The tour itinerary is designed to destinations that have been historically significant to the people who lived in Mongolian steppes in the past two millennia.
In the morning, we depart from Ulaanbaatar towards Kharkhorin where the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire was located. Along the way, we have lunch at the Elsen Tasarkhai area which is also known as Mini Gobi due to its sand dune that stretches around 90km across the borderlines of 3 provinces of Mongolia. In this area where green steppes meet lengthy sand dunes, we will ride camels along the dunes before resuming our journey towards Kharkhorin.
Upon arrival, we check-in at local ger camp and depending on time availability, we visit the Erdene Zuu monastery which is the earliest Buddhist monastery established in Mongolia. At its heyday, the monastery was home to over 2000 monks. Despite its destruction during the communist purges in 1930s, a number of temples have been well preserved. The monastery was built in the late XVI century using the rubble from the ancient capital of the Empire. Thus, a number of excavations, in the surrounding area of the monastery, have found many artifacts that date back to the XIII century period.
Dinner and overnight at a local ger camp. (L+D)
After breakfast at the camp, we drive towards the area of KhushuuTsaidam. Here we can find a museum dedicated to the Turkic period which lasted between the VI-VIII centuries. Like many of the empires that came both before and after them, the capital of their empire was located in the well-known Orkhon Valley. Turks who dominated the steppes at that time are known to have been the first people to introduce writing in Mongolia and had improved smithing. The museum at KhushuuTsaidam displays historic artifacts found in the Orkhon Valley, nearby there are also monuments of Bilge Khan. Bilge Khan was the most famous Khan of the Turks in the VIII century and is remembered for his efforts for maintaining independence of his nation against rivaling Tang dynasty.
In the afternoon, we return to Kharkhorin in time for lunch. We visit other local attractions such Kharkhorin Museum, Monument of the Khans and Turtle stone.
In the evening, we arrive to Elsen Tasarkhai area for overnight. (B+L+D)
After breakfast at the camp, we begin driving towards Ulaanbaatar city. Enjoy lunch upon arrival and check-in at the hotel.
CN