Mongolia: Highlights of the Heartland
11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbataar, 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.
In the afternoon visit the Bogd Khan’s Winter Palace. This series of beautiful traditional temple buildings in which Mongolia’s eighth Living Buddha and last king lived. Spared by the Russians, it is now a museum displaying fascinating artifacts and costumes associated with the last king as well as his collection of stuffed animals.

Day 2: Set out for KhonKhon Khaan Uul. This mountain is part of a nature reserve and the surrounding valleys you may see ibex or wolves. At the mountain foot 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.

Day 3: It is a long drive west to Mongolia’s 13th century capital. Kharkhorin (Karakorum), capital of the Mongolian Empire for a mere 40 years, was established by Chinggis Khan though Manchurian invaders and Stalinist purges have left little of this legendary city. In the 16th century the ruins of Karakorum 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.

Day 4: In the afternoon head northwestward to Tsetserleg, capital of Arkhangai province, a pleasant little town surrounded by forested hills. Here visit the town’s main functioning monastery – Buyandelgeruulekh. From a small abandoned hilltop monastery there are beautiful views over Tsetserleg and the surrounding country. (180kms approx. 6 hrs)

Day 5: The ancient burial mounds of Golmod are a reminder of Mongolia’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.

Day 6: Bulgan is reminiscent of Siberia (or a wild west town) with its trees, log cabins rather than Gers and horses hitched outside stores and market.

Days 7-8: A days driving through the grasslands leads to Amarbayasgalant Monastery. The 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.

Day 9: After a morning with the nomads or exploring the valley leave for the return drive to Ulaanbataar. Here there is a full day for shopping and to explore the cities other sights. An evening performance will introduce such Mongolian traditions as “throat singing”.

Days 10-11: A morning visit to the active Gandantegchinlen Monastery offers the chance to see some of the 500 monks at their prayer ceremonies. The largest and most important monastery of Mongolia, Gandan was built in 1838 and hastily restored in 1944 for use as a showpiece for foreign visitors until full religious operation was reestablished in 1990. One of the monasteries main attractions is the magnificent 26.5-meter gilded statue of Migjid Janraisig (Avalokiteshvara, Bodhisattva of Compassion).
The Monastery (now museum) of the Choijin Lama was saved destruction by its conversion into a museum illustrating the deficiencies of the feudal past. Although never restored as an active monastery it contains a magnificent collection of Buddhist statues, thangkas, masks and other artifacts.

Tour Costs
PRIVATE DEPARTURES
Standard Tour
(Ger Camp)
2 people: USD 1350 p/p
3 people: USD 1120 p/p
4 people: USD 1010 p/p
5 people: USD 940 p/p
6 people: USD 1040 p/p
7-8 people: USD 990 p/p

Budget Tour
(Tented Camp)
2 people: USD 1270 p/p
3 people: USD 1040 p/p
4 people: USD 920 p/p
5 people: USD 850 p/p
6 people: USD970 p/p
7-8 people: USD 920 p/p