Four-night tour, land only 888 USD OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

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1 Mongolia Winter Tour 2015 MONGOLIA: Land of the Winter Horse 2015 November 22 November 26 (Sun Thur) Four-night tour, land only 888 USD OPTIONAL EXTRAS: Flight from Beijing to Ulan Bator (Day 1), and return by train (Day 5) +550 USD Return flights Beijing Ulan Bator (Day 1) and Ulan Bator Beijing (Day 5) +650 USD PRICES IN AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS MAY VARY DUE TO FLUCTUATIONS IN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES. CONTACT OUR OFFICE FOR EXACT QUOTES There came into the world a blue-gray wolf whose destiny was Heaven s will. His wife was a fallow deer. They travelled across the inland sea and when they were camped near the source of the Onon River in sight of Burkhan Khaldun their first son was born, named Batachikan. The Secret History of The Mongols - Extract from the first recorded history of Mongolia, 1227 AD. Mongolia is a land of myth and mystery, a place of stunning natural beauty with a tumultuous and dramatic history join us this November as we uncover the stories surrounding this enigmatic country, through city tour and grassland adventure! THE LAND OF THE WINTER HORSE In the 13th century, Mongolia was a vast territory that covered half the world the founding of the world s largest continental empire was only possible due to the Mongolian horse. Mongolian horses are distinct from other breeds in that they herd together and spend most of their life semi wild largely unchanged since the time of Chinggis Khaan, there are now over three million Mongolian horses held by nomads in Mongolia, thereby outnumbering the human population. The horses are herded around the countryside throughout the year in search of the best pastures. This trip tracks them to their winter pastureland, giving you the unique opportunity to view 1,500 horses on grassland sealed in snow. We will have the opportunity to watch nomadic life unfold before us as the horses are rounded up, and if you wish you may even take part in the wrangling. PREHISTORY TO THE PRESENT DAY Starting in the historical capital of Ulan Bator, this short winter break will give you an introduction to the history of this former

2 Communist state before allowing you the chance to ride, photograph or relax on the Mongolian steppes. You will be able to visit museums, drop in to local markets, travel across picturesque countryside, sleep in a traditional Mongolian ger (yurt), and watch the stars from your bed. This tour will be accompanied by Koryo Tours expert staff, as well as local guides who will act as translators, and give us an insider s view into this remarkable country, thereby offering an unparalleled engagement opportunity. TOUR ITINERARY: Day 1/Sun 22 Nov Arrive in Ulan Bator For those arriving directly to Ulan Bator, we will meet early evening for a Pre-Tour Briefing followed by a group meal; those not feeling too jet-lagged can join us in one of UB s famous bars. For those traveling with the group from China, the Pre-Tour Briefing will take place in Beijing during the afternoon; the flight to UB will arrive late evening, but still in time to explore the city s nightlife. Overnight: standard hotel; single room available. Day 2/Mon 23 Nov Out to the Grasslands After an early start, we begin our city tour visiting UB s largest Buddhist monastery, Gandan, where we learn more about Buddhism within Mongolia, and watch the monks go about their morning prayers. We leave after a blessing for our journey. We drive from the city out into the countryside, east towards Erdenesant Sum, and the Tov and Khentii Provinces. This 4-5 hr drive will take us into the stunning Mongolian countryside where rolling hills blanketed in snow offer vistas of unparalleled natural beauty. We will arrive at a local ger camp for lunch, which will be prepared for us by our local family. Here we will begin to gain a deeper insight into the country s fascinating nomadic culture. Then it s back on with those warm jackets and off outside to see the herd, made up of around 1,500 horses. A horseman will demonstrate to us how to rope and tame a horse. Later, if you re feeling confident enough, you will have a chance to try your hand. This is an amazing experience, and one not to be missed. Never again will you have the chance to see and ride amongst so many semi-wild horses. This is Mongolia at its best. Riding alongside Mongolians in traditional dress while 1,500 horses thunder along is a truly special scene that ll make you feel like you re in the movies. Just don t try and outdo the Mongolians as they show off for you with their urga (lassoes). We ll ride until the sun sets on what will be the most beautiful of poetic days.

