There are few destinations remaining that are as wild and unspoilt as Mongolia, with its sparse landscapes of steppe and mountain, star-scattered skies above the vast emptiness of the Gobi Desert and rolling sand dunes that stretch for miles. Nomadic life continues much as it has done for centuries, making this one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.
Panoramic Journeys (01608 811183, www.panoramicjourneys.com) is a small specialist operator that has created strong partnerships with the Mongolian people, enabling visitors to gain insights into their way of life by visiting nomadic families in traditional gers, also known as yurts — felt tents made of sheep’s wool. The gers are easily packed up when the nomads follow their animals to new pastures.
To discover one of the world’s last unspoilt wildernesses, Panoramic Journeys is offering a week-long trip for two, visiting the capital, Ulan Bator, and including a Jeep safari in Khustai Nuruu national park to see the takhai horses, a ride through the steppes, meeting local camel-herders and visits to monasteries and mountains.
For your chance to win this fabulous trip for two people, answer this question:
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What are the three manly sports that are played at the annual Naadam Festival, celebrated throughout the country in July?
Enter your answer (including your name, address and telephone number) at www.timesonline.co.uk/mongolia, by 5.30pm on Sunday, February 5, 2006. Alternatively, fill out an entry form at the Panoramic Journeys stand (R33) — easily distinguishable in the Responsible Travel section where you’ll see a Mongolian ger — at the Destinations Show in London.
The holiday must be taken between May 30, 2006 and June 30, 2006, or dates agreed with Panoramic Journeys, and is based on two sharing a room, including flights, accommodation, meals, transfers, services of a guide and park and museum entrance fees. Personal expenses not included.
The prize is subject to Panoramic Journeys’ terms and conditions. Flights are from London and winners are responsible for their own travel to London. For full terms and conditions go to www.timesonline.co.uk/mongolia