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18 Days Mongolia & Beijing (2006)

Beijing - Ulaan Baatar - Karakorum - Gobi Desert - Hovsgol Lake - Beijing

Day 1/Sunday, June 25: Vancouver or Los Angeles  - Beijing
Depart in early afternoon and cross the International Date Line.

Day 2/Monday, 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/Tuesday, 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/Wednesday, 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/Thursday, 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/Friday, 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/Saturday, 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/Sunday, 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/Monday, 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/Tuesday, 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/Wednesday, 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/Thursday, 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/Friday, 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/Saturday, 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/Sunday, 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/Monday, 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/Tuesday, 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/Wednesday, 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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