Exploring Khentii - Goyo Travel€¦ · Exploring Khentii-The Land of Chinggis Khaan - goyotravel.com - +44 (0) 1869 866520 - +976 9959 8468 – [email protected] At Goyo Travel

goyotravel.com - +44 (0) 1869 866520 - +976 9959 8468 – [email protected]

Exploring KhentiiThe Land of Chinggis Khaan

Duration: 18 Days Group Size: 3-8 Pax

Accomm. Type Name

Sun 19 Aug Hotel UB Hotel

Mon 20 Aug Ger Camp Mandal

Tue 21 Aug Ger Camp Bayangol

Wed 22 Aug Ger Camp Chinggisiin Ulgii

Thu 23 Aug Uzuurt Tokhoi Petroglyphs; Buriat Family Visit; Onon River; Hiking Ger Camp Chinggisiin Ulgii

Fri 24 Aug Ger Camp Chinggis Toonot

Sat 25 Aug Ger Camp Altargana

Sun 26 Aug Horse Trek Day 1 - Dadal to Agats (40km) Tent Camping

Mon 27 Aug Wooden Lodge Agats Gilber

Tue 28 Aug Horse Trek Day 3 - Degen Jigen to Tsagaan Chuluut (45km) Family Homestay Tent or Ger

Wed 29 Aug Tent Camping

Thu 30 Aug Horse Trek Day 5 - Tsagaan Bulan to Bayan Khaan Mountain (25km) Tent Camping

Fri 31 Aug Ger Camp Three Lakes

Sat 1 Sep Rustic Ger Camp Tseba's

Sun 2 Sep Ger Camp Avarga

Mon 3 Sep Ger Camp Steppe Nomads

Tue 4 Sep Hotel UB Hotel

Wed 5 Sep - -

Departure:

Overview

Batshireet Village; Rashaan Khad; Ugluch Wall

Chinggis Statue; Khar Zurkhnii Khokh Nuur

Khangal Nuur; Jargalant Valley Deerstones; Baldan Bereveen Monastery

Arr. Ulaanbaatar; National History Museum; Tumen Ekh

19-Aug

During your journey you will be staying

at a centrally located hotel in Ulaanbaatar,

some characterful and rustic ger camps,

camping in tents during the horse trek and

next to a local family.

Gers are equipped with beds, linen, stove,

table and chairs, and the camps have

electricity and flush loo & shower facilities.

Good quality tents and restmats are provided

when camping - sleeping bags can be provided

upon request.

Horse Trek Day 2 - Agats to Degen Jigen (35km)

Binder; Ikh Khuraldai Statue; Deer Stones

Bayan Adarga; Dadal; Deluun Boldog Monument

Dadal; Village Museum; Temuujin & Baavain ger Museum

Norovlin; Batnorov Village

Chinggis City; Delgerkhaan; Kherlengn Huduu Aral; Avargiin Spring

Gun Galuut Nature Reserve

13th Century Camp; Ulaanbaatar

Depart

Horse Trek Day 4 - Tsagaan Bulan Seruun Galttain Adag (35km)

Exploring Khentii- The Land of Chinggis Khaan -


At Goyo Travel we believe that a good

guide is essential to the enjoyment of any

trip. Knowledge, enthusiasm, good

humour, pro-activity, language and

communication skills need to combine with

responsibility and a sensitivity to guests'

needs. Your guide will be handpicked by us

to suit the itinerary and your

requirements. We personally brief them on

all elements of the trip. You will be sent

guide details in the week prior to travel.

Our vehicle of choice is the UAZ. These

beasts of the east were born for the wilds of

Mongolia. Fun, functional & practical, with a

high wheel base, large surround windows,

ample luggage space, and a flexible

sociable layout .

We provide each car with a first aid kit,

water, tea & coffee-making facilities, and a

selection of snacks for guests to enjoy.

During the horse trek there will be either a

vehicle or packhorses to carry equipment -

it will depend on the ground conditions.

