RJ Ellory,
12 years ago
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Bloging from Korea.
Well what can I say? I've arrived safely at Incheon international airport in Korea and have four hours to kill before my two hour onward flight to UB. From my short time here, and only the view from the pane and the airport, has convinced me that Korea proper is well worth a visit. Just to give you a flavour they have a Korean cultural centre in the airport where you can paint fans, listen to traditional music and shop for traditional handcrafted jewlery. The music even was free as is my internet access, it cost me the price of a mocha ($4 US). Not bad eh? The Koreans themselves are lovely people, very smiley and helpful as was a lovely Japanese man I sat next to on the plane. IT's amazing how human kindness trancends barriers of language, race etc, I have a feeling my over riding memory of my holiday will be the kindness of strangers. It's been a funny old experience so far. I was absoulutely comatosed on the plane from Heathrow (Thank God!!) in and out like the hockey coceky. I THnk it's about 8 o'clock UK time but I can't be sure. I did also want to phone home (had a total ET moment) but couldn't work out how to procure a phone card so Mum and Dad I'll be emailing you quickly just to let you know everything is kosher. Oh and most imporatanly of all Korea is a civilised country...there are smoking rooms in the airport!!! It's definately worth coming back for a better look.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
D-day.
So the day is here at last and I can't wait. THis will be the last blog posted from sunny old UK and I can't wait. Reading my travel guide it seems that there are lots of net cafes in Mongolia, so opefuly I'll be able to update all my faithful readers a bit. I also have trusty paper and pen so everything that doesn't go up on the blog will be noted down, filed away and post at some stage of my exsistance.
I have about seven hours and forty minutes left before I take flight and I can't wait!! It's like being a kid at christmas and closing your eys, hoping that when you open them Santa will have been. I've never wished hours of my life away so much. I guess I should find something more constructive to do but you know what it's like.
Love and hugs to all and see you when I get back in August.
X X X X
I have about seven hours and forty minutes left before I take flight and I can't wait!! It's like being a kid at christmas and closing your eys, hoping that when you open them Santa will have been. I've never wished hours of my life away so much. I guess I should find something more constructive to do but you know what it's like.
Love and hugs to all and see you when I get back in August.
X X X X
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Photos
I found this awesome blog if anyone wants to see photos of the places I'm going.
http://danny.oz.au/travel/mongolia/
http://danny.oz.au/travel/mongolia/
My itinary. (for thoes who didn't get the e-mail)
Download the original attachment
Itinerary
Naadam.
DAY 1 - ULAAN BAATAR (10.07.09)
Arrival day.
Arrive and check into your guesthouse. Later this evening you will have the chance to meet your tour leader and the other members of the tour.
Ulaan Baatar Ulaan Baatar (or UB) is the gateway between new and old in Mongolia. One third of the population live here and as more foreign investment comes in, the old Soviet influenced buildings are starting to be dwarfed by new office and apartment blocks while the Russian vans are starting to be out numbered by new Japanese imports. But still in the middle of this developing city many people still ride their horses to their local market and the traditional “Del” is still proudly worn.
There are a number of important and impressive sights, in particular the Ganden Monastery, which currently supports a population of almost 200 monks, and the black market where local traders sell everything from gas masks to Ger parts.
Ulaan Baatar has some impressive museums. Depending on your taste, perhaps visit the dinosaurs at the Natural History museum, the museum of Fine Arts or learn about the communist purges at the Victims of Persecution Memorial Museum.
Drinking is a popular Mongolian pastime and with 1 bar or night club for every 850 citizens, you have no trouble in finding a place to relax in the evening sampling a few local brews or of course Vodka. The Cultural show in Nairamdal Park is well worth seeing, and hearing. Check with your tour leader for latest details about the days of operation and timings.
DAY 2 - ULAAN BAATAR - NAADAM FESTIVAL (11.07.09)
Opening ceremony, horse racing and archery.
