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Kharakhorum
- or Harhorin - was the ancient capital in the time of the
Mongol empire during the 13-14th centuries. It was totally
sacked by the Chinese Ming dynasty warriors during the overthrow
of Kublai Khan, the Mongol emperor of China. Little remain, but
the site is situated in a very scenic area. During the 16th
century the giant Erdenezuu monastery was built from the remains
of Kharakhorum. Erdenezuu was closed for many years, but after the
democratic reforms in 1991, monks are again living there.
Brief Outline Itinerary
You will journey by bus or jeep 370 km to the west of Ulan Bator
into the Ovorhangai province and visit Kharakhorum and Erdenezuu.
You will overnight in a permanent ger camp at 80 km short from
Kharakhorum at the Hogno Khan Mountain. It is a unique rock
formation, situated on the arid steppes. Nearby is a small
freshwater lake with ducks and herons, and in the mountain
itself, the Erdene Khombo monastery is being restored.
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Day 1 : Arrive Ulaanbaatar
Arrive the Mongolian capital by air or by train. Transfer to
your hotel. If you arrive in time, some sightseeing can be done
in Ulaanbaatar.
Day 2 : To Hogno Khan Mountain
Depart in the morning by bus
for the Hogno Khan Mountains Ger Camp. You will travel on one of
Mongolia's few asphalt roads. There will be steppe landscape all
the way, and upon reaching the Hogno Khan Mountain area we will
see sand dunes in the middle of the steppes. They are locally
known as "Little Gobi" and next to them there is a
small lake where waders such as herons and ducks may be seen.
Overnight in gers.
Day
3 : Hogno Khan Mountain
The
Hogno Khan Mountain is a giant rock formation in the middle of
the steppes, and in it is the small Erdene Khombo monastery, now
being restored. The abbot is a woman, Davaa, who as a child
witnessed her father, then abbot, be executed during the purges
of the 1930s. It is surrounded by an interesting countryside
area where many nomadic herdsmen live. You will explore the area
today.
Day 4 : Erdenezuu & Kharakhorum
Full day excursion of this fascinating area. Drive 70km
on a bad road to Harhorin. Erdenezuu is nowadays a functioning
monastery in constant renovation to its former splendor. Once,
1000 monks used to inhabit Erdenezuu. 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. Return to camp and overnight in gers.
Day 5 : Return to Ulaanbaatar
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. On
the way we will possibly accommodate a visit to the conservation
project where the Przewalski horses are being released back into
the wild: The Hustain Nuruu Steppe Reserve. The
horses are usually seen. The Przewalski horse (Equus
przewalskii) is called the takhi by the Mongols. It is the
only truly wild horse remaining in the world, and a sizable
population have been bred in captivity in zoos around the world
since its eradication in the wild. They are now being flown back
to Mongolia in an attempt to reintroduce them back into the
wild. The last takhi was seen in a remote area called the
Dzungarian Gobi in 1969. The visit is subject to the approval of
the project leadership, but usually feasible. If it rains,
access to the reserve may also be difficult. Overnight in a
hotel in Ulaanbaatar
Day
6 : Departure
After breakfast transfer to the airport or the train station for
your next destination.
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