Travel Details Short outings around town

Accommodation

Meals Included Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Gandantegchinlen Khiid is a Tibetan-style

monastery situated on the edge of the city's

ger district. It was constructed by the order of

Emperor Yongzheng in 1727. It was one of the

few monasteries to escape the soviet purges of

the 1930's, being spared as an example of

Mongolia's feudal past. Since the fall of

communism in 1990 it has been renovated and

restored into a working monastery and

currently has over 150 monks in residence.

The Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan was built between 1893 and 1903.The palace is the

only one left from originally four residences of the 8th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu, the Bogd

Khan. The palace was spared destruction by the Russians and turned into a museum.

On display are many of the Bogd Khan's possessions, such as his throne, bed, his collection of

art and stuffed animals, his ornate ceremonial ger lined with the skins of 150 snow leopards,

and a pair of ceremonial boots given to the Khan by Russian Tsar Nicholas II.

Standard Twin Room, Ulaanbaatar Hotel

TRIP DETAIL

GANDAN MONASTERY - NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM - TUMEN EKH

You will be picked up at the airport on arrival. If you arrive early, and are ready to

hit the ground running, we will plan on a morning visit to Gandan Monastery -

enter the temples, including that of the Mijig Janraisig with it's huge golden

buddha statue. In the old temple complex listen to the chanting ceremonies which

happen mid-morning. Afterwards, visit the impressive National History Museum

which is a great introduction to the country's past. Have lunch at a nearby cafe and

then take a leisurely walk across the impressive Sukhbaatar Square.

In the afternoon perhaps visit the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan and then

continue to Zaisan Monument which you can walk up for views over Ulaanbaatar.

In the early evening you will enjoy an intimate performance of traditional music

and dance, followed by a welcome dinner at one of favourite Mongolian

restaurants.

Ulaanbaatar , meaning "Red Hero", was so named in

1924, following the creation of the Mongolian People's

Republic. The city was founded in 1639 as a moveable

Buddhist monastic centre but in 1778 it settled

permanently at its present location on the Tuul River in

north-eastern central Mongolia. The city lies at an

elevation of about 1,310 metres (4,300 ft) and is home

to almost half of the country's 2.7m population.


Travel Details

Accommodation

Meals Included

Travel Details

Accommodation Standard Ger, Bayangol Ger Camp

Meals Included

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

CHINGGIS STATUE - KHAR ZURKHNII KHOKH NUUR

After breakfast set off for the journey east. Stop off en route at the remarkable

Chinggis statue near Erdene. Climb up inside until you reach the exterior staircase

which runs up the mane of the horse to a viewpoint overlooking the Tuul River,

Terelj & the hills of Khan Khentii - Chinggis' homeland.

Then continue through Khentii Province to Tsenkhermandal village and up to

Khokh Nuur. Explore the area on foot including the wooden carvings.

Built in 2008, the Chinggis Khan Statue is

located at Tsonjin Boldog, 54km east of UB. It

is 40m tall and depicts the renowned

Mongolian leader on horseback, at the point

where - according to legend - he found a

golden whip. The statue is symbolically pointed

east towards his birthplace.

2-3hrs/70km


Khokh Nuur is situated near Tsenkher River 35km north from the main road, and not far from Tsenkhermandal village in Khentii. It consists of

2 freshwater lakes, linked underground, located on south side of Mount Kharzurkh 1,675m above sea level. In this place Temuujin was

enthroned as a king of united tribes of Mongolia and titled as “Chinggis Khan”, which means Oceanic great king, in 1189. In the Secret History

of Mongols, a chronicle of his life, place names such as Lake Khukh, Mount Kharzurkh and Sengur Gorkhi were mentioned. On a bank of the

lake there is a monument dedicated to 840 years’ birth anniversary of Genghis khan and in a crescent-shaped area with a diameter of 108m

surrounding the monument, plus woodcrafts of 36 royal or golden lineage kings.

Baldan Bereveen Monastery was founded towards the end of the 18th Century by a lama named Tsevendorj. Most written history states that

it was founded in 1777 or 1784. Tsevendorj was apparently looking for a place to build a monastery and stopped here. Near the base of the

Garuda Mountain, just behind the current site of the monastery, lived an old man named Baldan and his wife Tsevelma with their seven goats.