Nadaam Festival Naadam is Mongolia's biggest festival, a summer fair featuring traditional sports, foods, and folk dancing. The festivities take place in nearly all provincial capitals, but the event is liveliest in the national capital, Ulaan Baatar.
As you might expect of a people who produced Genghis Khan, the festival is dominated by warrior-type activities, including the Eryn Gurvan Nadom, or Three Manly Sports: wrestling, archery, and horse racing.
The wrestling is quite different from western versions of the sport with contestants clad in tight briefs and a vest that covers the shoulders and upper arms leaving the chest bare. This outfit is worn to make it clear that both contestants are indeed men, a tradition dating back to the discovery, many centuries ago, that a champion wrestler was in fact a woman (to the great embarrassment of the men she had defeated). The wrestlers first swoop into the ring in imitation of the Garuda bird of Buddhist lore. When the referee signals the start, each tries to topple the other; the first to touch the ground with anything more than the soles of his feet loses. Then the loser must kneel while the winner makes a victory sign over his head.
Both women and men compete in the archery events, using short compound bows (which may have been invented by the Mongolians). Dell-clad competitors shoot at traditional leather targets stacked in piles. Points are scored for each target knocked down by a direct hit (no deflections!). The judges stand incredibly close to the targets, seemingly without ever the slightest concern for their own safety.
Mongolian horse racing is similar to a western steeplechase, conducted over a cross-country course at least 20 km/12 miles long. There are races for all riders and both sexes, but the crowd-pleaser is the children's division. In rural Mongolia, most children begin to ride in infancy, and their almost instinctive skill in horsemanship is clearly apparent. The children's race features boys and girls aged 7-12, wearing colourful traditional costumes.
Other horse races include blindfolded scrambles (by adults). Mongolia's resurgent nationalism combines with cash prizes to inspire vigorous competition. Symbols of Genghis Khan are everywhere. Warriors kneel and kiss a braided horsetail dedicated to him, and a white Genghis figure rides around the stadium mounted on a horse.
DAY 3 - ULAAN BAATAR - NAADAM FESTIVAL (12.07.09)
Wrestling knockout tournament, building up to the dramatic finale. Closing ceremony.
DAY 4 - ULAAN BAATAR(13.07.09)
A full free day
DAY 5 – TERELJ (14.07.09)
A short drive to Terelj National Park. Optional hikes or rides around the magnificent countryside.
Terelj This lovely area is located within the Gorkhi Terelj National Park and used to be one of the communist party’s summer camps, due both to its beauty and its proximity to Ulaan Baatar. It lies at an altitude of about 1,600m and is situated in the Baga Khentii Mountain range.
Although the main body of the park sees quite a few tourists, it only takes a short walk to get far off the beaten track and into the heart of the park. We have plenty of time to explore the area – climb a mountain to get a fantastic view over this enormous wilderness area, hire a horse, meet some local nomadic families or perhaps find a beautiful and secluded spot on the edge of one of the rivers running through the park and spend your time relaxing. In the summer the mountains are covered with wild flowers.
There are also many strange rock formations in the park, such as ‘Tortoise Rock’, a reptile-shaped rock formation created by an ancient glacier which you can climb right inside.
DAY 6 – TERELJ (15.07.09)
A full free day for more optional activities.
DAY 7 - ULAAN BAATAR (16.07.09)
Return to Ulaan Baatar
DAY 8 - ULAAN BAATAR (17.07.09)
Tour ends.
Itinerary
Mongolian Wilderness Aventure.
DAY 1 - ULAAN BAATAR (18.07.09)
DAY 2 - ULAAN BAATAR (19.07.09)
A full free day to explore the capital city of Mongolia. Perhaps visit the Gandan monastery and the Winter Palace.
DAY 3 - GOBI DESERT – MANDALGOVI (20.07.09)
Drive south through the Gobi to Mandalgovi. Approx. 8 hours driving
Gobi Desert Today we make our way south leaving the paved roads behind, making full use of our Russian 4WDs as we head through the famous Mongolian steppe. En-route we will see local nomads, get our first look at the traditional 'Ger' lifestyle and see a few Bactrian (two-humped) camels. The steppe also provides great bird watching opportunities and migratory birds, falcons and eagles seem to barely notice our presence as we pass by. We pitch our tents in Baga Gazin Chuluu 40km north of Mandalgovi, a designated scenic spot filled with amazing rock formations both in colour and size.
DAY 4 - YOLYN AM VALLEY (21.07.09)
Continue south to Yolyn Am or ‘Vulture’s Mouth’, located in the 'Three Beauties' National Park. Approx. 11 hours driving
Gobi Desert Today we get a real taste for the Gobi as, leaving the grasslands behind, we head into this great desert. We make our way through outpost Sum’s (towns) and Dalanzadgad - an Aimag (regional administrative centre) - before continuing to the Yolyn Am National Park. We spend the night in a nearby valley.
DAY 5 - GOBI DESERT (22.07.09)
Hike through the valley to reach the ice that remains there year-round. We then drive to the west.
Yolyn Am In the heart of the Gobi desert lies Yolyn Am, a lovely green valley where you may spot wild sheep and goats. We walk through the valley and reach the beautiful ‘Vultures Mouth’, an extraordinary phenomenon. Compressed snow remains here, year round, despite the heat in the surrounding valleys. As we walk we may see wild ibex on the cliffs above us.
DAY 6 - GOBI DESERT (23.07.09)
We continue to Khongoryn Els and have the rest of the day free to explore these amazing sand dunes. Perhaps take a camel ride in the afternoon and climb the dunes for a memorable sunset.
Khongoryn Els As we drive towards Khongoryn Els we may see herds of white tail gazelle on the plain. Khongoryn Els is a very impressive site of sand dunes that is 180km long with some of the peaks reaching 300m high. On arrival you can climb one of these dunes to get one of the most beautiful views in Mongolia.
DAY 7 - ONGI RIVER (24.07.09)
Drive north towards the Ongi River, a clear stream that runs through a barren rocky landscape. Our route allows a quick stop at Bayanzag. Approx. 7 hours driving
Bayanzag Today we head north through the desert. Initially our route takes us through the Gobi Gorong Saikhan Mountains, following a narrow valley where we may catch glimpses of the wild Argali sheep. We then continue on through stark but beautiful landscapes, and may spot gazelle on the way. Bayanzag is commonly known as the ‘flaming cliffs’ and is famous for the number of dinosaur eggs and fossils which have been found here.
Ongi River We spend the night near Ongi River, a small shallow river which cuts its way through red rock mountains. Nearby are the remains of a large monastery that was completely destroyed in the 1930s. Only some mud brick walls and broken pieces of pottery indicate that there was ever anything here. This will also be our first chance to wash the dust off since leaving UB.
DAY 8 - KHOGNO KHAN MOUNTAINS (25.07.09)
Drive to the beautiful Khogno Khan Mountains, a massive series of rocky hills that rise up out of an otherwise flat landscape. Approx. 7 hours driving
Khogno Khan Today we see a dramatic change in the landscape with the harsh rocky land giving way to rolling grasslands. Khogno Khan is an impressive massif, which rises up out of the plain and contains a number of beautiful springs. Hiking up into the mountains we have incredible views over the plains and grasslands.
DAY 9 - KHOGNO KHAN MOUNTAINS (26.07.09)
A full day to explore the nearby monastery and the mountains.
DAY 10 - KARAKORUM - ORKON RIVER (27.07.09)
A short drive takes us to Karakorum, the ancient capital built by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. We visit the magnificent Erdene Zuu monastery. Approx. 5 hours driving
Karakorum Today we visit the Erdene Zuu monastery, the first centre of Lamaism (Tibetan Buddhism) in Mongolia. Building started in 1586 and continued for the next three centuries. In its heyday the complex contained 62 temples and housed up to one thousand monks. Tragically, most temples were destroyed during the communist period but three remain standing and are sufficient to evoke some idea of how impressive it must have once been. The monastery is situated near Kharkorin. It was here that Genghis Khan built the capital of his empire, Karakorum, in 1220 but this was completely sacked and destroyed in later centuries. We spend the night amongst the trees next to the Orkon River.
DAY 11 – KHORG (28.07.09)
We drive to the White Lake, ringed by stark, volcanic mountains. We make several stops at interesting features. Approx. 7 hours driving
White Lake This volcanic lake is one of the most stunning and dramatic in all of Mongolia. It positively teems with hungry pike, making for some of the best fishing of the trip. En route to the lake, we pass through a strange landscape littered with black volcanic rock. The lake itself is ringed on all sides by large hills (hike to the top for some wonderful views over the lake and beyond) and topped by an extinct volcano - Khorg.
DAY 12 – KHORG (29.07.09)
A full day to relax at the lake. Wander along the shore line or hike up into the mountains for awesome views of this inhospitable terrain.
DAY 13 - EN ROUTE TO KHOVSGOL (30.07.09)
Drive north through alpine scenery, crossing 3 mountains, on our way towards Lake Khovsgol. We pass herds of Mongolian horses and spend the night near the Moron River. Approx. 10 hours driving
DAY 14 – KHOVSGOL (31.07.09)
We make a short stop at the town of Moron before continuing to Lake Khovsgol, a magnificent clear blue lake on the Siberian border. We stay near the banks of the lake. Approx. 6 hours driving
Lake Khovsgol We continue north through the steppe to the provincial capital Moron. It is a small dusty town with a lively market, and after re-supplying with provisions, we once again head north. The landscape initially becomes more arid and rocky but later we drive through pine forest before getting our first glimpse of the magnificent Lake Khovsgol. The lake is 2,760 square km, surrounded by mountains and contains water is so pure that you can drink it. It is without any doubt the scenic highlight of Mongolia and we have two full free days to explore the area. You can either relax on the lakeside, enjoying stunning views, or trek into the surrounding hills either by foot or on horseback.
DAY 15 TO DAY 16 – KHOVSGOL (1.08.09/2.08.09)
Two full free days to hike around the lake or just relax and enjoy the views.
DAY 17 - SELENGE RIVER (3.08.09)
We drive south to the Selenge River, one of the most lush and beautiful parts of Mongolia. Approx. 8 hours driving
Selenge River Leaving Lake Khovsgol behind, we spend the day driving through spectacular scenery to the beautiful Selenge River. This is Mongolia’s largest river in terms of water volume, and it eventually empties into Lake Baikal in Siberia.
DAY 18 - ORKON RIVER (4.08.09)
We continue south and east, stopping at the Orkon River again, only further downstream. Approx. 9 hours driving
DAY 19 - TUUL RIVER (5.08.09)
We drive on to our final picturesque camp spot. By this stage you may be missing some creature comforts. Don't wish your time away. You should savour this last day of true wilderness experience.
DAY 20 - ULAAN BAATAR (6.08.09)
Drive back through the grasslands to Ulaan Baatar. Approx. 2 hours driving.
DAY 21 - ULAAN BAATAR (7.08.09)
Tour ends.
I then have three days on my own in UB to relax and collect my thoughts before flying home on the 10th.
Itinerary
Naadam.
DAY 1 - ULAAN BAATAR (10.07.09)
Arrival day.
Arrive and check into your guesthouse. Later this evening you will have the chance to meet your tour leader and the other members of the tour.
Ulaan Baatar Ulaan Baatar (or UB) is the gateway between new and old in Mongolia. One third of the population live here and as more foreign investment comes in, the old Soviet influenced buildings are starting to be dwarfed by new office and apartment blocks while the Russian vans are starting to be out numbered by new Japanese imports. But still in the middle of this developing city many people still ride their horses to their local market and the traditional “Del” is still proudly worn.
There are a number of important and impressive sights, in particular the Ganden Monastery, which currently supports a population of almost 200 monks, and the black market where local traders sell everything from gas masks to Ger parts.
Ulaan Baatar has some impressive museums. Depending on your taste, perhaps visit the dinosaurs at the Natural History museum, the museum of Fine Arts or learn about the communist purges at the Victims of Persecution Memorial Museum.
Drinking is a popular Mongolian pastime and with 1 bar or night club for every 850 citizens, you have no trouble in finding a place to relax in the evening sampling a few local brews or of course Vodka. The Cultural show in Nairamdal Park is well worth seeing, and hearing. Check with your tour leader for latest details about the days of operation and timings.
DAY 2 - ULAAN BAATAR - NAADAM FESTIVAL (11.07.09)
Opening ceremony, horse racing and archery.
Nadaam Festival Naadam is Mongolia's biggest festival, a summer fair featuring traditional sports, foods, and folk dancing. The festivities take place in nearly all provincial capitals, but the event is liveliest in the national capital, Ulaan Baatar.
As you might expect of a people who produced Genghis Khan, the festival is dominated by warrior-type activities, including the Eryn Gurvan Nadom, or Three Manly Sports: wrestling, archery, and horse racing.
The wrestling is quite different from western versions of the sport with contestants clad in tight briefs and a vest that covers the shoulders and upper arms leaving the chest bare. This outfit is worn to make it clear that both contestants are indeed men, a tradition dating back to the discovery, many centuries ago, that a champion wrestler was in fact a woman (to the great embarrassment of the men she had defeated). The wrestlers first swoop into the ring in imitation of the Garuda bird of Buddhist lore. When the referee signals the start, each tries to topple the other; the first to touch the ground with anything more than the soles of his feet loses. Then the loser must kneel while the winner makes a victory sign over his head.
Both women and men compete in the archery events, using short compound bows (which may have been invented by the Mongolians). Dell-clad competitors shoot at traditional leather targets stacked in piles. Points are scored for each target knocked down by a direct hit (no deflections!). The judges stand incredibly close to the targets, seemingly without ever the slightest concern for their own safety.
Mongolian horse racing is similar to a western steeplechase, conducted over a cross-country course at least 20 km/12 miles long. There are races for all riders and both sexes, but the crowd-pleaser is the children's division. In rural Mongolia, most children begin to ride in infancy, and their almost instinctive skill in horsemanship is clearly apparent. The children's race features boys and girls aged 7-12, wearing colourful traditional costumes.
Other horse races include blindfolded scrambles (by adults). Mongolia's resurgent nationalism combines with cash prizes to inspire vigorous competition. Symbols of Genghis Khan are everywhere. Warriors kneel and kiss a braided horsetail dedicated to him, and a white Genghis figure rides around the stadium mounted on a horse.
DAY 3 - ULAAN BAATAR - NAADAM FESTIVAL (12.07.09)
Wrestling knockout tournament, building up to the dramatic finale. Closing ceremony.
DAY 4 - ULAAN BAATAR(13.07.09)
A full free day
DAY 5 – TERELJ (14.07.09)
A short drive to Terelj National Park. Optional hikes or rides around the magnificent countryside.
Terelj This lovely area is located within the Gorkhi Terelj National Park and used to be one of the communist party’s summer camps, due both to its beauty and its proximity to Ulaan Baatar. It lies at an altitude of about 1,600m and is situated in the Baga Khentii Mountain range.
Although the main body of the park sees quite a few tourists, it only takes a short walk to get far off the beaten track and into the heart of the park. We have plenty of time to explore the area – climb a mountain to get a fantastic view over this enormous wilderness area, hire a horse, meet some local nomadic families or perhaps find a beautiful and secluded spot on the edge of one of the rivers running through the park and spend your time relaxing. In the summer the mountains are covered with wild flowers.
