Zavkhan Classic Ride
14 days - Ulaan Baatar to Ulaan Baatar
On this ride you'll explore the forests and valleys of Zavkhan, far to the west of Ulaan Baatar. You will be riding across open steppe, through forested valleys, and up into the mountains of Tarvagatai Uul National Park. After riding you'll drive west to where the forest-steppe meets the desert sweeping up from the south. No trip to Mongolia is complete without seeing the country's huge sand dunes. Highlights include riding high above Zavkhan's forested valleys, soaking in hot baths at an abandoned mountain spa, and camping amongst sand dunes by the shores of Khar Nuur.Zavkhan is not an easy region of Mongolia to get to, which is why you won't see many visitors (if any). The drive from Ulaan Baatar follows 800km of some of the worst roads you will ever see. However we believe everyone should experience the 'great Mongolian road trip' once (one-way is enough, you will fly back at the end of the trip!). The drive is done over 3 days, stopping frequently along the way. On the first day you'll reach Karakorum, famous as the old capital of the Mongolian Empire and a must-see on most tourist itineraries, but you'll need a good imagination to see anything more than the collection of run-down communist era concrete buildings that is the present-day town. Erdene Zuu monastery on the other hand, founded in 1586, and mostly destroyed in the Stalinist purges of the 1930s is definitely worth a look around. The second day will see you reach Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (The Great White Lake), a lovely spot surrounded by forested mountains and ideal for swimming. Finally you'll arrive in Tosontsengel where you will meet your local guide and wranglers, and familiarise yourselves with the horses. Zavkhan Trekking will take plenty of time to match you to a horse you feel comfortable with, since you'll be seeing a lot of each other in the coming days!
Once you have got to know your horse you'll ride south from Tosontsengel, across open steppe and into the forested foot-hills of Tarvagatai Uul National Park. At this point there are several options available. Various routes head further up in to the mountains, some your guides know well but others they are keen to try out. The group is really only limited by the need to meet the support vehicle at the end of each day. Whichever way you go, the aim is to eventually reach an old abandoned spa in the mountains, perfect for a day or two of resting and soaking in the hot baths, before picking a route back to Tosontsengel.
After riding, head out to Khar Nuur, a beautiful and remote desert lake fringed by sand dunes. Perfect for swimming, hiking or just relaxing. In a country full of beautiful places, this is probably number one!
In addition to the scenery and horses, it is also the local people and their fascinating culture that makes Mongolia special. We strongly believe that they should benefit from any tourism in the region, and our partner for this ride, Zavkhan Trekking, are working toward a long-term relationship with local nomadic families.
The itinerary shown below is only a guideline. The route is kept totally flexible to retain a sense of adventure and the group size small (max 8 people), to minimise any impact on the environment.
- Day 1 (L,D)
- Depart Ulaan Baatar, drive west to Karakorum.
- Day 2 (B,L,D)
- Visit Erdene Zuu monastery, continue on to Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (The White Lake).
- Day 3 (B,L,D)
- Arrive in Zavkhan, meet the horses. Take an introductory ride.
- Day 4 to Day 10 (B,L,D)
- Spend the next 6 to 7 days riding through steppe, forest and mountains. There is no set itinerary - you are free to explore. The only restriction imposed is meeting the back-up vehicle each night.
- Day 11 to Day 13 (B,L,D)
- Leave the horses and explore the desert-steppe and lakes further west.
- Day 14 (B)
- Fly back to Ulaan Baatar.
- Cost per Person:
- Ride Only: £950
- Includes: Transfers from Ulaan Baatar, internal flight,accommodation under canvas, meals as indicated and all riding. Accommodation in Ulaan Baatar for two nights (one night before departure, one night upon returning)is also included.
- All Inclusive: Prices on request. The best way to get to Ulaan Baatar is to fly via Moscow. Visas for Russia are not required if you are just transitting. If you are feeling really adventurous you might like to consider taking the Trans-Siberian express from Moscow to Ulaan Baatar. It takes 5 days, and you'll need a good book and lots of snack food. You will need to arrive in Ulaan Baatar at least a day or two before the dpeartiure of the ride.
- Single Supplement: None. You will be expected to share.
- Departure Date: 27 June
- Accommodation: You will be camping throughout the trip. Camps are set up in wild and remote places and have no facilities although the aim is to get to a well-watered campsite at the end of each day, where you can wash and perhaps swim. You will be sleeping in a simple two-man tent, which you will be expected to pitch yourself. You will need to take your own sleeping mat (therm-a-rest), sleeping bag and pillow.
- Food & Drink: The Mongolian nomad's diet is based around meat and dairy products. Basic staples, such as rice, flour and pasta, will be taken with you and fresh meat, delicious yoghurt, cheese and milk will be puchased from the local people. You are welcome to pitch in with cooking, so bring along your favourite yak recipe. Fresh bread is baked whenever possible. If you're vegetarian, Mongolia is difficult but not impossible - although your diet may be rather limited.
- Laundry: There will be the opportunity for you to wash/rinse out clothes and underwear.
- Children: Children are welcome providing they are competent riders and accompanied by an experienced adult rider.
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Non Riders: Non-riders are welcome. They can accompany the driver in the support vehicle, which is a great way to experience the local culture, as he visits his friends and family along the way. There is usually somewhere to dangle a line, as well as plenty of hiking and excellent birdlife.