When Tsevendorj arrived, Tsevelma was making some bereeven (rice boiled in milk). Tsevendorj decided to stay here a few days and in the

course of his visit ascertained that this was an auspicious location. He then decided to build a monastery here, naming it Baldan Bereeven, in

honor of the herdsman Baldan and his wife’s rice dish. It eventually became one of the three or four biggest and most important monasteries in

Mongolia with at one time up to 6000 monks in residence.

KHANGAL LAKE - JARGALANT VALLEY - BALDAN BEREVEEN MONASTERY

Drive deeper into the Khentii wilderness via Khangal lake, and stop to see the stylised deerstones in Jargalant valley before

continuing to the ruins of Baldan Bereveen Monastery, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Mongolia. Explore the temple

complex and its surroundings on foot, and visit the museum. Continue to Onon River and your ger camp where you will stay

tonight. It is a great place to go off hiking in the afternoon.

1.5hrs/54km to Chinggis Statue; 2.5hrs/165km to Khokh Nuur

Standard Ger, Mandal Ger Camp


Travel Details

Accommodation Standard Ger, Chinggisiin Ulgii Ger Camp

Meals Included

Travel Details

Accommodation Standard Ger, Chinggis Toonot Ger Camp [Fri]; Standard Ger, Altargana Ger camp [Sat]

Meals Included

The Khentii Mountains are a mountain range in the Töv and Khentii Provinces in north-east

Mongolia. The chain overlaps the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area and includes Mongolia's

sacred mountain, Burkhan Khaldun, which is associated with the origin of Genghis Khan. The

range forms the watershed between the Arctic Ocean (via Lake Baikal) and the Pacific Ocean

basins. Rivers originating in the range include the Onon, Kherlen, and Tuul.

Genghis Khan is thought to have found a beautiful place in the Khentii Mountains, called the

Great Taboo or Ikh Khorig by the Mongols, where he sat down and stated that he wanted to be

buried there. This is suspected to be the area in which he was buried. However, Genghis Khan’s

grave has not been found yet..

3hrs/125km to Binder; 4hrs/160km to Dadal


BINDER - DADAL - DELUUN BOLDOG - KHAJUU BULAG

Continue north through Khentii Province to Binder, picnicking en route in the open

countryside. Arrive in the late afternoon, visit "Ikh Khuraldai" Statue, Deer Stones

and Binder Ovoo. The next day drive to Dadal, a beautiful area of lakes, rivers,

forests and reminiscent of Siberia. Just north of Dadal village is Deluun Boldog,

reputed to be Chinggis Khaan's birthplace. Visit the ovoo and statue, built to

commemorate the 800th anniversary of his birth. Then continue to Khajuu Bulag

mineral water spring, where the great man once drank. Visit the nomadic family

who will be providing the horses for tomorrow's trek. Experience nomadic

hospitality, and there should also be time for a short horse ride to ger used to the

horses and riding style.

Also known as the Alms Givers' Wall, Ugluch Kherem is one of the most important historical

places in Mongolia which date back to the time of Chinggis Khan.

The wall is located at the base of Daichin Mountain, 8-10km from confluence of Ugluch and

Bayangol rivers and 45km southwest from Batshireet village of Khentii province.

A Mongolian-American archaeological team identified at least 60 ancient graves within the

walls, indicating that it may have been a royal cemetery. The wall is 2.5-3m high, 2.5m wide

and approximately 3km long.


BATSHIREET - RASHAN KHAD - UGLUCH WALL - UZUURT TOKHOI PETROGLYPHS -

BURIAT FAMILY VISIT - ONON RIVER

Today you head to the confluence of the Onon, Barkh and Eg Rivers, renowned as

the childhood home of Chinggis Khan. En route stop at Batshireet village, the

ancient rock art at Rashan Khad, the sacred ovoo (stone cairn) festooned with

prayer flags, and the Ugluch Wall.

The following day you can visit a local Buriat family, see the petroglyphs at Uzuurt

Tokhoi and explore the area on an extended hike. The area around the camp and

countryside backdrop is stunning.

