Zendmen Travel Mongolia 2016

Bespoke adventure travel and holidays

Horse riding in Terelj National Park

zendmen travel mongolia

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contents

Dear discerning travellers and explorers,

Zendmen Travel Greeting

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Destinations within Mongolia

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The Gobi Circuit

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Northern Mongolia-Authentic quest

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Nomadic Odyssey

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Explore Central Mongolia &Yak festival

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Golden Eagle Photo Safari

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We want to be sure you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Rating ranks each trip from 1 to 5 to give you a rough idea of what to expect from each one, although there may be some seasonal changes due to the weather conditions.

Also for each trip there is a description and a brief summary of what to expect.

1 Mild: Our easiest tours with accommodation in comfortable lodging or gers. Some overland travel by a 4WD jeep or 4WD Delica MPV. Optional hiking and horse or camel rides. No camping.

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zendmen travel.mongolia

Co-founders of Zendmen Travel (Muno, PJ and Amka)

We offer you some new destinations within Mongolia along with our established routes.

As a bespoke and small group adventure tour and holiday company, we offer spiritual trekking, horse trekking, photo safari, 4WD jeep tours, bird watching and cycling tours or mixture of any combination of above activities. All our tours can be tailor-made for individuals or groups.

Golden Eagle Hunter Calendar for 2016

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Unchartered Mongolia, Zavkhan-the Land of Saints

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It is our pleasure to let you know that a whole new world awaits your exploration.

Mongolia’s Vista Trekking

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Zendmen Travel Team

Horse trek to the Lake Hovsgol

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Cycling to the Gobi Desert

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What does Zendmen mean?

What is our a comfortable tour like?

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Zendmen is a legendary jewel in Mongolian tales. It is believed to fulfill your dreams and good wishes. In Buddhist rituals and arts, it is often depicted as shown in photos in which Zendmen is held by Tsam dance performer (right). Khuree Tsam performance was revived by Gandantegchinlen Monastery on 8 August 2015 since its last performance 100 years ago in Mongolia. The name of the company was given by Mr Renchinnyam, Muno’s father with vision of what we aim to do in the long run.

Accommodation 19

The tour that’s right for you

It is our pleasure to introduce Zendmen Travel, a team of travel professionals, who offer you Mongolia as your next adventure and holiday destination. Mongolia is known for its rich history and culture, blue skies and horse roaming nomads.

Meals and Transport

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Contact us and Affiliation

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2 Moderate: Active tours including some camping or overland travel. Activities such as hiking up to 3 hours a day on easy trails, kayaking, stand up paddling or 2-4 hour horse or camel rides could be included depending on the region.

3 Challenging: Wilderness camping, 4-6 hours of mountain hiking without serious obstacles or scrambling or riding a day.

4 Strenuous: These tours involve in mainly hiking or cycling on reasonable paths but would involve some of the following: paths on steep hillsides,

crossing easy snow or scree slopes, boulder fields, thick vegetation, steep and slippery sections, easy scrambling, river crossings, long days and wilderness camping.

5 Adventurous: Mountain trails and paths that could involve scrambling but generally are tackled without the use of ropes. Although snow slopes and glaciers may be encountered, generally these would not require any technical equipment. Wilderness camping with the possibility of extreme fluctuations in temperatures and weather conditions.

Photo by Zendmen Travel, Tsam Dance

zendmen travel.mongolia.

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Mongolia holds some of the world’s greatest untamed lands. These wild, beautiful habitats boast an impressive variety of wildlife and are rich in verdant forest, towering cliffs, rugged mountains, endless grasslands and the Gobi Desert.

You can choose a range of exotic trips from treks in the magnificent Altai Mountains, visiting nomadic people while riding a horse or a camel. Those who love wildlife, please join our bird watching trips or observing the only species of true wild horses, Takhi, in the wilderness.

You will enjoy the world famous Naadam Festival with traditional long distance horse races, archery and wrestling tournaments and Eagle Hunting Festivals.

The GOBI CIRCUIT 13 days • Ih Gazarin Chuluu • Tsagaan Suvarga • Yolyn am • Khongoryn els • Flaming Cliffs • Horse and camel riding •Hustai National Park • see Wild horses

Please join us to learn the rich history of the Mongol Empire and Chinggis Khaan, and other nomadic statehoods. We explore areas seldom visited by tourists such as remote parts of the Gobi Desert, Western and Northern Mongolia. Choose from comfortable road journeys to those adventure seeking tours each designed to show you the country’s finest wildlife and culture. Our tours are intricately planned and include programmes of lectures with special guest speakers.

We will take you to local art galleries and museums in the capital of Mongolia.

Elsen Tasarhai with a view of Mt Hugnu Haan

Join us for a journey through the Gobi Desert’s ancient mountains, green glens and sand dunes, against a backdrop of blue sky by day and a star-filled sky by night. The Gobi’s rich flora and fauna and has always attracted explorers.

