wild women on top mongolia€¦ · Today we will be transferred to the airport for our internal...

wild women on top mongolia

trip highligh tsStaying in traditional gers

Visit local nomadic familiesCrossing the Takhilt Pass with spectacular

views to surrounding peaksCamping by stunning glacial lakes

Witnessing the Nadaam Festival and the traditional sports of archery, horse racing and wrestling

Viewing ancient petroglyphs at Shiveet UulOptional Gobi Desert Extension

welcome to World ExpeditionsThank you for your interest in Wild Women On Top Mongolia. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals ‑ philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!!

why travel with World Expeditions?When planning travel to remote and challenging destinations, many factors need to be considered. Our extra attention to detail and seamless operations on the ground ensure that you will have a memorable experience in Mongolia. We take every precaution to ensure smooth logistics, our vehicles and equipment are the best available on the market. Most importantly, our adventures have always sought to benefit the local peoples we interact with, safeguard the ecosystems we explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in the regions we experience. You will be accompanied by a guide whose knowledge and passion for Mongolia will add a unique dimension to your trip. Their experience and enthusiasm ensures that we maintain the leading edge in adventure travel and therefore providing excellent value for money. Given our local knowledge, experience and excellent leadership, we are quite sure that this tour will be a trip of a lifetime.

Asia

1 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group ‑ Kate Harper 5/30/2016 2:34:38 PM

Trip Duration 15 days Trip Code: WMOGrade Introductory to ModerateActivities Trekking and Adventure TouringSummary 15 day trip, 7 day trek, 2 nights traditional

ger, 3 nights hotel and 9 nights camping


the tripExplore the mountain glaciers, desert landscapes, large lake basins and steppe grasslands in far western Mongolia on this exhilarating journey. Starting in Ulaanbaatar, we fly to western Mongolia and head into the mountains where we encounter snow capped peaks, glaciers, steep rocky gorges, mountain meadows and wildflowers and wildlife. Trekking in the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park incorporates visits with local nomadic herders to learn about their traditional way of life from the eagle‑hunting prowess of the Kazakhs to the hauntingly beautiful throat‑singing of the Tuvan people. An option to extend your trip with a camel ride through the expansive Gobi Desert provides a panoramic journey of Mongolia.

wild women on top team benefitsWhen you join a Wild Women On Top trip, you become part of an incredible team, and the success of your adventure will depend on the fitness, mental tuffness and emotional tuffness of EVERY team member. The whole is much greater than the sum of the parts!Wild Women On Top Adventures are unique mind, body, spirit experiences, which support you in the wilderness and empower you to take on extraordinary challenges with a group of likeminded women. You will need to prepare for your adventure and we will show you how, every step of the way.BEFORE you book for a Wild Women On Top Trip, please note the following benefits & conditions:1. Please “Join Our Tribe” by purchasing an online Lifetime Adventure Membership or by committing to Trek Training sessions (min 3 months – Sydney only) so you get our girl power. Go to www.wildwomenontop.com to join. Note: Bookings will not be honoured until this condition is met. 2. To ensure you get fit fast & remain injury free, you should Trek Train at least three times a week, alternating interval training and endurance training with cross training such as swimming and yoga. Your Coach will also suggest additional trip specific endurance and technical activities. Adventure Members must follow training recommendations from the coach & in “How to Prepare for World Class Treks” by Di Westaway. Should you be training remotely, your Coach will require you to “check in” and report on your training each week in the months leading up to your trip. 3. To build team spirit & ensure you’re really prepared, your Trip Coach may recommend additional team training activities and briefings as required. Please visit www.wildwomenontop.com to book in to Trek Training and Trip Training.4. So you have more fun with your team, you will be required to take part in a specialised team trekking assessment. You’ll get to meet your team and ensure that you are fabulously prepared for your adventure with great tips and feedback. If you cant attend the assessment, your Coach will supervise a remote assessment to be completed before the team assessment date. If you fail the assessment and a personalised supplementary assessment, you will not be eligible for the trip and will be subject to the costs incurred according to World Expeditions cancellation policy.5. So that we all have a great adventure, please support the Wild Women On Top Golden Rules (see www.wildwomenontop.com) and take responsibility for providing feedback before and during your adventure. This is your chance to make sure you don’t miss out on any happy hormones so don’t hold back! Make the most of it.6. All Wild Women On Top trips are accompanied by a Wild Women On Top Coach who supports & unites the group with empowering passion, guidance & tips in wilderness challenges and shares Wild Women On Top Traditions & culture. However the Coach is NOT the guide, navigator or first aider.