3hrs/100km to Onon River


Travel Details

Accommodation

Meals Included

As per above detail


The design of the Mongolian ger has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. It consists of wooden

lattice walls - usually in 4 or 5 sections - which are linked & tied together, with a door facing south. Two

large central poles support a round ceiling opening, which is kept in position by many long poles which

fan out as a roof and attach to the top of the wall sections. This wooden frame is then covered with felt,

tarpaulin and a linen cover, all tied down with animal-hair rope. A stove is then placed in the middle of

the ger, with the chimney coming out through the central roof hole.

Horses & Riding - Mongolian horses are of a

stocky build, with relatively short but strong

legs and a large head. They range in size from

12 to 14 hands high. Despite their small size,

they are horses, not ponies! Mongolian horses

have great stamina, although they have

smaller body they can gallop for 10 km without

break. The hooves are very robust, and very

few animals are fitted with horseshoes.

5 DAY HORSE TREK

Day 1: Dadal - Agats 40km via Khajuu Bulag, north-west side of Yargiat at the Balj

river; Cross the Balj river by ford ''Guriin buuts''. See the 2 rivers Onon-Balj

confluence. Overnight camping

Day 2: Agats - Degen Jigen cliff - 35km. Continue through remote wilderness and

along the river towards the impressive forested cliffs. Overnight Agats Gilber

hunters lodge

Day 3: Degen Jigen to Tsagaan Chuluut - 45 km. Visit Semjit Khad or Magnetic

Rock, where there is a natural spring. Today you will meet the local

herders/wranglers' family and experience traditional Mongolian hospitality, enjoy

traditional Mongolian khorkhog feast for dinner. Overnight camping or guest ger.

Day 4: You will pass through the Balj River valley to Tsagaan Bulan Seruun Galttain

Adag - 35km. Overnight camping

Day 5: You will have a final day's riding around bayan Khaan Mountain - 25km.

Overnight camping

During the trek, if the terrain and access is ok, the plan will be for the vehicle to

meet you each evening at the campsite (they will have to take different route to

the horses). In the event of the terrain being too muddy for vehicle access,

packhorses will transport all equipment (although this is not our preferred method

as it adds on extra time for making and breaking camp)

As per above detail


Travel Details

Accommodation 3 Lakes Ger Camp [Fri]; Rustic Ger, Tseba's camp [Sat]; Avarga Ger Camp [Sun]

Meals Included

Travel Details

Accommodation

Meals Included

Travel Details

Accommodation Standard Twin Room, Ulaanbaatar Hotel

Meals Included

1hr/30km to Dadal [Fri]; 4hrs/180km to Batnorov [Sat]; 4-5hrs/245km [Sun]


13TH CENTURY CAMP - ULAANBAATAR

After breakfast drive to the 13th century camp to discover what life was like during the great khan's life - they have old-style gers,

demonstrations, costumes, warrior performances, music shows and you will enjoy traditional food for lunch in one of the gers.

Then continue to the capital where, depending on time, you will have a chance to do some shopping - perhaps at the Gobi

Cashmere outlet store, and also at any of the decent craft outlets (Tsagaan Alt felt shop, Quilters, Mary and Martha) or the State

Department Store. Your guides will be on hand to assist. After freshening up at the hotel, enjoy a farewell meal at one of our

favourite restaurants.

3hrs/154km to Ulaanbaatar


GUN GALUUT NATURE RESERVE

Journey back west towards Ulaanbaatar and at Erdene turn off the main road to the nature reserve of Gun Galuut. At some stage

head into the nature reserve for an exploratory walk - it's a great place for walking at any time, but if you are interested in seeing

and/or photographing animals, then the best time to go is dawn or dusk. It's a good idea to bring binoculars, although the camp

may have some to lend you. The camp also have rafts, kayaks and fishing equipment for rent (hire cost not included). In the

evening, relax with a drink at the riverside terrace area and enjoy dinner in the camp's restaurant. Enjoy your final night in a ger.

Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve contains a diverse range of ecosystems - - mountains, steppes,

rivers, lakes and wetlands - within a comparatively small area. It is a refuge for many birds -

migratory and indigenous - and many animals. Birds include the Siberian White Crane, Steppe

Eagle, Golden Eagle, Saker Falcon, Upland Buzzard, Crested lark, Horned lark, and Hoopoes.

Fauna includes Argali sheep, Ibex, White Gazelles, wolves, foxes, lynx, manul cats, and

marmots.

The imposing Baits and Berkh mountains form the central and southern peaks of the park,

which also includes Lakes Ikh-Gun and Ayaga, the River Kherlen, and Tsengiin Burd wetland.

3hrs/180km to Gun Galuut

Standard Ger, Steppe Nomads Ger Camp

The 13 Century Park comprises Chinggis Khan's Statue museum and a replica town

from the 13th century. Built in 2008, the Chinggis Khan Statue is located at Tsonjin Boldog,

54km east of UB. It is 40m tall and depicts the renowned Mongolian leader on horseback,

at the point where - according to legend - he found a golden whip. The statue is

symbolically pointed east towards his birthplace.

The ancient nomadic replica town is located a few kilometres further on. Here you will

discover the authentic lifestyle of Mongols during the period of empire and an experience

similar to that which the famous travelers Marco Polo and William Rubruck felt when they

visited at that time.

DADAL - NOROVLIN - BATNOROV - CHINGGIS CITY - KHERLENGIN HUDUU ARAL - AVARGIIN RASHAN SPRING

On the Friday you will drive back to Dadal and visit 3 of the area's interesting museums giving an insightful snapshot into the history

of the area - the local soum museum; a museum dedicated to Temuujin's childhood, and the Baavain ger hunting museum.

The next day drive via Norovlin to Batnorov where you will stay at a rustic guesthouse 'camp' with a few gers called Tseba's camp.

One specific thing to mention is that Batnorov village is famous for jewellery makers (ger, saddle, wooden furniture), so we can plan

to visit some local artisans and their workshops. The local museum is also famous for ethnic art, so you can visit this as well. In the

evening enjoy a traditional folk song and dance concert.

On Sunday continue southeast to Chinggis city (formerly known as Ondorkhaan) and Jargaltkhaan soum, have lunch then to

Delgerkhaan and the Kherlengin Huduu Aral - a plain that stretches for 30 kms in length and 20 kms in width on the bank of the

Herlen river. In 1240, “The Secret History of Mongols” – the most important literary and historical work of Mongols from ancient

times – was completed at Aurag, where the Palace of Chinggis Khan was. Visit the MS History statue for 750th anniversary, the

museum at Avarga gol and the Avargiin Rashaan Spring.



Travel Details

Accommodation

Meals Included

USD GBP

Cost Per Person $2,690 £2,070

Single Supplement* $180 £140

Currencies - All trip costs are priced in USD. The GBP and Euro rates above are indicative only - if paying in these currencies the amount will be

calculated according to the exchange rate on xe.com at the time of booking.

Breakfast

DEPART

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

30mins/14km to airport

-

Euro

€ 2,340

€ 155

* Excluding homestays, where it may be necessary to share with other group members

Included

Airport transfers - Surface transportation - Road taxes - Accommodation as specified - Local Guide - Sightseeing and activities as specified - Museum & park entrance fees - Meals as specified above - Water & snacks in the vehicle -All camping equipment - except sleeping bags

Excluded

International flights - Tips - Laundry - Bar bills - Items of a personal nature - Visas - Photography/filming chargesat e.g. museums and monasteries - Sleeping bags (may be borrowed upon request)

Booking - To confirm your booking we require a deposit of 25% of the total trip price. Balance due 8 weeks prior. Payment methods, bank details and further information can be found on our Booking Form & Conditions.


Travel Advice - We provide all our guests with a copy of our Mongolia Travel Advice. If you have not received this, please request a copy from us.


Documents

Exploring Khentii - Goyo Travel€¦ · Exploring Khentii-The Land of Chinggis Khaan - goyotravel.com - +44 (0) 1869 866520 - +976 9959 8468 – [email protected] At Goyo Travel