Mongolia
Introduction to the Mongolia expedition |
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Mongolia is one of the last unspoilt destinations in Asia. It is a country of mountains, stunning lakes, vast deserts, rolling grasslands, dense forests and unique wildlife. Northern Mongolia contains Khovsgul Nuur, the deepest lake in Central Asia. The lake is surrounded by dozens of mountains, thick pine forests and lush meadows and presents endless opportunities for trekking, horse riding and fishing! Also visited is the Arkhangai area, an ideal region for trekking on both foot and horse, through mountains, across rolling steppe, past waterfalls and volcanic lakes. To the north east is where the famous Chinggis Khaan was born and within the Khentii Region there are several historical sites as well as a chance to explore one of the world’s last undisturbed grasslands. |
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Like everything else in Mongolia, the climate is extreme. In summer, this usually means sunny days with glorious blue skies. This is an ideal destination for a team who wants to be challenged by a vastly different culture, but be prepared to work to “Mongolian time”. Due to the huge scale of the country, teams should be prepared to travel for long periods of time, although this gives one an appreciation of the remoteness and scale of the country. Horse trekking is an integral part of a Mongolia expedition, it is therefore important that teams have some experience of horse riding or are prepared to acquire some experience before commencing the expedition. Teams may well experience on their travels the incredible hospitality of the locals and nomadic farmers and be invited into the traditional Ger’s.
Some possible expedition objectives are given below, please note these may alter between now and your expedition. The Expedition Program Manager for Mongolia will agree a suitable expedition itinerary for you, to best match the abilities and aspirations of your team.
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Trekking Phase
Khovsgul Nuur
Teams can explore either the west or east of the lake, both on horse and foot. To the east teams can head for the village of Chamin Unde, exploring along the way the hot springs, hidden Buddhist caves and the grave of Chinggis Khaan’s mother. To the west teams can explore the Darchard Valley, a remote area near the Russian border populated by nomadic families, before descending down to the lakeside.
Tsetserleg and Arkhangai
This is the ‘Aimag’ or regional capital in the centre of the country and is one of Mongolia’s most beautiful towns. From here teams can head south west and complete both foot and horse trekking. The scenery is hugely varied from open steppes to forests to meandering rivers. There is also the opportunity to summit the highest mountain in the Arkhangai region. Alternatively teams can head north west to the Terkhiin Tsagaan Nurr, also known as the Great White Lake, situated within the Korgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nurr National Park. The Park is characterised by high mountains, an extinct volcano and protected wildlife.
Batshireet / Dadal
Batshireet and Dadal are within the Khentii Aimag, which is situated to the north east of Mongolia, close to the Russian border. The Khentii Aimag is the official birth place of Chinggis Khaan and provides plenty of historical sites to visit. Batshireet is a beautiful area characterised by lakes, rivers, forests and an abundance of wildlife providing teams with stunning foot and horse trekking opportunities.
Projects
The majority of projects in Mongolia have excellent cultural exchange opportunities. Projects are currently run in cooperation with a number of orphanages based mainly in and around Ulaan Baatar. In addition there are a couple of countryside schools offering more physical work.
Rest and Relaxation
Teams may choose to spend time visiting monasteries or other places of cultural significance, all of which give an insight into the history of the people. This is also a great time to stock up on presents and souvenirs from Ulaan Baatar’s famous black market. As teams currently fly via Beijing both on the inbound and outbound legs to Mongolia, they may also have the opportunity to spend a couple of days in the city, which normally includes a visit to the Great Wall of China.
What do you think of the Mongolia expedition?
Dear World Challenge, I have just got back from one of your trips to Mongolia with Reading Blue Coat Team 3, and I would like to thank you for organising it. I had an amazing time, witnessing and experiencing many things most people can only dream of, and I obtained numerous skills that I will undoubtedly be able to draw on in later life. Thanks again for giving me the opportunity to go on this trip and I hope all your future expeditions run as smoothly as mine did..gif){kind=small}
Alex Cross, Challenger - Reading Blue Coat, Mongolia
Just a short note to say that Chris hasn't stopped talking since he got home this evening. The trip has obviously been an enormous event for all sorts of reasons, and exactly the kind of thought-provoking and life-changing experience we hoped he'd find it. He seems to have gone through every conceivable emotion and come out the other side, and we look forward to it all unravelling over the next few weeks. Many, many thanks.Berrie & Graham Norton, Parents of Challenger - Charterhouse, Mongolia
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