Iconic Mongolia

The contrast between ancient traditions and a 21st-century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar, where traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries sit side by side with modern high-rises. Upon arrival at the airport you are welcomed by your Mongolian guide and transferred to a centrally located hotel within walking distance of various museums and shops.

(Shangri-La Hotel - Deluxe Room)

Begin the day with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece for government officials. However, in spite of the government’s efforts to suppress Buddhism and other religious beliefs, Mongolia’s spirituality persisted and a significant resurgence of Buddhism began in 1990 when Mongolia became a democracy.

Monasteries across the country are again opening their doors to worshippers and the few lamas who survived the purges are training a new generation. Extensive reconstruction and renovation projects are underway and priceless artifacts that were hidden for safekeeping by nomadic families are now being returned to monasteries.

Next, drive through downtown Ulaanbaatar to the National Museum for an excellent overview of Mongolia’s history and culture. The newly remodeled museum displays traditional implements of daily nomadic life including Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, historical costumes of Mongolia’s minority tribes, sacred religious relics, and agricultural, fishing, and hunting equipment. You will also visit the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum. Named in honor of Zanabazar, the first Buddhist leader of Mongolia and renowned sculptor, artist, and politician from the 17th century, the museum contains one of the best collections of Buddhist art and artifacts in the world, including many of Zanabazar’s original works.

In the evening, drive to Zaisan Memorial, built by the former Soviet Union to commemorate fallen soldiers of World War II. Those who climb the 300 steps will be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the capital city, the Tuul River, and the surrounding countryside. Enjoy welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant.

(Shangri-La Hotel - Deluxe Room; B, L, D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight north to Murun (1.5 hours), the capital of Hovsgol Province, and continue overland to Lake Hovsgol (2.5 hours), passing through the Mongolian steppe and forested mountains with a visit to the Uushgiin Deer stones. Mongolia’s largest lake by water volume, Lake Hovsgol extends 85 miles in length and 18 miles in width, and is fed by over 90 streams and rivers. Water exits the lake through only one river, the Egiin, whose waters eventually reach Lake Baikal in neighboring Siberia. Known as Mongolia’s “dark blue pearl,” this crystal-clear alpine lake remains untouched by industry, and is situated among some of the most pristine forests, mountains, and meadows in the world. Bird life and wildflowers abound and there will be ample time to discover the lake’s secrets in the following days.

(Double Lake Camp - Standard Room; B, L, D)

Spend this day exploring the lakeshore and surrounding mountains and meadows. Travelers can enjoy nature walks, kayak on the lake, or sample Mongolian-style horseback riding. Those who are interested will also have the opportunity to visit local nomads’ dwellings, and experience the ancient nomadic culture first-hand. Overnight at a ger camp on the lakeshore.

(Double Lake Camp - Standard Room; B, L, D)

After breakfast, return to Murun for an afternoon flight to Ulaanbaatar (1.5 hours). Along the way, stop for a picnic lunch at Lake Irkh, a small saline lake in the midst of the steppe that is popular with a variety of birds. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar in the late afternoon, transfer to the hotel. Dinner is independent.

(Shangri-La Hotel - Deluxe Room; B, L)

After breakfast, drive to Kharakhorum. En route, stop at Hustain Nuruu National Park, home to the last remaining species of wild horse, the takhi - commonly known as Przewalski’s horse. Twenty-five years after becoming extinct in the wild, the takhi was reintroduced to the Mongolian steppe from zoo populations by the Foundation for the Preservation and Protection of Przewalski’s Horse. Sixteen horses were flown from the Netherlands to Mongolia in 1994, and around 280 now roam the re-introduction sites in Hustain Nuruu. Learn about current conservation efforts and the status of the herds found within the reserve at the visitor’s center before trying to spot these beautiful horses in their natural habitat. Continue your drive to Kharakhorum and overnight at a local ger camp.

(Munkhtenger Ger Camp - Deluxe Ger; B, L, D)

Today we will explore Kharakhorum, site of the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. The empire created by Chinggis Khan and his descendants was the largest contiguous land empire in recorded history, and Chinggis Khan’s son, Ogedei, created the legendary city of Kharakhorum to serve as the capital of this monolithic empire. Once a bustling multi-cultural city, Kharakhorum was later abandoned by Khublai Khan for his new capital in Beijing and eventually fell into ruin. Mongolia’s largest monastery, neighboring Erdene Zuu, was reputedly constructed from the ruins of Kharakhorum in the 16th century.

Surrounded by over 108 stupas, Erdene Zuu has been a place of Buddhist activity for centuries.Begin with a stop at Shankh Hiid, a monastery within a short driving distance of Erdene Zuu and Kharakhorum, which was once frequented by Zanabazar, the influential Buddhist artist. Locals also tell stories of how the spiritual banner of Chinggis Khan, the black sulde, was hidden at Shankh Hiid monastery for safekeeping during the communist period. Continue to Erdene Zuu Monastery and explore the surrounding area, including the former site of the city of Kharakhorum. Visit the monastery grounds and observe monks as they perform their prayers and rituals. Enjoy lunch on the banks of the Orkhon River before returning to the ger camp in the late afternoon. Overnight in gers.

(Munkhtenger Ger Camp - Deluxe Ger; B, L, D)

Drive back to Ulaanbaatar (5-6 hours), stopping to visit a nomadic horse-breeding family and experience the warm hospitality offered to passing travelers in the form of food, shelter, and friendship.The afternoon in Ulaanbaatar is free for independent sightseeing or shopping. Dinner is independent. Overnight at the hotel.

(Shangri-La Hotel - Deluxe Room; B, L)

In the morning, fly over the vast steppe to the Gobi (1.5 hours), Mongolia’s southernmost province of semi-arid desert. Contrary to the sameness that the word ‘desert’ suggests, the Gobi is a fascinating and diverse region, and includes sites of some of the most important paleontological discoveries of the 20th century. For the next few days, explore the stunning landscapes of the Gobi, habitat for Bactrian camels, Argali mountain sheep, goitered gazelle, Golden Eagles, Saker Falcons, jerboas (similar to kangaroo rats), and many endemic reptiles. The Gobi is also home to some of the Northern Hemisphere’s most rare and elusive mammals, such as the snow leopard, wild camel, and Gobi bear.

Continue driving (4 hours) to the towering dunes of Hongoryn Els, which run 60 miles alongside the Gobi Altai Mountain range. Reaching upwards of 600 feet, these are the most magnificent sand dunes in the Gobi. We will have the opportunity to visit a camel-herding family and those who are interested can explore the area on foot, or on the back of a Bactrian camel. Enjoy the beautiful Gobi sunset over the dunes. Overnight in gers.

(Gobi Erdene Ger Gamp - Wooden Cottage; B, L, D)

Begin another day of exploring the spectacular sand dunes, known as the “Singing Sands”, due to the remarkable low-pitched groan that is emitted when the surface is disturbed by wind. Next, begin your drive to Three Camel Lodge. Along the way, stop at Gegeet Valley (2 hours), habitat of the elusive snow leopard. Arrive at the award-winning Three Camel Lodge, an eco-lodge located near the Gurvansaikhan Gobi National Park. The Three Camel Lodge has been chosen as one of the 50 Best Eco-Lodges by National Geographic Adventure.

(Three Camel Lodge - Deluxe Ger; B, L, D)

Spend today enjoying the local Naadam Festival where you will witness competitions in the “three manly sports” including wrestling, archery, and horse racing. These three sports traditionally measured the courage, strength, and pride of nomads and warriors, although men, women, boys, and girls all take part in contemporary Naadam games.

(Three Camel Lodge - Deluxe Ger; B, L, D)

In the morning, drive to Yol Valley National Park (1.5 hours), cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. An ancient river carved this surprisingly green valley, and its remnant streams create ice formations at the base of the valley that sometimes persist as late as July. A hike through the valley leads to the habitat of indigenous vulture-like Lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks, and Argali mountain sheep.

In the late afternoon, drive to the legendary Flaming Cliffs (1 hour), named for the red-orange sandstone that glows brilliantly at sunrise and sunset. It was here in 1923 that Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews and his exploration team from the American Museum of Natural History found the first nest of dinosaur eggs the world had ever seen. To the trained eye, the dramatic formations of the Flaming Cliffs are rich with fossils, and paleontological expeditions continue to make significant discoveries at this site. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

(Three Camel Lodge - Deluxe Ger; B, L, D)

Fly to Ulaanbaatar in the morning and visit Bogd Khan Winter Palace museum, home of Mongolia’s last theocrat, Bogd Jabzan Damba Hutagt VIII. The museum displays elaborate ceremonial robes and other personal effects of “Mongolia’s 8th Living Buddha.” In the evening, enjoy a performance featuring traditional Mongolian dancers and khoomi throat singers, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

(Shangri-La Hotel - Deluxe Room; B, L, D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure.

(B)