“I have traveled extensively, and I have been on many extraordinary trips. This one was one of the BEST I have ever experienced. I had a very late flight into Ulaanbaatar, but the guide (Chuck) and the driver were there to greet me with smiles on their faces a welcomed relief after traveling 24 hours. Our tour of the city was fascinating with the highlight being the evening at the National Academic Drama Theater. The performances (throat singing, traditional dancing, Mongolia orchestra playing horsehead fiddles) were brilliant and a wonderful way to be introduced to the culture. The trek itself was beyond all of my expectations as we hiked through the steppes, among wildflowers and animals (sheep, goats, cows, yaks, horses), over mountains, across streams and near gers and their inhabitants. Our guide, Ulzii, was simply superb. She listened, she was flexible when the itinerary needed adjusting due to weather, she helped us with our every need, her English was excellent, and she always had a smile on her face. I have been a guide before, and I know how much work is involved. Ulzii made it look easy even when she had challenges. Our assistant guide, Temmuulen, grew up in Los Angeles, so his English was perfect! He was always there to help with a smile on his face as well. The drivers (Munkhu, Turuu, Bayana, Erkha, Khatna and Purev) were highly skilled and successfully negotiated mud, rivers, fast-moving streams, tight bridges and lots of rocks! I always felt safe and comfortable with them. They also helped with the chores and when needed, with the tents. I am a vegetarian, so the chef (Duure) and the cooks (Ari and Amra) made special meals for me and two other vegetarians on the trip. They were absolutely delicious. I am always amazed how the cooks and staff on trips like this can create such outstanding meals. I ate better in Mongolia than I do at home!! One of the highlights of the trip was when Ulzii realized we werent going to get to our campsite in time. It had been raining all day, the roads were muddy and difficult to drive, and it was getting dark. We came upon three gers, and she asked them if they could put us up for the evening. They didnt hesitate. They put us in one of the gers, cooked dinner for us, made sure we were warm and comfortable and interacted with us as if we were family. I will never forget that and will always have great admiration and respect for these generous, warm-hearted people. I cannot sing the praises highly enough of this trip, the staff, the countryside, the Mongolian people and the beautiful culture. This is my second trip with this tour operator, and I consider it a top-notch company. If you are adventurous and want to learn about an intriguing and beautiful country, go on this trip. You wont be disappointed!”
Mongolia, Nadaam, Gobi. Great experience
4 - Very Good
“Fantastic trip. Huge statues, more goats, sheep, horses and cows than you can imagine. A vastness that boggles the mind. The Gobi desert is to be experienced just to get an idea of the size of it. Living in ger camps is worthwhile too. You get to sample what nomadic life can be like. The local people were friendly and open to us visiting their ger homes, and we were offered goats cheese, fermented milk and simple vodka. It's rude to decline the offer! It's hard to pick one particular highlight but I think the Nadaam Festival comes out top.”
This trip had everything
5 - Excellent
“We loved Mongolia! This was our first holiday as part of a guided group trip, and it really worked for us. We found the itinerary to be just right, long days with lots to see and do, interspersed with just enough downtime to recharge our batteries. The accommodation in hotels and gers was of a high standard. We were very well fed with meals ranging from traditional Mongolian to modern European and Asian cuisine at the accommodations and local restaurants in UB. Box lunches were provided for the long days crossing the Gobi and for the Naadam Festival. All the Mongolian people we met made us feel very welcome to their country.”