Marco Polo paid a visit to the Gobi, and more recently Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first-known dinosaur’s egg-nest at Flaming Cliffs. On your trip you may encounter Ibex, Wild Horned Sheep, Wild Ass, Steppe Gazelle and soaring Lammergear in Yolyn Am. Tour Dates: 2 – 15 June, 2016 16 – 29 June, 2016 1 – 13 July, 2016 2 – 15 August, 2016

Private or tailor-made tour: Tour Price: Group size: Tour Grade:

Price includes: Domestic transportation in Mongolia; Transfers on arrival and departure; All accommodations based on double occupancy in hotel rooms and in gers; Meals as noted in itinerary; All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary; Bilingual guide throughout your stay.

Available from $ 2,507 Max 12 persons Moderate

Prices are correct at time of going to print, but may change at any time.

Contact us at info@zendmentravel.com for latest prices.

Itinerary Photo by Zendmen Travel: Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar: a HUB for international travellers Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar is located along Tuul river basin surrounded by five holy mountains of Mt. Bogd, Mt. Han Uul, Mt. Songinohairhan, Mt. Chingeltei and Mt. Bayanzurh. As you may know, Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital city in the world, where air temperatures drop below -45C in January, but you will enjoy summer temperature of 27C from May to August.

Set departures: Tour Price: Tour Grade: Group size:

The capital city was established in central Mongolia in 1635. The city has also changed its name 29 times (such as Urguu, Huree, Ih Huree and so forth) and migrated across Mongolia 28 times before settling in its current location in 1700. The present name means a Red Hero.

Today the city is home to 1.4 million inhabitants or almost 1/3 of

Tour Dates: 24 May – 08 June, 2016 from USD 2,407 Moderate 3-12

Mongolia’s population. As a thriving modern city, Ulaanbaatar has much to offer to its visitors including art galleries, classic and folk concerts, circus performances. Mongolia offers world-class ballet and opera at the State Opera and Ballet Theatre.

abundant. Regular wrestling matches at the Wrestling Palace are must see traditional sport all year round. If you fancy skiing, the Sky Resort is just 10 km from town.

Night life in Ulaanbaatar is excellent where Jazz Clubs, Live gigs and R&B, Hip Hop and Pop performances are

day 1. day 2. day 3. day 4. day 5. day 6. day 7. day 8. day 9. day 10. day 11. day 12. day 13.

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar Ih Gazariin Chuluu Tsagaan Suvarga Yolyn Am- The Vulture Valley Hongoriin Els Bayanzag- The Flaming Cliffs Ongi Monastery Historic Harhorin Art and Yoga Day

Photo by Zendmen Travel: Ikh Gazriin Chuluu

The Lake Ugii Hustai National Park Cultural Ulaanbaatar Departure

Photo by Zendmen Travel: Tsagaan Suvarga

Note: Hotel and meals in Ulaanbaatar is excluded. Smaller groups will be charged pro-rata. www.facebook.com/ZendmenTravel

Private tour or tailor-make the tour: Available Tour grade: Moderate www.facebook.com/ZendmenTravel

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Photo by Zendmen Travel: Hongoriin Els

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Northern MongoliaAuthentic quest

Nomadic Odyssey

16 days • Orkhon Valley-World Heritage Site • Muhart Oasis • Singing Sand Dunes • The Lake Hovsgol • Amarbayasgalant monastery • Horse riding and walking

18 days • The Lake Hovsgol • Dormant Volcano& White Lake • Zayiin Gegee & Taihar Chuluu • Natural hot spring • Harhorin & Erdenezuu Monastery • Flaming Cliffs & Dinosaur fossils • The Gobi Desert • Art & Yoga

Photo by Zendmen Travel: Zavkhan Provience

Photo by Zendmen Travel: Hovsgol Lake

Flanked by the breathtaking high mountain range of Hangai, Zavkhan offers some of the most varied landscapes in Mongolia. Travellers will experience vast desert land, serene salt lakes and incredible sand dunes all within close proximity of each other. The sharp contrast in terrain makes travelling in this area unforgettable. This part of the country is still mostly untouched by travellers. However, Zendmen Travel is proud to be one of the first tour operators in Mongolia to offer adventure trips for travellers keen to explore the unmatched beauty of Zavkhan.

Traverse across Mongolia from crystal Lake Hovsgol to the Gobi Desert via Harhorin. You will journey through Hangai Mountains with spectacular woodland and natural hot springs, and ride Bactrian camels near one of the tallest sand dunes of the Gobi Desert. This trip also takes you to the Mongolia’s best historic and cultural treasures including the Orhon Valley, the UNESCO’s World Heritage site. You will explore the remains of Harhorin, the capital city of the Mongol Empire, and experience the daily chanting in the Erdenezuu Buddhist monastery. Enjoy creative art and yoga sessions during the trip.

Tour Dates: 30 May – 13 June, 2016 20 June- 5 July, 2016 2 – 16 August, 2016

Private or tailor-made tour: Tour Price: Group size: Tour Grade:

Price includes: Domestic transportation in Mongolia; Transfers on arrival and departure; All accommodations based on double occupancy in hotel rooms and in gers; Meals as noted in itinerary; All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary; Bilingual guide throughout your stay.

Available from $ 2,444 Max 12 persons Moderate

29 July-15 August, 2016 1-18 August, 2016 16 August-2 September, 2016

Prices are correct at time of going to print, but may change at any time.

Contact us at info@zendmentravel.com for latest prices.

