Special Interest Tours

Buddhist Pilgrimage through Mongolian temples
Tour code:BP'12' Temples

12 days/11 nights
Tour level: Moderate

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The first contact of the Mongols with Buddhism goes back to the 4th century A.D at the time of Hunnu Dynasty. A later Buddhism influence is that of the Kitan in the 10th century. The 13th century’s Chinggis Khaan’s conquers in Tibet made the relationship closer to Buddhism and his sons proclaimed the Buddhism as a main Religion of Mongols. At the end of 16th century Altan Khan is in power. He meets with Sonam Gyatso, a Tibetan Buddhist leader whom he gives the title of Dalai Lama. From that period on Yellow Buddhism becomes the predominant religion in the Mongolian territories and establishes a big clergy. In year 1938, close after about 200 years of Manchurian dictatorship and new red revolution of Mongols the Buddhism become a forbidden till 1990, year of democratic revolution. After the 70 years communism the people of the Mongolia proclaimed their basic right that, to be a religious, and rebuilding and praying the Buddhism.

Day 1

Arrive at Ulaanbaatar and transfer to hotel. After rest visit to Gandan temple to see Huge God Statue and Dashchoilin temple to see World’s biggest Rosary in temple. At the evening enjoy the Mongolian traditional concert performance. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 2

Drive to one of the natural spectacular Hogno Khan Mountain area. On the way you’ll see the little bit of the Gobi desert which called Elsen tasarkhai which means Small Sand Dune. Also available to see the Erdene Khamba Monastery, now being restored which is destroyed during the purges of the 1930s. An interesting countryside area where many nomadic herdsmen live surrounds it. Overnight at GER (Mongolian traditional felt accommodation)

Day 3

Drive about 2 hours to Kharakhorum ancient city of Mongolian Great Empire. Visit to Erdenezuu Monastery is nowadays a functioning monastery in constant renovation to its former splendor. Once, 1000 monks used to inhabit Erdenezuu Monastery. It had some 100 temples within its 400 by 400 meters long walls. The monastery was sacked during the purges of 1937. Only the walls and 3 temples remain. Erdenezuu is still one of the most fascinating sites of Mongolia, and usually we will be able to experience and see the prayers. Also here you can see Mongolian only Tibetan style temple as well. Overnight at GER (Mongolian traditional felt accommodation)

Day 4

Drive to Shankh Monastery. The Shankh is the oldest monastery in Mongolia, founded in 1647 by Zanabazar (1635-1723), a revered sculptor, politician, religious teacher, diplomat and living Buddha, who became Mongolia's first Bogd Khan. Known as the West Monastery, it was one of the foremost seats of Buddhist teaching and practice in the country for almost three centuries. Continue drive to Tuvkhun Monastery. The monastery located on the Undur Shiveet Mountain peak which 2312 meters above sea level. It was erected by Zanabazar (1st Bogd Gegen in Mongolia) in 1654 on the smooth grand of the south slope of steep rock with 20 meters high has 14 small temples and some meditating caves. It has beautiful and picturesque scenery and place of relax. Overnight at GER (Mongolian traditional felt accommodation)

Day 5

Drive to Tsetserleg town center of Arkhangai province. Visit to Zaya Bandida temple museum. It was one of the biggest temple in Central Mongolia. Overnight in local Hotel

Day 6

Morning drive to Ugii lake. One of the famous place for bird watching, Enjoy here at lake side. Overnight at GER (Mongolian traditional felt accommodation)

Day 7

Drive to Bulgan prefecture and arrive at Erdenet city which Mongolian second biggest city which based on Copper Molybdenum Mining. Overnight in Hotel

Day 8

Drive to Amarbayasgalant monastery; it is the best preserved old temple in Mongolia. This is main Chinese style temple in Mongolia: architecture, plan of various temple buildings and artistic details deserve a careful visit. The temple is in use and inhabited by many monks. Overnight at GER (Mongolian traditional felt accommodation)

Day 9

Drive back to Ulaanbaatar city. Overnight in Hotel

Day 10

Visit Terelj National Park and visit Aryabal Meditation temple, free walk around temple are and see Turtle rock and cave. Overnight at GER (Mongolian traditional felt accommodation)

Day 11

Drive to Manzushir monastery, just south of Ulaanbaatar in Bogd KhanUul National Park- Established in 1733.The monastery overlooks a beautiful valley of streams and larch, pine, birch and cedar trees, dotted with granite boulders. Enjoy a short hike in this beautiful larch forest. Return to Ulaanbaatar. Visit Bogd Khan Palace museum and Choijin Lama temple museum. Sightseeing is available. Overnight in Hotel

Day 12

End of the tour. Departure from Ulaanbaatar city

Including:

  • Accommodation with 3-4 star hotel in Ulaanbaatar for 3 nights on twin sharing base
  • Tourist GER camp overnight for 6 nights ( 3-4 pax will be in one ger)
  • Local hotel stay for 2 nights on twin base
  • All local Transportation
  • English speaking guide
  • 3 meal a day
  • Sightseeing and National park entrance fee
  • Buddhist monk will guide during whole tour and explain Mongolian Buddhism

Not Including:

  • Insurance
  • International transport
  • Beverages
  • Any additional things not mentioned above

Departure:

18th June – 29th June.2008
23rd July – 03rd August.2008
20th August – 31st August.2008
17th June – 28th June.2009
22nd July – 02nd August.2009
19th August – 30th August.2009

Minimum group size:
6 people in one group

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