On a journey filled with unique cultural experiences, retrace the footsteps of the Khan legacy as you take in a centuries-old Mongolian festival, explore the far-flung wilds of the Gobi Desert and follow Kublai Khan’s influence to the Great Wall in Beijing.
Journey Highlights
Arrive in Beijing, where you are transferred to your hotel.
Four Seasons Hotel Beijing
Take in the sweep of history at Tiananmen Square and explore the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City. After lunch, travel to the well-preserved Juyongguan section of the Great Wall of China, a vast fortification erected to protect the region from Mongol hordes. Venture to the top of the wall to take in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Tonight, gather for a special welcome dinner at your hotel.
Four Seasons Hotel Beijing | Meals: BLD
This morning, fly to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your hotel. After you settle in, explore the National Museum of Mongolian History. Here, a local historian delves into the saga of Genghis Khan and his Mongol Empire.
Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar | Meals: BLD
Visit Gandan Khiid Monastery with its 22 metre 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.
Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar | Meals: BLD
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: BLD
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: BLD
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. Savour a Scenic Sundowner atop Bulagtai Mountain, and then return to your lodge for dinner.
Three Camel Lodge | Meals: BLD
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 Hotel, Ulaanbaatar | Meals: BLD
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 Hotel, Ulaanbaatar | Meals: BLD
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 Hotel, Ulaanbaatar | Meals: BLD
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight.
Meals: B
Internal air included: Beijing/Ulaanbaatar/Dalanzadgad/Ulaanbaatar
Minimum age is 10 years.
This journey contains some active elements.
First group event: welcome briefing at 8:00 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: farewell dinner at 7:30 p.m. on Day 10.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
The July 08 departure has slightly altered itinerary to accommodate the Naadam Festival dates.
Program Note: Travel in this remote region entails extended drives over unpaved roads, visits to sites with limited accessibility for those with mobility challenges, and limited access to Western cuisine.
Please note: Proof of COVID-19 full vaccination is required for this program.
Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.
This journey features the following Preferred Accommodations:
Enter the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing and be graced by modern elegance and unsurpassed sophistication all edged in a traditional Chinese s... Read more
Soaring 95 metres over the city, the 21-storey, glass-walled Shangri-La Ulaanbataar is located in the heart of the Mongolian capital. The... Read more
Spectacularly located against a backdrop of the Altai Mountains, a scattering of felt-covered gers peppers the vast expanse of the Gobi. ... Read more
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
Jul 3, 2023 - Jul 13, 2023 |
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Price AU$20,255pp | Single Supplement AU$5,625 | Internal Air (From) Included | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
Jul 8, 2023 - Jul 18, 2023 |
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Price AU$20,255pp | Single Supplement AU$5,625 | Internal Air (From) Included | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |