Winter in Arburd Sands
Introduction
The northernmost and closest sand dune areas to Ulaanbaatar are located at Arburd Sands in Bayan-Onjuul soum. It is a striking area of nomads, steppes and sudden sands dunes. Some 35 km away are also the Zorgol Hairhan Uul, gigantic rock formations rising from the steppe. This is also the habitat of Argali Sheep and sometimes also Siberian Ibex. In all, the Arburd Sands area is a 2 hour drive away from the capital and a natural Gobi escape. Nomadic Journeys has a low impact ger camp here, Arburd Sands Ger Camp. It is owned and operated by a local family who also regularly operate our Camel Treks and Gobi Steppe Rides. They are also famous horse trainers who participate in the annual Naadam Games. Their herd of horses is large and offers a good selection for both the amateur and the competent rider.
Brief Outline Itinerary
On this short journey we will drive south from Ulaanbaatar with a guide and vehicle until the Gobi steppe starts to emerge. You will stay at a low impact ger (yurt), a fully collapsible “lodge”, built in the nomadic style. We use low-impact indigenous, and thus appropriate, technology to offer lodging and sometimes also transportation, with the assistance of camel carts, riding camels or riding horses. Essentially, it means that we can be hosted by the services of the local people living in the area where we travel.
| Trip Details |
|---|
| Arburd Sands Winter |
| 4 Days / 3 Nights |
Trip Details
Day 1: To Arburd Sands
A.m. Pick up at your hotel. Drive south over the treeless steppe for some 2 hours to Arburd Sands. We will arrive at the camp before lunch. Afternoon visit some nomadic families. Our hosts in the area are related to one third of the nomadic population scattered over the steppe here.
Day 2: Zorgol Hairkhan
Drive 35 km across the steppe to the holy Zorgol Hairhan Mountains. These are giant rock formations coming up almost vertically out of the middle of the Gobi steppe. En route we will find some secluded petroglyphs of extraordinary quality. We will explore the area and perhaps have a chance to view the rare and elusive Argali Sheep (Ovis Ammon), the largest wild mountain sheep in the world. There is also a chance to see Siberian Ibex (Capra Sibirica) on the ridges. Only with luck will we see them, and almost always at a far distance. Zorgol Hairhan is a sacred mountain and there are many traces of holy sites in such places as caves and springs, where local people make offerings.
Day 3: Arburd Sands
Explore the immediate area of Arburd Sands. We may use camels to trek or ride through the middle of the sand dunes. Arburd Sands is a 20 km long sand dune. Strangely enough, a good number of wolves – being wary of man – have taken refuge in these dunes and can sometimes be seen. There will be one or two riding camels so that we can try riding them as well. We will make contact with other herdsmen. We will no doubt be invited into the gers and will learn about their ancient lifestyle.
Day 4: To Ulaanbaatar
A.m. after breakfast transfer back to Ulaanbaatar city.
DATES 2020 ex Ulaanbaatar:
01st April – 15th May
30th September – 01st November
PRICE 2020 ex Ulaanbaatar
2 – 8 members: USD 1450 per person
Single supplement (3n): USD 900
Practicalities:
Transport:
This tour is supported by a jeep or minibus depending on the number of travelers.
Accommodation:
For this winter trip you will stay a fully collapsible ger camp, including showers and compost toilets. The gers are each equipped with cot beds (including full linen), chairs and a table, and a wood burning stove.
Staff:
A Mongolian English speaking guide will accompany the group at all times. In addition, the services of local herdsmen will be employed along with their animals.
Meals:
Our cook will prepare the meals. We pride ourselves in having excellent cooks adept at both western and Mongolian cooking on our trips.
Additional:
We can organize hotel accommodation, city tours and transfers in Ulaanbaatar.
Includes:
Guide, all meals outside Ulaanbaatar. All overnights in ger camp. All local transport and entrance fees.
Excludes:
Beverages. Transfers and accommodation in Ulaanbaatar. Air or train tickets in and out Mongolia.
What our guests say
We appreciate your feedback about our tours and services.
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Great place to stay and experience mongolian way of living, no tv, wifi, phone. Just nature and great company of the staff and livestocks of mongolia. The toilet is a hole in the ground covered by a shed. It is clean, but can be smelly to those used to city life. Not hot water supply, inform the staff that you like to hot water half an hour earlier so that they can boil it over camel dung 🙂
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Great place to stay and experience mongolian way of living, no tv, wifi, phone. Just nature and great company of the staff and livestocks of mongolia. The toilet is a hole in the ground covered by a shed. It is clean, but can be smelly to those used to city life. Not hot water supply, inform the staff that you like to hot water half an hour earlier so that they can boil it over camel dung 🙂
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