Essential Mongolia – with Lauren L. Bonilla
August 23 – September 6, 2010
Flying into Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, you are immediately aware of landing somewhere unusual. The rolling green of the steppe that epitomizes Mongolia meets the edges of the city like the waves of an ocean lapping at the sand. You realize that if there is this sense of open space and wildness here in the capital, traveling into the depths of the landscape will be an exceptional experience. In fact, your cultural tour will overflow with the mind- expanding and awe inspiring.
Deer stones are to Mongolia as the moai are to Easter Island, almost! Most of the deer stones in the world are in Mongolia and we visit Khadin Hondii, or Valley of the Kings, to view the largest concentrations of these mysterious stone monuments. Travel to Lake Khovsgol one of the world’s most ancient lakes, exploring the area on horseback and by boat. Enjoy a local Naadam Festival, a celebration believed to continue a centuries-old tradition. Visit Kharkhorin the 13th century site of the Mongolian Empire’s capital and home to Erdene Zuu, an important Buddhist Monastery. In Khustain Nuruu National Park see the Przewalski horses, the world’s only truly wild horses. Spend time at Amarbyasgalant Monastery, the setting alone worth the drive. Discover the vibrant city of Ulaanbaatar with specially arranged visits to workshops of a morin khor or horse-head fiddle maker and a traditional Mongolian bow and arrow maker. No visit to Mongolia would be complete without hearing the haunting strains of khoomei, or throat singing, or witnessing the ancient tradition of the shaman’s trance. Don’t miss this opportunity to travel through one of this world’s last seemingly limitless expanses.
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(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
DAY 1 Tour Begins: Depart from Los Angeles on our cultural tour to Mongolia.
DAY 2: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, and transfer to the centrally-located and comfortable Bayangol Hotel.
DAY 3: Our cultural tour of Mongolia begins on our morning flight to Muren. We begin our archaeological tour with a drive west to Khadin Hondii or Valley of the Kings renowned for its numerous “deer stones”. These stone monuments are characterized by low-relief carvings of deer-like creatures with flowing antlers that appear to be flying. They are generally believed to have been erected during the Late Bronze to Early Iron Age, approximately 3000 years ago. An air of mystery surrounds the deer stones as very little is known about their meaning or function. Over 550 have been identified thus far in Mongolia's grassy steppe region, occurring singly, in 
small groups, or concentrated in larger groupings, with stone burial mounds nearby. Continue to Khatgal, traveling on dirt roads until we reach our ger (yurt) near Lake Khovsgol, known as the ‘Blue Pearl’. Based on nomadic tent-dwellings, the ger is our home for the next three nights. The ger camps are Mongolian versions of motels with traditionally decorated permanent tents for sleeping, separate buildings for dining, and another for toilets and showers. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Today we begin our exploration of Lake Khovsgol and its environs. Following a leisurely breakfast, experience a horseback ride in this pristine wilderness watching for the Baikal teal, bar-headed goose, and Altai snow cock as well as the argali sheep, ibex, moose and other species that thrive in the park. This afternoon, cruise on the Blue Pearl itself. Located at the foot of the Eastern Sayan Mountains, the lake is replete with fish such as lenok and sturgeon. Though many rivers and streams empty into it, only the Egiin River exits the lake, flowing from the southern tip until it joins the Selenge River on its way to its even more ancient cousin, Lake Baikal in Siberia. Enjoy dinner back at the ger. (B/L/D)
Day 5: Drive into Khatgal to participate in the annual summer celebration of Naadam which includes the games of horse racing, archery, and Mongolian wrestling. Mongolians have had a high regard for horses as for centuries they have relied on them for transport, sustenance, and companionship. Ulaanbaatar celebrates the national Naadam in July, but today we have the opportunity of witnessing a smaller, less chaotic and less commercialized festival in this small town. And, tonight we have the singular and private opportunity of observing a Shaman entering a trance. North and west of Lake Khovsgol in the taiga and steppe regions a remarkable culture remains largely unchanged since the Ice Age. Shamanistic or totemic rituals and symbolism are central to their daily life informing the way in which the nomadic tribes respond to the landscape of Khovsgol Lake and to the unique plant and animal species of the area which are integral to their practices. (B/L/D)
DAY 6: Today’s early departure and drive to Jargalant affords us the opportunity of experiencing the landscape of Mongolia. Depending on our route, decided by our experience drivers as we travel, we either see petroglyphs or deer stones, and stop along the way for a picnic lunch. The area around Jargalant is located near the Ider River and is largely pasture land where sheep, goats, cattle, yak, horses, and camels graze. Overnight for one night at Jargalant ger camp. (B/L/D)