Itinerary

day 1. day 2. day 3. day 4. day 5. day 6. day 7. day 8. day 9. day 10. day 11/12. day 13. day 14. day 15.

Tour Dates:

Elsen Tasarhai Historic Harhorin Zayiin Gegeen Monastery Museum and Taihar Terhiin Tsagaan Nuur and Horgo Volcano Tosontsengel Har Nuur and Bor Hyar Sand Dunes Muhart Oasis Uliastai The Lake Tunamal The Lake Hovsgol/Walking and Horse riding Hutag Undur via Muron Amarbaysgalant Monastery Ulaanbaatar/ Departure

Photo by Zendmen Travel: Bulgan Provience

Note: Hotel and meals in Ulaanbaatar is excluded. Smaller groups will be charged pro-rata.

Available from $ 3,190 Max 12 persons Moderate

Price includes: Domestic transportation in Mongolia; Transfers on arrival and departure; All accommodations based on double occupancy in hotel rooms and in gers; Meals as noted in itinerary; All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary; Bilingual guide throughout your stay.

Itinerary

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Private or tailor-made tour: Tour Price: Group size: Tour Grade:

day 1. day 2. day 3/4. day 5. day 6. day 7. day 8. day 9. day 10. day 11. day 12/13. day 14. day 15. day 16. day 17/18.

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Prices are correct at time of going to print, but may change at any time.

Contact us at info@zendmentravel.com for latest prices.

Dormant Volcano Uran Togoo

Photo by Zendmen Travel: Taikhar Chuluu

Muron Jargalant The Lake Terhiin Tsagaan and Dormant Volcano Horgo Taihar Chuluu Tsenher hot spring Harhorin: World Heritage Site of Orhon Valley Ongi Monasteries and Mongolian great steppes Flaming Cliffs/Dinosaur fossil site Singing Sand Dunes/optional Camel Riding Photo by Zendmen Travel: Erdenezuu

Yolyn Am-Vulture Valley Tsagaan Suvarga Ih Gazariin Chuluu

Note: Hotel and meals in Ulaanbaatar is excluded. Smaller groups will be charged pro-rata.

Ulaanbaatar/ Sightseeing/Departure

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Photo by Zendmen Travel: Bulgan provience

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Photo by Zendmen Travel: Camping by Khar Nuur

Photo by Zendmen Travel: Mukhart Sand dune

Photo by Zendmen Travel: Hongor sand dune

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Explore Central Mongolia & Yak festival

Golden Eagle Photo Safari

11 days • Yak Festival • Tuvhen Monastery • Natural hot spring • Historic Harhorin & Erdenezuu Monastery • Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall • Horse riding and Nomadic family visit

10 days • Golden Eagle Festival • Photo Shooting • Trekking in Altai Mountains • Kazakh family visit

Photo by Zendmen Travel: Tuv provience

Explore a land of yak herding nomads, Buddhist temples, and dramatic landscapes in stunning countryside of Mongolia.

You will have plenty of opportunities to encounter and interact with local nomadic families while learning from their cultures and traditions. Highlights of the trip include, among other, annual Yak Festival, encounter with Mongolian nomads, a picturesque Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfall. Horse riding with nomadic families will hopefully be one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences.

Tour Dates: 18 – 28 July, 2016

Private or tailor-made tour: Tour Price: Group size: Tour Grade:

Price includes:

Photo by Zendmen Travel: Eagle Hunter

Hunting with eagles is very much an ancient tradition of the Central Asian nomadic tribes that is still kept alive in Western Mongolia today. Mongolian Kazakhs train eagles for hunting and some well trained and skilled eagles are believed to be capable of catching wolves. Nowadays, eagle hunters live in the spectacular Altai Mountain ranges, which rise up to 4,374m above sea level. Like other Mongols they are nomadic and spend the summer alongside the beautiful mountain lakes across the range. Throughout the journey you will come across prehistoric rock engravings dating back 12,000 years and the ancient Turkish stone men ‘balbal’ which witness the passing of Mongolia’s rich history. Also, Moslem burial tombs made from adobe, with their distinct architectural style, and the hospitable Kazakh eagle hunter families offer unique experiences to likeminded travellers.

Available from $ 1,991 Max 12 persons Moderate

Tour Dates: 26 Sep – 4 Oct, 2016

Prices are correct at time of going to print, but may change at any time.

Contact us at info@zendmentravel.com for latest prices.

Private or tailor-made tour: Tour Price: Group size: Tour Grade:

Prices are correct at time of going to print, but may change at any time.

Contact us at info@zendmentravel.com for latest prices.

Domestic transportation in Mongolia; Transfers on arrival and departure; All accommodations based on double occupancy in hotel rooms and in gers; Meals as noted in itinerary; All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary; Bilingual guide throughout your stay.

Itinerary

day 1. day 2. day 3. day 4. day 5. day 6. day 7. day 8. day 9. day 10. day 11.

Available from $ 2,396 Max 8 persons Moderate

Itinerary

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

day 1. day 2/3. day 4/5. day 6/7. day 8. day 9. day 10.

