Trip Brochure - Harvard Alumni - Harvard University

HARVARD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
2013
MONGOLIA
“We have traveled extensively all over the world and found this to be one of our most enjoyable trips.”
–Bob & Mary Woodruff on “Mongolia: Land of the Blue Sky”, May 2011

MONGOLIA: LAND OF THE BLUE SKY
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO LAKE HOVSGOL
still retains its natural beauty of diverse landscapes and habitats relatively intact along
inspiring, and out in the open countryside all sense of urgency seems to dissipate up
into the famous Mongolian blue sky.
incredible scenery, diverse wildlife, ancient history, and traditional culture of Mongolia
on this adventure-packed journey.
through Mongolia’s distinct landscapes, from the mountains, forests, and meadows of
TO BOOK A TRIP CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

HAA STUDY LEADER
“Professor (Mark) Elliott was a good choice-an exceptionally
out to be a most pleasant travelling companion-always easy
to talk to and discuss with, exceptionally good as lecturer.
He and his lectures added important value to the trip.”
MARK ELLIOTT
Mark Schwartz Professor of Chinese and Inner Asian History
Professor Elliott is primarily a historian of the late imperial period, especially the Qing
(1636-1911) and is among the few historians in the United States trained in the use of
Manchu-language sources, upon which his first book, The Manchu Way (Stanford,
2001), is largely based. He is at work on a new book examining the connections
between the Manchu empire and modern China. Professor Elliott’s teaching interests
focus on the long relationship between the Chinese heartland and the peoples living in
the territories of the steppe frontier. He has taught courses on the Silk Road and on
the “conquest” dynasties of China, including the Mongol Yuan dynasty, and is an
experienced tour leader, including having led the HAA tour to Mongolia in 2011.
WHY TRAVEL WITH HAA?
FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

SCHEDULE BY DAY
Depart USA / Arrive Mongolia
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your hotel. Ramada
Hotel (meals aloft)
Ulaanbaatar
Begin the day with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of
Buddhism in Mongolia.
Next, visit the National History Museum for an excellent
overview of Mongolia’s history and culture and the Natural
History Museum, showcasing the spectacular fossils found
in the Gobi desert. In the evening, a senior U.S Embassy
ocial will give a brief introduction of Mongolia’s current
political aairs and on U.S-Mongolia relations. Ramada
Hotel (B, L, D)
Hustain Nuruu/Hogno Khan
Drive to Hustain Nuruu National Park, home to the last
remaining species of wild horse, the takhi - commonly
known as Przewalski’s horse. Twenty-five years after
becoming extinct in the wild, the takhi was reintroduced to
the Mongolian steppe. Next, drive to the Hogno Han
Mountains, located at the stunning confluence of three
geographical zones (steppe, desert, and forest). Ger
Camp (B, L, D)
Kharakhorum
Travel to Kharakhorum, a site of the 13th-century capital of
the Mongol Empire. Ger Camp (B, L, D)
FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL
Shankh and Kultegen
Visit Shankh Monastery and Khoshoo Tsaidam or
monuments of Turkik King Bilge and his brother general
Kultegen (685-731 AD). Ger Camp (B, L, D)
Ongiin Monastery
Drive to Ongiin Hiid and explore the ruins of this
17th-century temple. Still known as the “Pearl of the Great
Desert,” Ongiyn Hiid was one of the largest monasteries in
Mongolia until its destruction during the communist
purges in 1939. Ger Camp (B, L, D)
Hongoryn Els Sand Dunes
Today continue your drive to the South Gobi. For the next
three days, explore the stunning landscape of the Gobi,
habitat for Bactrian camels, Argali mountain sheep,
goitered gazelle, golden eagles, saker falcons, jerboas -
similar to kangaroo rats - and many endemic reptiles. Drive
to the towering dunes of Hongoryn Els, which run 60 miles
alongside the Gobi Altai Mountain range. Reaching
upwards of 600 feet, these are the most magnificent sand
dunes in the Gobi. Overnight in gers. Ger Camp (B, L, D)
Hongoryn Els/ Three Camel Lodge
In the morning explore the dunes known as the “Singing
Sands” for the remarkable low-pitched groan that is
emitted when the surface is disturbed by wind. Those who
are interested will have the opportunity to visit a camel-

