A Mongolian Rail Adventure - World Energy Centre and Eastern Gobi Exploration by Train (MN-05)

Mongolia’s Dornogobi (Eastern Gobi) province is located in the south-east of the country and bordering the world’s most populous country, China. It forms part of the Gobi desert belt. Sand dunes are so huge here that they are named, there is Burden Gashuun, Tsagaan Els and Tavan Tolgoi, all of which stretch along the borders of the aimag (province). The main attraction of the region is Khamriin Khiid Monastery, which was founded by the famous monk and poet of the 19th century Danzan Ravjaa. Sadly it had laid in ruins since the 1930s. Today, a new monastery, with two temples, has re-opened. Near the caves, where Danzan Ravjaa and his disciples meditated, there are nine stupas built to commemorate him. Dinosaur bones and fossils have also been found in the area.

World Energy Centre lies on the famous Trans-Mongolian railway line. This tour is a rail adventure through one of the world’s largest and little-known countries that offers the chance of adventure like no other.
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from £595 per person, 4 days



Day 1. Ulan Bator
Transfer to the railway station and take the train to Gobi.
Day 2. Sainshand - Dornogobi province
We will arrive at Sainshand and move onto a ger camp where we will visit a nomadic family. We will start our camel expedition to explore sites of rare paleontological finds, varied landscapes and sand dunes. Overnight in camp.
Day 3. World Energy Centre
We start with the heritage of Noble Saint Danzanravjaa, then visit the caves where Buddhist monks used to meditate for 108 days. We will then drive to the fabled land of Shambala where we will attend a religious ceremony at the historic Khamriin Khiid monastery. Departure to Ulan Bator by train.
Day 4. Ulan Bator
Arrival at the train station, transfer to the hotel.
Click here to view detailed day-by-day itinerary of this tour

Quick Facts
  • Season: Four Seasons
  • Days: 4
  • Group Size: 2-12
  • Tour Grade:   Gentle

Day 1. Ulan Bator
Today we take the train to Gobi. After a little time in the unique railway station we board the 9:30 to Sainshand (Dornogobi). (D).
Day 2. Sainshand - Dornogobi province
A beautiful nature tour awaits us today, which includes a camel trek. What could be more romantic than exploring the Gobi on an iconic camel? We will arrive at Sainshand and move onto a ger camp where we will also visit a nomadic family. After a brief introduction on the art of camel riding, we will start our camel expedition to explore sites of rare paleontological finds, varied landscapes and sand dunes. Our boxed lunch will be in the shadow of these fabulous beasts. Dinner and overnight in camp. (You might even be lucky enough to catch a star falling from the Gobi sky). (B/L/D).
Day 3. World Energy Centre
In contrast to yesterday, today is all about culture. We start with the heritage of Noble Saint Danzanravjaa, then visit the caves where Buddhist monks used to meditate for 108 consecutive days. We will then drive to the fabled land of Shambala (where you will note eight different types of stupas). Here, we will attend a religious ceremony at the historic Khamriin Khiid monastery. After lunch, we’ll head back to Sainshand to visit the Museum of Danzanravjaa. Later, we will depart to Ulan Bator by train. (B/L).
Day 4. Ulan Bator
Arrival at the train station, transfer to the hotel.


Want to travel on different dates?
Please see below for our group tour dates, if you would like to travel on a different day, please let us know and we will come back to you with an offer. There might be additional surcharges for a private tour but all depends on the number of people in your party and your travel preferences.

 

Typical Mongolian Ger
In the countryside your accommodation will be in a typical ger camp located in scenic areas. Every couple or a single traveller are allocated a private ger unless you are willing to share with other travellers. All ger camps are very similar in their set –up, facilities and services.

A “ger” or a yurt is a traditional, portable dwelling structure used by Mongolian nomads in the countryside, it is their link with the past, future and spiritual world. The central pillar – the smoke hole on the top of the tent is directly directed to cosmic axis and represents highway for spirits as according to Mongolian traditions, the universe is full of invisible spirits and humans have to develop good relationship with them, win them over and not to offend them.

Ger camps we use on our tours are slightly modified for Western travellers, however they do offer a genuinely authentic experience and most of them are situated in picturesque areas. The gers are made of a wooden frame that is covered with felt. Inside they are generally brightly painted and feature two or four single beds, a small table, stools, a lamp, electricity sockets and a stove for heating. You can ask a member of staff to start the fire in your ger at a specified time to make it warm, for example early in the morning before you get up.

Toilet and shower facilities are outside in a separate block, they are basic but are kept very clean. There is both hot and cold water available. Restaurants and bars are located in separate blocks or quite often in larger gers.

Staying in a typical ger really adds to your travelling experience.






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