The Lake Ugii Tsenher Hot Spring via Hoshoo Tsaidam Tsagaan Sum Temple Tuvhun Monastery and Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall Yak Festival in Bat-Ulziit area in Uvurhangai province Historic Harhorin Elsen Tasarhai

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar Fly to Ulgii, Kazakh family visit Trekking in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park Golden Eagle Festival Fly to Ulaanbaatar Sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar Departure

Photo by Zendmen Travel: Eagle Hunters Parade

Photo by Zendmen Travel: Tenge Ily competition

Price includes:

Domestic transportation in Mongolia; Transfers on arrival and departure; All accommodations based on double occupancy in hotel rooms and in gers; Meals as noted in itinerary; All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary; Bilingual guide throughout your stay.

Hustai National Park Ulaanbaatar Departure Photo by Zendmen Travel: Yak Festival

Note: Hotel and meals in Ulaanbaatar is excluded. Smaller groups will be charged pro-rata.

Note: Hotel and meals in Ulaanbaatar is excluded. Smaller groups will be charged pro-rata.

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Photo by Zendmen Travel: Golden Eagle Festival

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zendmen travel.mongolia Photo by Zendmen Travel: Elsen tasarkhai

Photo by Zendmen Travel: Kazakh Man with Falcon

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Contact us:

Zendmen Travel Mongolia, P.O.B-44 Post Office-20 Ulaanbaatar- 14192, Mongolia Email: info@zendmentravel.com

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Photo by Zendmen Travel: Golden Eagle Festival 2015

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Mongolia: +976-9999 8015, +976-9908 6302 UK: +44-20 3239 6315 http://www.ZendmenTravel.com

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day 5

Zayiin Gegeen Monastery Museum and Taihar

UNCHARTERED MONGOLIA- ZAVKHAN THE LAND OF HUTAGTS 13 days • 2 nights in a hotel •6 nights in ger camps •4 nights camping• Harhorin and Erdenezuu Monastery • Terhiin Tsagaan Nuur•Har Nuur• Muhart • Horse riding • Visit nomads • Ulaanbaatar

Photo by Zendmen Travel: The Lake Har in Zavkhan

Flanked by the breathtaking high mountain range of Hangain Nuruu, Zavkhan offers some of the most varied landscapes in Mongolia. Travellers will experience vast desert land, serene salt lakes and incredible sand dunes all within close proximity of each other. The sharp contrast in terrain makes travelling in this area unforgettable. This part of the country is still mostly untouched by travellers. However, Zendmen Travel is proud to be one of the first agencies in the world to offer adventure trips for travellers keen to explore the unmatched beauty of Zavkhan.

We are off to Zayiin Gegeen Monastery Museum in Tsetserleg, the provincial centre town of Arhangai region. The monastery museum is located at the foothills of a stunning Bulgan Mountains, a strictly protected area.

This was one of the historically important monasteries in Central Mongolia and worth to visit to learn history and architectural masterpiece.

Afterwards, a brief visit to a local market in Tsetserleg may broaden your horizon and you could sample renowned local curds and yoghurt.

We will further journey to a mysterious giant rock, Taihar, in the vast valley of Tamir river. Find out the legend of this historic monolith, where ancient scripts were drawn down the ages.

(Ger camp; B, L, D)

day 6

Terhiin Tsagaan Nuur and Horgo Volcano

We will journey to the west via a picturesque canyon of Chuluut River where we will have our lunch. We will further drive through undulating hills and vast valleys while enjoying dramatic scenery.

Later today, another fascinating lake Terhiin Tsagaan awaits you. The area is famous for its beauty, particularly a dormant volcano Horgo that is the largest volcanic crater in the country with 200 m diameter and 100 m depth.

The lake has been created by volcanic eruption followed by the lava blockage of Terh river.

(Ger camp; B, L, D)

day 7

Terhiin Tsagaan Nuur

We will be greeted with spectacular sceneries and landscapes en route from Terhiin Tsagaan to Tosontengel.

Sunsets over the lake are splendid!

The landscape of the area witnesses great volcanic events. Passing through Tarvagatain mountain range via Solongot pass offers you dramatic views of the surrounding nature.

(Ger camp; B, L, D)

day 8

Tosontsengel

After a fresh start, we will head to Tosontsengel, the coldest spot in Mongolia where temperature drop below -45C frequently over the winter months. The record low temperature of Mongolia (-57C) has been recorded in Tosontsengel. The area is well known for its wild berries and offers some lovely valleys and tranquil spots which are ideal for camping. Tosontengel is the second biggest town of Zavkhan and has more economical values than Uliastai as it is a timber centre in Western Mongolia.

(Camping; B, L, D)

day 9

Har Nuur and Bor Hyar Sand Dune

Today we will journey to a scenic lake, Har Nuur, trimmed with Bor Hyar Sand dunes. A dramatic wooded mountain will be swapped with arid steppes and barren mountains. Turkic balbals or stone men stand witnessing the history of nomadic tribes in Central Asia. The area is a part of northern corridor of the Gobi Desert in Mongolia.

(Camping; B, L, D)

day 1 Ulaanbaatar

Mongolia’s bustling capital city, Ulaanbaatar, has much to offer its visitors where felt gers coexist with modern high-rises.

Explore Ulaanbaatar where you can spend your time at boutique shops, trendy restaurants, fashion shows, and folk and pop concerts. Buddhist culture has got strong presence in Ulaanbaatar.

