The Cradle of Mongolian Civilization-7 Days
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Detailed description
Arrival & Ulaanbaatar city tour
Upon your arrival at the airport, our team will be there to greet you. We will escort you to your comfortable hotel, conveniently located in the city center. Ulaanbaatar is a rapidly growing modern metropolis with a population of over 1.5 million residents. Depending on your arrival time, we will arrange a city tour for you. The tour will include a visit to the newly constructed Genghis Khan Museum, the largest museum in Mongolia, which houses over 8,300 artifacts related to the Great Khans of the Mongol Empire and the country’s history from the Xiongnu period to the end of the 20th century. A portion of these artifacts is displayed across nine exhibition halls.
Another highlight is the Bogd Khan’s Winter and Summer Palace, a stunning complex of traditional buildings where the eighth Living Buddha and the last king resided. It now serves as a museum showcasing intriguing artifacts and costumes linked to the last king, along with his collection of stuffed animals.
We will also visit the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, the largest and most significant monastery in Mongolia. Here, we will explore various shrines and admire the magnificent statue of Migjid Janraisig, an impressive 82-foot statue adorned in gold and draped in silk cloths.
To conclude the city tour, we will ascend Zaisan Hill for a panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar. The city sightseeing tour will last approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Accommodation:
- Hotel. D
Activities:
- Visit the Bogd Khan winter and summer palace
- Explore the Gandan monastery
- Check out the Genghis khan museum
- Hike Zaisan hill
Genghis Khan Statue & Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (120 km)
We will depart from Ulaanbaatar early in the morning, heading towards Terelj National Park, which lies 70 km from the capital. Our journey will take us through a valley surrounded by lush, forested hills and breathtaking granite cliffs. The valley is adorned with vibrant wildflowers and is home to herds of peacefully grazing yaks, horses, goats, and sheep. This picturesque park, featuring granite rocks, pine trees, and a flowing river, is an ideal spot for hiking, horseback riding, swimming, or simply unwinding and soaking in the views. We will explore several notable sites in the area.
Our first stop will be the Genghis Khan Monument, an impressive aluminum statue of Genghis Khan on horseback. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, a small museum offers a comprehensive overview of the Great Mongol Empire’s history, including the lineage of the great Khans and their conquests. We will also visit Turtle Rock and the Aryaval Monastery, a serene meditation spot located at the mountain’s base, where there are excellent opportunities for hiking, climbing, and horseback riding.
Accommodation:
- Terelj Lodge B, L, D
Activities:
- Explore the Genghis khan statue
- Discover the Aryapal monastery
- Check out Turtle rock
- Opportunity for horseback riding
Khustai National Park (200 km)
Today, we will journey to Khustain Nuruu National Park. Just before reaching the park, we will stop at the Mongol Nomadic Tourist Camp to immerse ourselves in local culture and traditions.
The Przewalski’s Horse, also known as the Takhi horse, is a rare and endangered wild horse subspecies native to the steppes of Central Asia. Once extinct in the wild, it has been reintroduced to its natural habitat in Mongolia. Khustain Nuruu National Park was established as a reserve in 1993 and was elevated to national park status in 1998. Currently, the park is home to approximately 350 Takhi horses, along with 459 vascular plant species and 217 bird species.
Upon our arrival at the Khustain Nuruu National Park camp, we will meet the park staff and learn about their ongoing projects. In the afternoon, we will explore the park’s stunning natural wonders.
Accommodation:
- Khustai ger camp B, L, D
Activities:
- Mongol Nomadic show
- Explore Khustai national park
- Catch a glimpse the wild horses
Day 4: Karakorum (260 km)
Today, we explore Karakorum, the capital of Genghis Khan’s Mongolian Empire in the 13th century. Established in 1220 on the ruins of Turug and Uigur cities in the Orkhon Valley, it was completed 15 years later under Ugedei Khan, known for its multiculturalism. The silver tree from Möngke Khan’s palace became a symbol of the city, which thrived from 1220 to 1260 as a political, trade, and cultural hub.
However, from 1260 to 1380, it lost its capital status when Kublai Khan moved the capital to Beijing, reducing Karakorum to an administrative center in the Yuan Dynasty.
After the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty collapsed in 1368, the government returned to Mongolia, allowing Karakorum to regain some significance. However, in 1388, Ming troops destroyed the town, leaving no trace of it. In 1580, Abtai Sain Khan and Lord Tumenkhen sought the 3rd Dalai Lama’s counsel on building a temple, leading to the restoration of the Main Zuu temple in Erdene Zuu monastery in 1588.
Erdene Zuu Monastery, once a large complex with 100 temples and over 1,000 lamas, now comprises three remaining temples: Dalai Lama, Zuu of Buddha, and Lavrin Temple, all within 400 m X 400 m walls. Visitors can explore the monastery grounds.
The Karakorum Archaeological Museum, though small, features a well-designed space with good lighting and clear English labels. It showcases hundreds of artifacts from the 13th and 14th centuries, as well as prehistoric tools, pottery, bronzes, coins, religious sculptures, and stone inscriptions from various archaeological sites.
A half-excavated kiln is set into the museum floor, alongside a scale model of ancient Karakorum from the 1250s, inspired by William of Rubruck’s descriptions. Another chamber features a Turkic noble tomb with wall paintings, gold objects, and jewels, accompanied by a short video of the burial site.
You can also visit the Turtle Rock and the Phallic Rock, as well as a small market that showcases local artists’ work.
Accommodation:
- Secret of the Silk Road ger camp B, L, D
Activities:
- Explore the Erdene Zuu monastery
- Discover the Karakorum Archaeological Museum
Khogno Khan Mountains and Elsen Tasarkhai (100 km)
Today, we are heading to Khogno Khan National Park. We will embark on a trek through the Khogno Khan Mountains, culminating in a hike to enjoy breathtaking views of the hills, sand dunes, and grasslands. Additionally, we’ll explore the beautiful Ovgon Monastery.
The Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dune, affectionately referred to as Little Gobi, stretches for 100 kilometers.
Accommodation:
- Khoyor Zagal ger camp B, L, D
Activities:
- Explore Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes
- Discover Khogno Khan mountain
- Visit Ovgon monastery
- Meet a camel breeding family
- Opportunity for camel riding
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar (260 km)
The moment has arrived to depart and make your way back to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. You are free to spend your afternoon as you wish. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful cultural performance, featuring talented contortionists, while you take in the vibrant and rhythmic dances of Mongolia.
Accommodation:
- Hotel B, L
Activities:
- Attend a folklore show featuring throat singers
- Shop for souvenir or cashmere
Departure
Transfer to the airport.
(B)
INCLUDED
- 2 nights Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
- 4 nights Ger camp stay
- Tour guide
- Land Transportation by 4X4
- Meals: B6, L5, D5
- National park, museum, monastery entrance tickets
- City tour
- Mineral water
NOT INCLUDED
- Medical & trip insurance
- Soft & alcoholic drinks
