Nomadic life tour-Experiencing nomadic culture at Huns Etno-Village
Today we will drive to explore Talgar gorge which is located 70 km from Almaty city. During this tour you will get acquainted with the everyday life of the ancient Kazakhs. The hospitable atmosphere of locals and the traditional infrastructure of the village is unique. Local people wearing authentic national clothes will show you the main traditions, ceremonies and fun activities of our culture which you can also participate. Here in Talgar gorge you will stay at “The Huns” ethno-village. "The Huns" ethno-village is surrounded by ever green trees, mountain rivers and high peaks in the picturesque Talgar gorge. Professional horse-riding tricks show, breathtaking battle between warriors in armor, traditional customs performance, the story of yurt; archery, amateur horse riding for everyone, cooking simple national dishes and drinks (as kumis), crafts production - all of that is waiting for you in Huns ethno-village! Saturated trip will be finished with delicious outdoor dinner in a cozy yurt.
Overnight in Kazakh yurt (nomadic round tent). B,L,D
Days 3-4. Exploring The Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan: Charyn Canyon
After we finish enjoying the Huns Ethno Village area, we will continue driving and arrive to Charyn canyon National Park. The Canyon has been described as the Grand Canyon's (Arizana, United States of America) little brother. For more than 12 million years, wind, water and sand sculpted Charyn's red sandstone to form the wonderful shapes and shades that vary from deep orange to light brown. Charyn Canyon follows the main course of the Charyn River. The canyon reaches 370 meters in depth, and base is approximately 1,100 meters above sea level. To explore the amazing Charyn canyon we will drive, do hiking while enjoying the scenic view and seeing wild animals. It is a home to such rare animals like mountains goats and Golden eagles. 24 species of mammals, 48 species of birds, three species of amphibians, 14 species of reptiles can be found here. By the evening we will arrive to our final Destination at Kolsai Lakes NP. Overnight at Kolsai
Nomads Hotel. B,L,D
Kolsai Lakes National Park: "Pearls of Tien Shan". Today we will explore Kolsay Lakes National Park which is located on the north slope of the Tian Shan Mountains (10 km from the border with Kyrgyzstan). Often referred to as "Pearls of Tien Shan", the park's main feature are the Kolsay Lakes (lower, middle and upper Kolsai lakes) and lake Kaindy. One can explore the area by car, horse or do trekking (accessible for the beginner hikers). Overnight at Kolsai Nomads hotel. B,L,D
Day 5. Drive back to Almaty city.
Today after breakfast we head back to Almaty. Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant followed by a night life exploring of Almaty city. We will visit the best night clubs of the city. Overnight in Hotel. B,L,D
Day 6: Almaty city tour: Panoramic view from Shynbulak mountain resort
Today we will explore the top sights in and around Almaty city. This will include:
- Medeu Ice Skating complex along with Shinbulak mountain resort - The Medeu is a high-altitude sports complex near Almaty, located at an altitude of 1691 meters above sea level. It is considered to be the world's largest high-mountain skating rink. Shopping while exploring the city Combine a shopping with city tour. Our professional team will find you everything and brings you the best shopping places and attractions of the city.
- Visiting Kok bazar
- Biggest shopping malls of the city
- Tulip garden(Kazakhstan is the biggest tulip growing country in the world. There are 35 species of Tulips in Kazakhstan)
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
International flight to Mongolia: The land of Chinggis Khan and nomads Arrive to Chinggis Khan International Airport and meet with your local guide. Transfer to the city center and check in at your hotel and rest. By the evening we will visit city center and have a dinner at local Mongolian restaurant. Overnight at “Ulaanbaatar” hotel.
Day 8. Exploring the culture and history of Mongolia
Today we will do city tour and visit great Chinggis Khan equestrian statue located 60km out of Ulaanbaatar city (The biggest equestrian statue in the world), Terelj National Park and Gandan Monastery. Lunch and dinner at the restaurant.
Day 9. Old capital of Great Mongol Empire: Karakorum city
After early breakfast, we start driving to Karakorum city located 350km out of Ulaanbaatar. Great opportunity to experience the endless steppes of Mongolia while visiting sand dunes, riding two humped Bactrian camels and visiting nomads. In the evening arrive to the old capital of Mongol Empire, Karakorum city. Overnight in comfortable hotel.
Day 10. Exploring the old capital of Great Mongol Empire
Today we will explore the oldest capital of Great Mongol Empire, Karakorum city, historical museum and more to explore more about nomadic Mongolia. Afternoon drive back to
Ulaanbaatar city. Overnight in comfortable hotel.
Day 11. Free day in Ulaanbaatar
Free day in a modern capital of Mongolia: Shopping and visiting the biggest cashmere factory shop in the world. Mongolia is famous for its finest quality cashmere goats.
Day 12. Flight back to Almaty, Kazakhstan
International flight back to Almaty city. Transfer to your local hotel and prepare for tomorrow’s departure back home. Dinner at local Kazakh restaurant.
Day 13: Departure back to home country
Your local team will accompany you to the airport and will be there for you to help. End of the tour.
During the trip:
Transportation: We will use comfortable minivans and off-road cars for the tour.
Food: Three meals a day which includes: traditional Mongolian, Kazakh cuisines and all other
kitchens like Central Asian: Kyrgyz, Uzbekistan, Russian, European and other Asin cuisines will always available and if you are meat lover then there will be a chicken, beef, lamb and horse meat in daily menu, if you are a vegetarian then no worries as well. Fruits, cookies, and drinking water will always be available during the trip.
Accommodation: Hotels and yurts. You will be staying at 4* and 5* star hotels.
What to bring: Water and wind proof jackets, sunglasses, good hiking boots, any personal items if needed, gloves (you will need it during the horse riding), small back pack, binoculars( if we get lucky there will be a lot of wild animals in the mountains so you can see/watch them from distance), torchlight and so on.
Include: All the mentioned tour destinations, places and activities; Transportation/ starting from Day 1 to Day 11/, accommodation (all the overnight hotels, yurts), three meals a day, drinking water( 2l per day), Chinese and English speaking guide, renting of riding horses or camels, support staff including drivers and other stuff, all Border and National park permits and entrance taxes, Free pocket WiFi router during the trip days. Possible to help with some visa problems.
Do not include: International flights to Mongolia, travel insurance, visas, departure tax, alcoholic drinks, gratuities, items of a personal nature.
- Experienced tour guides and drivers will always accompany you during all the trip days.