Also you could relax at a world class golf course at the foothills of stunning Mt Bogd Uul. (Hotel****; L, D)

day 2

Elsentasarhai

You will start travelling through undulating hills to west of Ulaanbaatar.

Gaze rolling hills and passing herds and nomads. You will arrive at Elsentasarhai, an arid landscape with sand dunes and stunning rocky mountain of Hognohaan, 1967m above sea level. Ovgon Hiid is awaits your exploration. The landscape is predominantly undulating hills with sparse vegetations. Explore the area on foot. Optional horse and camel riding is available at your cost.

(Ger camp; B, L, D)

Tour Dates: 6 – 18 June, 2016 20 June – 2 July, 2016 18-30 July, 2016 2 – 15 August, 2016

Photo by Zendmen Travel: Lake Khar in Zavkhan Provience

day 3

Explore the mystic Orhon Valley in central Mongolia, a nest of rich historic and cultural sites. The area is full of the history of the ancient statehoods of Central Asia. You will see the remarkable archaeological discoveries of the 13th century Kharkhorum, the capital city of the Mongol Empire.

Witness the daily chanting of Buddhist Monks in the stunning Erdenezuu Monastery. The Mongolia’s first Buddhist monastery, Erdenezuu survived through Mongolia’s troubled past such as war between Oirat and Halh Mongols in the 17th century and Stalinist purges in the 1930s.

(Ger camp; B, L, D)

zendmen Photo travel.mongolia

by Zendmen Travel: Chanting monks atErdenezuu Monastery in Harhorin-

the former capital city of the Mongol Empire

day 10

Muhart - Oasis

Muhart is part of the huge Mongol Els (sand dune) and is uniquely shaped to look like a dam, particularly alike Hoover Dam in Nevada. Hunui river runs from the foot of the dam and meanders through the sand dunes forming an oasis which is an excellent spot for camping. The sceneries from Khar Nuur to Muhart are indescribable.

The varied landscapes change continuously from mountains, lakes, sand dunes, unique rock formations, plains, plateaus and grassland. An interesting highlight on this part of the overland journey is the Senjit Had - a natural stone arch. This stone arch is located on an elevated plain where surrounding views are breathe-taking and it looks like a doorway to heaven.

(Camping; B, L, D)

day 11 Uliastai

Uliastai, a peaceful and pleasant town, is wedged in by mountains in all directions. You can view the entire city from Javhlant Tolgoi, a hilltop that sits in the northern part of the city. We will visit Zavkhan museum, which keeps

Private or tailor-made tour: Tour Price: Group size: Tour Grade:

Available from $ 2,245 Max 12 persons Strenuous

the largest collection of artefacts among the museums in rural Mongolia.

Uliastai has also rich historic past. The town was home to Manchu Embassy until 1921 who used represent colonial power of Manchu’s who controlled both Mongolia and China between the late 17th and early 20th centuries. Also the communists used to execute their political prisoners and monks in the town during the 1930s. We will drive to Hairhan davaa for spotting holy Mt Otgontenger (4,021 m a.s.l) in the afternoon.

(Camping; B, L, D)

day 12 Ulaanbaatar

We will take early morning flight to Ulaanbaatar. Back to busy urban setting, you can do last minute shopping for your loved ones. For those who love art, visiting one of the finest galleries would be a great opportunity to learn Mongolia’s modern art. Enjoy Mongolia’s folk concert by Tumen-Eh Ensemble followed by your farewell dinner.

(Hotel****; B, L, D)

day 13 Departure

Transfer for your departure.

(B)

Prices are correct at time of going to print, but may change at any time.

Contact us at info@zendmentravel.com for latest prices.

Price includes:

Harhorin

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Photo by Zendmen Travel: Nomadic encampments near the dormant volcano of Horgo in Arkhangai province

Domestic transportation in Mongolia; Transfers on arrival and departure; All accommodations based on double occupancy in hotel rooms and in gers; Meals as noted in itinerary; All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary; Bilingual guide throughout your stay.

Photo by Zendmen Travel: Stupas at Javhlant Hill in provincial centre town of Uliastai in Zavkhan

day 4

Tsenher Hot Spring and Horse riding

After leisurely breakfast, you will start driving to the west. A beautiful Tsenher hot spring in the middle of Alpine meadow awaits you today.

Enjoy walking and horse riding in the surrounding wooded mountains followed by soaking in an open air hot spring pool while gazing glittering stars as night falls. Away from light pollution this is a perfect place to spot constellations and the Milky Way. (Ger camp; B, L, D)

B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner Note: Hotel and meals in Ulaanbaatar is excluded. Smaller groups will be charged pro-rata. www.facebook.com/ZendmenTravel

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Photo by Zendmen Travel: Rural roads in Hangai mountain range in Central Mongolia

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day 8-10

Trekking in Mt Sutai region

MONGOLIA’S VISTA TREKKING

You will trek in the snow capped Mt Sutai, 4091m. The route is challenging involves mountain walking and scrambling in loose gravel, moraine, steep slopes, glacier and snow. You will aim to trek to Mt Baga Bogd, a parallel mountain range to Mt Sutai. Altai Snow Cock and Wild Ibex can be spotted whilst trekking.

