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Camel Trek in the near Gobi
Surprisingly near the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar, the Gobi gradually begins to appear. We will travel south over vast steppeland before meeting our camel herdsmen, who will go with us on this Nomadic Journey.
On this journey we use low impact traditional modes of transport. Our equipment will be carried on camel carts in the same way nomadic herders transport their belongings, moving from one pasture to another. In this area camels are used for this purpose. We will also carry a ger, which is the traditional felt tent that Mongols live in today. Essentially, it means that we can use the services of the local people living in the area where we travel. This kind of a trip is what we have labeled A Nomadic Journey. The herdsmen are the experts and we will be able to get a first hand experience of how to move a camp the traditional Mongolian way.
If you wish to ride a camel or horse on this trek, there is a small additional cost which can be paid when you arrive in Mongolia. Mongolian camels are Bactrian (two humped) and easy to ride even without previous experience. Mongolia horses are incredible to ride, different from home but a experience worth trying.
Ulaanbaatar
Drive south towards the near Gobi
Camel trek
Bogd Khan Mountain and return to Ulaanbaatar
Departure day from Ulaanbaatar
Countries visited
Places visited
Transportation
Mongolian families frequently move from one pasture to another using traditional wooden carts. These are pulled by the kind of animals available in the region. Here we will use camels and horses. The services of some herdsmen will be hired by the expedition and they will provide us with their animals.
Included In Price
Guide and all meals outside Ulaanbaatar. Tents, ger camp (4n.), camping equipment and all local transport. 2 nights accommodation in Ulaanbaatar.
Meals Included
This tour includes 15 meals; 5 breakfasts 5 lunches 5 dinners
Not Included In Price
Any air or train tickets,imported drinks, laundry, rent of riding horse/camel and airport transfers.
Important Information
Meals: Our cook will prepare the meals. We pride ourselves in having cooks adept at both western and Mongolian cooking on our trips. There are always vegetables available and we have no problem accommodating vegetarians on our trips. For breakfast we can usually buy fresh yoghurt from the herdsmen in the local area.Please note that groups having less than 5 people will carry no ger (yurt). Just tents.
Private departures: On request, and if available, the Camel Trek may operate on any day. Before or after the season an additional ger (instead of tent) is added, in order to provide warmth on the cold nights.
Family Treks: If you are a family with children, book early, but we are happy to set aside any date – except CML07 - as a specific family departure.
Naadam Festival takes place July 10th - 12th 2012.
| Start | End | Twin share | |
| 6 May 2012 | 11 May 2012 | AU$ 695 | |
| 16 May 2012 | 21 May 2012 | AU$ 695 | |
| 26 May 2012 | 31 May 2012 | AU$ 695 | |
| 5 Jun 2012 | 10 Jun 2012 | AU$ 695 | |
| 15 Jun 2012 | 20 Jun 2012 | AU$ 695 | |
| 25 Jun 2012 | 30 Jun 2012 | AU$ 695 | |
| 5 Jul 2012 | 10 Jul 2012 | AU$ 695 | |
| Naadam Festival takes place between July 10th - 12th 2012. | |||
| 17 Jul 2012 | 22 Jul 2012 | AU$ 695 | |
| 27 Jul 2012 | 1 Aug 2012 | AU$ 695 | |
| 6 Aug 2012 | 11 Aug 2012 | AU$ 695 | |
| 16 Aug 2012 | 21 Aug 2012 | AU$ 695 | |
| 26 Aug 2012 | 31 Aug 2012 | AU$ 695 | |
| 5 Sep 2012 | 10 Sep 2012 | AU$ 695 | |
| 15 Sep 2012 | 20 Sep 2012 | AU$ 695 | |
Day 1 Ulaanbaatar
Evening get-together in a Ulaanbaatar restaurant with group meeting and dinner.
Accommodation
Hotel (3.5 star) accommodation
Meals Included
Dinners1
Day 2 Drive south towards the near Gobi
In the morning, drive to the south over the treeless steppe. In the afternoon we reach Semjit Hairhan, giant rock formations coming almost straight up from the surrounding steppe. Here we meet with the camel herdsmen and pitch our camp on the steppe. Scan the ridges of the surrounding hills and rocks for Argali Sheep (Ovis ammon), the largest wild mountain sheep in the world. All wildlife viewing requires a great portion of luck. Overnight in tents.
Meals Included
Lunches1, Dinners1
Day 3 to 5 Camel trek
We will trek for a three full days across the treeless steppe meeting nomadic herdsmen families on the way. Our hosts in the area are the related to one third of the local population. During the last day we will trek through Arburd Sands, a 20km long sand dune. Strange enough, a good number wolves - being wary of man - have taken refuge in these dunes and can sometimes be seen. We have brought one ger (yurt) which will be our mobile restaurant. Tents, all provisions and a cook are provided. All equipment will be loaded onto camel carts. There will be one or two riding camels so that we can try some riding as well. Herdsmen will follow the carts. We will make contact with other herdsmen. We will no doubt be invited into the gers and learn about their ancient lifestyle. Overnight in tents.
Meals Included
Breakfasts3, Lunches3, Dinners3
Day 6 Bogd Khan Mountain and return to Ulaanbaatar
In the morning, drive back to Ulaanbaatar. On the way we will visit the Bogd Uul Biosphere Reserve and the site of the ruins of Manzushir monastery. This is the southernmost point of the taiga in the area and we will get up into the hills and some nice forests. Red deer (Cervus elaphus) can usually be seen here. Back in Ulaanbaatar by mid afternoon, check into your hotel and enjoy this capital.
Accommodation
Accommodation in 3.5 star hotel in Ulaanbaatar
Meals Included
Breakfasts1, Lunches1
Day 7 Departure day from Ulaanbaatar
Final morning before departure to the airport. Please let reception know if you need airport transfers.
Meals Included
Breakfasts1