On a journey filled with unique cultural experiences, retrace the footsteps of the Khan legacy as you take in a centuries-old Mongolian festival and explore the far-flung wilds of the Gobi Desert.
DAY 1
Arrive in in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, where you are transferred to your hotel.
Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar
DAY 2
Visit Gandan Khiid Monastery with its 75-foot statue made of copper, gold and precious stones, accompanied by a top-ranking lama who discusses monastic life. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Tonight, gather for a special welcome dinner at your hotel.
Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
Today, leave the city behind and head northeast towards Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. On the way, pause to visit the 130-foot-tall Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, a grand monument to Mongolia’s most famous ruler. Continue on into the park, a rugged land of imposing rock formations and mountains clad in pine. In the afternoon, visit the Aryapala Temple Meditation Center, a Buddhist site perched on a steep mountainside.
Terelj Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
Return to Ulaanbaatar, pausing along the way to pay a visit a local family. Back in the city, visit the recently opened Chinggis Khaan Museum, the largest in Mongolia with about 10,400 artifacts on display. Here, see artifacts from tombs, private collections and other priceless objects related to Ghenghis Khan and Mongolian history.
Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
Fly to the Gobi Desert, home to Bactrian (two-humped) camels, mountain sheep, golden eagles and many endemic reptiles. In the late afternoon, witness local archers demonstrate a skill that gave rise to the former Mongol empire. After dinner, marvel as the stars paint the vast desert skies.
Three Camel Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
Journey overland to the Yol Valley, a narrow, craggy chasm. Hike the valley for a chance to spot vulture-like lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks and Argali mountain sheep. Later, witness the construction of a ger, a traditional Mongolian home. In the afternoon, you may opt to hike through the Havsagit Valley to discover petroglyphs atop a mountain.
Three Camel Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
Ride Like a Local on a Bactrian camel through the dunes of Moltsog Els for insight into a way of life that has endured for centuries. Visit with a local camel-herding family in their home. Afterward, visit the Flaming Cliffs, a site rich with fossils where dinosaur eggs were first found. Savor a Scenic Sundowner atop Bulagtai Mountain, and then return to your lodge for dinner.
Three Camel Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
Fly to Ulaanbaatar, where you visit a modern art gallery and meet the local exhibiting artist. This evening, join fellow guests for a performance featuring traditional Mongolian dancers and khoomi throat singers. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, along with a vodka tasting.
Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9
Attend the opening ceremonies of the annual Naadam Festival, where the nation’s best athletes compete in tests of strength and skill. Take in all of the pageantry of the elaborate opening ceremony, an event showcasing local dancers, athletes, horse riders and musicians.
Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10
Enjoy a second day at the Naadam Festival, attending a range of events and competitions featuring archery and traditional wrestling. This evening, gather with fellow guests for a farewell dinner.
Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight.
Meals: Breakfast
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