Karakorum

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Karakorum - 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 Karakorum. Erdenezuu was closed for many years, but after the democratic reforms in 1991, monks are again living there.

Brief Outline Itinerary

We will journey by bus or jeep 400 km to the west of Ulan Bator into the Ovorhangai province and visit Karakorum and Erdenezuu. We will overnight in a permanent ger camp at 80 km short from Karakorum 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.

Day 01. 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 02. To Hogno Khan Mountain

Depart in the morning by bus for the Hogno Khan Mountains Ger Camp. We 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 03. 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. We will explore the area today.

Day 04. Erdenezuu & Karakorum

Full day excursion of this fascinating area. We will 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 05. 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 06. Departure

After breakfast transfer to the airport or the train station for your next destination.

PRICE ex Ulaanbaatar

USD 650 per person, min 4p

Single room supplement: USD 35
Supplement if only 2-3 people: USD 200 per person.

Private ger supplement: USD 70. Gers normally have 3-4 beds in each.

DATES ex Ulaanbaatar

If there is enough participants, this journey can be done any time during the summer period June thru mid September.

Including: Local guide, all meals. Overnights in hotel in shared double and in 3-4 bed gers. All transport and entrance fees.

Excluding: Imported drinks, airport tax on departure approx. USD12.50 (Tg 12500 in Sep 2000). Air tickets. Single room supplement is USD 35 per night.

Additional: This journey combines easily with other trips on offer by Nomadic Journeys in Mongolia. Fixed departure dates are available for camel and yak treks.

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