Hogno Khan Mountain

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Hogno Khan Mountain area is unique for its varied habitats. Within walking distance from the ger camp there are rock formations, secluded oasis with ruins, lakes with herons next to the sand dunes of Mongol Els. There are many nomads that make this area their home, so it is an excellent area for day hikes.

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 Kubilai Khan, the Mongol emperor of China.  Little remains, 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 290 km to the west of Ulan Bator into the southern tip of Bulgan province and stay at the secluded Delger Ger Camp beautifully located in Hogno Khan Mountain Nature Reserve.

It is a non-guided trip with shared transport. Delger Ger Camp is the base for the journey, and many day hikes may be made out of camp, or you may buy additional horse rides or excursions to Ogyi Lake in Arhangai or Tsogt Teuj Palace ruins in Bulgan province. The day trip and visit to Karakorum and Erdenezuu monastery is included in the tour price. There is English-speaking camp manager at Delger as well as English speaking guides at Erdenezuu.

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. To Hogno Khan Mountain

Join the tour at Nomadic Journeys office or your hotel and depart at 09.00hrs. A picnic lunch will be brought along for you since lunch will perhaps be late. Arrive Hogno Khan Mountain in the afternoon. We will travel on one of Mongolia's few tarmac roads. There will be steppe landscape all the way, and upon reaching the Hogno Khan Mountain area we will see Mongol Els sand dunes in the middle of the steppes. They are locally known as "Little Gobi" or “Elsen Tasarkhai” and next to them there is a small lake where waders such as herons and ducks may be seen. Transfer from the main road to Delger Ger Camp tucked away in a secluded valley at Hogno Khan Mountain. Overnight in gers.

Day 02. 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. It was destroyed during the purges of the 1930s. An interesting countryside area where many nomadic herdsmen live surrounds it.

All can be reached by lengthy walks. If you start your journey on a Friday you will spend an additional day at Hogno Khan Mountain. There are several excursions you may do on foot or horse riding or vehicle supported trips in the area at additional cost.

Day 03. Opt: Erdenezuu & Karakorum

Optional full day excursion of this fascinating area.  We will drive 80km on the recently refurbished road to Harhorin (2hrs).  Erdenezuu Hiid 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 04. Return to Ulaanbaatar

A.m Free. After lunch transfer after 15.30hrs for the return journey to Ulaanbaatar. A snack is provided for you from Delger Ger Camp. Arrive Ulaanbaatar approximately 20.30hrs in the evening.

Practicalities

PRICES ex Ulaanbaatar

Fri - Mon 3n. USD 330 per person, min 2p

Private ger supplement: USD 20 per night. 
Transfer on another day (includes dates in June and September) USD150 per person if two people,
USD 100 per person if 3 people are sharing and etc.

DATES ex Ulaanbaatar

Every Friday June to September

Including: Local guide, all meals outside Ulaanbaatar . Overnights in Ulaanbaatar hotel incl. breakfast in shared double and in 3-4 bed gers in the countryside. All transport and entrance fees.

Excluding: Imported drinks, laundry

Extended stay: Each additional night at Delger Ger Camp is USD 45 per person per day in shared double or USD 35 in shared triple.  Activities that may be organized out of Delger Ger Camp are:

Ogyi Lake and Tsogt Teuj Palace: A two-day trip and one night away from camp. Drive north to Arhangai and Bulgan provinces, and explore Ogiy Lake in the steppes. There is good lakeside fishing, especially Northern Pike (Esox lucius).  Tsogt Teuj Palace is some impressive ruins in Bulgan province and near the Tuul River Valley.

Horse Ride: Horse ride south towards Batkhaan Uul Nature Reserve. An inaccessible area of steppes and sand dunes, as well as rock formations.

Orkhon Valley: Continue to drive via Harhorin up this beautiful valley, extending into Hangai Mountains National Park. Camp next to the Orhon Waterfall and continue to the top of the valley. Meet yak herdsmen and trek for three days across the Naiman Nuur (Eight Lakes) area to Uyanga soum.  Pick up and drive back to Delger Ger Camp. 6d/5n away from Delger Ger Camp.

Accommodation and other services: You may order accommodation with us in Ulaanbaatar, which are variable from youth hostel to first class hotel. There are also services such as air and train tickets, transfer to certain destinations, half and full day excursions and so on. Please check our pricelists.  

Return transfer: Pls note, that if extending the your stay there is an issue of not having a shared transport returning to Ulaanbaatar, why there will be a supplement charge for the same.

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