herding family and explore the area on the back of a
Bactrian camel. Drive back to the Three Camel Lodge.
Three Camel Lodge (B, L, D)
Yol Valley
Explore Yol Valley National Park. A hike through the valley
allows you to discover habitat for indigenous vulture-like
lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks and Argali
mountain sheep. Three Camel Lodge (B, L, D)
Havsgait Valley/ Flaming Clis
In the morning drive to the Havtsgait Valley, site of ancient
rock drawings left by early Gobi settlers. Visit the
legendary “Flaming Clis” where in 1922, Dr. Roy Chapman
An-drews found the first nest of dinosaur eggs the world
had ever seen. Three Camel Lodge (B, L, D)
Oyu Tolgoi Mining Site
Early this morning, start your drive southeast to Oyu
Tolgoi. This mining project is managing the world’s largest
untapped reserves of gold and copper and is expected to
make Mongolia one of the fastest growing nations in the
world. Known in Mongolia as the “Turquoise Hill”, the mine
is going to begin its operations starting in the summer of
2012. After touring the mine site and the neighboring
Tsogttsetsii village, overnight in the guest quarter. Oyu
Tolgoi Mining Local Hotel (B, L, D)
Ulaanbaatar
Fly to Ulaanbaatar and visit Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum.
The afternoon is free for last-minute sightseeing and
shopping. In the evening enjoy a performance featuring
tradi-tional Mongolian dancers and khoomi throat singers.
Ramada Hotel (B, L, D)
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure. (B)
DETAILS
GROUP SIZE: up to 15 guests
PRICING: $ 6,795 per person double occupancy
$ 1,000 Single Supplement
HIGHLIGHTS
:: Attend lectures by HAA Study Leader, Mark Elliott,
Mark Schwartz Professor of Chinese and Inner Asian
History
:: Visit Hustain Nuruu National Park, home of the last
remaining species of wild horse
:: Travel to Kharakhorum, site of ancient monasteries
:: Explore the surprisingly varied landscape of the
legendary Gobi Desert
:: Attend exclusive meetings with U.S Embassy and
local Mongolian organizations to learn more Mongolia’s
current economic and political aairs
:: Visit to Mongolia’s mining site, Oyu Tolgoi
OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION TO LAKE
HOVSGOL
If you would like to extend your visit to Mongolia, there
is an optional post-trip extension to Lake Hovsgol.
Legendary for its beauty, Lake Hovsgol is Mongolia’s
largest lake by water volume, extending 85 miles in
length and 18 miles in width, and is fed by over 90
streams and rivers. Known as Mongolia’s “dark blue
pearl,” Hovsgol remains untouched by industry and is
situated among the most pristine forests, mountains
and meadows in the world. Bird life and wildflowers
abound, and will have ample time to discover the lake’s
secrets during this extension. Activities include wildlife
viewing, hiking, and horseback riding.

Ulaanbaatar to traditional nomadic gers -dome-shaped tents constructed of latticed walls, covered
GENERAL INFORMATION
TOUR COST INCLUSIONS: Accommodations and meals as specified in the
itinerary; all land transportation and domestic flights within Mongolia;
$50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance; all lectures, exclusive
meetings, entrance fees and excursions as noted in the itinerary; guide
services; all airport transfers; baggage handling, gratuities to local guides
and drivers; bottled water throughout; pre-departure information packages.
TOUR COST EXCLUSIONS: International airfare; passport and visa fees;
meals not specified in the itinerary; travel insurance; medical expenses;
excess baggage charges; food and beverages not included in the itinerary;
items of a personal nature, including laundry and telephone calls; other
items not specifically mentioned as included.
RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS, & FINAL PAYMENT: To reserve a space on this
program, a $1,000 deposit is required per person. Please either call us at
800.422.1636 or 617.496.0806 or fill out and mail or fax the registration
form found in the back of this brochure. Reservations are acknowledged in
order of receipt until the maximum enrollment has been reached. Payment
terms will be sent to you with your reservation confirmation from our part-
ner tour operator.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: All cancellations must be made in writing
to the Harvard Alumni Association. Cancellation charges are based on the
number of days from the date we receive and refunds for cancellations
are subject to the following per person charges: 90 days or more: $500;
89-60 days: 50% of tour price; 59-30 days: 75% of tour price; 29-0 days:
no refund; after trip departs: no refund. In addition, any unrecoverable
charges or fees imposed by suppliers or vendors on advance payments will
be assessed.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions at http://alumni.harvard.edu/
haa/travel/trips/mongolia-2013.
CHANGES IN ITINERARY AND COSTS: The itinerary is subject to change at
the discretion of HAA Travels and the tour operator. Deviations from the
scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. All prices quoted
are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfare and currency exchange rates in
eect at the time of brochure printing and are subject to change. While
the tour operator will do everything possible to maintain the published trip
price, it may be necessary to institute a surcharge.
INSURANCE: We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation
insurance. An application for insurance will be provided by the HAA upon
confirmation.
RESPONSIBILITY: Certain other provisions apply regarding limitations of
liability and rights of HAA and the tour operator. The statement of respon-
sibility is available at http://alumni.harvard.edu/haa/travel/trips/mongolia-
2013. If you are not able to access the Internet, please call HAA Travels at
800.422.1636 or 617.496.0806.
DISCLAIMER: Every eort has been made to ensure the accuracy of infor-
mation presented in this publication. HAA Travels nor the tour operator is
responsible for errors in or damages resulting from use of the information
contained herein. Information contained in this brochure is subject to
change.
QUESTIONS: Please call HAA Travels at 800.422.1636 or 617.496.0806,
email: haatravels@harvard.edu.
PHOTOS BY:
M. Anand, Y. Badral, B. Balik, U. Buyannemekh, D. Gereltuv, R. Mc Fadden
TO BOOK A TRIP CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL

2012-2013 HAA TRIPS
LAND & RAIL:
THE BEST OF PATAGONIA, BUENOS
AIRES AND SANTIAGO
NOV 2-16, 2012
MARK VAN BAALEN
EGYPT AND JORDAN BY PRIVATE PLANE
DEC 30, 2012-JAN 13, 2013
PAUL BERAN & HILARY RANTISI
MYSTICAL INDIA
JAN 3-20, 2013
SUE SCHOPF
EXPLORING MYANMAR: LAND OF THE
GOLDEN PAGODA
FEB 23-MAR 7, 2013
THE LANDSCAPES OF ARGENTINA:
BUENOS AIRES, MENDOZA AND THE
LAKE DISTRICT
MAR 12-23, 2013
DIANA SORENSEN
BOTSWANA, ZAMBIA, AND ZIMBABWE
APR 14-27, 2013
JONATHAN LOSOS
THE BEST OF BOTSWANA: HARVARD
UNIVERSITY ACCESSIBLE PROGRAM
APR 19-MAY 5, 2013
THE RISE AND FALL OF THE
ROMANOVS: FOUR HUNDRED YEARS
OF DYNASTY
MAY 2-14, 2013
MOROCCAN DISCOVERY
MAY 11-24, 2013
CHARLES COGAN
SILK ROAD ODYSSEY: THE FIVE
‘STANS, KAZAKHSTAN, KYRGYZSTAN,
UZBEKISTAN, TAJIKISTAN,
TURKMENISTAN
MAY 25-JUN 12, 2013
LAURA ADAMS
HIMALAYAN KINGDOMS
MAY 31-JUN 14, 2013
MONGOLIA: LAND OF THE BLUE SKY
JUN 1-14, 2013
MARK ELLIOTT
THE BALKANS UNVEILED
JUN 4-19, 2013
DAVID ELMER
EXPLORING ICELAND
JUN 8-18, 2013
TANZANIA SAFARI & RWANDA GORILLA
TREKKING
JUN 11-27, 2013
DANIEL LIEBERMAN
LEWIS & CLARK IN MONTANA & IDAHO:
AN EPIC AMERICAN JOURNEY
JUN 26-JUL 3, 2013
ALASKA UNDER THE MIDNIGHT SUN
Jul 27-AUG 3, 2013
SRI LANKA: THE ISLAND OF
SERENDIPITY
Aug 7-24, 2013
Anne Monius
SCANDINAVIAN SUMMER SOJOURN:
SWEDEN, DENMARK & NORWAY
AUG 11-24, 2013
STEPHEN MITCHELL
CRUISES:
SPLENDORS OF INDIA WITH SRI LANKA
& MALDIVES ON CLIPPER ODYSSEY
NOV 18-DEC 5, 2012
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA ON
CORINTHIAN II
DEC 30, 2012-JAN 11, 2013
MICHAEL MCELROY
BELIZE & GUATEMALA ON YORKTOWN
JAN 12-19, 2013
BRIAN FARRELL
HISTORY & GARDENS OF THE
CARIBBEAN: ROUND-TRIP ANTIGUA ON
SEA CLOUD II
JAN 13-20, 2013
JOYCE CHAPLIN & DAVID ARMITAGE
BRUNEI TO BALI ON CLIPPER ODYSSEY
FEB 11-27, 2013
MARK VAN BAALEN
AFRICA GRAND VOYAGE FROM
CAPE TOWN TO CASABLANCA ON
CORINTHIAN
FEB 17-MAR 24, 2013
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
FEB 24-MAR 10, 2013
JOCK PHILIPS
DUTCH & FLEMISH LANDSCAPES:
THE NETHERLANDS & BELGIUM ON
ALMALYRA
APR 13-23, 2013
ROBERT KIELY
PAPUA NEW GUINEA, YAP & PALAU ON
CLIPPER ODYSSEY
APR 16-MAY 2, 2013
SCOTT EDWARDS
NORTH AFRICA’S MEDITERRANEAN
COAST THROUGH THE CENTURIES ON
CORINTHIAN
APR 20-30, 2013
ROGER OWEN
ECHOES OF THE PAST: REMEMBERING
THE CIVIL WAR, A VOYAGE BETWEEN
SAVANNAH AND RICHMOND ON
YORKTOWN
MAY 5-15, 2013
AMANDA CLAYBAUGH
THE BRITISH ISLES ON ISLAND SKY
MAY 11-24, 2013
DANIEL ALBRIGHT
ARTISTIC TRADITIONS OF KOREA &
JAPAN ON CLIPPER ODYSSEY
MAY 13-26, 2013
THEODORE & VICTORIA BESTOR
TREASURES OF CATALONIA:
ROUSILLON, LANGUEDOC AND