UlaanbaatarAltai Tavan

UlaangomOlgii

Bogd NP Mongolia

Russia

China

World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with

another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single

supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.

Please contact us to receive a quote on the recommended group flights outlined in this itinerary. At the time of trip launch,

airfares are not yet released for 2017. Once the fares for this trip are available to book we will be able to quote the best fare available for this routing and airfare combination. Flights from

Sydney/Ulaanbaatar are approximately $2700‑$2900 . Note this is indicative only. Please be assured our staff will provide

the best available airfare for you at the time of booking.

Please do not pay for airfares until minimum numbers have been met and the trip has been confirmed.

OUR STAFF are committed to providing the best airfare we can for Wild Women On Top Members however should you

find a cheaper fare elsewhere, please let our staff know, and if we are able to book this fare, we will. Many thanks.

trip dates

2017 08 Jul - 22 Jul



7. In some extreme environments, including at high altitude, your Coach may not always be able to meet your expectations. It is your responsibility to seek assistance from the World Expeditions guides as required by you. 8. You must commit to the World Expeditions payment schedule.9. Wild Women On Top reserves the right to amend these requirements at any time – WWW.WILDWOMENONTOP.COM10. Expect the unexpected. We provide wilderness experiences, and **** sometimes happens. Remember, “Magic happens when you step outside your comfort zone”.We reserve the right to change these Team Benefits at any time.

at a glanceDAY 1 ARRIVE IN ULAANBAATARDAY 2 SIGHTSEEING IN ULAANBAATARDAY 3 FLY TO OLGIYDAY 4 NAADAM FESTIVAL IN OLGIYDAY 5 OLGIY ‑ ALTAI TAVAN BOGD NPDAY 6 COMMENCE TREKKING (APPROX 6 HOURS)DAY 7 TREKKING ‑ TAKHILT MOUNTAIN PASS (3300M). WALKING APPROX 5‑6 HOURS.DAY 8 TSAGAAN RIVER AND ZURKH LAKE (WALKING APPROX 5‑6 HOURS)DAY 9 TO KHOTON LAKE (APPROX 4‑5 HOURS WALKING)DAY 10 KHOTON AND KHURGAN LAKE (WALKING APPROX 4‑5 HOURS)DAYS 11-12 TREKKING KHURGEN AND DAYAN LAKE AREADAY 13 DRIVE TO OLGIYDAY 14 FLY TO ULAANBAATARDAY 15 TRIP CONCLUDES

additional deposits requiredIn addition to the World Expeditions deposit, you will be required to pay an additional deposit of USD$500 (paid in your local currency at the current rate of exchange). Every year during the short summer period domestic flights within Mongolia fill very quickly so we require prepayment of this flight amount to secure seats. This deposit is non‑refundable and we recommend you take out travel insurance at the time of booking.

what’s included 14 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 13 dinners flights Ulaanbaatar/Ulgii return valued at US$500 airport transfers on day 1 & day 15 expert bilingual guide camel/porter support during trek comfortable well located hotels and hostels fully supported camping during trek private vehicles sightseeing as listed in itinerary site entry fees

Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments.

fast factsCountries Visited:

Mongolia

Visas:Please check visa requirements with

your reservations consultant*

Vaccinations:Please consult a travel vaccination

specialist for up to date information

Singles:A single supplement is available for this trip*

Leader:Expert local leader

Brochure Reference:Asia

*Ask our staff for more information.



detailed itineraryDAY 1 Arrive in UlaanbaatarOn arrival at Ulaanbaatar airport we transfer to our hotel. This afternoon discover the nation’s capital city. First stop is Sukhbaatar Square, the central square named after the revolutionary hero of 1921 Damdiny Sukhbaatar who declared independence from China. An important landmark on any orientation tour is the State Department Store or “Great Shop” as it is known in Mongolian. We return to the hotel in the afternoon to relax before a welcome dinner and briefing from your guide.meals: D

