Nomadic Treasure

In 1578 Altan Khan, a Mongol nobleman and military leader with ambitions to unite the Mongols and to emulate the career of Chinggis, invited the head of the rising Yellow Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Since then Yellow Sect Buddhism spread throughout Mongolia. Tibetan styled monasteries were built across Mongolia, often sited at the juncture of trade and migration routes or at summer pastures. Traditionally, monasteries were centers both of learning and of power. In the pre-revolutionary period, Mongolia was ruled by a series of Living Buddhas called Javzandamba. It is estimated Mongolia had 100 000 monks in 1921; one third of the male population. In the 1930s, this intellectual power became the focus of a ruthless series of purges. Today, Mongolia is once again embracing its Buddhist heritage. Monasteries are being restored and are once again crowded with worshippers.  

Day 1. Ulaanbaatar. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to hotel in the city centre. After lunch, we will start the city tour including Gandan Monastery, Chinggis Khaan square and surroundings including Parliament House, National Opera Theatre, Cultural Palace and House of City Council. Then we will drive to Zaisan Hill, which provides wide view of the Ulaanbaatar then we will visit Museum of National history with an excellent exhibitions such as Stone and Bronze Age, Turkic and Mongol Empire, rise of Buddhism and communist regime. Overnight and relax in the hotel.

Day 2. Elsen tasarhai After breakfast, we will drive to Khugnu Khaan Natural Reserve, a unique place with beautiful landscape; combination of a Gobi sand dunes, forests and mountains. Lunch at the ger camp. In the afternoon we will visit Erdene Khambyn Khuree which is 20 kms drive from the camp. Enlightened Bogd Gegeen Zanabazar, a religious leader, philosopher, artist and sculptor was founded Uvgun and Zaluu temples for his religious teacher. The soldiers of Oirad nobleman Galdan boshigt destroyed the monasteries and assassinated the monks in 1688. We will visit horse breeder’s family and experience drinking airag, the Mongolian traditional drink made by mare’s milk. Overnight in the ger camp.

Day 3. Erdenezuu Monastery. After breakfast, we will drive to Kharkhorin; an ancient capital of Mongolian Empire and main treasure of Mongolian Buddhism, an Erdenezuu Monastery. Kharkhorin was established in the valley of Orkhon river in 1220. Kharkhorin played significant role in Mongolian history and was a capital city of Mongolian Great Empire until Khubilai Khaan, a grandson of Chinggis Khaan moved the capital to Beijing of Yuan Dynasty. We will see 800 years old Turtle Rock near the temple. Erdenezuu Monastery – the first Buddhist monastery was founded by Avtai Sain Khaan, descendant of Chinggis Khaan, on the ruins of Kharkhorin in 1586. The monastery is surrounded by beautiful looking white walls with 108 stupas. Overnight in the ger camp.

Day 4. Hustai National Park/Ulaanbaatar. After breakfast we will drive to Ulaanbaatar via Hustai National Park. Lunch at the park. The park lies in the edge of southern Khentii mountain range and it is the place where you can see wild horse called Takhi known as Przewalski horse to the world. The wild horses survive in nature by themselves because they have been reintroduced successfully to their homeland after 40 years of extinction. Currently, the number of Takhi has already reached more than 240. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar-the nations’ capital. Overnight and relax in the hotel.

Day 5. Departure. We will transfer to the “Chinggis Khaan” International Airport with professional Blue Gobi Tour Team.