Tour code: CU-TM11
We introducing the 16th century Buddhism became a nationwide religion with more than 700 monasteries and temples operating before the 1930s Stalinist purges. Nearly all of Buddhist lamas, artists and philosophers were executed during that dark period. Since 1990, Mongolian Buddhism has experienced a revival, resulting in the construction of new and restoration of old monasteries and temples. As of 2015, there are 180 Buddhist centers operating nationwide. More than 90% of Mongolians are Buddhist. Gandan Monastery’s religious school has grown into one of the major Buddhist schools with lamas from Tibet, Nepal, and India attending its classes. Several visits by the Dalai Lama provided an important impetus to the Buddhist renaissance of Mongolia.
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to hotel. City tour including a visit to Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist Center of Mongolia, followed by a visit to the Museum of the National History. The museum contains a unique collection of traditional costumes and jewelry of different ethnic groups of Mongolia. Traditional performance in the evening. (L.D )
Day 2: Baga Gazriin Chuluu / Dundgobi prpvince
Drive to unique granite rock formations of Baga Gazryn Chuluu. On the way explore ruins of an ancient temple at the oasis of Sum Khukh Burd. ( this day journey is 260 km.). Stay overnight in tent . (B.L.D)
Day 3: Ongi Temple / Dundgobi province
Drive to the ancient Ongi Temple. This temple is a notable monastery on the Ongi river about 18 km from Saikhan Ovoo. Formerly one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia, it was founded in 1660 and consisted of two temples complexes on the North and South of the Ongi Gol river. It was completely destroyed in 1939 . Explore ruins of Ongiin temple area . (this day journey is 220 km) Stay overnight at ger camp. (B.L.D)
Day 4: Arvaikheer Town/ Uvurkhangai province
Drive toward mineral springs of Khujirt sum. Stopover at Arvaikheer Town. It is a center for traditional crafts, goat herding and equestrian sports, and hosts a large regional horse festival every year. (this day journey is 200 km). Stay overnight in tent (B.L.D)
Day 5: Kharakhorum / Uvurkhngai province
Drive to Kharakhorum. Pass by the ancient temples of Tuvkhun Khiid and Shankh Khiid. Explore magnificent Erdene Zuu monastery temples with grand examples of Buddhist iconography dating back to the 16th century. Visit archeological excavation sites of Kharakhorum ruins. (this day journey is 150 km) Stay overnight at ger camp. (B.L.D)
Day 6: Mount Khugnu Khan / Bulgan province
Drive to Khugnu Khan mountain camp. This area is beautiful combination of sand and steppe , mountain . Walking through the splendor gratin mountain to visit ruins of Uvgun Monastery. Visit ruins of Uvgun Monastery. (this day journey is 90 km) Stay in ger camp. (B.L.D)
Day 7: Bulgan Province
Drive to Bulgan province. Drive to Bulgan town a administrative center of Bulgan province. Visit in former military point in the south of Bulgan, which was founded in 1921, was transformed into a museum and Dashchoinkhorlon Khiid is a monastery .
(this day journey is 185 km). Stay overnight at tent. (B.L.D)
Day 8: Monastery Amarbayasgalant / Selenge province
Drive to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, originally consisted of over 40 temples built on the special terrace, surrounded by a wall, measuring 207×175 m. Only 28 temples now remain. One of the interesting solutions is routing of roof water through the inside of four columns, under the floor, through stone grooves and away from the Tsogchin temple. See Buddha statue in the hill. Stay overnight at ger camp. ( this day journey is 160km). (B.L.D)
Day 9: Dugana Khad / Tuv province
The Dugana Khad is a unique formation of the Nature-temple shaped huge rock called Dugana, in the picturesque meadow valley of Erdene forest mountain, which is the end of Khentii mountains in the territory Tuv province .Explore environs of the Dugana Khad camp. On the way we visit to the Aglag Buteel temple .(this day journey is 280 km). Stay overnight in ger camp.(B.L.D)
Day 10: Ulaanbaatar
Arrive to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to hotel. Visit to the Zaisan war memorial, followed by a visit to the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum, a home of the last Khaan of Mongolia , Gobi factory store, Department store . (this day journey is 110 km). (B.L.D)
Day 11: Departure
After breakfast depart to airport.
TRIP DETAILS:
-2 nights in hotels
-5 nights in ger camps
-3 nights in tents
-Authentic Mongolian and international cuisines
-Visits to nomadic families
-Hiking, camel and horse riding opportunities
-Excursions to selected museums and traditional performances