Day 7: Begin on a glorious drive through the Khorgo Terkh National Park. This area is called the “Switzerland of Mongolia”, renowned for the striking Khangai Mountains, its many rivers, and verdant forests. Spend some time exploring Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, also known as White Lake, and hike around Khorgo, a dormant volcano located near the eastern end of the lake. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route. Late in the afternoon stop in the town of Tsetserleg, the provincial centre of Arkhangai Aimag, or province, to visit a local felt-makers’ co-op. Overnight for one night at Tsenkher Hot Springs ger camp. (B/L/D)
Day 8: Our drive takes us to Kharkhorin, the site of the capital of the thirteenth-century Mongolian Empire located in the Orkhon Valley. En route, we explore the 9th century Uighur Empire of Har Balgas, the empire from which Chinggis (Genghis) Khan drewinsight for his political leadership. The Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage site and comprises the natural landscape as well as numerous archaeological remains dating to back to the 6th century. The ancient town of Karakorum, or Black Fortress, was established here in the eighth century as a military training and weapons production unit. Chinggis (Genghis) Khan, one of history’s most influential people, unified the tribes of Central Asia to create the largest empire in history. The town was taken over by this great ruler and made a capital to boost trade and from which to launch military campaigns. Enjoy lunch at Mungun Mod ger, our home for two nights. This afternoon, spend time with a local nomadic herder and his family learning about their way of life. (B/L/D)
Day 9: Today we explore our environs including a visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery, thought to be the most ancient surviving Buddhist complex in the country. Built in approximately 1586 by Abtai Sain Khanon on the site of Karakorum and constructed with the city’s stones, it is surrounded by a wall featuring 102 stupas and was, prior to the Communist purge, considered the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Explore the complex, including the museum and the restored active temple, and experience a private audience with the Abbott. Tonight enjoy a musical performance including khoomei, or throat singing, a form of overtone singing originating in the area of Tuva in Siberia, and an integral component of the Mongolian culture. (B/L/D)
DAY 10: This morning’s drive takes us to Khustain Nuruu National Park, preserve of the Przewalski horse, or Takhi, the national symbol of Mongolia. The Takhi is the only remaining truly wild horse and 
has no domesticated ancestors. The Mongolian Government declared the park a Specially Protected Area in 1993, one year after the initiation of the reintroduction project of the Takhi to the area. The park is home to over 600 species of plants, lichens, moss and mushrooms as well as numerous species of mammals including Mongolian gazelle, wild boar, Ibex, Mongolian marmots, and wolves. There are 217 species of birds includegolden eagles, whooper swans and the black stork. Following lunch at our ger, explore this remarkable park, including a visit to a deer stone and burial site located within the park’s boundaries. As we explore, we look for the Przewalski horses, perhaps hiking in order to obtain a better view of these notable creatures. Overnight for one night at the Khustai ger. (B/L/D)
DAY 11: Today, our adventure continues as we drive to Amarbayasgalant, located in the Iven Gol River valley at the foot of Burenkhan Mountain. One of the country’s largest monasteries, it was established in 1726 by the Manju emperor Enkh-Amgalan Khan and took more than ten years to complete. Originally, this complex consisted of over 40 temples, and 28 temples now remain. The monastery is located in an area where Turkic-era graves are located. These important archaeological features show that the valley has long-standing sacred associations for the people of Mongolia. Upon arrival spend some time exploring the monastery. Overnight for one night at Amarbayasgalant ger camp. (B/L/D)
DAY 12: We have time for a further exploration of the monastery and its environs and have the opportunity to meet with the monks before leaving this lovely site. Today about sixty novices and ordained monks are in residence and practice the Vinaya tradition of Buddhism. During the Repression of 1937-38 all the monks were executed and many of the rare religious relics, books, sutras, thangkas and Buddhas which had been collected over 200 years, were destroyed completely. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar stopping en route for lunch. Before dinner, enjoy a performance of folk theater, Tumen Ekh, which will include throat singing, traditional dances, and contortionism. Overnight for three nights at the three-star Bayangol Hotel. (B/L/D)
DAY 13: Our all day exploration of Ulaanbaatar begins with a drive to Zaisan Memorial built on Bogd Khan Mountain for a view of the city and the four sacred cardinally directed peaks which surround it. Visit the Bogd Khan or Emperor’s Winter Palace and Summer Prayer Temple complex, built by the last of the Bogd Gegeens to live in Mongolia. Stroll around Sükhbaatar Square, named after the Mongolian National Hero of the People’s Revolution in 1921 and view the Parliament, Stock Exchange and Royal Palace Opera House. Wander through The Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts with its collection of examples from Mongolia’s art tradition. Visit the workshop of a morin khoor or horse-head violin maker and learn about this centuries-old craft which exemplifies how inextricably linked the Mongolia culture is to the horse. Dinner is on our own this evening. (B/L)
