Solar Eclipse Mongolia 2008
MENON VACATIONS in Affiliation with FLO-USA offers your once in a life time chance to observe A Total Solar Eclipse from the Adventurous MOMGOLIAN DESERT. CALL US TO BOOK NOW AS THE BOOKING IS VERY BRISK 860 404 0302 or e-mail us: welcome@menonvacations.com
Mongolia lies at the heart of Asia, on the balance between the „East‟ of China, and the vast wilderness of Siberian Russia. This huge, s many ways unchanged from the days of Genghis Khan and the mighty Mongol Empire. This guided soft adventure tour offers a wonderful chance to watch the Solar Eclipse in this land of legends and comprehensive introdu Traveling overland in safari style, the journey takes you from beautiful Western Mongolia Bayan-Ulgii province, home of the Kazakh Eag real nomads and the stunning Terelj national Park with high granite mountains and green meadows. Landscape and cultural sightseeing blend easily in Mongolia – you will have the chance to visit families of nomads, remote Buddhist mo opportunities for photography. OUR TRIP LECTURERS
Stephen E. Schneider University of Massachusetts, Professor of Astronomy
Steve Schneider is a professor of astronomy at the University received the Trumpler and Presidential Young Investigator Aw published the textbook “Pathways to Astronomy.”
George Greenstein Sidney Dillon Professor of Astronomy
George Greenstein is a theoretical astrophysicist, and his ear the structure of neutron stars, and pulsars. More recently he
Wim van Driel Paris Observatory, Astronomer
Wim van Driel is an astronomer at the Paris Observatory in F Leiden (Netherlands), Paris VII (France) and Tokyo (Japan),
The attached photo shows Wim together with his wife, Lidia, the 2006 eclipse (see inserted picture) - the little red heart wa DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1- Ulaanbaatar July 27th, 2008 Mongolia introduction : Mongolia, the 'Land of Blue Sky', home of the greatest empire the world has ever known and Asia's last undis high glacial mountains, impenetrable forests and deep, crystal lakes. To the south the great Gobi Desert stretches to the horizon; empty Genghis Khan, and your visit here will truly be an experience beyond imagination - from the magnificent spectacle of Mongolian people‟ Ulaanbaatar introduction : As urban capital of a nomadic nation Ulaan Baatar is something of a paradox, but with the modern world ra base from which to explore this remarkable country. Stretching along the valley of the Tuul River and embraced by four sacred mountai Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel On arrival, once you have cleared any airport formalities, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Tour of the city, including the Gandan Monastery and National History Museum The city tour of Ulaanbaatar takes you through some of the principal sights of this unique city. Your tour takes you to the Genghis Khan of traditional Mongolian clothing and weaponry, as well as exhibits charting the course of Genghis Khan's empire-building. From the cen exceptional views over the city and the four sacred mountains Bayanzurkh, Chingeltei, Khairkhan, and Bogd Khaan. (D)
DAY 2- Ulaanbaatar / Gun-Galuut July 28th, 2008 Ulaanbaatar sightseeing - Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve After breakfast we visit the Gandan Monastery, the biggest Buddhist center in Mongolia. Then we visit the Palace Museum of Bogd Kha Nature Reserve, the drive takes 2 hours. Arrive and transfer to Steppe Nomads tourist camp. Optional horse riding or hiking to Mt.Baits Bogd Khaan’s Palace Museum Built between 1893 and 1903, the Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan is where Mongolia‟s eighth Living Buddha, and last king, lived for 20 ye instruments. The Bogd Khaan‟s penchant for unusual live animals explains the extraordinary array of stuffed animals in the palace – inc Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve introduction Gun-Galuut is one of the most popular nature reserves of Mongolia. The Reserve is truly the marvelous combination of high mountains, Mountain sheep-Argali the Big Horns, White-napped crane, Siberian White Crane, Hooded Crane and the rare Black stork, Asian heron the Nature Reserve have the opportunities to do watching and taking photos of the Endangered species, rafting and fishing in the lakes introducing with traditional nomadic lifestyle and culture. (B,L,D)
DAY 3- Gun-Galuut July 29th, 2008 This morning we visit a nomadic family and see their lifestyle. Learn dairy making and horse taming etc. Optional fishing or kayaking on dinner "Khorkhog" by bon fire. B,L,D)
