Mongolia: Land of Genghis Khan
16 Days

Days 1-2: 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.
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.

Days 3-4: 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 10,000 monks – the complex surrounded by monumental walls topped with 108 stupas and stone turtles mark the boundaries of the complex.
After a lunch head westward toward the Khangai Mountains. The green mountainsides and the network of smaller and larger rivers offer excellent pastureland for the herds of horses, yaks and cows. The Orkhon Valley is known as the cradle of the Mongolian civilization with many ancient Mongolian and Turkish monuments in the area. The Orkhon Waterfall is the result of volcanic activity over 20,000 years ago. The night will be spent at the Tsenkher hot springs. In the large open-air pool the hot water flows continuously in from the hot water spring. Spend the evening sitting in the pool staring at the stars.

Day 5: In the afternoon head northwestward to Tsetserleg, capital of Arkhangai province and 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 countryside. (180kms approx. 6 hrs)

Days 6-7: The volcanic freshwater lake Terkhiin Tsagaan is one of the most beautiful lakes of the country – perfect (though cold) for swimming with stretches of sandy beach along its shoreline. Surrounded by extinct and craterous volcanoes it was formed by lava flows from a volcanic eruption many millennia ago. With a full day here there is time to make the excursion to the top of Khorgo Uul Volcano and the gorges that lead from Tariat to the volcano. (200kms approx. 6 hrs)

Days 8-9: Long days driving north through the central grasslands towards Hovsgol Lake. It is a region of fish-filled rivers and nomadic herders with their large herds of horses, cows and yaks. En-route pass through Moron, capital of Hovsgol Province and the Uushig valley, site of the Ancient Graves.

Days 10-11: By late morning arrive at the Mongolia’s ‘Blue Pearl’, Hovsgol Lake - a huge 2.760 square km alpine lake surrounded by 2000m mountains, thick pine forests and lush meadows with grazing yaks and horses. More than 100 small rivers and streams feed the lake with crystal clear water, through only one river, the Egiin, exits, its waters eventually reaching Lake Baikal. At least a dozen species of fish inhabit the lake and rivers, including sturgeon, grayling, lennok, salmon and taimon.
Spend a full day exploring the lakeshore and surrounding mountains. For those interested there are the options of horseback riding, visiting Mongolian families, hiking and fishing. Please bring your own rod and tackle, or buy it in Ulaanbaatar.

Days 12-13: Two days driving southeast 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.
Many nomad families inhabit the open valley around the monastery and you will experience their warm hospitality including dinner of a typical Mongolian barbeque and, for those willing, “airag” or fermented mare’s milk.

Days 14-16: 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”.

Tour Costs
PRIVATE DEPARTURES
Standard Tour
(Ger Camp)
2 people: USD 1840 p/p
3 people: USD 1500 p/p
4 people: USD 1350 p/p
5 people: USD 1240 p/p
6 people: USD 1400 p/p
7-8 people: USD 1330 p/p

Budget Tour
(Tented Camp)
2 people: USD 1680 p/p
3 people: USD 1350 p/p
4 people: USD 1180 p/p
5 people: USD 1080 p/p
6 people: USD 1250 p/p
7-8 people: USD 1170 p/p