Karakorum - or Harhorin - was the ancient capital in the time of the Mongol empire during the 13-14th centuries. It was totally sacked by the Chinese Ming dynasty warriors during the overthrow of Kubilai Khan, the Mongol emperor of China. Little remain, but the site is situated in a very scenic area. During the 16th century the gian Erdenezuu Monastery was built from the remains of Karakorum. Erdenezuu was closed for many years, but after the democratic reforms in 1991, monks are again living there. We will journey by bus or jeep 370 km to the west of Ulan Bator into the Ovorhangai providence, and visit Karakorum and Erdenezuu. We will overnight in a permanent ger camp at 80 km short from Karakorum at the Hogno Khan Mountain. It is a unique rock formation, situated on the arid steppes. Nearby is a small freshwater lake with ducks and herons. On the mountain itself, the Erdene Khombo Monastery is being restored.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive Ulaanbaatar - Arrive the Mongolian capital by air or by train. Transfer to your hotel. If you arrive in time, some sightseeing can be done in Ulaanbaatar.
Day 2:
To Hogno Khan Mountain - Depart in the morning by bus for the Hogno Khan Mountains Ger Camp. We will travel on one of Mongolia's few asphalt roads. There will be steppe landscape all the way, and upon reaching the Hogno Khan Mountain area we will see sand dunes in the middle of the steppes. They are locally known as "Little Gobi" and next to them there is a small lake where waders such as herons and ducks may be seen. Overnight in gers.
Day 3:
Hogno Khan Mountain - This is a giant rock formation in the middle of the steppes. In it, is the small Erdene Khombo Monastery, now being restored. The abbot is a woman, Davaa, who as a child witnessed her father, then abbot, be executed during the purges of the 1930s. The monestary is surrounded by interesting country side where many nomadic herdsmen live. We will explore the area today.
Day 4:
Erdenezuu & Karakorum - Full day excursion of this fascinating area. We will drive 70 km on a poor road to Harhorin. Erdenezuu is nowadays a functioning monastery in constant renovation to its former splendor. Once, 1000 monks used to inhabit Erdenezuu. It had some 100 temples within its 400 by 400 meters long walls. The monastery was sacked during the purges of 1937. Only the walls and 3 temples remain. Erdenezuu is still one of the most fascinating sites of Mongolia, and usually we will be able to experience and see the prayers. Return to camp and overnight in gers.
Day 5:
Return to Ulaanbaatar - Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. On the way we will possibly visit the conservation project where the Przewalski horses are being released back into the wild in the Hustain Nuruu Steppe Reserve. The Przewalski Horse (Equus przewalskii) is called the Takhi by the Mongols. It is the only truly wild horse remaining in the world. A sizable population have been bred in captivity in zoos around the world since its eradiction in the wild. Young foals are now being flown back to Mongolia in an attempt to reintroduce them back into the wild. The last Takhi was seen in a remote area called the Dzungarian Gobi in 1969. The visit is subject to the approval of the project leadership, but is usually feasible. If it rains, access to the reserve may also be difficult. Overnight in hotel in Ulaanbaatar.
Day 6:
Departure - After breakfast transfer to the airport or the train station for your next destination.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
From Ulaanbaatar - $650 per person (minimum 4 persons), $850 per person (with 2-3 people), $35 single room supplement, $70 private ger supplement (gers normally have 3-4 beds in each)
Departures: From Ulaanbaatar June to Mid September
Includes: Local guide, all meals. Overnights in hotel in shared double and in 3-4 bed gers. All transport and entrance fees.
Does not include: Imported drinks, airport tax on departure (approx. $9), and air tickets.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Mongolia
Nature & Wildlife
Ecotourism
Mountain/Rock Climbing
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