(Camping, B, L, D)

day 11

Prehistoric Cave Painting You will see the very ancient cave painting in Tsenheriin Agui, dates back 40,000BC. The large cave contains precious prehistoric relics of paintings of oyster, camel and elephant.

(Camping, B, L, D)

20 days, 2 nights in hotels, 17 nights camping, Strenuous walking 4-6 hours, Bird watching, Camping and Cultural Explorations

day 12-13 day 14

Bird Watching in the Great Lakes Depression

After a challenging mountain trek, you will relax on lake Har Us and Dorgon. The area is known the Great Lakes Depression that is the remarkable wet land area in Mongolia and is famous for its marshal and desert birdlife (240 species) including Cormorant, Pelican, Heron, Mandarin Duck, Whooper Swan, Arctic Tern, Lap Wing, Sand Grouse, Sand Owl, Falcon, Steppe and Golden Eagle and many more. In addition to that, you will have an opportunity to visit a renowned throat singer where you can listen to in very unique way of singing, ‘Hoomii’.

(Camping, B, L, D)

day 15-16

Visit a horse herding nomad

Sand Dunes

You will visit a horse herding nomadic family and ride around their campsite.

Here you can experience Mongolian nomads’ daily animal husbandry chores of catching horses, herding and watering animals. You can also experiment how to distil ‘milk vodka’ from fermented milk. If you find it comfortable, you can make visit a local school where children can get some inspirations of speaking in English from you.

(Camping, B, L, D)

You next adventure continues to the Lake Ereen, a stunning fresh water lake, surrounded by the large pyramid shaped singing sand dunes of the Mongol Els, which emits a humming sound as a result of wind disturbance of its surface. Local legend tells that a giant cow-like water creature lives in the lake and makes an appearance at the end of summer. Bar headed goose, Sand Owl, Kite, Sea gull and Buzzard is common here.

(Camping, B, L, D)

Photo by Zendmen Travel: Mt Sutai in Altai Mountain range (4,090m)

Truly amazing epic landscape is begging for your exploration. You will have opportunities to trek in majestic, snowcapped Altai Mountains, up to 3,800m and scenic Gobi Desert, while meeting nomadic people, experiencing their cultures of horse and camel riding. Observing variety of wild species is one of the main emphases of the trip. You are likely to see Wild Ibex, Saiga Antelope and Black Tailed Gazelle. The Depression of Great Lakes is the remarkable wet land area in Mongolia and is famous for its marshal and desert birdlife (240 species) including Relic Gull, Cormorant, Pelican, Heron, Mandarin Duck, Whooper Swan, Arctic Tern, Lap Wing, Sand Grouse, Sand Owl, Falcon, Steppe and Golden Eagle and many more. Also you will explore one of the tallest ‘singing’ sand dunes in Mongolia. Some part of this trip is challenging that demands good physical strength.

Singing sand dunes of Mongol Els

Horse wranglers during a trek in Mt Hasagt Hairhan in Western Mongolia

day 17-18

Hasagt Hairhan National Park Your next mountain trek is in a beautiful Hasagt Hairhan National Park, a home to many endangered species including Wild Horned Sheep, Ibex, Snow Leopard, Maral Deer and many more. You will trek at the approximate altitude of 2,500-3000m. Your trek continues through challenging terrains of scree, steep inclines and possibly snow. Trek will be supported by local nomads and packhorses.

(Camping, B, L, D) Breakfast in the Gobi Desert

“Gobi means arid and dry land in Mongolian. The Gobi Desert actually consists of 33 Gobi, which stretche up to the latitude of 50degree marking the northernmost Gobi in the world.”

day 1

day 2

Ulaanbaatar

Sand Spa at Biger

Mongolia’s bustling capital city, Ulaanbaatar, has much to offer its visitors where felt gers coexist with modern high-rises. Explore Ulaanbaatar where you can spend your time at boutique shops, trendy restaurants, fashion shows, and folk and pop concerts. Buddhist culture has got strong presence in Ulaanbaatar.

Also you could relax at a world class golf course at the foothills of stunning Mt Bogd Uul.

(Hotel****; B, L , D)

Your flight takes you to the provincial centre of Altai where our local crew will welcome you. The highest elevated town of Mongolia (2,181m), Altai is a provincial centre of Gobi-Altai province.

The area is famous for its writers, poets and politicians in Mongolia. You will continue the trip towards the curative sand spa with an en-route exploration of the ruin of the Biger Monastery.

Enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness area in the rest of evening.

(Camping, B, L, D)

day 5-6

Camel Ride

Another fascinating area with stunning views of Mt Burhan Buudai (3,765m), a sacred place for Mongolians. people that is home for many wild species including Ibex and Maral deer.

A unique experience of riding two humped Bactrian camel with local nomads in the Sharga Gobi, an incredible vast depression. There was Chinggis Khaan’s army base of Chinhai in the area. You may encounter Saiga antelope in the Sharga-Mankhan Natural Reserve.

(Camping, B, L, D)

You will have opportunities to adjust yourself for coming challenging treks.

