Tour Attractions
Princess Lodge
Projects
C05: Rich culture and ancient temples exploration (17 days trip)
Tour Overview
Itinerary
Price
Travel Grade
Tour Overview
Since Buddhism was introduced in the 16th century by Tibetans the Mongolians are still practicing it today. It has had some decline and rising periods in history. Thus during this trip you will visit the 2 main Buddhist monasteries (Amarbayasgalant and Erdene zuu) and temples (Tuvkhon khiid) to help you understand about Buddhism itself and its history in Mongolia. We will drive to the incredible Great Gobi’s Three Beauties of the Gobi National Park and Terelj Khan Khentii National park. This trip allows you to visit several nomadic families to have tea which would be good chance to have an unique Mongolian cultural experience.
Tour Highlights
- Ulaanbaatar city tour
- Visit Mongolia’s biggest monastery
- Visit 2nd biggest monastery Amarbayasgalant
- Tovkhon temple
- Three Beauties of the Gobi National Park
- Terelj Khan khentii National Park
- Princess temple Oxcart tour
Short Itinerary
- Day 1 : Ulaanbaatar
- Day 2 : Amarbayasgalant monastery
- Day 3 : Drive to Ugii lake
- Day 4 : Khorgo Terkh National Park
- Day 5 : Khorgo Terkh National Park
- Day 6 : Chuluut River and Tsenkher hot spa
- Day 7 : Kharakhorum city
- Day 8 : Tovkhon Monastery
- Day 9 : Ongi temple
- Day 10 : Flaming cliffs “Bayanzag”
- Day 11 : 3 beauties of Gobi National park
- Day 12 : Fly back to Ulaanbaatar
- Day 13 : Terelj National Park
- Day 14 : Visit in the nomadic Family.
- Day 15 : Khan Khentii protected area,
- Day 16 : Ulaanbaatar
- Day 17 : Departure:
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Ulaanbaatar
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Visit Sukhbatar Square (there is a Great Chinggis Khaan's Memorial complex now constructing) for city orientation. Dinner at a restaurant. Overnight in the ***hotel. (D)
Day 2 : Amarbayasgalant monastery
Drive to Amarbayasgalant tourist camp, 360 kms. Lunch on the way. Relax in national Ger in the beautiful nature. Amarbayasgalant monastery The “Monastery of Tranquil Felicity”, once one of the three largest Buddhist centers in Mongolia, is located near the Selenge River. It is one of the most impressive and beautiful monasterial sites. Built in 1727-1736 by Zana-Bazar, the First Bogdo Khaan of Mongolia and prominent religious and cultural leader, it attracts both local and foreign visitors, many of them coming to marvel at its beauty. Unlike the monastery of Erdene Zuu, which is composed of an ensemble of temple halls of different styles, Amarbayasgalant shows great stylistic unity. Visit to Amarbayasgalant monastery and attend chanting ceremony and meet monks. Dinner and overnight at the camp. (B,L,D)
Day 3 : Drive to Ugii lake
After breakfast drive to Ugii lake about 310kms. This is a long drive. Free time in Ugii lake. Meals and one overnight will be at the comfortable Ger camp.(B,L,D)
Day 4 : Khorgo Terkh National Park
Arrival at Khorgo – Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park 296kms. Today we will visit the clear freshwater Lake Terkhiin White. After breakfast riding or hike to Volcana and visit more attractions. There will be an opportunity to visit local nomadic family, which keeps Yaks. Meals and one overnight will be at the comfortable Ger camp. (B,L,D)
Day 5 : Khorgo Terkh National Park
Arrival at Khorgo – Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park 296kms. Today we will visit the clear freshwater Lake Terkhiin White. After breakfast riding or hike to Volcana and visit more attractions. There will be an opportunity to visit local nomadic family, which keeps Yaks. Meals and one overnight will be at the comfortable Ger camp.(B/L/D)
Day 6 : Chuluut River and Tsenkher hot spa
After breakfast drive to the Tamir (about 196km). We will be driving through beautiful green valleys with nomadic gers and herds. We will see the Chuluut River and the Canyon about 50 meter, on the way. Dinner and overnight will be in Tsenkher hot spa ger tourist camp 45km. (B/L/D)
Field trip to the steppe range
Day 7 : Kharakhorum city
After breakfast drive to Kharakhorum (219km). After lunch will be visit the Erdenezuu monastery. This Monastery was built in 1586 and is surrounded by a massive 400m-x 400m wall. Not a single nail was used in the construction of the ornate temples, only a few of which remain standing after the communist purges. Mongolia´s ancient capital Kharakhorum, Chinggis Khaan´s fabled city, was founded in 1220 in the ORKHON Valley, at the crossroads of “The Silk Road”. It was from there that the Mongol Empire was governed, until Kublai Khaan moved to Beijing. Meals will be at the Ger camp. Overnight at a Ger camp.(B/L/D)