DAY 2 Sightseeing in UlaanbaatarFull day in Ulaanbaatar. City tour including visit to Gandan Monastery, Zaisan Hill and Bogd Khan Palace Museum. Tonight we will enjoy a folklore concert featuring traditional Mongolian songs and dance. Overnight Ulaanbaatar.meals: B,D

DAY 3 Fly to OlgiyToday we will be transferred to the airport for our internal flight to Western Mongolia. We will be flying to the small township of Olgiy, the capital of the Bayan-Olgiy Aimag, the western most province of Mongolia. An Aimag is like a state or province in Mongolia. The town is an administrative center for the area. The flight takes about 3.5 hours. At the airport our vehicles and drivers will meet us and we will have a short tour of the town before transferring to our ger our camp for overnight. We will stay in Khazak gers, the traditional dwelling of round shaped felt tent. The majority of Bayan Olgiy’s population are Kazakh - a Turkic, nomadic people whose territory stretches from the Altai, across the steppes of Kazakhstan to the Caspian Sea and the Volga River in geographical Europe. The Kazakhs are nominally muslim, and speak their own Turkic tongue but share an ancient nomadic way of life (and roots in shamanism) on the steppe with Mongolians. They have become renowned for preserving the art of hunting with Golden Eagles - a tradition the Mongolians lost when they adopted Buddhism. Whilst Kazakhstan itself suffered cultural upheaval during Stalin’s push to industrialize the Soviet Union, the Kazakhs of Bayan Olgiy were partially protected and their nomadic traditions have carried on largely unchanged. Overnight: Ger Campmeals: B,L,D

DAY 4 Naadam Festival in OlgiyNaadam is the most colorful and enjoyable of all Mongolian celebrations. It is a time when all the country celebrates the three manly sports of horse racing, archery and wrestling. Children race the horses from as young as 4 years of age and they are run over distances as long 30 km. The real pride of Mongolia is the wrestler. Much skill and training goes into this sport and the winner is revered as a hero by all Mongolians and hence awarded the most prestigious title of the “Avarga”. Overnight at ger camp.meals: B,L,D

DAY 5 Olgiy - Altai Tavan Bogd NPToday we travel by Russian vans and jeeps west towards Tavan Bogd mountain. Along the way we will cross multiple passes in the shadow of the Altai, visit some large Turkic ‘Balbal’ headstones (which date back to the 7th century), have a break in the outpost village of Tsengel and carry on along the White River Valley towards Shiveet Uul before camping. If the weather is clear we might catch a glimpse of Tavan Bogd itself. On our journey today we will visit a nomadic Tuvan Family and gain an understanding of their unique way of life. Overnight camping.meals: B,L,D


responsible travelThe environments we travel through are

fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World

Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel

Industry’s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This

detailed guide to responsible and sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your

consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively,

you may like to download a copy from our website www.worldexpeditions.com

trip grading Introductory to Moderate

Our Wild Women On Top Mongolia trip is rated as introductory to moderate. We

therefore advise that any physical training you complete before undertaking the trip

will be to good effect. In preparation for your trip you should be doing at least one hour

of good cardiovascular exercise, 3 ‑ 5 times per week for approximately 3 months prior

to your trip. Remember the fitter you are the more enjoyable your experience will be.

adventure travelBy its very nature adventure travel involves

an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect

standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and

itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that

you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you

are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak

with your consultant or travel agent.


DAY 6 Commence Trekking (approx 6 hours)Shiveet Mountain, 1,843 metres above sea level, is a sacred mountain for the Tuvan nomad communities that live in the upper White River valley. Tuvans are still deep believers in Tengrism – a form of shamanism that was once the dominant belief system of nomads across the Eurasian steppe. A huge slab of glacier-polished bedrock here has been engraved with hundreds of petroglyphs through millennia. Drawings of wolves, ibex, horse, cart, bow and arrow appear like a mural of the history of nomadic life in the Altai. Shiveet Uul is where we begin our trek. After viewing the petroglyphs and the nearby deerstones (a type of grave marker that dates back to the Xiognu period of the bronze era), we will begin a trek on undulating terrain towards the base of the Takhilt mountain pass. The trekking distance will be approximately 10-12km. The Altai Tavan Bogd is the highest mountain range in Mongolia. It is a stunning area with snow capped mountains, glaciers, steep rocky gorges, mountain meadows and steppe wildlings. Overnight camping.meals: B,L,D