PROVENCE ON CORINTHIAN
MAY 23-JUN 2, 2013
PATRICE HIGONNET
SPAIN & PORTUGAL: SHORES OF
IBERIA (MALAGA TO BILBAO) ON SEA
CLOUD II
JUN 2-14, 2013
VERENA & TOM CONLEY
CROATIA’S IDYLLIC ISLANDS & DALMA-
TIAN COAST ON CORINTHIAN
JUN 19-27, 2013
PETER GALBRAITH
SICILY BY SEA ON SEA CLOUD II
SEP 21-29, 2013
RIVERS & LAKES:
THE ONCE AND FUTURE EGYPT ON SUN
BOAT III
MAR 12-25, 2013
TAREK SWELIM
TREASURES OF THE MISSISSIPPI AND
GULF COAST ON YORKTOWN
MAR 29-APR 8, 2013
GREAT LAKES GRAND DISCOVERY: A
VOYAGE TO THE FIVE INLAND SEAS ON
YORKTOWN
JUL 29-AUG 8, 2013
PRAGUE TO PARIS WITH A MAIN AND
RHINE RIVERS CRUISE ON RIVER
CLOUD II
OCT 9-22, 2013
INDIA’S HOLY RIVER GANGES ON
BENGAL GANGA
DEC 30, 2013-JAN 17, 2014
DIANA ECK
FAMILY ADVENTURES:
FAMILY TANZANIA SAFARI
DEC 26, 2012–JAN 7, 2013
KAREN KRAMER
SPRING BREAK GREECE FOR STUDENTS
AND ALUMNI
MAR 15-23, 2013
GREGORY NAGY
WINTER IN THE WEST: A COLORADO
FAMILY GETAWAY
MAR 16-23, 2013
FAMILY TURKEY
JUN 22- JUL 4, 2013
JOHN “JAY” ELLISON
A CHINA FAMILY TOUR OF CLASSICAL
HIGHLIGHTS, PANDAS AND YANGZI
RIVER CRUISE
JUN 26-JUL7, 2013
EREZ MANELA
SPORTS EVENTS:
THE MASTERS GOLF TOURNAMENT
APR 10-13, 2013
THE 139TH RUNNING OF THE
KENTUCKY DERBY
MAY 2-5, 2013
REGISTRATION FORM
To register, fill out this form and return to HAA Travels
with your deposit of $1,000 per person.
Please return this form by mail to:
HAA Travels, Harvard Alumni Association
124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th floor, Cambridge, MA 02138
Or by FAX: 617.496.4011
Please call with any questions:
800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806
I AM NOT ABLE TO MAKE THIS TRIP, BUT PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST
PROGRAM NAME START DATE
FIRST PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH
EMAIL ADDRESS
STREET ADDRESS
CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE
HOME TELEPHONE WORK TELEPHONE
SECOND PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH
EMAIL ADDRESS
STREET ADDRESS
CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE
HOME TELEPHONE WORK TELEPHONE
METHOD OF DEPOSIT
CHECK (please enclose check) MASTERCARD VISA
CARD NUMBER
EXPIRATION DATE 3 DIGIT SECURITY CODE
NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD
I/WE CONFIRM THAT WE HAVE READ AND ACCEPT THE GENERAL INFORMATION
FOR THIS TOUR, INCLUDING REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY
CLAUSE AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL.
SIGNATURE
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ACCOMMODATIONS
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