Competent horse riders are being sought to join a legendary explorer on his latest expedition.
They will join Colonel John Blashford-Snell on an expedition to remote parts of Mongolia.
Just a few spaces remain for self-funded volunteers to join the Mongolian Khan Khentil Expedition to be led by Colonel John Blashford-Snell in late June 2020.
East of Ulaanbaatar, the Hentii mountain range rises out of a vast protected area covering 1.2 million hectares covering the transition zone between the taiga and mountain forest steppe. The cedar and larch forests only grow on the Northern slopes, whilst on the Southern side of the mountains there are grasslands. Much of this remote wilderness is uninhabited and accessible only on foot or horse. (It would be an advantage but not essential to be an experienced horse rider)
Over 1000 plant species and 50 mammals, including endangered moose, musk deer, brown bear, wolf, lynx, badger, fox, wolverine, marmot, weasel, sable, roe deer and maral can be found here. Bird lovers will be able to see up to 250 types of birds, including hooper swans, spoonbills, egrets and raptors.
The rich heritage of human settlement in Hentii is marked with numerous rock carvings of the Upper Palaeolithic and Stone Age period, deer stones (or stelae) and Bronze age tombs. There is also the mysterious Great Wall of Chinggis Khaan, or Ghenghis Khan as he is often referred to currently. Indeed, it is firmly believed by the Mongolian people that the legendary leader and warrior was born in the Hentii and is buried in the area.
The expedition will be carrying out community aid projects, giving dental and medical help to the local people and performing archaeological, biological and zoological tasks with Mongolian scientists. The scientific studies are organised with the support of the National University.
Travel will be by horse and four wheel drive vehicles. Accommodation will be in tents provided by local agents. At the end of the expedition there will be 2 days in the Khustain Nuruu National Park (West of Ulaanbaatar) studying the Przewalski horses and carrying out zoological research.
The provisional dates are 28 June - 7 July (arriving & departing Ulaanbaatar).
For further info: Email jbs@ses-explore.org Tel: 01747 854456
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