Genghis Khaan Birthplace (code:019)

Interested in Mongolian history? Taking part in this trip you will visit the legendary birthplace of Genghis Khan, the greatest warrior of all time. You will admire the beauty of the Eastern Mongolia, its wilderness and many historic sites connected to Genghis Khan, his childhood, his battles, his loves as well as his offspring'. This trip takes you to Oglogchiin Herem, the biggest graveyard of the 13th century Mongolian aristocrats, also Genghis Khan's Aurag city ruins, the Great Khan's birthplace Deluun Boldog, the Rivers Herlen and Onon, from which the Great Khaan once drank etc.,

Tour Overview

Tour Length:   8 days

Group size:      3 to 12 people

Transport type: Vehicle

Tour cost:        US$ 1390- (including taxes)

Tour level:       Standart

Schedule 2011:  June- September (You can choose when you come and the date.)

Highlights: Ulaanbaatar city, Black Heart Blue Lake (Huh Nuur), Bereeven Monastery, Rashaan Rocks and Ancestor’s Wall, Birthplace of Genghis Khan, Huduu Aral, Horseback riding tour, city shopping, Visit nomad families, opportunity to ride horse and much more!

 TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1. Ulaanbaatar

Upon arrival in Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a leisure program of sightseeing around the city including Sukhbaatar square, Gandan Monastery and Zaisan Hill. Optional visit to Natural History Museum of Mongolia. Enjoy traditional art performance and Welcome dinner at restaurant. Overnight in hotel. (D)

Day 2. Black Heart Blue Lake (Huh Nuur)

Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 250 km, 6-7 hours. After breakfast, we will drive east outside of the capital and reach Huh Nuur ("The Blue Lake”) located at the foothill of Har Zurh ("The Black Heart”) Mountain. At this place in 1189, a ceremony was held conferring the title of Genghis Khan to the young Temuujin thus becoming the King of the Mongols. Not far from the lake, is a trace from the 15 meter wide ger that was Genghis’ dwelling. Stay overnight in ger camp. (B, L, D)

Day 3. Bereeven Monastery

Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 30 km, 1 hour.
Today we will visit the ruins of Baldan Bereeven monastery. It was considered to be the Mongolian version of the Tibetan Utai and Gumben monasteries.The monastery, foundation stone of which was laid in 1784, but finished in 1813, used to be one of the bigger religious centers of Khalkh Mongol with about 800 monks. Baldan Bereeven monastery was later destroyed leaving foundational ruins. On the rocky hills surrounding the monastery, you will view religious paintings and art work. We will explore the ruins and meet the monks and carpenters who are now in the process of restoring the monastery. Stay overnight in ger camp. (B, L, D)

Day 4. Rashaan Rocks and Ancestor’s Wall

Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 150 km, 5-6 hours.
Today, we will drive to the Ancestor’s Wall visiting other sites along the way. First, we will explore the rock writings at Rashaan Had Rock. There are numerous carvings and paintings depicting animals and humans as well as carvings of several hundreds of tribal seals and around 20 scripts in Orkhon-Enisey, Kidan, Arabian-Persian, Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese. Also, the Deer Monuments from the end of Bronze Age and beginning of Iron Age in the valley of Jargalant River will be explored today. Later, we will arrive at the Ancestor’s Wall which was erected with large red granite rocks which half encircles a small rocky hill. The wall is approximately 3 feet wide, 8-10 feet high and 4.78 miles in length. It is thought to have been built in the 13th century and remains to this day in remarkable condition. Visit a nomad family to discover their way of life, their culture and traditions. Stay overnight in ger camp. (B, L, D)

Day 5. Birthplace of Genghis Khan

Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 120 km, 3-4 hours. /one way/
In the early morning, we will drive to the Dadal village. We will visit there several historical sites such as Deluun Boldog and Khajuu spring waters. Deluun boldog is a low hill where Temuujin was born. Nearby is a small flowing spring called Khajuu Bulag and is the location of where Temuujin was bathed after birth. Drive back to the camp. Stay overnight in ger camp. (B, L, D)

Day 6. Huduu Aral

Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 220 km, 7-8 hours.
Today we will drive to Kherlengiin Huduu Aral, Delgerkhaan soum. This location is mentioned in "The Secret History of the Mongola” and is where the book was completed by an unknown Mongolian historian in 1240. We will explore the traces of the Great Aurag Palace, the first city of the Mongolian Empire. Natural spring waters also abound in this valley. Stay overnight in ger camp. (B, L, D)

Day 7. Ulaanbaatar

Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 250 km, 3-4 hours.
Drive to Ulaanbaatar. Visit the Bogd Khan Palace Museum and the National history museum. Shopping for souvenirs and cashmere is optional. Farewell dinner. Overnight in hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 8. Departure back Mongolia

Transfer to airport for return flight. (B)

B- Breakfast

L- Lunch

D- Dinner

Included:

• Twin bedded rooms in a hotel
• Shared accommodation in tourist ger camp
• Guiding and interpreting service
• All meals as listed in the itinerary
• Daily supply of bottled water
• Transfers by vehicle 4x4
• Local guides
• All entrance fees
• Horse, camel, yak ride trial

Not included:

• international airfare
• optional activity cost
• alcoholic drinks
• international airport departure tax (uds13)
• travel insurance