ICONIC MONGOLIA

Karakorum was the capital of the Mongolian Empire in the 13th century. It is located on the bank of Orkhon river, 380 km west of Ulaanbaatar a capital of Mongolia. It was a city with a collection of craftsmen and traders' houses and Khaan’s palace. In 1380, Karakorum was left behind when Khublai Khaan shifted capital city to Beijing. Two centuries later, on the same site, Khalkha nobleman Avtai Sain Khan founded the Erdene Zuu Monastery. The monastery of Erdene Zuu is a focal point in the history, religion and culture of the Mongolians.

Day 1. Capital - Ulaanbaatar.

Day 2. Ruins of Uvgun Monastery

Day 3. Kharkhorin/Erdenezuu Monastery

Day 4. Hustai National Park/Ulaanbaatar

Day 5. Departure

Day 1. Capital - Ulaanbaatar. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to hotel and start city tour in Ulaanbaatar, the nation’s capital, visit Chinggis square, Zaisan Hill; Museum of National History, famous for its exhibition for Stone and Bronze Age, Turkic and Mongol Empire, rise of Buddhism and communist regime, Gandan Monastery a centre of Mongolian Buddhism. Traditional cultural performance. Overnight and relax in the hotel.

Day 2. Bayangobi/Ruins of Uvgun Monastery. After breakfast, drive to Bayangobi. It is a unique place with various natural landscape such sand dunes, steppe and rocky mountains. Arrive in the ger camp in the afternoon. Visit Erdene Khambyn Khuree which is located 20 kms from the ger camp. We have opportunities to visit horse breeder’s family and experience making of airag, the Mongolian traditional drink made by mare’s milk. Hiking, horse and camel riding sessions are available. Overnight in the ger camp.

Day 3. Kharkhorin/Erdenezuu Monastery. After breakfast, we will drive to Kharkhorin; an ancient Capital of Great Mongolian Empire and Erdenezuu Monastery. Kharkhorin was established in the valley of Orkhon river in 1220. We will see 800 years old Turtle Rock near the temple. Erdenezuu Monastery is the first Buddhist monastery was founded by Avtai Sain Khaan, in 1586. The monastery is surrounded by white walls with 108 stupas. Explore small town Kharkhorin and visit local market. Overnight in the ger camp.

Day 4. Hustai National Park/Ulaanbaatar. After breakfast, we will start drive back to Ulaanbaatar. On the way we will visit Hustai National Park. The park lies in the southern range of Khentii mountain and it is the place you can see wild horse called Takhi known as Przewalski horse. The wild horses survive in nature by themselves as a result of successful reintroducing projects after 40 years of extinction. Currently, the number of Takhi has already reached more than 240. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar-the nations’ capital. Overnight and relax in the hotel.

Day 5. Departure. Breakfast at the hotel. Our iconic tour in Mongolia ends here by transferring to the airport.