Across the vast grasslands stretching beneath Mongolia's endless blue sky, one can find fascinating cultural treasures of the ancient past - monuments bearing runic inscriptions, mysterious stone carvings, and ruins of the capital of a once-great empire. An excellent introduction to Mongolia's early history, this overland trip traverses diverse landscapes to discover the country's most intriguing archaeological sites.
Travelers will explore ancient burial mounds, the site of the ancient city of Kharakhorum, Turkic "stone men," and mysterious deer stones, erected thousands of years ago by Turkic-Mongol tribes and characterized by carvings of deer in a "flying gallop." This journey into Mongolia's past provides a unique perspective of the country's rich history and culture.
In addition, there will be opportunities to appreciate Mongolia's unparalleled natural beauty, with visits to the sand dunes at the foot of the Hogno Han Mountains, the "Great White Lake" located in a magnificent national park, and two days on the shores of peaceful Lake Hovsgol.
Trip Highlights:
Travel overland through Mongolia's breathtaking scenery on the way to several fascinating archaeological sites
Wander among the mysterious Deer Stones of Uushigiin
Visit Kharakhorum, site of the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire, and explore Erdene Zuu, Mongolia's largest monastery
See the ruins of Har Balgas, the 9th-century capital city of the Uigurs
Explore Terkhiin Tsagaan, the serene "Great White Lake," by foot or on horseback
Itinerary at a Glance:
Day 1 -
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Day 2 -
Visit the Gandan Monastery. Drive east to the famed Tonyukuk Monument
Day 3 -
Visit the newly discovered Turkic wall painting in Red Wall or Ulaan Kherem
Day 4 -
Drive to Ugii Lake and visit Kultegin Monument; Visit Kharakhorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery
Day 5 -
Drive west to the ruins of Har Balgas and explore the area around Tsenheriin Hot Spring
Day 6 -
Drive to Tsetserleg, the most archaeologically rich area of Mongolia
Day 7 -
Venture west to the Chuluut River basin to visit a solitary deer stone
Day 8 -
Explore Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake and Horgo, a dormant volcano
Day 9 -
Visit Ariin Huree Monastery in Jargalant Soum
Day 10 -
Drive towards Muron, the capital of Hovsgol Province
Day 11 -
Visit the Hyadagiin Deer Stone
Day 12 -
Explore Lake Hovsgol
Day 13 -
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar
Day 14 -
Departure
Optional Extensions:
Extension to the mystical Gobi Desert
Extension to China to explore the historic city of Beijing
For more information, please contact:
Nomadic Expeditions, Inc.
1095 Cranbury-South River Road
Suite 20 A
Monroe Twp., NJ 08831