DAY 14: Our exploration of Ulaanbaatar continues and includes a visit to the Gandan Monastery, now the most important Buddhist sanctuary in Mongolia. Having survived the Communist purges of the 1930s, it is famous for its 75-foot-high statue. Explore the Choijin Lama Temple, built between1904-1908 by the Eighth Bogd Khaan, Jebzundamba, and now a museum complex with preserved, elaborately-decorated interiors. The museum contains a staggeringly rich and impressive collection of Buddhist sculpture and painting, including several gilded bronze statues, remarkable sculptures, and a striking array of papier-maché masks used in the Tsam dance ceremonies. Visit the Museum of Mongolian History which presents the entire pageant of Mongolian culture, from prehistory to the present. This afternoon visit a traditional bow and arrow maker as well as the vast, crowded and colorful Naran Tuul or “Black Market” where you can purchase a kitchen sink, a lipstick or a pair of Mongolian boots! Tonight enjoy our farewell dinner. (B/L/D)
DAY 15: Depart Ulaanbaatar for our return flight to the U.S. (B)
Tour Leader - Lauren BonillaLauren L. Bonilla received her BA in Anthropology and Geography from Macalester College, and is presently working on her PhD at Clark University. Ms. Bonilla has spent nine years focused on Mongolia, including field research for the past six years, and has been the recipient of two Fulbright Fellowships for work in that country. She was the Researcher-in-Residence at a lodge in Omnogobi Province, and the co-founder of Torguud Studies Association with the Chinggis Khan University in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Ms. Bonilla is currently conducting research with a team of specialists on a project collecting and analyzing the oldest and rarest maps depicting Mongolia since the 15th century. She is fluent in Mongolian, including the Kalmyk and Oirat dialects, and conversant in Chinese. Ms. Bonilla brings the passion of youth to her research on Mongolia. She is knowledgeable not only in its history, culture, and language, but is familiar with the issues that affect Mongolia today.
August 23 - September 6, 2010
$7,995.00 (per person, double occupancy) includes roundtrip international flights; internal flight; all hotels, meals as noted, entry fees, and all ground transportation.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: A donation as outlined below; all lunches; meals as noted; all beverages, food not on regular menus; passport fees; airport departure taxes; tips and gratuities to the guide and driver; laundry; excess baggage charges and other items of a personal nature.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $395.00. Single room only available for four nights in Ulaanbaatar. In the ger camps, two participants will be assigned to each ger tent. Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement will be charged.
FUEL SURCHARGES: Far Horizons must pass on unexpected price increases levied on flights and other services due to additional fuel charges.
NOTE ON DONATION: The cost of the trip does not include a separate tax-deductible check for $150.00, per person, to the Mongolian Arts Council. You may visit their web site at http://www.artscouncil.mn/our_misson.html. As a tour company that benefits from the cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to the scientific and cultural projects and museums we visit. The donation is required as part of your registration for the trip and is non-refundable..
A deposit of $500.00 is required along with a separate check made out to the donation project is required, as well as your completed and signed registration form. Final payment is due 75 days before departure. Upon receipt of your deposit and registration form, you will be sent a reading list and a tour bulletin containing travel information. Prior to the trip, we will send links to websites of pertinent interest to the trip. Click here to download our Registration Form.
Cancellations received in writing at least 75 days before departure will receive a refund less a $250.00 administrative fee. Cancellations received less than 75 days before the departure date will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Registrants are strongly advised to buy travel insurance that includes trip cancellation.
If you do not fly on the group flight, you are responsible for all flight arrangements and transportation (including airport transfers) to join the group. If Far Horizons must change the trip dates or cancel the trip for any reason, Far Horizons is not responsible for any air ticket you may have purchased. If you issue your own international flight, please send the complete schedule to us as soon as possible.
The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be onsite when our groups arrive due to other commitments, or that the date or time of our visit to their project must be changed.
This trip is for the hardy! The adventurous nature of the itinerary makes it essential that you be in good physical condition and maintain a flexible attitude. Long walks may be required to reach some areas, including walks over steep gradients and poorly maintained paths. There will be several long drives on bumpy and uneven dirt roads . We will be staying in ger camps comprised of permanent tents for sleeping, separate buildings for dining, and another for toilets and showers. Two participants will be assigned to each ger tent. Note that changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. Team spirit and a sense of humor are essential! If you have questions about your ability to handle this sort of challenge, please call us.
THE CULTURAL TOUR OF MONGOLIA IS LIMITED TO 14 PARTICIPANTS
