Moderate Tour

Overview

Tour of historical riches of Mongolia, which are delightfully set against a backdrop of awesome natural splendor. From the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, visit Gandan Monastery, one of the most resplendent in the land. Head on to the Hogno Han ger (yurt) camp, located at the base of the mountains and at the confluence of three distinct geographical zones: steppe, desert, and forest. Drive to Karakorum, the heart of Chingis Khan's Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Visit nearby Erdene Zuu monastery, the site of Buddhist practice and worship for over a thousand years.

Short reference itinerary

Day 1 Ulaanbaatar (City tour)

Tour itinerary

Day 1 Ulaanbaatar (City tour)

Arrive at Ulaanbaatar. Meet your Guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel. We will star city tour the first stop is Sukhbaatar Square, the central square named after the revolutionary hero of 1921 Damdiny Sukhbaatar who declared independence from China. We visit Gandan Monastery the largest and most famous functioning monastery in Mongolia; here we may experience monks in worship and see the impressive Golden Buddha Statue of Migjid Janraisig. Time permitting Natural History Museum which is famous for its authentic dinosaur skeletons and and visit Zaisan memorial hill to view of whole city from there. Welcome dinner at restaurant and stay overnight in hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 2 Ulaanbaatar to Hustai National park

Drive to Hustai National Park Hustai National Park is the site of a unique re-introduction scheme of Przewalskii’s horse (Equus przewalskii), called "takhi" by Mongolians. It became extinct in the wild in 1969 and, since 1992, has been successfully re-introduced to Hustai from zoos around the world. This has been an international effort monitored by The Foundation for the Przewalskii Horse, based in the Netherlands and MACNE (Mongolian Association for Conservation of Nature and the Environment). The national park is rolling Steppe Mountains with rather large patches of birch and aspen forests. There are also visible remains of Neolithic graves. In addition, red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wolf (Canis lupus) have increased quite a bit during the last few years, as well as Mongolian gazelle. Species present in Hustai but usually not seen include Lynx, Argali Sheep and Roe Deer. The Hustai National Park in Mongolia is world famous for the successful reintroduction of the Prezwalski horse. Stay overnight in ger at tourist camp. (ger means Mongolian traditional felt accommodation) (B, L, D)

Day 3 Hustai National park to Karakorum (Erdenezuu monastery)

Early morning drive to Karakorum and arrive late afternoon, on the way picnic.  Ancient capital of Mongolia Karakorum city was located on the right bank of Orkhon River and on the north-eastern slopes of the Khangai Mountain and founded by Chinggis khan in 1220, was not only the capital of the vast Mongolian Empire but the epicentre of trade along the Silk Road. At that time the inhabitants of city were mostly Merchants craftsmen who came to karakorum from all over the world. Khubilai khan moved to the capital of the Mongolian Empire to China, establishing the Yuan Dynasty, began losing its importance.  In 1379 much of the city was badly damaged during an attack by the army of the Min Dynasty. Stay overnight in ger at tourist camp. (B, L, D)

Erdene Zuu monastery

Erdene zuu monastery was built by Avtai Sain Khan on the ruin of the Mongolian capital Karakorum in 1586. It was the first great Buddhist Monastery of Mongolia. It is part of the World Heritage Site entitled Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. Stones from the ruins of Karakorum were used in construction. It is surrounded by a wall featuring 108 stupas, 108 being a sacred number in Buddhism, and the number of beads in a Buddhist rosary. The monastery was damaged by warfare in the 1680s, but was rebuilt in the 18th century and by 1872 had a full 62 temples inside. The Erdene Zuu Monastery was taken to state protection and became museum in 1944.

Day 4 Karakorum (Erdenezuu monastery) to Ugii lake

In the morning drive to Ugii Lake. On the way we will be visiting two monuments of Turkish and about 60 kilometers from the imperial town of Karakorum. There are two important monoliths located near another one. The first monument is dedicated to the Turkish prince Kul-Tegin (638-731), and the other to his brother Bilge-Khan (716-734). In the afternoon take some rest and short hiking by lakeshore. Stay overnight in ger at tourist camp. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Ugii Lake to Elsen tasarhai

Drive to Elsen tasarkhai after breakfast. On the way visit with nomad family, explore them how do they live in yurt, how do they make diary product, take some picture and attempt to drink fermented mare’s milk. Stay overnight in ger at tourist camp. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Elsen tasarhai to Ulaanbaatar

Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to the hotel and lunch at the finest restaurant in Ulaanbaatar. In the afternoon free time do shopping for cashmere shop, souvenir shop and State Department Store. Enjoy watch national folklore performance by “Tumen Ekh” national song, throat singing, tsam mask dance and so on. A farewell dinner and stay overnight in hotel.

Day 7 Departure

Check out from hotel and transfer to the “Chinggis Khan” International airport or train station for departure.