Day 8 : Tovkhon Monastery
After breakfast, drive to Ulaan Tsutgalan about 90km the tributary of Red river which comes from ridge of Gyatruu, falls down into Orkhon river when it’s flowing trough the canyon. It is 20m of height, 10m of width and there is a tributary noise from 3-5km away of it. Visit to Tovkhon monastery. In this monastery, Holy Saint Zanabazar were creating his masterwork such as the Green Tara and Soymbo script etc. This monastery built on peak of Shivee mountain. Dinner at tourist camp and overnight there.(B/L/D)
Day 9 : Ongi temple
Today we drive to Middle Gobi (254km). Next Stop is the Ongi Cloister ruin. Our camel riding trips are led by experienced guides. Overnight at the tourist camp. (B/ L,/D)
Gobi camp service: sauna, shower and bar.Travel to the Great GOBI range
Day 10 : Flaming cliffs “Bayanzag”
After breakfast drive to South Gobi (about 250km). On the way visit the Flaming cliffs (dinosaur excavation site). Bayanzag is an area of red cliffs, which formed from the erosion of sand and rock over many thousands of years. It also the site of several successful dinosaur excavations. Overnight in tourist camp.(B/L/D)
Day 11 : 3 beauties of Gobi National park
After breakfast visit the beautiful Eagle Valley, Gurvan Saikhan Uul (about 40 km). The valley is about 10 km long and is completely shaded from the sun in some parts due to the high cliff walls. There you can walk and photograph spectacular local landscapes (Gobi Mountains). At the opening of the valley is a Local Natural History Museum displaying interesting information about the animals of the area. You will return to the Ger camp in the evening for dinner and overnight at a Ger camp.(B/L/D)
Day 12 : Fly back to Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast fly to Ulaanbaatar. Shopping at State Department Store. Dinner at a local russian restaurant. In the evening we'll have exciting performance in Tumen Ekh Chuulga to see traditional folklore such as dance, song, Buddhist ritual mask dance. Overnight in ***Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 13 : Terelj National Park
After breakfast at 8.40 visit Gandan – the largest monastery and temple complex in use in Mongolia, built in 1810. In one of the temples there is the biggest standing Buddha (26.5meter) in Central and East Asia, Janraisig “all seeing Lord. 10.00 am drive to Terelj National Park 98km. On the way you will be introduce with the small town people’s living standard, herder families, pasturing livestock, Monk cave and Turtle rock.
Arrive in the tourist camp. Introduce with camp and its surrounding environment. Lunch in the Ger restaurant. Afternoon see the river and hike the mountain near by the camp and rest in the ger. Dinner and overnight in the comfortable Ger camp. (B/L/D)
Day 14 : Visit in the nomadic Family.
Free time. After breakfast, go hiking with the local guide in the nearby forest and enjoy the scenery and views from top of the mountains. Now visit nomadic family. Learn their everyday life, horse riding, cow milking and dairy product producing.Lunch and overnight in the tent near by nomadic family. (B/L/D)
Day 15 : Khan Khentii protected area,
Princess temple.-Trekking with ox-card and horse around Khan Khentii Mountain. Breakfast. Preparations for the journey. Starting journey. Ride an Ox-cart like a nomadic Mongol to Princess Temple. We ride and walk 8 km through spectacular valleys and across small rivers surrounded by highly–eroded rock formations of the Khan Khentii Mountains. Cafe breaks on picnic at a site chosen for its spectacular setting. Visit the ruins of Princess Temple, was built in 1740. Return to the camp. Free time. Sauna and shower time. Evening programs of interest and bonfire. Dinner and overnight at the camp. (B/L/D)
Day 16 : Ulaanbaatar
After Breakfast return to Ulaanbaatar 98km. Visit Choichin lama museum. Shopping at State Department Store. Dinner at a local russian restaurant. In the evening we'll have exciting performance in Tumen Ekh Chuulga to see traditional folklore such as dance, song, Buddhist ritual mask dance. Overnight in ***Hotel. (B,L)
Day 17 : Departure:
After breakfast, drive to Chinggis Khaan airport for departure. /B/
Duration: 17 Days (16 nights)
Price and Availability
| Tour Code | Tour Season | Price | 2010 | ||
| 2-4 PAX | 5-7 PAX | 8-15 PAX | |||
What's included
- 3 Ulaanbaatar overnights in Hotel
- 13 Overnights ger camp.
