Buddhist Monasteries Tour (code: 021)
Buddhism
was declared Mongolia’s national religion in the 13th century and has been
widespread since the 1600s. By 1900, there were 583 monasteries and temples and
a trip around some of them can be 
considered the perfect introduction to
Tibetan Buddhism. Among the wonderful monasteries on this tour is Erdene Zuu,
built in the 1580s on the site of the ancient imperial capital. One of the
oldest monasteries in Mongolia, in its prime there were 10,000 lamas in
residence and nearly 60 temples. By the end of the Stalinist purges in the
1930s, however, all but 4 of these temples had been destroyed. You will see the
lamas chanting and receive Buddhist empowerments as well as having the
opportunity to view the temple’s museum complex.
Tour Overview
Tour Length: 8 days
Group size: 3 to 12 people
Transport type: Vehicle
Tour cost: US$ 990- (including taxes)
Tour level: Standart
Schedule 2011: June- September (You can choose when you come and the date.)
Highlights: Ulaanbaatar city, Erdene-Zuu Monastery , Shankh monastery, Tuvkhun Monastery, Uvgun Monastery, Manzshir Monastery, 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 the hotel. In the afternoon, 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. Erdene-Zuu Monastery
Approximate
distance covered and estimated travel time: 360 km, 5-6 hours.
Travel to Karakorum, ancient capital city of Great Mongolian Empire. Visit the
oldest Monastery Erdene-Zuu built in 1586, with 108 stupas. Look around little
town Karakorum and see historical towel on the hill. Optional horse riding is
available in the evening. Stay overnight in ger camp. (B, L, D)
Day 3. Shankh monastery
Approximate
distance covered and estimated travel time: 120 km, 4-5 hours.
Travel to the Orkhon Waterfall. Water falls from height of 20 meters and the
width of the stream at the point where forms the spectacular waterfall is 10
meters. The road to the waterfall is not easily accessible, owing to rocky
surface of the area along the Orkhon river. On the way we visit Shankh
monastery. Stay overnight in ger camp. (B, L, D)
Day 4. Tuvkhun Monastery
Approximate
distance covered and estimated travel time: 100 km, 4-5 hours.
We continue our journey to Tuvkhun Monastery. In the afternoon we make a 2 km
trek to Tuvkhun monastery, called Nord Utai, located on a mountain 2,400m above
sea level. Here we enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the scenery and visit
the caves located around the monastery. Stay overnight in ger camp. (B, L, D)
Day 5. Uvgun Monastery
Approximate
distance covered and estimated travel time: 150 km, 3-4 hours.
Travel to Bayangobi. It is unique place with many different forms of natural
landscapes: Gobi sand dunes, forests, and rocky mountains. Visit Erdene Khambyn
Khuree. Stay overnight in ger camp. (B, L, D)
Day 6. Manzshir Monastery
Approximate
distance covered and estimated travel time: 320 km, 6-7 hours.
Travel to Bogd Khan National park. Visit the Manzshir Monastery, 18th century
monastery. Stay overnight in ger camp. (B, L, D)
Day 7. Ulaanbaatar
Approximate
distance covered and estimated travel time: 45 km, 1 hour.
Travel to Ulaanbaatar. Shopping for souvenirs and cashmere is optional.
Farewell dinner. Overnight in hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 8. Departure
After breakfast transfer to departure (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
- visa cost
- alcoholic drinks
- travel insurance