DAY 4- Gun-Galuut / Terelj National Park July 30th, 2008 After breakfast at the tourist camp we drive to Terelj National Park. Terelj is set in the picturesque valley of the granite mountains and th Hiking around. Meals and overnight at Molor ger camp in Terelj. Terelj National Park introduction Terelj National Park is one of the most visited sites near Ulaanbaatar. The park is famous for its granite mountains, green meadows and interesting sites like the Turtle Rock, Temple of Meditation and many more. (B,L,D)
DAY 5- Terelj / Ulaanbaatar / Bayan -Ulgii July 31st, 2008 Early in the morning we drive back to Ulaanbaatar for 40 minutes and transfer to the airport. Take the flight to Ulgii, the center of Bayan museum and the Muslim mosque of Kazakhs in Mongolia. Tourist ger camp. Bayan Ulgii introduction Bayan-Ulgii is the westernmost province that borders with China and Russia. The Mongol Alta Mountains are the backbone of Bayan-U few green pastures, which support about 2 million livestock, as well as bears, foxes, and lynxes. These valleys re dotted with small com lakes. The ethnic groups who call Bayan-Ulgii home are comprised of the Kazakh, Khalkha, Dorvod, Uriankhai, Tuva and Khoshuud. (
DAY 6- The day of the Solar Eclipse Aug 1st, 2008 In the morning we will admire mini version of Mongolian Naadam Festival, a big joy of the nomads. The festival includes the Three Man songs will follow the games, which here in Ulgii combined beautifully with traditional Kazakh music and dances. Then we will enjoy the e Kazakhs are famous for their renowned hunter Golden Eagles and beautiful embroideries. We have the opportunities to admire the hun The Kazakhs The Kazakh is a small ethnic group of Turkic origin that was one of Genghis Khaan's tribes. They are Muslims and now live peacefully k relatives in Kazakhstan, they speak in their own Kazakh language as Mongolian government gave them the rights to keep and conserve
major force. This is because of their distance from the center of Islam, their nomadic lifestyle and the suppression of Stalinism. The Kaz embroideries. (B,L,D)
DAY 7- Ulgii / Ulaanbaatar Aug 2nd, 2008 We take the flight back to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to our hotel. Optional shopping for cashmere and souvenirs. Farewell dinner at Mon DAY 8 - Departure Transfer to the airport after breakfast. (B) ACCOMODATION , PAYMENT, TERMS Date July 27 July 28 July 29 July 30 July 31 Aug 1 Aug 2 Accommodation 4* Ulaanbaatar or Chinggis Khaan Hotel or similar Steppe Nomads camp Steppe Nomads camp Molor camp Eagle Tour camp Eagle Tour camp 4* Ulaanbaatar or Chinggis Khaan Hotel or similar Type First class Simple Simple Simple Basic Basic First class Aug 3rd, 2008
Basic: Primitive accommodation, where we are not aware of anything better. A camp with traditional Mongolian ger for accommodation with shared washing facilities and (western style toilet and shower) with restaurant serving with European and Mongolian dishes. Simple: Clean and simple but limited facilities. A camp with traditional Mongolian ger for accommodation with shared washing facilities and (western style toilet and shower) with restaurant serving with European and Mongolian dishes. First Class: A high standard of accommodation with a wide range of facilities.
LAND ONLY PRICE : $2,695 per person SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $ 415 AIRFARE: International airfare to and from Mongolia. (Flight information will be provided in Fall 2007) PAYMENT: Deposit: $695 per person is required at the time of booking Second payment: $1,000 due by Sep 15th, 2007 Final payment: $1,000 due by Feb 15th , 2008 TERMS: Special cancellation terms apply to this tour package. All advance payments, less a $250 per person service fee, are refundable until September 15, 2007. From September 16 to February 15, 2008, there will be a $1,000 per person cancellation penalty. After Februry 16, 2008, no refunds. Air cancellation terms are additional. Trip Insurance is included in the prices and insurance policy terms applies for all claims and refunds. INCLUDED IN THE PRICE • Lectures by a well-known astronomy professor • Full-time services of your local guides • FLO USA Travel Protection Plan NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• International Airfare + Tax
• Sightseeing and entrance fees • Private transfers and transports • Twin share accommodation in 4* hotel in Ulaanbaatar • Double accommodation at the best possible tourist camps at each destination • Domestic flights + Tax in Mongolia • Daily lunch, dinner and breakfast with 1 non alcoholic drink included • 2 liters of bottled water per day • Travel documents kit • USA Special observation tents
• Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, camera or video fees at sites etc. • Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary) • Excess luggage fees (15kg free)