Camel Trek in The Near Gobi

^{7 Days / 6 Nights}

Itinerary (Ulaanbaatar - Senjit Hairhan - Arburd Sands - Bogd Khan Mountain - Ulaanbaatar)

Surprisingly near the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, the Gobi gradually begins to appear. We will travel south over vast steppeland before meeting our camel herdsmen. This Westerners perceive the Gobi as a desert but actually most of it is a semi desert steppe. We will trek in an area where the steppes give way to sandy subsoil and in an area where there is a 20 km long sand dune. All herdsmen lead a traditional way of life here.

On this journey we use low impact traditional modes of transport. Our equipment will be carried on camel carts, in the same way nomadic herders transport their belongings, moving from one pasture to another. In this area camels are being used for this purpose. We will also carry a ger, which is the traditional felt tent that Mongols live in today. Essentially, it means that we can use the services of the local people living in the area where we travel. The herdsmen are the experts and we will be able to get a first hand experience of how to move a camp the traditional Mongolian way.
 

Day 01 : Ulaanbaatar
Arrive in the Mongolian capital by train or air. Transfer to the hotel.

Day 02 : Drive south
A.m. Drive to the south over the treeless steppes. In the afternoon we reach Senjit Hairhan, some giant rock formations visibly standing up straight from the surrounding steppe. Here we meet with the camel herdsmen. Put up camp on the steppe. Scan the ridges of the surrounding hills and rocks for Argali Sheep (Ovis ammon), the largest wild sheep in the world. All wildlife viewing requires a great portion of luck. Overnight in tents.

Day 03 - 05 : Camel trek
We will trek for a two full days across the treeless steppes meeting nomadic herdsmen families on the way. Our hosts in the area are relatives to one third of the local population. During the last day we will trek through Arburd Sands, a 20 km long sand dune. Strange enough, a good number wolves - being wary of man - have taken refuge in these dunes and can sometimes be seen. We have brought one ger (yurt) that will be our mobile restaurant. Tents, all provisions and a cook are provided.
 

All equipment will be loaded on to camel carts. There will be one or two riding camels so that we can try some riding as well. Herdsmen will follow the carts. We will make contact with other herdsmen. We will no doubt be invited into the gers, and learn about their ancient lifestyle. Overnight in tents and the last night at Arburd Sands Ger Camp.

Day 06 : Bogd Khan Mountain
A.m. drive back to Ulaanbaatar. On the way we will visit the Bogd Uul Biosphere Reserve and the site of the ruins of Manzhir monastery. This is the southernmost taiga of the area, and we will get up into the hills and some nice forests. Red deer (Cervuselaphus) can usually be seen here. Back in Ulaanbaatar check into the hotel. Overnight.

Day 07 : Departure
You have the choice to stay another day or two in Ulaanbaatar, transfer out to your next destination via Beijing. We however recommend that you join our Yak Trek for one more week of exciting adventure in a contrasting environment of rivers, steppe valleys, meadows and deep forests. Check our dates!



Transport : Mongolian families frequently move from one pasture to another using wooden traditional carts. These are tied to the animals available in the region. Here we will use camels and horses. The services of some herdsmen will be hired by the expedition, and they will provide us with their animals.

Staff : A Mongolian leader will accompany the group at all times. For these groups the service will be in English. Other language interpreters are available upon request. There will also be an assistant and a cook. In addition, the services of the local herdsmen will be hired along with their animals.

Camel riding : If you would like to have your own camel to ride during the trek, this can be arranged at the time of booking for an additional cost of USD 25 per day. This cost is payable in Mongolia only. Mongolian camels are Bactrian (two humped) and easy to ride even without previous experience.

Meals : Our cook will prepare the meals. We pride ourselves in having cooks adapt with both western and Mongolian cooking on our trips. There are always vegetables available, and we have no problem accommodating vegetarians on our trips. For breakfast we can usually buy fresh yogurt from the herdsmen in the local area.

Riding horses : There will be an opportunity for experienced riders at the time of booking to order a riding horse at the cost of USD 25 per day. This cost is payable in Mongolia only. Mongolian horses are peculiar and horsemanship is somewhat different among the Mongols as compared to home. We suggest you bring your own riding hat with you, since none are available in Mongolia.