Mongolia Buddhist Monasteries Tour (8 days)
- Experience Mongolia’s oldest monastery
- Take in beautiful sights
- Explore our religious culture
- Visit with a nomadic family
- View amazing rock formations
- Std twin room at 4* hotel
- Shared accommodation at Ger camp
- Private transfers
- English speaking guide
- All meals as listed
- All entrance fee
- Mongolian barbecue
- Letter of Invitation
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Camera fee for museum & monastery
- Travel Insurance www.WorldNomads.com
- Single supplement
Overview
Buddhism was declared Mongolia's national religion in the 13th century and has been widespread since the 1600s. By 1900, there were 583 monasteries and temples and a trip around some of them can be considered the perfect introduction to Tibetan Buddhism.
Among the wonderful monasteries on this tour is Erdene Zuu, built in the 1580s on the site of the ancient imperial capital. One of the oldest monasteries in Mongolia, in its prime there were 10,000 lamas in residence and nearly 60 temples. By the end of the Stalinist purges in the 1930s, however, all but 4 of these temples had been destroyed. You will see the lamas chanting and receive Buddhist empowerment as well as having the opportunity to view the temple's museum complex.
The price per person will depend on the size of the group as shown below.
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I spent 2 weeks touring wonderful Mongolia in August and it was a fantastic experience. I have seen places that I didn't even think could exist on earth and our perfect guide Gantuul (Gana) made everything really unique. Impeccable organization and great people. Highly recommended.
Thank you for introducing us to Mongolia and getting us in at the very end of the season! Our tour itinerary was nicely customized for us and Togosoo and Nandai were very capable. I loved the different Ger camps (even though it was freezing cold overnight! The wood stoves are wonderful), and it was rather nice for everything to be so empty of other tourists.
Itinerary
After arriving in Ulaanbaatar, You'll be greeted at the airport and escorted to the hotel. City sightseeing tour including a visit Gandan Monastery with its huge gold plated Buddha, a symbol of Mongolian national pride and cultural revival. See the monks chanting, spin some prayer wheels and view the intricately embroidered thanks.
In the afternoon visit Bogd Khan Palace, which is a series of beautiful traditional buildings, where the last religious King of Mongolia resided.
Overnight in the hotel. (L+D)
After breakfast, continue driving to Kharkhorin, the symbolic ruins of the 13th century capital of the Mongol Empire. On the way, we will enjoy a beautifully changing the landscape from semi-desert Gobi into forest steppe. Visit Erdene-Zuu, the oldest monastery, with 108 stupas, built in 1586.
Then visit the Kharkhorin museum and see the Great Mongol state period, Stone Age, Bronze Age, Ancient state period halls.
Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)
Today make a trip to the Orkhon Waterfall situated in the valley Orkhon river. Waterfalls from a height of 20 meters and the width of the stream at the point where forms the spectacular waterfall is 10 meters.
The road to the waterfall is not easily accessible, owing to the rocky surface of the area along the Orkhon river. On the way, we visit the Shankh monastery.
Overnight in tourist ger camp. (B+L+D)
After a breakfast trip to Tuvkhun which is one of the most beautiful monastery complex, situated on a forested rocky mountain.
Then we will drive to the Khugnu khan Mountain natural reserve. Visit a unique combination of Mongolian mountains, forest, and Gobi-type in one location. The small monastery Uvgun (Old temple) will be quite an interesting spot - by walking or horse riding.
Overnight in tourist Ger camp. Full board. (B+L+D)
Today we will visit a local horsemen family. Free horseback trial. There we have an opportunity to experience their way of life, their culture and traditions.
Play national games and overnight in the tourist camp. (B+L+D)
Tour continue to Bogd Khan National park – sacred mountains and rock carvings, over 300 plant varieties, animals such as deer, boar, fox, hare, wolf, squirrel, eagles, and woodpeckers, plus a deer farm. Visit the Manzhir Khid 18th century monastery in the southern reserve.
Overnight in tourist Ger camp. (B+L+D)
Drive back from the camp to Ulaanbaatar. You may choose an optional city tour where you will be taken to souvenir and cashmere shops before enjoying an evening concert of National Folklore.
Overnight in the hotel. (B+L+D)
You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport. (B)
Good to know
- The best time to make this trip
May to September is the best season, with the peak season in July for the Naadam Festival. July and August are also the wettest months of the year but be assured, our climate is such that you will still have many sunny days at this time. The best time to visit the Gobi is June or September.
- Accommodation:
We believe that comfortable, welcoming accommodation is vital to the enjoyment of your trip. You will be staying in a standard 3-4 star hotel in Ulaanbaatar and a tourist ger camp (traditional dwelling) with currency (220V), shower and other useful services (2 to 4 people per ger) in the countryside. All accommodation offered by Discover Mongolia is personally checked by our staff to ensure high standards.
- Meals:
In Ulaanbaatar, you will be dining at fine European and Asian cuisine restaurants. Mutton, beef, rice, and noodles form the basis of the Mongolian diet, so your meals will be based around this. However, the trail rations may include vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, cheese and sometimes yak! On some days there will be lunchboxes from tourist camps. It is good food and our experience has been that guests are happy with this arrangement. Please let us know in advance if you are a vegetarian. Alcohol is not provided on the trip but tourists are free to bring their own.
- Transport:
Discover Mongolia use the highest level, latest model, air-conditioned private vans or 4WD vehicles for the maximum comfort on your touring days. A day's drive in the countryside will be approx 200-250km.
- Personal things to bring with you:
Warm thin layers of clothing are the best such as bring a waterproof jacket, and a hat and headscarf to protect you from the sun and winds. Don't forget insect repellent, sun cream, lip-gloss, water purifying tablets and first aid kit (medicine for headache, cold, diarrhea, runny nose; bandages; any medicine prescribed for you ). All your camera equipment.