- 1 hour Camel trip
- 1 horse riding trip
- Domestic flight from Gobi to UB
- Museums, national entertainment
- Entry fees and guides
- Transport in countryside and terminal transfer
- Meals, Meal codes = (B, L, and D): breakfast, lunch, and dinner
We organize your free time in MONGOLIA: Shopping time, evening programs of interest, post, email service and Bank visit.
What's not Included
- International transportation
- travel insurance
- visas
- departure tax
- drinks
- Items of a personal nature.
Additional pricing importation
Single Supplements Optional Single Tourist camp ger supplement: 15-20USD
Optional Single Hotel Supplement: 50-70USD
2011 Prices
Dates, prices and itineraries shown for trips departing in 2011 may be subject to change. Should you book a 2011 trip and the price subsequently rises due to unforeseen ground costs or exchange rate fluctuations by more than 10%, you may cancel with a full refund.
What's serving for you?
Tourist Ger camp: (Ger facilities) During your trip in the countryside, you’ll overnight in ger camps. Make yourself comfortable in a ger (2-4 beds). Each camp has a ger restaurant. Most camps are equipped with toilets and showers with other possibilities for entertainment.
Guest Ger camp:: (Ger facilities) During your trip in the countryside, you’ll occasionally overnight in guest ger camps. It’s more casual or less touristy decorated comparing to tourist luxury ger camps. Most guest ger camps are not equipped with flush toilets or hot showers.
by the nomadic family: Traditionally, nomad families used to leave 1 extra ger for random visitor’s sudden visit. Nowadays its a fading tradition but has found new life as tourists have started coming to Mongolia. Providing a sustainable extra income to nomadic families and providing for meaningful cultural exchanges, spare gers in the countryside are far more interesting to stay in than some tour camps.
Japanese minivan: (4 wheel vehicle) over the last several years Japanese vans have been successfully running for tourist services all over Mongolia. They have good air conditioning systems and are more comfortable to ride in which is appreciated by many of our clients.
Purgon (Russian van): Purgon is a grey colored van guaranteed for Mongolian bumpy roads and it holds 7 people easily. It’s suitable for longer trips and for those who are keen to save some transport expenses. We would suggest the van if you are heading off into remote areas such as western Mongolia or the Gobi.
Travel Grade
C05: Rich culture and ancient temples exploration 17 days trip is classed in the Average Traveler category. Please see below:
Easy traveler category – Accommodation in comfortable tourist camps and 3 star or 5 star hotels, Japanese vehicle or latest Land Cruiser jeep, guided horse riding trek (if you are riding first time), guided camel riding trek (if you are riding first time) and hiking.
Moderate traveler category - Accommodation in comfortable tourist camps and 2 stars or 3 star hotels, occasionally camping in the tent, Japanese vehicle or latest Land Cruiser jeep, guided horse riding trek (if you are riding for the first time), guided camel riding trek (if you are riding first time) and trekking.
Adventure Traveler category- 2 star hotel or Guesthouse, mixed accommodation and tourist ger camping or camping in the tent, field cooked meals, steppe biking for beginners, basic rock climbing and hiking.
Extreme adventure seekers – camping, field cooked meals, mountain and steppe biking (advanced biker), horse riding trip (advanced rider with more than 5 years experience), Camel riding trek, and extreme mountain climber.
Traveller's comments
2009-08-22 Protezi (Italy)
Thank you very much to 'Mongol Khaan' for wonderful trip with very nice driver and guide. Thank you for showing us Mongolian attractive places. We very enjoyed our trip. The Mongol Khaan company's service was great. We will recommend to tour operator in Italy your company.
Travelling through the Mongolia for 18 days, we have seen different tourist camps. For Italian people the food is very important. If you recrecommend to these camps more tasty foods for Italian tourists every thing will be OK! But this is only few of them /tourist camps/
Thank you very much for your company. Wish you the best and luck.
Best regards,
2007-09-12 Melba Pyne. UK
This fantastic journey, i just had traveling across Mongolia was made possible thanks to the wilderness,care and attention of Mongol Khaan's staff both very professional and skilled. The beauty of the country&friendliness of its people offend me one of the most enjoyable holiday i have ever had. Organization and attention to detail while "on the road" was excellent........Many thanks for a wonderful time that you gave me.