Kazakh/Altai Mountain
Western Mongolia Horse trip
August 7th to 26 th , 2008
Beware of Mongolia: it can be dangerously infectious. Was it the light, that golden late evening light that cascades down from a sky as vast as the ocean, or the space, all that wild raw, gentle space that just cleanses out the insides? Or was it galloping in thundering rain across the steppes on these jet-fueled steeds for miles, experiencing an unrivaled primal ecstasy that caused this viral infection to spread? Whatever the cause, the condition was severe: a complete case of Mongolian midsummer madness.
ALTAI HORSE TREK- EXPLORING MONGOLIA'S FARWEST
The Mongolian Altai mountains of western Mongolian offer a beautiful landscape coupled with three unique cultures - Mongolians, Kazakhs, and Tuvans. The area is rich in wildlife and provides one of the last refuges for the Altai Argali, the world's largest sheep, as well as the endangered Snow Leopard. In addition, western Mongolia is rich in archeological sites that vary from ancient petroglyphs to stone carvings from early Turkish nomads. To travel in western Mongolia and visit this area's nomadic people between the snow covered peaks of the Altai Mountains means to experience something that cannot be repeated anywhere else in the world. On a trip through this region, one discovers new horizons, will feel the beauty of unexplored wilderness and experience the freedom of nomadic life.
ITINERARY:
Dates: Departures : August 7 - August 26, 2008
Day 1. (Aug-7) Depart from USA.
Day 2. (Aug-8) Arrive Ullanbattor Korean Air flight arrives UB , approx.11:30pm. Pick up by Wild Earth Journey's staff at the Ghengis Khan Int. airport. Transfer by coach to Ulaanbattar Hotel a comfortable, centrally located hotel within walking distance of various museums, and the main Sukhbaatar square.
Day 3. (Aug-9) Explore UB. Orientation meeting with Thomas Kelly and Carroll Dunham followed by visit Ganden Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into Museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s. Gaden Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece for government officials and today is a thriving monastic center. Visit to the Zanabazar Museum to see the finest works of Zanabazar, the King of Mongolia in the 17 th cent, and considered the Michaelangelo of Mongolia. His works include White Tara, Five Dhyana Buddhas and are considered some of the greatest pieces of Vajrayana art today.
Day 4. (Aug-10) Explore Ulaanbaatar's Black market, shop for traditional. Mongolian dels, cashmere wares, silver horse bridles and riding boots. Afternoon free.
Day 5. (Aug-11) Aero Mongolia flight, UB- Bayan Ulgi Province, Western Mongolia . Flight time 4hrs Transfer to Blue Wolf Ger Camp, overnight in Kazakh felt gers Visit the local museum of Ulgii town with comprehensive information of flora and fauna , rock art and colorful traditional costumes. Kazakh concert during dinner.
Days 5-7. (Aug-12,13,14) To Dayan Lake Drive to north side of Dayan Lake where we will meet horse guides our horses and packing horses and camels. Dayan Nuur is one of the crystal clear lakes of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Next two days we horse ride by Dayan Lake towards Jolt.
For fisherman enthusiasts we'll have time to fish for Altai grayling, and lenok.
Days 8-10 (Aug-15,16,17) Jolt and Onion Valleys Next two days our horse trek continues through Jolt and Onion lush valleys, brusting with wild flowers.
As we cross the remote wilderness there's a good chance to sight elk, mountain goat, and bears.
Days 11-13 (Aug-18,19,20) Sagsai River Along River Sagsai we ride through an open remote area within view of the high snow capped Altai Mountains, bordering between China and Mongolia. Visit some local Kazakh and Uriankhai families and imbibe in their gracious hospitality. Last day you come to valley called Chigertei, home to numerous nomadic families. This area is their summer herding locality surrounded by small crystal clear lakes, larch trees and snow capped high mountains with hundreds of elk.
Days 14-16 (Aug-21,22,23) Hot Springs, Kazakh Nomads Hot springs and Rock printings. On our way South, we visit two hot springs, Rashaant and Gants Mod .Gants Mod /Single tree/ is an excellent and spectacular place of South Altai surrounded by snow peaks, cold and warm spring water, and archeological sites, situated just on the border. Many Kazakh nomadic families spend their summer here. Their gers are a bonanza of handicrafts something we will take time to see. We will have chance to visit Kazakh Eagle hunter families.
Day 17 (Aug-25) To ULGI Drive back to Ulgii 5-6hrs, 203km. Beautiful views of the entire Altai Mountains range when we drive across the Hagiin Davaa (pass).
Day 18 (Aug-26) ULGI to UB. Transfer to the airport and fly 4hrs to Ullaanbattor.
Day 19 (Aug-27) Homeward Bound.
Details: Horse riding time will vary between 4-6 hours/ day. You don't have to be an expert rider. Mongolian horses and horse guides are excellent.
Cost of trip:
Aug-7 to Aug-27 (18 days @ US$ 239/day. = US$ 4400) US$ 500 deposit, deadline for sign-up. May 1 st . 2008 Children Under 10, US$75/day outside of UB. Children Under 12, US$100/day outside of UB. Price includes International Airfare, all overland costs, hotels, meals, horses, Single tent occupancy, double rooms in Ullaanbattar. Single Supplement for Hotel in UB, US$ 200. Price does not include alcohol or optional tips to Horseman.
Please write to us if you wish to see additional material.
Thomas Kelly/Carroll Dunham
Kathmandu, Nepal.
Tele# 977-1-4438883, 4431954, Mobile #(977)9851026738
Thomas Kelly < tkelly@photo.wlink.com.np >
URL:www.thomaslkellyphotos.com
Carroll Dunham<carroll@wildearthnepal.com>
URL: www.wildearthnepal.com
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