MONGOLIA Archaeological Treasures of Mongolia

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1 MONGOLIA Archaeological Treasures of Mongolia May 27 - June 9, 2018 August 19 - September 1, 2018

2 MONGOLIA Archaeological Treasures of Mongolia An exploration of Mongolia s ancient history and unforgettable landscapes, this overland expedition passes through vast grasslands and forested mountains to the sites of fascinating archaeological treasures. Monuments to heroic deeds, mysterious stone carvings, and the ruins of the capitals of once-great empires await discovery on this remarkable journey. Travelers will explore ancient burial sites, stone men, the ruins of legendary cities, and finely rendered deer stones erected thousands of years ago by Turkic-Mongol tribes. Amidst the stunning scenery of Mongolia s lakes, mountains, and steppes, Archaeological Treasures of Mongolia provides a unique perspective of the country s history and culture.

3 Y O U R J O U R N E Y DEPARTURE DATE(S): MAY 27 - JUNE 9, 2018 AUGUST 19 - SEPTEMBER 1, 2018 RECOMMMENDED FOR: Archaeology buffs who are comfortable camping in tents and driving overland through Mongolia s vast landscapes to visit some of Asia s most significant historic sites, including deer stones, Turkic stone men, and ancient burial sites. HIGHLIGHTS: Hogno Han Mountains Kharakhorum Uushigiin Deer Stones Ruins of Har Balgas Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake Day 2 ULAANBAATAR TONYULKUK MONUMENT Begin the day with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece for government officials. However, in spite of the government s efforts to suppress Buddhism and other religious beliefs, Mongolia s spirituality persisted and a significant resurgence of Buddhism began in 1990 when Mongolia became a democracy. Monasteries across the country are again opening their doors to worshippers, and the few lamas who survived the purges began training a new generation. Experience these exciting developments first-hand at Gandan Monastery. Strolling through the monastery grounds, hear the low tones of the horns used to call the lamas to the temple and observe their daily rituals, including the reading of sutras, the teachings of the Buddha. Also visit Chenrezi and Kalachakra Temples, as well as the magnificent statue of Migjid Janraisig, the lord who looks in every direction. This 82-foot high statue, gilded in pure gold and clothed with silk and precious stones, completely fills one of Gandan s largest temples. ACCOMMODATIONS: 3 nights at the Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar 9 nights at ger camps 1 night in tents Day 1 WELCOME TO ULAANBAATAR The contrast between ancient traditions and a 21st-century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar, where traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries sit side by side with modern high-rises. Upon arrival at the airport you are welcomed by your Mongolian guide and transferred to a centrally located hotel within walking distance of various museums and shops. (Shangri-La Hotel) Next, drive east from Ulaanbaatar (2 hours) to the famed Tonyukuk Monument, one of the most valued archaeological sites of the early Mongolian Turkic nation. Erected in 744, the monument and nearby statues were built by a renowned scholar and statesman, and is inscribed with a brief history of the Turkic state. The statue is considered to be one of the world s most significant examples of runic inscription. Return to Ulaanbaatar in the evening and enjoy dinner at a fine local restaurant. (Shangri-La Hotel; B, L, D) Day 3 ULAAN KHEREM OR RED WALL & HAR BUH RUIN After breakfast, explore the National History Museum with a local historian to gain an excellent overview of Mongolia s history and culture. The newly remodeled museum displays traditional implements of daily nomadic life, including Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, historical costumes of Mongolia s minority tribes, sacred religious relics, and agricultural, fishing, and hunting equipment. Next, drive to Ulaan Herem (4-5 hours), a newly discovered archeological site from the period of Turkic tribes (VI-VIII century A.D). This is the first time a wall painting was found in Mongolia

