Day 1 Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
When you arrive in
Ulaanbaatar , the Mongolian capital city, you will be met by your personal
guide and driver who will take you straight to your hotel. Once you
have checked in and had a chance to relax after your journey we will
organise a short walking tour of the city before supper at a local
restaurant.
Day 2 Amarbayasgalant Monastery
The following morning you will start your journey to Amarbayasgalant
monastery, one of the most beautiful cultural heritage in Mongolia.
Your personal guide will help you to explore the grounds of the
monastery and will teach you about Mongolia's unique Lamaist
religion. In the evening you will be taken to a nearby ger camp
where you will eat and spend the night.
Day 3 Uran togoo
After breakfast your driver will take you on the short journey to
Uran Togoo, an extinct volcano in Bulgan province. The drive will
take in some of Mongolia’s most beautiful pastureland with rolling
green hills, meadows filled with wildflowers and fragrant sage all
beneath an endless blue sky. At the mountain you will have the
option to go horse riding, hike on the volcano with a guide, or
simply relax in this stunning location. You will spend your 3rd
night in a local ger camp within view of the mountain where you will
enjoy a beautiful sunset and traditional Mongolian hospitality.
Day 4 Ugii lake
On this day you will drive to the crystal clear Ugii Lake in
Arkhangai province. This lake is the setting for the annual
Mongolian triathlon and is an excellent location for swimming. It is
also situated directly in the path of a major migratory flight path
for wild birds so is a bird watcher’s paradise. You will spend the
day here before retiring for the night to a ger camp right on the
shore of the lake.
Day 5 Kharkhorum/Erdenezuu
After breakfast you will drive to Karakorum, the 13th century
capital of Chinggis Khaan's Mongolian Empire. The ruins of this
ancient city are still clearly visible and you will be able to walk
around the site with your guide explaining some of the history
attached to the city. This is also the site of Erdene Zuu Monastery,
the first and formerly one of the largest in Mongolia. Unfortunately
much of the temple was destroyed under the socialist government in
the previous century but significant sections still stand and are
home to practicing Lamas. You will visit the remaining complex and
enjoy a guided tour throughout its picturesque courtyards and small
temples where you will see unique 16th Century Mongolian Buddhist
art and icons. Afterwards you will be taken to the Kharkhorum museum
before retiring to a nearby ger camp for the evening.
Day 6 Ongi Monastery
Today you will be visiting the ancient Ongi Monastery in the Gobi
Desert. This was formerly the largest University for Lamas in
Mongolia with up to 800 students at any one time but was razed to
the ground between 1937/ 38 by the socialist General Choibbalsan
with all of its lamas either executed or conscripted into the army.
The temple is now in the process of being rebuilt and there are 5
lamas resident in the new temple building working to restore the
monastery’s former glory and international standing. We will visit
the site, walk throughout the haunting ruins, visit a monument to
the fallen lamas and talk with the monks in the new building.
Following on from this you will have the chance to relax and enjoy a
range of activities and services including a full body massage at
our award winning Secret of Ongi Tourist camp at the foot of the
hill beneath the complex. Supper and overnight stay in the camp.
Day 7 Baga gazariin chuluu
After breakfast you will drive north to a uniquely beautiful rock
formation called Baga gazariin chuluu. Baga Gazriin Chuluu in
Bayantsog soum, Dundgobi province is an area covered by 50km2 of
solid granite . You will be
able to take in the amazing scenery and visit another ruined temple
nearby. Supper and overnight stay in a local ger camp.
Day 8 Ulaanbaatar tour
On this day you return to Ulaanbaatar. After lunch and once you have
checked into your hotel your guide will take you for a full tour of
Ulaanbaatar. This will include Sukhbaatar Square, the National
Historical Museum, The Zanabazar art museum and the 976 modern art
gallery for a glimpse of how Mongolian art has evolved since the
installation of democracy. Additional highlights include Gandan
Monastery and the Mongolian artist’s exhibition hall if time allows.
In the evening you will attend a traditional art concert in the
national theatre.Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 9 Departure
Your guide and driver will take you to the airport or train station
and wish you well on your departure and future travels!
Included in the price: All of your Mongolian
accommodation in hotels and ger camps; all breakfast, lunches and
dinners whilst in Mongolia; bottled drinking water is also provided
throughout the tour; Mongolian local transport, personal guide,
translator, driver and entrance to all attractions mentioned in the
itinerary.
Not included in the price: International flights,
train tickets, travel insurance, international phone calls,
alcoholic drinks, laundry service, souvenir shopping,
