Trip Type: MultiSport
Yak to Kayak, Adventure Mongolia
The daily lives of Mongolian nomads involve such activities as building the fire in the ger, herding livestock on foot or horseback, and milking the animals each evening. Inspired by the nomads’ dynamic lifestyle, these trips combine an exciting range of activities with opportunities to explore the rich biodiversity of Mongolia and learn about local culture and traditions. From hiking along rugged canyons or hills decorated with ancient petroglyphs, to horseback riding through alpine meadows or camel trekking across sand dunes, to camping near pristine lakes or beneath the starry skies of the Gobi, these trips refresh the body and mind.
Although our guides are trained to be flexible, travelers on these trips should be reminded that some days can involve four to six hours of overland driving, three to four hours of riding on horse or camelback, or hiking and camping for one or two nights in the wilderness. Participants on these trips need to be in good physical condition and should discuss the suitability of the trip with our expedition specialists and their physicians.
Explore the wonders of Mongolia’s scenic and cultural treasures on foot and horseback, atop a Bactrian camel or in four-wheel-drive vehicles. Adventure Mongolia! is an active trip designed for enthusiastic explorers who want to travel off the beaten track, from the meadows and pine-forested mountains of the Central Mongolian countryside to the dramatic landscapes of the legendary Gobi Desert.
Overview
This adventurous journey begins in the Orkhon Valley, the cradle of Mongolian civilization, and continues to Erdene Zuu Monastery, erected from the ruins of Kharakhorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Travel to the hot springs and summer ger camps of nomadic Mongolian herders before heading south to the Gobi’s towering sand dunes and red sandstone cliffs.
Those participating in our July departure will have the opportunity to experience the celebration of the famed Naadam Festival, and observe the incredible feats of strength and skill on display in traditional wrestling, archery, and horse racing competitions.
For an unforgettable outdoor adventure, join us on a trek through the magnificent Altai Mountains, located at the borders of Russia, China, and Mongolia. One of the last untouched wilderness areas of Asia, the stunning beauty of these peaks - Mongolia's highest, with several reaching upwards of 14,000 feet - will be the backdrop of our journey.
Overview
Western Mongolia is still relatively unexplored and this expedition offers active travelers a unique opportunity to trek among the region’s snow-capped mountains and camp beside pristine rivers and lakes. Highlights include trekking through the foothills of Tsambagarav Mountain, exploring the forests of the Maraat Valley, and visiting peaceful Tolbo Lake. Traveling through this spectacular landscape, there will be opportunities to interact with local nomadic Kazakh families and experience the unique culture that has been preserved in this remarkable and isolated part of the world.
Join one of our most unique adventures and explore diverse regions of Mongolia by traditional modes of transport: traveling by kayak and on horseback.
Overview
Traveling by kayak, glide across pristine Lake Hovsgol in the north, considered the cleanest freshwater lake on the planet, and explore the surrounding mountains on horseback. In the south, camel-trek through the Gobi and discover an awe-inspiring landscape with a surprising variety of wildlife. And in Central Mongolia, discover the beauty of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, where nomads camp and gazelles cross the grasslands beneath the vast blue sky. Approximately four to six hours will be spent in the saddle during horse trekking days, with Russian cavalry-style saddles provided for each participant. The kayaking portion of the trip will involve a full afternoon (approximately 2-4 hours) paddling in quality one- and two-person Folbot™ expedition kayaks. And in the Gobi, explore the diverse landscapes of this mystical desert on the back of a Bactrian camel. These two-humped camels, known for their strength and endurance, are easier to ride than horses and no prior experience is necessary.
Of all the world's arid lands, the Gobi has about it the greatest air of mystery. This adventurous journey is designed to provide trekking enthusiasts with a desert experience like no other, through a land of boundless sand dunes, hidden mountain springs, isolated forests of saxaul bushes, and canyons where ibex roam among prehistoric rock paintings.
Overview
Follow in the footsteps of the many explorers who have been drawn to this dramatic desert, such as Marco Polo, who crossed its trade routes over 700 years ago, and Roy Chapman Andrews, the legendary adventurer who in 1923 discovered the first nest of dinosaur eggs the world had ever seen. Explore the dramatic Flaming Cliffs, followed by a trekking expedition on foot and by camel, traveling deep into the magical landscapes of the Gobi. This thrilling journey through Mongolia's diverse landcscapes includes the ruins of ancient cities and monasteries, visits with families who live and raise their herds in the semi-arid desert environment, and nights spent camping under the stars in the shadow of the Gobi Altai Mountains.