Cultural Highlights of Central Mongolia
6 or 11 Days

Ulaanbataar is a city of incredible contrasts where Soviet architecture is giving way to trendy stores and cafes; suburban homes are traditional gers on unpaved streets and monks and nomads share the streets with suited businessmen and cellphone toting teenagers. A morning visit to the active Gandantegchinlen Monastery offers the chance to see some of the 500 monks at their prayer ceremonies.

At the foot of Khongo Khaan Uul are the ruins of a 17th century monastery destroyed by the Zungar Mongols – it was reopened in 1992, headed by an abbess who professes soothsaying abilities.

In the 16th century the ruins of Kharakorum were plundered by Abtai Khaan to build Erdene Zuu, the first and largest Monastery in Mongolia. It consisted of 60-100 temples, around 300 gers and up to 1,000 monks – the complex surrounded by monumental walls topped with 108 stupas and stone turtles mark the boundaries of the complex.

Orkhon Velley is a green,forested mountain area known as the cradle of the Mongolian civilization. Many ancient Mongolian as well as Turkish monuments lie within the area.

The ancient burial mounds of Golmod are a reminder of Mogolia’s ancient heritage. Many nomad families inhabit the open valley and you will experience their warm hospitality including dinner of a typical Mongolian barbeque and, for those willing, “airag” or fermented mare’s milk.

Amarbayasgalant Monastery is set in an exquisite valley surrounded by mountains and is the country’s most important after Erdene Zuu. It is also the most intact architectural complex of Mongolia. Built in the 18th century by the Manchu Emperor Yongzheng it is dedicated to the great Mongolian Buddhist Zanabazar.