(Camping, B, L, D)

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Huis Gobi-home to endemic Saiga Antelope

day 3

Ancient Burial sites & Water fall See beautiful Tsagaan Haalga waterfall in the morning. After lunch, we travel through drive across Mongol Altai mountain range via a district of Tsogt with en-route stop at the burial sites of Hunnu period (BC 3C –AD 1C). The landscape will switch into dry gobi area later today. You will go camping with view of a stunning monolith of Mother Mountain.

(Camping, B, L, D)

Tour Dates:

day 4

Mt Mother

You will explore beautifully eroded rock formations of Mt Mother, a monolith in the middle of the Gobi Desert.

An unique throne shaped mountain contains many fascinating rock formations. Among all, nine craters, ‘theatre seats’, the Lama cave are the most fascinating. This is an edge of Great Gobi National Park home to endangered species of Gobi Bear, Wild Camel and Wild Ass.

(Camping, B, L, D)

day 19

Return to Altai and fly to Ulaanbaatar You will take a domestic flight to Ulaanbaatar early in the morning.

Mt Mother in the Gobi Desert

1-20 July, 2016 18 July-6 August, 2016 1-20 August, 2016

day 20

Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure. (B)

Private or tailor-made tour: Tour Price: Group size: Tour Grade:

Available from $ 2,667 Max 12 persons Adventurous

Price includes:

Lunch in Sharga Gobi

Domestic transportation in Mongolia; Transfers on arrival and departure; All accommodations based on double occupancy in hotel rooms and in gers; Meals as noted in itinerary; All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary; Bilingual guide throughout your stay.

Prices are correct at time of going to print, but may change at any time.

Contact us at info@zendmentravel.com for latest prices.

day 7

Mt Burhan Buudai

Trekkers in Mt Sutai

Upon arrival, you will check in your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy visiting Bogd Khan’s Palace Museum where the Mongolia’s last king Bogd resided.

This is a magnificent symmetrical architecture offering elements of Mongolian and oriental architectures.

Also magnificent royal jewellery and dresses are on display along with some fascinating presents from European and Asian countries. In the evening, enjoy the performance of a famous Tumen Eh folk ensemble followed by farewell dinner.

(Hotel****, B, L, D)

B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner Note: Hotel and meals in Ulaanbaatar is excluded. Smaller groups will be charged pro-rata. www.facebook.com/ZendmenTravel

Mt Burhan Buudai (3,765m)

zendmen travel.mongolia Huis Gobi with a view of Mt Sutai in the horizon

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Horse trek to the Lake Hovsgol

Cycling to the Gobi Desert

8 days • Horse trekking • the Lake Hovsgol National Park • Nomadic family visit

11 days • Cycling • the Gobi Desert • Flaming Cliffs • Ih Gazariin Chuluu • Encounters with nomadic people Photo by Zendmen Travel: Horse Riding near Hovsgol Lake

Photo by Zendmen Travel: Cycling in Gobi Desert

Horse riding in Mongolia is truly inspirational experience during which you can ride sturdy Mongolian horses with joy.

The Mongol Empire, the world’s largest land empire in human history, would not have been possible without Mongolian horses. This tour is a great opportunity to trot on enduring Mongolian horses to the stunning fresh water lake Hovsgol in Northern Mongolia. You will ride through the undulating hills, mountain forest and vast beautiful valleys with the opportunity doing optional treks and walks across beautiful meadows. The lake is the deepest in Central Asia and respected by locals as a ‘mother sea’. During your horse trek, you will reach a natural hot spring and enjoy soaking any aching sore limbs! Making a visit to a nomadic family can be an enjoyable experience where milk tea is a must try thing while you are in Mongolia.

Join us for a cycling journey through the Gobi Desert’s ancient mountains, green glens and sand dunes, against a backdrop of blue sky by day and a star-filled sky by night. The Gobi’s rich flora and fauna and has always attracted explorers. Marco Polo paid a visit to the Gobi, and more recently Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first-known dinosaur’s egg-nest at Flaming Cliffs. On your trip you may encounter Ibex, Wild Horned Sheep, Wild Ass, Steppe Gazelle and soaring Lammergeier in Yolyn Am.

Tour Dates: 12-19 June, 2016 20-28 June, 2016 1-8 July, 2016

Private or tailor-made tour: Tour Price: Group size: Tour Grade:

Price includes: Domestic transportation in Mongolia; Transfers on arrival and departure; All accommodations based on double occupancy in hotel rooms and in gers; Meals as noted in itinerary; All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary; Bilingual guide throughout your stay.

20-30 July, 2016 12-21 August, 2016 2-12 September, 2016

Available from $ 2,625 Max 8 persons Challenging

Private or tailor-made tour: Tour Price: Group size: Tour Grade:

Price includes: Domestic transportation in Mongolia; Transfers on arrival and departure; All accommodations based on double occupancy in hotel rooms and in gers; Meals as noted in itinerary; All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary; Bilingual guide throughout your stay.

Prices are correct at time of going to print, but may change at any time.

Contact us at info@zendmentravel.com for latest prices.

Available from $ 2,527 Max 12 persons Challenging

Prices are correct at time of going to print, but may change at any time.

Contact us at info@zendmentravel.com for latest prices.

