the beginning of the journey
Overview
In the “Genesis” tour you will be travelling to central Mongolia. We will visit the ancient city of Karakorum, the famous Erdene Zuu Monastery, Ugii lake and Khustai National Park, where you can see the wild and untameable Przewalski (Takhi) horse. Then we will travel to Dornogovi for a very special ritual where many Shamans will try to call the spirit of a new shaman for the first time ever. On this trip we will have 3 days that convene with the Shaman’s Journey.
Includes
- Transfers on arrival and departure
- English speaking guide at all times
- All other lodging will be in Ger camps, tents or nomadic family
- Meals are provided as mentioned in the itinerary that will be provided when you book the tour
- Ground transportation by chauffeured 4WD vehicle
- Park entrance fees
- Horses for riding fee
Good to know
BNM Tours will ensure that your stay in our beautiful country will be comfortable and enjoyable. In the city you will be staying at the finest hotels for foreign travelers and during our trip you will stay at Tourist Ger camps. These camps are modern in utilities yet traditional in design. You will have power (220V), water, showers, restaurants and all required services and still be able to feel the Nomadic experience.
After you book your tour please make sure to include all dietary requirements. In the city and at certain Ger camps you will have the finest international meal choices. It will be no different from back home. Moreover during longer road trip in the countryside you will be provided with lunchboxes from the previous Ger camp we stayed at.
There will be traditional food offered on our journey, which you may choose to take part in but it is not part of your meal plan. Alcohol is not provided but tourists over the drinking age may bring their own.
BNM Tours will provide the latest, air-conditioned 4WD vehicles for maximum comfort on your touring days with an experienced driver. A day’s drive in the countryside will be approx 200-250km on average.
If you want to take videos or photographs yourself, we recommend you bring your own camera equipment. If not, that is fine. Your tour guide team will be documenting your trip for you.
We also recommend you to bring a first aid kit, sun cream, insect repellent and all necessary medicine that you may require. (headache, cold, diarrhea, allergy, motion sickness, and any medicine prescribed for you)
For clothing, we recommend you bring many layers of clothes. So that if it is too hot you can remove a layer, or if it is too cold you can add a layer. We also recommend a waterproof jacket, a hat, sunglasses, a headscarf, sturdy hiking shoes and sandals.
Itinerary
After arriving in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, we will leave the city and travel to Ugii lake. The lake is a freshwater lake that is designated as the Ramsar Site of Importance and is known for its fish and birdlife. Then we will drive to Karakorum, the capital of Mongolia during the 13th century. Here you can see the remains of the Mongol empire from the 13th century and visit the Karakorum museum to examine the relics and artifacts from Mongolia’s history. Then we will tour Erdene Zuu Monastery, the oldest monastery in Mongolia that was built in 1586. This ceremonious place of worship showcases the true artisanship of Ancient Mongolian architects.
Khustai National Park is the habitat of essential Mongolian wildlife and plant life. Khustai Nuruu is home to over 667 species of plants, lichens, moss and mushrooms. In addition there are 385 species of insects and 279 species of animals, including fish, mammals and birds. The main attraction will be to see the rare and endangered wild horse Takhi, also known as Prezewalski’s Horse. If we are lucky we may get to experience the sights of a mongolian wolf, wild deer, eurasian lynx, golden eagle and the mongolian gazelle. Then we will return to the city to watch a performance by Tumen-Ekh folk song and dance ensemble.
In the morning we will leave the capital and begin our trip to Dornogovi province in the southern part of Mongolia to attend and watch the planned ritual.
At Dornogovi you will attend a very special ritual where shamans will try to call the spirit of a new shaman. Although the shamans and their spirits will not form any contact with foreigners, our tourists will be able to see and witness the ritual. The many older shamans have been preparing for months and will try to guide the young shaman to call his spirit for the first time.
We will visit Khamriin Khiid Monastery in Dornogovi which was established in 1820 by Danzanravjaa, a prominent buddhist monk and scholar. He supported the idea of public education, and better rights for women. Khamriin Khiid is considered the World Energy Center by Mongolians and is one of the most spiritual places in the Gobi. Afterwards we will visit Khusliin Mountain which means Wish Mountain. This special rock is believed by the locals to make people’s wishes come true if they come and pay their respects to the land.
After leaving Khusliin Khad, we will travel to Terelj National Park and we will spend 2 days there. Terelj National Park is located within the beautiful Mongolian mountains and we will get to experience the beautiful scenery and outstanding natural rock formations. After sightseeing landscapes, we will go on a horse-riding trip that is designed for tourists. Your tour of Terelj will be a calm and serene day.
Once we end our trip through the wilderness of Mongolia, we will return to the capital city and then you will have free time to relax, go shopping, go sightseeing and prepare for your departure back home.
Our team will drive you and your luggage to the airport on time and make sure everything is in order for you to board your flight safely back home.
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