DAY 7 Trekking - Takhilt Mountain Pass (3300m). Walking approx 5-6 hours.In the morning we will meet our Tuvan nomad guides and their horses and camels that will be travelling with us for the next three days. Starting after breakfast we will begin the climb up to the Takhilt pass along a traditional summer migratory route. From the 3,300 metre pass there will be the option to travel higher to a peak at around 3,700 metres, before descending via scree slopes and alpine lakes to meet up with the camel/horse train. Spectacular views of the glaciated Altai peaks that feature on the border with China, and further towards Tavan Bogd. On the far side of the pass we will begin to descend towards the headwaters of the Khovd River (also known as the White River) and camp either in Alpine pastures or on the White River banks. Distance 12-13kms.meals: B,L,D

DAY 8 Tsagaan River and Zurkh Lake (walking approx 5-6 hours)Today we continue trekking along the valley of the Tsagaan Us River. We will camp near Zurkh Lake. Zurkh Lake is a stunning small lake, surrounded by larch forestmeals: B,L,D

DAY 9 To Khoton Lake (approx 4-5 hours walking)Today’s destination is the north-west edge of Khoton Lake. On the way, we will see grave sites, and some of the stone men remained in the area. Khoton Lake is a fresh water lake formed by glacier, among the hollow of Altai Mountains. The lake is connected to Khurgan Lake by 2-3 km long Sargaaliin Canal and these 2 lakes maintain Khovd River. The total area is 50 sq km - 22km long and 4km wide. We farewell our camel and horse men today. Overnight camping.meals: B,L,D

DAY 10 Khoton and Khurgan Lake (walking approx 4-5 hours)Today we continue trekking along the west side of Khoton Lake until we reach the beginning of the canal connecting Khoton and Khurgen Lakes where we will camp overnight. Overnight camping.meals: B,L,D

DAYS 11-12 Trekking Khurgen and Dayan Lake AreaNILmeals: B,L,D

DAY 13 Drive to OlgiyNILmeals: B,L,D

DAY 14 Fly to UlaanbaatarIn the morning we transfer to the airport and fly back to Ulaanbaatar. The afternoon is free to relax in one of the capitals sidewalk cafes and watch Ulaanbaatar go by. For the more active you may like to visit the Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan. This is where Mongolia’s eighth living Buddha, and last King -Jebutzun Damba Hutagt VIII- lived for 20 years until his death in 1903. Tonight we enjoy a final farewell dinner together in a local restaurant.meals: B,D

DAY 15 Trip concludesYour trip concludes today after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flightsmeals: B

This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.

suggested extensionsGobi Desert Explorer

country informationMongolia is a vast country, dominated by the steppes to the north and the Gobi Desert to the south. It is landlocked and with an average altitude of 1,580m (5,180 ft), it is one of the worlds highest countries. Between the deserts are lakes, both salt and freshwater. Lake Hovsgol holds 2% of the worlds fresh water – so fresh you can drink it. The nomadic lifestyle in Mongolia prevails even in the growing urban landscape around Ulaanbaatar, where gers (Yurt is a Russian word for ger) are found between the crumbling Soviet style buildings. The ger is the centrepiece of Mongolian traditions. The mobility of the tent suits the nomadic lifestyle, and the layout of the interior is culturally significant. The door always faces the south and the rear is reserved as a place of honour for guests, where a family altar is found decorated with family photos and Buddhist images. The predominant religion of Mongolia is Buddhism, which has been revived following the lifting of the ban on religion in 1990. Historically, Mongolia has had close ties with Tibet through the Buddhist religion, and many similarities exist in the culture and lifestyle of these two countries. Mongolian religion and their nomadic lifestyle is depicted in their music, literature and artwork. Throat (or Khoomi) singing is a particular style of male singing which requires special training, and involves several notes being released at once from the base of the throat. Contortionism is also a Mongolian tradition, and dance performances will often include a sequence. The language is Mongolian ‑ part of the Ural‑Altaic family which also includes Finnish, Turkish, Uzbek and Korean. The language is written using the Russian Cyrillic alphabet.

