|
18 Days Mongolia &
Beijing Tour Package (2010)
Beijing - Ulaan Baatar -
Karakorum - Gobi Desert - Hovsgol Lake - Beijing
| Full Package |
Single Supplement |
Land Only |
From LAX via
United Airlines
From Vancouver via Air China
$4800 |
$1100 |
available upon
request |
Day 1/Friday, June 25:
Vancouver or Los Angeles - Beijing
Depart in early afternoon and cross the International Date Line.
Day 2/Saturday, June 26: Arrival in
Beijing
Arrive around mid-afternoon local time and transfer to 5-star
Tianlun Dynasty Hotel
located in the heart of China's capital. Welcome dinner follows
orientation. (D)
Day 3/Sunday, June 27: Beijing
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the Great Wall and imperial Ming Tombs where
a huge collection of excavated treasures are on display. We also stop by a
cloisonné factory en route if time allows. (B/L/D)
Day 4/Monday, June 28: Beijing -
Ulaan Baatar
This morning we fly to Mongolia's capital Ulaan Baatar via Air China
CA901. After 2 hours and 10 minutes we arrive at Buyant-Ukhaa Airport
around lunchtime. Meet our local guide and transfer to
Bayangol Hotel in downtown.
Afternoon tour takes us to the Museum of Natural History, where a splendid
collection of dinosaur exhibits is housed. (B/L/D)
Day 5/Tuesday,
June 29: Ulaan Baatar - Karakorum
After breakfast we drive through scenic pastureland to the town of
Kharkhorin (built on the same spot of Karakorum), 373km southwest of Ulaan
Baatar. Picnic lunch is served. The construction of Karakorum started in
1220 when Chinggis Khaan (Genghis Khan) chose the site to build the
capital of his vast Mongolian empire. Building was completed by his son
Ogedei Khaan, but Karakorum served as the capital for only 40 years before
Kublai Khaan moved it to Dadu (Grand Capital), what is now Beijing. The
first of two nights at a comfortable
ger camp. Ger is a tent
also known as yurt in Russian. (B/L/D)
Day 6/Wednesday, June 30: Karakorum
Following the move to Beijing, and subsequent collapse of the Mongolian
empire, Karakorum was abandoned and later destroyed by Manchurians (a
tribal people in Northeast Asia related to Mongolians) who swept Mongolia
and China in early 17th century and ruled China until 1912. Although there
is little left of the ancient capital, the ruins of it and Erdene Zuu
Monastery built at the site in the 16th century make a trip to Kharkhorin
worthwhile. This afternoon a horseback ride on traditional Mongolian
saddles is arranged. (B/L/D)
Day 7/Thursday, July 1: Karakorum -
Ulaan Baatar
This morning we return to Ulaan Baatar by air. After checking in at
Bayangol Hotel, we visit
the National Museum of Mongolian History, and the Winter Palace of Bogs
Khaan, where Mongolia's eighth Living Buddha, and last king, Jebtzun Damba
Hutagt VIII, lived for 20 years. Built between 1893 and 1903, the palace
is now a museum and was spared destruction by the Communist regime when it
seized power in the 1920s. (B/L/D)
Day 8/Friday, July 2: Ulaan Baatar -
Gobi Desert
This morning we transfer to airport for flight to Dalanzadgad, the city
near the Gobi Desert ger camp
where we'll spend three nights. Afternoon schedule includes a visit to a
camel breeding site and a camel-riding session. (B/L/D)
Day 9/Saturday, July 3: Gobi Desert
This morning we visit Vulture's Valley (Yolyn Am) inside Gurvansaikhan
National Park. The valley is famous for dramatic scenery and rich
wildlife. Enjoy a refreshing hike along the stream to reach a gorge full
of ice! Picnic lunch in the park. (B/L/D)
Day 10/Sunday, July 4: Gobi Desert
Day trip to Bayanzag (meaning "rich in saxauls"), 65km northwest of
Dalanzadgad. The area is more commonly known as the "Flaming Cliffs"
because of US paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews, who in the 1920's found
a large number of dinosaur eggs and bones in the area. This is a desert of
rock, red sands, scrub, sun and awesome emptiness. (B/L/D)
Day 11/Monday, July 5: Gobi Desert -
Ulaan Baatar
Late morning flight for Ulaan Baatar. After lunch, we tour
Gandantegchinlen Monastery, commonly referred to as Gandan, which is the
largest and most important monastery in Mongolia. We wrap up the day with
a visit to Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts. The museum has an excellent
collection of paintings, carvings and sculptures, including many by the
revered sculptor, artist and Buddhist Zanabazar. Overnight at
Bayangol Hotel.
(B/L/D)
Day 12/Tuesday, July 6: Ulaan Baatar
- Lake Hovsgol
Following breakfast, fly to Murun, the capital of Hovsgol Province, and
drive 110km (3 hours) to ger
camp at Lake Hovsgol. Enjoy an evening of folklore show by
local nomads. (B/L/D)
Day 13/Wednesday, July 7: Lake
Hovsgol
The 2760 square-kilometre alpine lake is Mongolia's top scenic attraction.
The surrounding mountains are covered with thick pine forests and lush
meadows where yaks and horses graze. The water is so pure that you can
drink it. The deepest lake (up to 262m) in Central Asia, and the 14th
largest source of fresh water in the world, Lake Hovsgol becomes a
paradise in summer months for swimmers, anglers, wildlife lovers and
hikers. Guided hiking and horseback ride along the shoreline allow us to
soak in the enchanting natural beauty of the lake, sacred to local
Mongolians. Second night at ger camp. (B/L/D)
Day 14/Thursday, July 8: Lake Hovsgol
- Ulaan Baatar
Drive back to Murun to catch an early afternoon flight. Upon arrival in
Ulaan Baatar, transfer to Bayangol
Hotel before visiting a cashmere factory, a good place to buy
original and pure cashmere gifts and garments. Dinner is followed by an
evening of cultural performance. (B/L/D)
Day 15/Friday, July 9: Ulaan Baatar
This morning we attend the opening ceremony of the spectacular Naadam
Festival. This is an annual event normally held between July 11 and 13
when the Mongolians showcase their three "manly sports" of horse racing,
archery and wrestling at its highest level. After lunch, we drive to
Zaisan Memorial, a landmark on top of the hill south of the city, for a
night view of the city. (B/L/D)
Day 16/Saturday, July 10: Ulaan
Baatar - Beijing
Fly to Beijing via Air China flight CA902 (1235 - 1435). Tour Temple of
Heaven, and Beihai Park, if time allows. A night of traditional Peking
Opera show follows dinner. Overnight at 5-star
Tianlun Dynasty Hotel.
(B/L/D)
Day 17/Sunday, July 11: Beijing
Highlights of today's sightseeing include Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden
City and splendid Summer Palace. Farewell dinner features delicious Peking
roast duck. (B/L/D)
Day 18/Monday, July 12: Beijing -
Vancouver/Los Angeles
The morning is free, ideal for shopping or visiting sites of your own
choice. Transfer to airport after a light lunch to board return flight in
mid-afternoon. Arrive at West Coast in late morning the same day.
(B/L)
Notes
1) Meal Code: B = American or buffet breakfast, L =
Chinese lunch, D = Chinese dinner
2)
Changes to the itinerary,
including, but not limited to, substitution of hotels of equal or similar
quality and air carriers, may be made out of necessity.
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