There are also many strange rock formations in the park, such as ‘Tortoise Rock’, a reptile-shaped rock formation created by an ancient glacier which you can climb right inside.
DAY 6 – TERELJ (15.07.09)
A full free day for more optional activities.
DAY 7 - ULAAN BAATAR (16.07.09)
Return to Ulaan Baatar
DAY 8 - ULAAN BAATAR (17.07.09)
Tour ends.
Itinerary
Mongolian Wilderness Aventure.
DAY 1 - ULAAN BAATAR (18.07.09)
DAY 2 - ULAAN BAATAR (19.07.09)
A full free day to explore the capital city of Mongolia. Perhaps visit the Gandan monastery and the Winter Palace.
DAY 3 - GOBI DESERT – MANDALGOVI (20.07.09)
Drive south through the Gobi to Mandalgovi. Approx. 8 hours driving
Gobi Desert Today we make our way south leaving the paved roads behind, making full use of our Russian 4WDs as we head through the famous Mongolian steppe. En-route we will see local nomads, get our first look at the traditional 'Ger' lifestyle and see a few Bactrian (two-humped) camels. The steppe also provides great bird watching opportunities and migratory birds, falcons and eagles seem to barely notice our presence as we pass by. We pitch our tents in Baga Gazin Chuluu 40km north of Mandalgovi, a designated scenic spot filled with amazing rock formations both in colour and size.
DAY 4 - YOLYN AM VALLEY (21.07.09)
Continue south to Yolyn Am or ‘Vulture’s Mouth’, located in the 'Three Beauties' National Park. Approx. 11 hours driving
Gobi Desert Today we get a real taste for the Gobi as, leaving the grasslands behind, we head into this great desert. We make our way through outpost Sum’s (towns) and Dalanzadgad - an Aimag (regional administrative centre) - before continuing to the Yolyn Am National Park. We spend the night in a nearby valley.
DAY 5 - GOBI DESERT (22.07.09)
Hike through the valley to reach the ice that remains there year-round. We then drive to the west.
Yolyn Am In the heart of the Gobi desert lies Yolyn Am, a lovely green valley where you may spot wild sheep and goats. We walk through the valley and reach the beautiful ‘Vultures Mouth’, an extraordinary phenomenon. Compressed snow remains here, year round, despite the heat in the surrounding valleys. As we walk we may see wild ibex on the cliffs above us.
DAY 6 - GOBI DESERT (23.07.09)
We continue to Khongoryn Els and have the rest of the day free to explore these amazing sand dunes. Perhaps take a camel ride in the afternoon and climb the dunes for a memorable sunset.
Khongoryn Els As we drive towards Khongoryn Els we may see herds of white tail gazelle on the plain. Khongoryn Els is a very impressive site of sand dunes that is 180km long with some of the peaks reaching 300m high. On arrival you can climb one of these dunes to get one of the most beautiful views in Mongolia.
DAY 7 - ONGI RIVER (24.07.09)
Drive north towards the Ongi River, a clear stream that runs through a barren rocky landscape. Our route allows a quick stop at Bayanzag. Approx. 7 hours driving
Bayanzag Today we head north through the desert. Initially our route takes us through the Gobi Gorong Saikhan Mountains, following a narrow valley where we may catch glimpses of the wild Argali sheep. We then continue on through stark but beautiful landscapes, and may spot gazelle on the way. Bayanzag is commonly known as the ‘flaming cliffs’ and is famous for the number of dinosaur eggs and fossils which have been found here.
Ongi River We spend the night near Ongi River, a small shallow river which cuts its way through red rock mountains. Nearby are the remains of a large monastery that was completely destroyed in the 1930s. Only some mud brick walls and broken pieces of pottery indicate that there was ever anything here. This will also be our first chance to wash the dust off since leaving UB.
DAY 8 - KHOGNO KHAN MOUNTAINS (25.07.09)
Drive to the beautiful Khogno Khan Mountains, a massive series of rocky hills that rise up out of an otherwise flat landscape. Approx. 7 hours driving
Khogno Khan Today we see a dramatic change in the landscape with the harsh rocky land giving way to rolling grasslands. Khogno Khan is an impressive massif, which rises up out of the plain and contains a number of beautiful springs. Hiking up into the mountains we have incredible views over the plains and grasslands.
DAY 9 - KHOGNO KHAN MOUNTAINS (26.07.09)
A full day to explore the nearby monastery and the mountains.
DAY 10 - KARAKORUM - ORKON RIVER (27.07.09)
A short drive takes us to Karakorum, the ancient capital built by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. We visit the magnificent Erdene Zuu monastery. Approx. 5 hours driving
Karakorum Today we visit the Erdene Zuu monastery, the first centre of Lamaism (Tibetan Buddhism) in Mongolia. Building started in 1586 and continued for the next three centuries. In its heyday the complex contained 62 temples and housed up to one thousand monks. Tragically, most temples were destroyed during the communist period but three remain standing and are sufficient to evoke some idea of how impressive it must have once been. The monastery is situated near Kharkorin. It was here that Genghis Khan built the capital of his empire, Karakorum, in 1220 but this was completely sacked and destroyed in later centuries. We spend the night amongst the trees next to the Orkon River.
DAY 11 – KHORG (28.07.09)
We drive to the White Lake, ringed by stark, volcanic mountains. We make several stops at interesting features. Approx. 7 hours driving
White Lake This volcanic lake is one of the most stunning and dramatic in all of Mongolia. It positively teems with hungry pike, making for some of the best fishing of the trip. En route to the lake, we pass through a strange landscape littered with black volcanic rock. The lake itself is ringed on all sides by large hills (hike to the top for some wonderful views over the lake and beyond) and topped by an extinct volcano - Khorg.
DAY 12 – KHORG (29.07.09)
A full day to relax at the lake. Wander along the shore line or hike up into the mountains for awesome views of this inhospitable terrain.
DAY 13 - EN ROUTE TO KHOVSGOL (30.07.09)
Drive north through alpine scenery, crossing 3 mountains, on our way towards Lake Khovsgol. We pass herds of Mongolian horses and spend the night near the Moron River. Approx. 10 hours driving
DAY 14 – KHOVSGOL (31.07.09)
We make a short stop at the town of Moron before continuing to Lake Khovsgol, a magnificent clear blue lake on the Siberian border. We stay near the banks of the lake. Approx. 6 hours driving
Lake Khovsgol We continue north through the steppe to the provincial capital Moron. It is a small dusty town with a lively market, and after re-supplying with provisions, we once again head north. The landscape initially becomes more arid and rocky but later we drive through pine forest before getting our first glimpse of the magnificent Lake Khovsgol. The lake is 2,760 square km, surrounded by mountains and contains water is so pure that you can drink it. It is without any doubt the scenic highlight of Mongolia and we have two full free days to explore the area. You can either relax on the lakeside, enjoying stunning views, or trek into the surrounding hills either by foot or on horseback.
DAY 15 TO DAY 16 – KHOVSGOL (1.08.09/2.08.09)
Two full free days to hike around the lake or just relax and enjoy the views.
DAY 17 - SELENGE RIVER (3.08.09)
We drive south to the Selenge River, one of the most lush and beautiful parts of Mongolia. Approx. 8 hours driving
Selenge River Leaving Lake Khovsgol behind, we spend the day driving through spectacular scenery to the beautiful Selenge River. This is Mongolia’s largest river in terms of water volume, and it eventually empties into Lake Baikal in Siberia.
DAY 18 - ORKON RIVER (4.08.09)
We continue south and east, stopping at the Orkon River again, only further downstream. Approx. 9 hours driving
DAY 19 - TUUL RIVER (5.08.09)
We drive on to our final picturesque camp spot. By this stage you may be missing some creature comforts. Don't wish your time away. You should savour this last day of true wilderness experience.
DAY 20 - ULAAN BAATAR (6.08.09)
Drive back through the grasslands to Ulaan Baatar. Approx. 2 hours driving.
DAY 21 - ULAAN BAATAR (7.08.09)
Tour ends.
I then have three days on my own in UB to relax and collect my thoughts before flying home on the 10th.
A pep in my step.
Talking to Stuart has given me a really sense of awe at the journey I'm about to undertake. BecauseI've spent soooooooooooo long in the planning (two years), the idea of it being a relaxing, awesome experience has been lost somewhere a long the line. Hearing Stuart tell me how lucky I am to be undertaking this awesome adventure really put it back into perspective. He was telling me about som Mac software he has that features pictures from Naadam, the rush of coulors, the excitement and how lucky I was to be going. To hear it put like that really turned my head. How lucky am I? So a lot of time and hard work has been put into this trip and I've had some truely shocking work to pay for it (Bingham news anyone?) but, in real terms, what I'll gain will far outway any stress or hassle in getting there. I'm very lucky and privilidge to be going to this incredible country full of incredible people and experiences and I can't wait to go.
34 hours to go...not that I'm counting.
So as the title says only 34 hours left. Do I feel ready? Sort of. I find holidays funny things. I panick and stress like buggery before them and then really love them.
I think what hasn't helped is cutting myself so short on time. On moment I had six weeks to get everything done, the next just one. But I have eveything packed and ready to go apart from sunglasses, camera, book/s and journal. So I'm not doing to badly. I tend to find that it's the little thinhgs that ambush you with traveling. Things like cameras, batteries etc, wooly hats with ear flaps. You just stuff the last big item into your rucksack and then all these smaller things run out of the corners, laugh at you and demand to be packed. But I have everything I need, the rest are just luxuries. I can always buy a gossip mag or two to keep me entertained in Seoul airport for four hours, they don't take u much space and are easily disposable.
So back to the original question, do I feel ready? Yes as much as you can be for a month abroad and baby am I looking forward to flying!
I think what hasn't helped is cutting myself so short on time. On moment I had six weeks to get everything done, the next just one. But I have eveything packed and ready to go apart from sunglasses, camera, book/s and journal. So I'm not doing to badly. I tend to find that it's the little thinhgs that ambush you with traveling. Things like cameras, batteries etc, wooly hats with ear flaps. You just stuff the last big item into your rucksack and then all these smaller things run out of the corners, laugh at you and demand to be packed. But I have everything I need, the rest are just luxuries. I can always buy a gossip mag or two to keep me entertained in Seoul airport for four hours, they don't take u much space and are easily disposable.
So back to the original question, do I feel ready? Yes as much as you can be for a month abroad and baby am I looking forward to flying!
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Less than a week to go.
Well with just 6 days to go before I'm off to the cuds, I'm feeling ok. I did a trial pack on tuesday and got everything in my 50 lt Bergen (Thanks Stu X) but of course I now have a bag of medicines that I have to find someway of fitting in! (Roll eyes) but it's cool. i have also taken out far to much travel money but at least I can change that back.
Am I looking forward to my trip? Totaly What I'm not looking forward to is going into work! :( I could now just dow with a bit of time off to meet up with friends before I fly out, but the legendary greenback has always got to come first!
How's this for a bizzare, random factoid....dollars straight from the US federal reserve bank look and smell just like monopoly money!
And on that bombshell (as th TOp Gear guy would say) it's time to say good night....good night.
Am I looking forward to my trip? Totaly What I'm not looking forward to is going into work! :( I could now just dow with a bit of time off to meet up with friends before I fly out, but the legendary greenback has always got to come first!
How's this for a bizzare, random factoid....dollars straight from the US federal reserve bank look and smell just like monopoly money!
And on that bombshell (as th TOp Gear guy would say) it's time to say good night....good night.
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