Trip Description

Embark on an cinematic journey through Mongolia with David Prior and connect with one of the world’s last surviving nomadic cultures at the Ganghis Khan Retreat. Pitched in the far reaches of the Orkhon Valley along the banks of the Orkhon River, get ready to experience open spaces, natural wonders, ancient tombs and even a mysterious menhir, or standing stone, placed at a cosmically significant spot by a culture that has since been long forgotten.

Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Ulaanbaatar where you will spend two days exploring the city's cultural heritage. Next, a 6-hour drive on 4x4 takes you into the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Orkhon River flows from the Khangai Mountains. The valley stretches 100km along the Orkhon River, earning its reputation as the "gateway to heaven." The expansive valley is an open air museum, an exceptional illustration of several significant stages in human history and an example of how to live in harmony with the landscape.

It is here where the Genghis Khan Retreat sits, surrounded by the vast expanse of the Mongolian steppe where wild horses run freely and guests are invited to explore the untamed landscape on horseback, mountain bike, and kayak; or simply unwind with daily yoga, a Mongolian massage, or a traditional healing ritual with the resident shaman. You will find natural wonders and historical sites including Karakorum, the first capital of the Mongol empire and important stop along the ancient Silk Road, and Erdene Zuu, the oldest surviving monastery in Mongolia.

As guests of the retreat, you will stay in traditional gers, Mongolian dwellings similar to a yurt, each illuminated by candlelight and warmed by a wood-burning stove. Each ger is decorated in the Mongolian Buddhist tradition with ornately painted doors and beds lined with Mongolian cashmere.

Your time in the Orkhon Valley culminates with a friendly polo match followed by a traditional Mongol Bodong feast before the night unfolds with cultural celebrations, complete with folk musicians, throat singers, and contortionists.

The retreat is a self-sustaining summer camp, utilizing solar power and natural resources for their daily operations. As the summer season comes to an end, the camp is dismantled, leaving nothing behind. A reflection of the nomadic tradition, wherein local families, much like their ancestors, follow their herds in search of better grazing as the seasons change.

Accommodation

• 3 nights at Shangri-La, Ulaanbaatar - Nestled in the heart of Mongolia's vibrant capital, the Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar, seamlessly blends modern luxury with the rich heritage of Mongolia’s nomadic culture.

• 6 nights at Genghis Khan Retreat, Orkhon Valley - Situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Genghis Khan Retreat is immersed in Mongolia's ancient nomadic culture. Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Orkhon River and mountains blanketed in high-altitude forests, this retreat offers an escape into nature.

Payment Schedule:

In order to confirm your reservation, a 50% non-refundable deposit payment is required at the time of the booking. The remaining balance will be charged 120 days prior to the beginning of the trip. For more information, please contact grouptrips@priorworld.com

Pricing:

Double Occupancy: $9,985 USD per person

Single Occupancy: $12,920 USD

Inclusions:

• 3-nights at Shangri-La, Ulaanbaatar
• 6-nights at Genghis Khan Retreat, Orkhon Valley — privatized for exclusive use
• All transportation noted in the itinerary, including airport arrival and departure
• All tours and admission costs noted in itinerary
• All meals noted in itinerary
• Gratuities

Exclusions:

• International flights and entry visas to Mongolia
• Travel Insurance
• Other meals and alcoholic beverages not stated in itinerary

Inquiries:

For more information, please contact grouptrips@priorworld.com

Terms and Conditions:

Please note, for this trip to proceed, a certain minimum number of people must reserve a place. We will provide confirmation once this number has been reached, so you may proceed with booking airfare and other forms of transportation. If you choose to book airfare in advance of final confirmation, please book refundable fares or obtain travel insurance to protect yourself against additional charges should final dates change or cancellation occurs.

PRIOR strongly recommends that each member purchase travel and cancellation insurance. In addition, we recommend purchasing a policy that covers loss of luggage, accidents, sickness, and emergency medical evacuation.

Please note, all efforts are made to provide the itinerary as presented, PRIOR reserves the right to make any changes to the final itinerary deemed necessary or due to reasons beyond our control (change in flights, cancellations, political disturbances, natural disasters/phenomena, etc).

Photographs or video recordings of members may be used for educational and promotional purposes by PRIOR or a host group/organization.