climateJune through July are rainy months, August is late summer. The region is alpine so daytime temperatures can fluctuate between 10ºC and 25ºC, and evenings between 10 – 0 ºC. It can snow on any day of the year in the mountains.

a typical dayThe trek in the Altai Mountains is through undulating terrain with a mixture of open steppe, mixed forest and along river valleys. Our route through the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is populated by local nomadic herders although their movements are naturally unpredictable and certain parts of the trek will be wilderness. The trek is supported by packhorses to carry kit bags and the groups’ communal equipment such as kitchen, dining tent, and food supplies. We will



important note“Expect The Unexpected”. Wild Women

On Top Itineraries can change at any time, depending on local conditions,

group requirements and weather.

walk 5‑6 hours per day, with ample time to stop and visit local herders and even take in a horse ride for those who are game.

dietary requirementsProvided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.

accommodation on the trip

In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star, twin share properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable. A ger is a circular felt tent used by nomadic people. Warm in winter and cool in summer offering you an awesome cultural experience.

what you carryThe trek is fully supported so you are only required to carry your daypack with items you need for the day such as extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip‑eze etc.

equipment requiredA comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information supplied on booking.

acute mountain sicknessWhen we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have to acclimatise to the decreasing amount of the oxygen available. To allow our bodies to adjust we have structured our treks so that you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatisation to occur. However, during the acclimatisation process, you may experience some of the following symptoms. • Headache • Tiredness • Disturbed sleep • Loss of appetite/nausea • Shortness of breath • Cough • Palpitation • Swelling of the hands and face



Individuals acclimatise at different rates. Your best strategy is to take your time and drink plenty of water. These symptoms may not indicate the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them it does not necessarily mean that you should not continue. All our group leaders have extensive first aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at all times should you believe you have any symptoms in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms. The only cure for Acute Mountain Sickness is to descend.Please note that your group leader has ultimate responsibility and may ask you to descend if symptoms persist.

vehicles & safetyDuring the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and on occasion some vehicles may not have seat belts fitted. While game viewing within a national park could be one example, public bus transfers or specialised transport such as ‘tuk‑tuk’s’ could be another. Where seat belts are not provided we strongly recommend that you hold tight to a fixed part of the vehicle at all times.

what’s not included Sleeping bag – this can be hired in Mongolia, US$20 for the trip Optional horse hire: you can choose to hire a horse and horse man for the three days

trekking. The costs are approximately US$35/day. The horse must be hired for the full three days, plus the time taken for them to get to you and return back to their homes. For example, 3 day ride = 5 days hire. Some parts have steep ascents and may be dangerous unless you are a competent rider. Two people can share one horseman. Please advise us of this request at the time of booking and we will endeavour to arrange this for you. Payment to be made directly to the horseman on the ground and subject to availability.

Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc Tips International airfares and departure taxes Visa Travel Insurance

private groupsWild Women On Top Golden Rules1. Set challenging adventure goals, write them down, train hard and you will achieve them [Noexcuses!]2. Stay Positive at all times3. T.E.A.M. Together Everyone Achieves More4. Expect the unexpected5. If you have a gripe, handle it discretely, or air it politely [Don’t let it fester!]6. Buy quality gear [This will save you money and could save your life]7. Don’t come home from training or trips tired. Be energized & happy.8. Leave no trace (The wilderness is sacred!)9. Bring MORE than you take away. [Including chocolate!]10. Happy endings guarantee the next leave pass![this one is secret!]



subscribe to our e-newsletterTo keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office.

social networkingFollow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WorldExpeditions

how to bookTo book a Wild Women On Top trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function, details of which will be provided at the time of the trip launch with Wild Women On Top. We can also help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that you wish to take in conjunction with the main trip.Important: You must be a financial member of Wild Women On Top to join this tour. Please goto WWW.WILDWOMENONTOP.COM, ring 0434 027 912 or email [email protected] for more details on training and memberships.



wild women on top mongolia€¦ · Today we will be transferred to the airport for our internal...

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