Camel & Horse Trek

Introduction
Gobi Steppe Mongolia

 On this Mongolian journey we will use only the low impact and traditional modes of transport  that this incredibly vast and relatively untapped country have to offer. Our equipment will be carried on camel carts, just as the Mongoli herders transport their belongings, moving from one pasture to another. We will travel south over the steppe lands, before meeting our own camel herdsmen who will accompany us on  the rest of our adventure.  Surprisingly near the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, the Gobi gradually begins to appear.  Westerners perceive the Gobi as a desert, but most of it is actually a semi desert steppe.  The steppes will give way to its sandy subsoil and we will meet an amazing 20 kilometre stretch of sand dune.  All herdsmen lead a traditional way of life here, like them we will carry a ger for our lodgings, which is the customary felt tent that Mongols live in today.  We will use the services of the local people living  in these parts, and absorb ourselves in their unique culture, so very foreign to the western traveler.  The herdsmen are the experts here and we will be able to immerse oursleves in an exclusive first hand experience of moving a nomadic camp the traditional Mongolian way, camels and horses and all!   Our hosts are relatives to one third of the population in the area we will explore! Quite often you will be invited into their own gers and  get acquainted with the Mongoli lifestyle.  A pair of riding camels will also be brought along with our caravan, so if you feel so inclined, you may try your hand as a passenger on one of them with some help from the herdsmen! The daily horseback rides, which head out from the ger camp, will be led by a true local, often they do not speak english, but they have so much to show you of their land by experience alone. Each rider will be paired with their own Mongolian mount to enjoy for the duration of the expedition, a pleasant  travel companion as well as an wonderfully authentic way to see life as it is for those born of this country!

Accomodation

All overnights in hotel (2n.) and tents (4n.) - please note the first and last night in the Ulaanbaatar hotel is at your own cost and not part of the package!

Meals: Our cook will prepare the meals. We pride ourselves in having cooks adapt with 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 yogurt from the herdsmen in the local area. 

Transport: Mongolian families frequently move from one pasture to another using wooden traditional carts. These are tied to the 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.

Staff: A Mongolian leader will accompany the group at all times. For these groups the service will be in English. Other language interpreters are available upon request. There will also be an assistant to the cook. In addition, the services of the local herdsmen will be hired along with their animals.

Riding

Camel riding: If you would like to have your own camel to ride during the trek, this can be arranged at the time of booking for an additional cost of USD 25 per day. This cost is payable in Mongolia only. Mongolian camels are Bactrian (two humped) and easy to ride even without previous experience.

Horses: Included on 3 or 4 days (unless you prefer to hike). You will be riding out with a local guide (he most likely does not speak fluent English). Mongolian horses are peculiar and horsemanship is somewhat different among the Mongols as compared to home and may take some getting used to. We suggest you bring your own riding hat with you, since none are available in Mongolia.

Itinerary

Arrive Ulaanbaatar the day before:
Arrive to the Mongolian capital by air (from Moscow or Beijing), or from our Gobi Camel Trek. Meet for dinner with our guide to talk about the upcoming trip. (Dinner and overnights in the city at beginning and end of trip are not included, package begins the next morning.)

Day 01: Drive south
A.M. Drive south over the treeless steppes. In the afternoon we reach Semjit Hairhan, giant rock formations visibly standing up and away from the surrounding steppe. Here we meet with the camel herdsmen and our horse guide. Put up camp on the steppe. Scan the ridges of the surrounding hills and rocks for Argali Sheep (Ovis ammon), the largest wild sheep in the world. All wildlife viewing requires a certain portion of luck, not guaranteed here. Overnight in tents.

Day 02-04   Camel & Horse trek
We will ride/trek for a three full days across the treeless steppes meeting nomadic herdsmen families on the way. Your private horse guide maybe not be fluent in English, but has a fast knowledge of horses and the best riding country. The riding pace is according to your riding level. Some participants will be hiking along the ways - so this trip is very suitable for rider and non riders at the same time! Our hosts in the area are relatives to one third of the local population! During the last day we will trek through Arburd Sands, a 20km long sand dune. Strangely enough, a good number wolves - normally very wary of man - have taken refuge in these dunes and can sometimes be seen. We have brought one ger (yurt) that will be our mobile restaurant. Tents, all provisions and a cook are provided. All equipment will be loaded on to camel carts. There will be one or two riding camels available so that we can try some riding them as well. Herdsmen will follow the carts. We will make contact with other herdsmen along the way. We will be invited into the gers, and learn about their ancient lifestyle. Overnight in tents and the last night at the Arburd Sands Ger Camp.

Day 05: Bogd Khan Mountain
A.M. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. On the way, we will visit the Bogd Uul Biosphere Reserve and the site of the ruins of the Manzhir monastery. This is the southernmost taiga of the area, and we will get up into the hills and explore some forest. Red deer (Cervuselaphus) can usually be seen here. 
Arrival in the afternoon to Ulaanbaatar and end of our services.
You may also transfer to nearby Jalman Meadows Ger Camp, 8 km further up the Tuul River Valley, and extend your stay in Mongolia.

Rates and Dates for Camel & Horse Trek

Dates Note: Private departures are always available with a minimum of 2.

Other Info
Meeting: Ulaanbaatar
Airport: Ulaanbaatar
Transfer: Ulaanbaatar

Climate: