Duration: 15 days/ 14 nights • 3 nights in hotel in UB • 12 nights in tented Covered distance by land: appr.2200 km Route: UB – Amarbaysgalant monastery - Khuvsgul Lake - Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake -Ogii lake - Kharkhorin - Elsen tasarkhai - UB Monasteries: Gandan monastery, Amarbayasgalant monastery, Zayiin Gegeen monastery, Erdene zuu monastery, Tovkhon monastery Buddhism took firm root and adopted as official religion of Mongolia in the second half of 16th century. Tibetan lamas came in large number to organize systematic translation of religious literature into Mongolian, and this in turn greatly encouraged the growth of literacy amongst Mongols and the flourishing of Mongol culture. 5 year - old Zanabazar was proclaimed as highest incarnate lama in Mongolia and head of Mongolian Buddhism.He did much to cultivate buddhism and establishing monasteries and temples as well as devised new alphabet and was great artist and sculptor. This cultural tour offers 15 days leisure holiday through country’s northern and central parts with visits to important monasteries of Mongolian Buddhist history. Relaxing days at beautiful freshwater lakes combined to make this spiritual tour more enjoyable. Amarbayasgalant Monastery Located at the foot of Burenkhaan mountain close to the city Erdenet, Amarbaysgalant or "monastery of tranquil felicity”, is one of the largest and most important monasteries in Mongolia. Built between 1727 and 1736 with more than 40 temples in honor of Zanabazar, the first Bogd Gegeen, it is one of the very few monasteries to have partly escaped the destruction of 1937, after which only the buildings of the central section remained. The entire contents: the tankas, statues and manuscripts were looted by the Communists or hidden until more fortunate times. Restoration work began in 1988 and now Amarbayasgalant monastery shows great stylistic unity. Tuvkhen Monastery Tuvkhen Hermitage Monastery, located at the peak of Tuvkhen Khan Mountain (2300 m), served for several centuries as a meditative and artistic retreat. It owes much of its significance to the fact that it was originally established as the studio of Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, founder of the Mongolian school of religious art, whose masterful bronze Buddhas have gained worldwide recognition. Tuvkhen also bears witness to the Buddhist meditative tradition, as the site includes two caves used by lamas for secluded meditation. Although Tuvkhen Monastery is very similar in appearance to the small temples of China, Tibet and Nepal, it is unique in terms of its extremely remote location, complete dedication to the purpose of religious meditation and artistic creation, and in its harmonious integration with the natural surroundings. The monastery is situated at the peak of a wooded mountain, on a 30-meter-high plateau. During his stay at Tuvkhen, Undur Gegeen Zanabazar produced a series of outstanding works of art, books and icons, as well as the soyombo alphabet and symbol. Lakes: Khuvsgul lake , Terkhiin tsagaan lake , Ogii lake Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan: An astonishingly beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by extinct volcanoes at an altitude of 2.060 m. The lake is 16 km wide and 10 m deep with its deepest point at 28 meters and over 20 kilometers in length. It has lovely sandy shores and enough warm water good for swimming. The area offers great adventure for visitors with its caves, mountain cliffs and Khorgo volcano creater. Ogii Nuur is a lake at 1.387 meters above sea level, which engages 27 sq.km of area. The lake offers charming view extending for far horizons. Usually the lake has beautiful calming view with smooth waves, but it becomes impressive when strong wind flows above the lake surface. The lake abounds various types of fish and birds, which creates an incredible natural beauty.

Ondor Gegeen Zanabazar Erdenezuu Monastery Young lama

ITINERARY:

Day 1. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar. City tour with visits to the National History Museum and the Gandan monastery - the biggest Buddhist center of Mongolia. Welcome dinner and short briefing on the upcoming tour. Hotel.

Day 2. Drive to Amarbaysgalant Monastery – one of the the largest monastery of Mongolia, built in 17th century in the memory of the Bogdo Lama Zanabazar- head of Mongolian religion. Located in the northern province Selenge, the Monastery lies in beautiful surroundings good for walking. Tourist camp/ or tented camp.

Day 3-5. Head to Khuvsgul lake. Pass through Erdenet city / Mongolia's 3d largest city famous for its huge copper mine/ and Bulgan province. Late on the 4th day we will arrive in Huvsgul lake. Spend next day enjoying the Magnificent Khuvsgul lake- itself is one of the natural wonders of the world covering area of 2.760 km2. This is land of taiga forest, crystal-clear lakes, icy streams and lush grass. Walking along the lakeshore and hiking in vicinity areas. Tourist camp/ or tented camp.

Day 6. Today our trip turns to the south towards Terkhiin Tsagaan lake. Take an overnight stop at Shine Ider village. Overnight in tents.

Day 7-8. Arrive in Terkhiin Tsagaan lake - beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by extinct volcanoes at an altitude of 2.060 meters above the sea level. Explore the lake and its vicinity areas. Hike to Khorgo Uul volcano (2.965m) from the northeast shore of the lake. Visit caves on the way. Tented camp/ or mongolian ger.

Day 9. Drive to Tsetserleg town – a center of Arkhangai province. Visit to the Zayan Gegeen Monastery and local Museum. Tented camp near Tsetserleg.

Day 10. Drive towards north and enter the “Orkhon valley culturel landscape” as inscribed in the UNESCO World heritage list in 2004. Next 3 days we will be navigate within this historcial landscape having a visit to its famous sites as Tovkhon monastery, Kharkhorin Erdene zuu and Orkhon river. Hike up to Tovkhon temple settled on the Shiveet mountain top. This is the place where Zanabazar, the head and founder of Mongolian Buddhism, was creating his famous art works such as the national script “soyombo” in XVI century. Now, the temple has accepted as “the world precious heritage” by UNESCO. We can see the symbolic rock formations, stone script and caves in surroundings. Tented camp.

Day 11. Drive to Kharkhorin- the symbolic ruins of Kharkhorin, the capital of Mongolian Empire in the 13th century, and Erdene Zuu monastery are situated in the vast valley of Orkhon river. Visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery - the first Buddhist center of Mongolia which was built in 1586 on the ruins of Kharkhorin. The temples contain a valuable collection of Buddhist sculpture, artwork and books. Tourist camp/ or tented camp.

Day 12. Drive to Ogii lake. Leisure day at the lake. There are more than 150 bird species noted at Ogii lake, thus facilitating wonderful opportunities for birdwatching. You can walk, fish as well as enjoy boating which is offered by local people. We offer 1 - hour horseriding for the benefit of local horsemen. Tourist camp/ or tented camp.

Day 13. Driving back to UB. Transfer to hotel and have free time for relaxing, or personal activity. Cultural performance in the evening. Hotel.

Day 14. Visit to the Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum and Fine art museum. Shopping in State department store and souvenir shops. Overnight in hotel.

Day 15.Transfer to the Airport. Depart from UB.

TOUR PRICE