Itinerary

day 1. day 2. day 3/4. day 5. day 6. day 7. day 8. day 9. day 10. day 11.

Itinerary

day 1. day 2. day 3. day 4. day 5. day 6. day 7. day 8.

Tour Dates:

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar Fly to Muron followed by travelling to the Lake Hovsgol Horse riding Boating Horse Trekking Nomads’ day Departure for Ulaanbaatar Departure

Note: Hotel and meals in Ulaanbaatar is excluded. Smaller groups will be charged pro-rata.

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar Ih Gazariin Chuluu Cycling Tsagaan Suvarga Alagui Ulaan Tsav Bayanzag- The Flaming Cliffs Yolyn Am- The Vulture Valley Hustai National Park Cultural Ulaanbaatar Departure

Note: Hotel and meals in Ulaanbaatar is excluded. Smaller groups will be charged pro-rata. www.facebook.com/ZendmenTravel

www.facebook.com/ZendmenTravel

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How are accommodations like in Mongolia that we use?

What is our day of a comfortable tour like?

Our tours are designed to travel with as much as comfort possible for the route with limited driving hours. There are up to four people in a Delica, an air-conditioned Japanese 4WD Multi-Purpose-Vehicle (MPV) besides a driver and a guide. As you may know Mongolia is a large country where travelling often involves long distance driving. We usually set off around 9 am after having leisurely breakfast until the next lunch stop at 1pm with en-route intermissions at planned visit sites.

We leave our clients to choose their hotels in Ulaanbaatar. There are range of international chain hotels including Shangri-La, Best Western, Kempinsky, Ramada and hotels with local flavour Chinggis, Corporate, Bayangol.

Mongolian boutique hotels could also be a choice such as Urguu, Bishrelt and Terelj.

A ger is a Mongolia’s traditional dwelling, made of collapsible round wooden structures, covered by felt layers and has been used by nomads for centuries. It is regarded as one of the most eco-friendly structure and well adapted to continental climate. Nowadays, gers are trendy and convenient accommodation for people who are travelling through Mongolia. You can stay in an ensuite ger with modern facilities.

Those who are travelling to remote wilderness areas on trekking, horse and camel trekking tours will stay in carefully selected Vango or North Face tents. We also use comfortable Thermarest mattresses along with moist resistant hand-made felt mattresses.

There will be a private cook on the tour. Meals will be served in a restaurant tents.

Breakfast is included in the hotel and ger camp charges. At ger camps, breakfast is served in a warm restaurant. It is a continental breakfast with choice of fruit juice, hot drinks, cereals, eggs and sausages, bread, butter and preserves. Mongolian milk tea and organic yoghurt is also available in the countryside.

Lunch and dinner is made up of a bottle of mineral water, salads, soups and main course and desert.

HORHOG is a Mongolian barbecue, cooked by hot stones in a metal pot and often seasoned with wild onion and vegetables.

BOODOG is a barbecue cooked by very traditional methods. Meat is cooked by hot stones inside the skin and cooked from outside on an open fire.

MILK TEA is Mongolia’s national drink and offered to their guests upon their visit. A Georgian green tea is brewed and mixed with milk and salt is a must try beverage of Mongolia.

BANSHTAI TSAI or tea with dumpling and dried meat is another favourite dish

International flights to Mongolia Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia is the main hub for international visitors to Mongolia. You can fly with the following airlines: 1. MIAT (Mongolian Airlines) www.miat.com 2. KOREAN AIR www.koreanair.com 3. TURKISH AIRLINES www.turkishairlines.com 4. AEROFLOT- www.aeroflot.com 5. AIR CHINA – www.airchina.com 6. HUNNU AIR ( only from/to

If the day’s driving takes longer in cases where next destination is little beyond the average distance or roads are strenuous, we bring lunch boxes for en-route stops in beautiful scenery followed by additional 2 hour driving.

Dinner is an important meal of the day in Mongolia, where we get together briefly for 15-20 minutes afterwards to discuss the day’s highlights and things we could possibly consider to make the journey enjoyable experiences for a every single member of the tour family.

Ger camps provide comfortable single or double bed as per guest requested. We will sleep on a comfortable mattress in a duvet with bed lining with an extra woollen blanket on top. Unless you requested a single supplement, there will be double or more occupancy in a ger. We use mainly en-suite gers which is equipped with a private bathroom. There will also be a traditional fire stove in the ger which is used to warm the ger up in the evening and early in the morning. If it is too cold, a ger attendant will light a fire in the middle of the night if you request before going to bed.

At night, Mongolia usually offers a pitch dark sky with thousands of stars. If you are a star gazer, this is the best time to spend your time outside. Mornings can get chilly even in summer, as there is relatively high temperature fluctuation between day and night.

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Contact us: Zendmen Travel Mongolia, P.O.B-44 Post Office-20 Ulaanbaatar- 14192, Mongolia Email: info@zendmentravel.com Mongolia: +976-9999 8015, +976-9908 6302 UK: +44-20 3239 6315 http://www.ZendmenTravel.com Zendmentravel www.facebook.com/ZendmenTravel www.linkedin.com/company/zendmen-travel-mongolia

Affiliation:

*USD 50 OFF with this booklet for bookings made by 25 December 2015

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