MONGOLIA

Arrive Ulaanbaatar

Upon arrival, we will be welcomed and transferred to our hotel for check in. In the afternoon we'll visit the Ulaanbaatar Central Square and the National Museum of Mongolian History and the Zaisan Memorial. Ulaanbaatar is the capital city of Mongolia. Its recorded history goes back some 350 years.

The city settled in its current location in 1778, when the Tea Road, the overland trade route from Peking to St. Petersburg, made it an important commercial center.

The name of the city has also changed a number of times. From 1639 to 1706 it was known as Orgoo, from the Mongolian word for palace. From 1706 to 1911 the name was Ikh Khuree, and from 1911 to 1924 it was Niislel Khuree. For most of this time the West knew the city as Urga. Since October 29, 1924, the name has been Ulaanbaatar, which means Red Hero in the Mongolian language.

Overnight in Ulaanbaatar at Bayangol Hotel, Standard Room(Lunch and Dinner)

Day 2, Monday, August 25

Ulaanbaatar to Lake Khovsgul

Today we fly north to the forests and lakes of Khovsgol province.

After arrival at the Murun airport, we'll drive to LakeKhovsgol and

visit a local Monastery and deer stone monument complex from the Bronze Age

along the way. Arrive in the breath-taking scenery where our camp is located near the shores of Lake Khovsgol.

Day 3, Tuesday, August 26

Lake Khovsgol Activities

Lake Khovsgol is the biggest fresh water lake in Mongolia and it holds about 2% of the world's fresh water resources. It's crystal clear waters are 700 feet deep and it is surrounded by magnificent mountains covered with Larch and coniferous tress and beautiful meadows. Today is spent in leisurelyactivities and sightseeing on Lake Khosvgol and its

surroundings. There are a number of ways to spend the day, including boat journeys, gentle walking, and a visit to the Tsataan nomads - the "Reindeer People."

Reindeer People

Overnight in Lake Khovsgol at Ger Camp, Ger Tent (All Meals)

Day 4, Wednesday, August 27

Lake Khovsgol Activities

After breakfast, drive to the north to visit a Shaman family. Explore the lifestyle of the Reindeer herder families.

Shamanic Ritual

In the afternoon attend Shaman's ritual ceremony.

Read this New York Times article from a few years ago to learn more!

Overnight in Lake Khovsgol at Ger Camp, Ger Tent (All Meals)

Day 5, Thursday, August 28

Khovsvgol to Ulaanbaatar

Today we return to the Murun airport and fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, We will be met and transferred to our hotel for check in. In the afternoon, visit the 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 thankas. Also visit the Natural History Museum, where we'll have a chance to see the flora and fauna of Mongolia and complete dinosaur skeletons and eggs.

Overnight in Ulaanbaatar at Bayangol Hotel, Standard Room(All Meals)

Day 6 Friday, August 29

Ulaanbaatar to the South Gobi Desert

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight to the South Gobi. The Gobi is a desert like no other. Flat, arid plains stretch for thousands of miles interrupted by the occasional lone ger or herds of goats, camel or sheep. The Gobi desert is the least populated area of Mongolia and despite its arid climate, it supports a diverse array of bird and animal life.

On arrival, we will be met and drive to Yoliin Am,

(Eagle Valley). This is a long valley with high cliff walls that shade some areas of the valley floor from the sun year-round, allowing stunning ice sheets to form. We'll walk through the valley and see ibex grazing on the cliff faces. The wildlife in this area is abundant and desert plants are vibrant and varied. This area is situated in the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, which encompasses the 'Three Beauties" peaks and the eastern-most points of the Altai Mountains. In the evening we will have a meditation under the stars.

Overnight in South Gobi Desert at Ger Camp, Ger Tent (All Meals). Transportation: Flight from Ulaanbaatar to the South Gobi Desert

Day 7, Saturday, August 30

Drive to Khongor Sand Dune

Following breakfast, we set out on for the towering sand dunes of Hongoryn Els, which run for 60 miles alongside the Gobi-Altai Mountain range. These "Singing Sands," which stand up to 2,500 feet elevation, are pro

bably the Gobi's most impressive sand dunes. We will visit camel breeding family near the sand dune and have a chance to ride camels amongst the dunes.

Tow-humped camels are comfortable to ride as they are slow

Day 8, Sunday, August 31

Drive to Bayanzag and Ongi Temple

Early morning we'll drive about 3 hours to Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs, the name coined by explorer
Roy Chapman Andrew on his famous Central Asiatic Expedition. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking scenery of the Gobi desert's endless steppe. Bayanzag is where the complete petrified dinosaur skeleton and dinosaur eggs of the Cretaceous period were found. We will visit a local archaeological museum and explore the site.

Meditation under the stars and at dawn time permitting.

Overnight in Bayanzag at Ger Camp, Ger Tent (All Meals)

Ger Camp

Day 8, Monday, September 1

Bayanzag to the Ongi Monastery

Today we will drive to the ruins of the Ongi monastery. It was the largest Buddhist center in the Gobi region. There are two complexes of temple ruins which were built up in 1780s.During political repression in 1930s these two temples were destroyed and many lamas were executed and imprisoned. Visit ruin of monastery reconstructed parts.

Overnight in Ongi Monastery at Ger Camp, Ger Tent (All Meals)

Day 9, Tuesday, September 2

Ongi Monastery to Karakorum

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll drive to Karakorum, the symbolic ruins of the 13th century capital of the MongolEmpire. Visit Erdene-Zuu, the oldest monastery in Mongolia, with 108 stupas, built in 1586. Then visit Karakorum museum and see the Great Mongol state period, Stone Age, Bronze Age, Ancient state period halls and Erdenezuu monastery which is built on the ruin of the city.

Ger interior

Overnight in Karakorum at Ger Camp, Ger Tent (All Meals)

Day 10, Wednesday, September 3

In the morning visit Erdenezuu again to attend daily ritual of lamas. Then drive to the Khustai National Park to explore and spot the wild Prezwalski horses reintroduced to the country in recent years. In the afternoon drive to core zone of the park to explore other wildlife in the park such us takhi, red deer, wild sheep, wild goat and marmot. Visit with a local herder family to have lunch together. The gostess of nomad family may teach you how to produce milk products. Return to the camp and relax.

Overnight in Khustai National Park at Ger Camp, Ger Tent (All Meals)

Day 11, Thursday, September 4

Khustai National Park to Ulaanbaatar

After a leisurely breakfast, drive about 130 km back to Ulaanbaatar. After checking into your hotel, visit the

Bogd Khaan Palace, which is a series of beautiful traditional buildings in which the last religious King of Mongoliaresided. In the evening, attend a traditional concert with throat singers followed by a dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Ulaanbaatar at Bayangol Hotel, Standard Room(All Meals)

Day 12, Friday, September 5

Ulaanbaatar to Terelj National Park

In the morning visit a children's center in Ulaanbaatar. After lunch with children, drive to Terelj National Park. After checking in at the camp, take an excursion to Turtle Rock and enjoy the scenery of the area. Also visit the Meditation Temple. In the evening, visit the Ger Museum furnished with authentic Mongolian furniture and old Mongolian men's and women's clothes and belongings.

Turtle Rock at Terelj National Park

Overnight in Terelj National Park at Terelj Lodge Ger Camp, Ger Tent (All Meals)

Day 13, Saturday, September 6

Terelj National Park

Terelj National Park to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast at the camp head back to Ulaanbaatar. On the way back visit Chingiss Khaan Equestrian Monument which is dedicated to the 800th anniversary of the Mongolian empire. Return to the hotel for check in and in the afternoon free time on own.

Overnight in Ulaanbaatar at Bayangol Hotel, Standard Room(All meals)

Day 14, Sunday, September 7

Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our departure flight.

Orignally planned for August 2013, we have decided to postpone this trip by one year. In late 2013 we will have a gathering with a slideshow to learn more about it! PLease do not hesitate to contact Susan if you have any questions.

Larry and I are planning several special meditations at dawn and late at night in the Gobi. We can also practice yoga as time and space permits, during the trip, led by Susan.

We have always been fascinated by standing stones, endless skies and nomadic people. This trip will fill our senses to the brim with the most amazing sights, sounds and experiences. Please call anytime to talk about this spectacular journey. I hope you can join Larry and me!

See some useful Mongolian phrases here!

Here are some movies shot in Mongolia. And check out the weather. August and September are fine months for travel in Mongolia. Not too hot. Not too cold.


Thank you!

Susan & Larry
breathe deep tour leaders for Mongolia 2014