3 Dinner will be prepared by the family, during which time we ll be able to ask questions about life out here in the wilderness and away from the city. After dinner, we can play some traditional Mongolian games, enjoy a few drinks, or take some time to study the stars in the clear night sky. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: basic ger (yurt). Day 3/Tue 24 Nov National Parkland, Temple Visit, Horse Riding and Optional Dogsledding After breakfast we drive from our ger camp to the famous Turtle Rock in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and its picturesque scenery. Next up is Erdene Sum temple. Upon arrival, we ll hike up the steep hillside entrance before spending some time with the resident monk. Before breaking for lunch, we ll take the opportunity to stop at a small local town, which is known, amongst other things, for its dogsledding. If we re lucky, and the weather is with us, there is the chance to ride. After lunch, it s back on the horses, and an enjoyable ride out to Mt Shargalt, which is said to have been used by Chinggis Khan s military committee, and is still honored by local people to this day. During and after the ride, we ll be able to take in amazing views of the surrounding countryside, with its untouched woodland, frozen rivers, and granite mounts. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: basic ger (yurt). Day 4/Wed 25 Nov Return to Ulan Bator After breakfast, it s back into our vehicles for our return to Ulan Bator. On the way, we ll see the biggest statue in Mongolia: Chinggis Khan atop his horse. We can climb to the top for great views over the surrounding country. In UB itself we will be able to have a look around the city, as well as visit the National History Museum, thereby walking back through the ages. You may also want to stretch your legs walking though the famous Sukhbaatar Square and on to the State Department Store for some souvenir shopping. On this final evening our dinner will be followed by live Mongolian music. Meals: breakfast and lunch. Overnight: standard hotel; single room available.

4 Day 5/Thur 26 Nov Departure day, or tour extension The tour finishes in UB. Time to follow your own adventures! Please note that those who have taken the option to return to Beijing by plane will arrive the same day; those who have taken the option to return to Beijing by train will arrive on the morning of Fri 27 Nov. TOUR COST: 888 USD four-night tour, land only. We meet and say goodbye in Mongolia. You will need to make your own way to and from Ulan Bator. OPTIONAL EXTRAS: +550 USD flight from Beijing to Ulan Bator (Day 1), and return by train (Day 5). Sign up to fly with us from Beijing to Ulan Bator on Sun 22 Nov, and then, when the tour is done, continue the adventure by taking the train back, departing Ulan Bator on Thur 26 Nov, and arriving in Beijing on the morning of Fri 27 Nov. We depart early, boarding the Trans-Mongolian Express before heading south across the great expanse of the majestic Gobi Desert USD return flights Beijing Ulan Bator (Day 1) and Ulan Bator Beijing (Day 5). Sign up to fly with us from Beijing to Ulan Bator on Sun 22 Nov, and then, when the tour is done, return to Beijing by plane on Thur 26 Nov. Duration: 4 nights (Sun 22 to Thur 26 Nov) Start point: Sun 22 Nov Join the tour in Beijing, (option: Ulan Bator) End point: Thur 26 Nov Tour ends in Beijing, (option: Ulan Bator) Accommodation: 2 nights hotel and 2 nights basic ger (yert) Transport: Bus and horse (optional) Please note: This tour has been specifically arranged to visit these areas it may have elements of an expedition about it due to the nature and ruggedness of the terrain. As such any change in itinerary at the time cannot be helped. We will keep to the advertised itinerary as closely as possible, although please be aware that things are subject to change, especially if we encounter any extreme weather conditions. Along the way all tour decisions will rest with Rich (tour manager) and an expedition leader. We will also be taking advice from local people on the ground whose expertise will far exceed our own. No visa needed for Mongolia! Citizens of the following countries do not need a Mongolian visa for this tour: all EU citizens; Canada; China; Singapore; UK; USA - and many others - if you are not sure about your visa status for Mongolia, Expert guides will help you get the most out of this trip: Koryo Tours will be represented by Rich Beal, who has been travelling to Mongolia since 2006; domestic guides will provide an insider's view and help you best engage with the local culture.

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