Trip Brochure - Harvard Alumni - Harvard University

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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.
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