4 and this sensational discovery was made by a joint Mongolian- Kazakhstan team in the summer of Next, transfer to your ger camp located near an ancient ruin of the Har Buh Fortress (1 hour). Har Buh ruins date back to the time of Uighar s domination (IX Century of A.D.) in central Asia. Overnight in ger camp. Day 4 UGII LAKE KULTEGIN MONUMENT ERDENE ZUU MONASTERY After breakfast, drive to Kultegin Monument via Ugii Lake (2 hours) and visit Kultegin Monument, erected during the Turkic Empire in the 8th century. Built in honor of a prince, this magnificent statue has been the subject of research by archeologists from around the world, and many roof tiles can be found during a walk in the area. Continue driving in the afternoon (1 hour) to Kharakhorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery. The empire created by Chinggis Khan and his descendants was the largest contiguous land empire in recorded history, and its scope has never been matched. The great Khan s son, Ogedei, created Kharakhorum to serve as the heart of this monolithic empire, and at the time it was one of the largest cities along the Silk Route. The capital was ultimately abandoned by Khublai Khan and later fell into ruin, and while only a few traces remain of this once great capital, Mongolia s largest monastery neighboring Erdene Zuu was reputedly constructed from the ruins of Kharakhorum in the 16th century. Erdene Zuu Monastery is surrounded by 108 stupas and has been a place of Buddhist activity for centuries. Explore the monastery grounds and observe the monks as they perform prayers and rituals in temples richly decorated with spectacular Buddhist art. Just behind the monastery compound, visit the site of archeological work being conducted by German archeologists at the former site of Kharakhorum. The entire foundation of a house with a brick stove was found about three meters beneath the ground. Among the most significant finds was a beautifully forged gold bracelet. Day 5 HAR BALGAS TSENHERIIN RASHAAN HOT SPRING Begin the day driving west to the ruins of Har Balgas (2-3 hours) in the Orkhon Valley. Meaning Black Ruins, Har Balgas was the site of the 9th-century Uigur capital. After the decline of the Uigur Empire, the Uigur people moved southwards to China, near the Turfan depression, where they traded on the Silk Road. Chinggis Khan greatly admired the Uigurs and adopted their script as the official script of the Mongols, which is still used in Mongolia today.

5 Joint Russian-Mongolian archeological expeditions have studied Har Balgas since the late 19th century and believe the city was once a large settlement and walled fortress, stretching 25 km in length and comprising palaces, government buildings, and monasteries. Drive northwest to the village of Hoton Village, site of this journey s first deer stone. Although half of the stone is missing, the locals brought the remaining part to their village for display and preservation. Twelve deer are among the beautiful carvings along all sides of the stone. Continue to Tsenheriin Rashaan Hot Spring, located in the forested Khangai Mountains. Known for its high mineral content and rich therapeutic value, the Tsensheriin Hot Spring is a wonderful spot to relax, or from which to explore the area on horseback. Overnight in a ger camp. Day 6 TSETSERLEG SHIVERTIIN DEER STONES Wake up early for another day of exploration. Drive north to the town of Tsetserleg, the capital of Arhangai Province, one of the most beautiful and archaeologically rich areas of the Mongolian heartland. Arhangai Province is home to hundreds of ancient square burial mounds, deer stones, monuments, and petroglyphs. Stop at the 19th-century monument of Maidar Buddha, located on the bank of the South Tamir River, before visiting the picturesque Zayayn Gegeenii Temple and exploring a wolf stone located in front of its main temple. After lunch continue driving north to the Shivertiin Deer Stone site, crossing over Tsagaan Burgasnii Davaa Pass. Explore one of Mongolia s most studied archaeological sites, where many second and third century stone burial mounds and deer stones have been found. One of the most notable is the square enthronement of a nobleman surrounded by deer stones. Day 7 CHULUUT DEER STONE TERHIIN TSAGAAN LAKE After an early breakfast, venture west towards the Chuluut River basin to visit a solitary deer stone. Four and a half feet high, this stone is decorated with a variety of elaborate patterns, daggers, belts, and deer. Arrive in the evening at Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake for dinner and overnight in gers. Day 8 TERKHIIN TSAAGAN LAKE Terkhiin Tsagaan, the Great White Lake, is the highlight of Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, established for the conservation of spectacular mountain scenery and endangered flora and fauna. The lake was formed thousands of years ago when lava from the nearby Horgo Volcano flowed into the Terkh River, creating a natural dam. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby dormant Horgo Volcano and its unique caves on foot or horseback.

6 Day 9 JARGALANT SOUM Continue driving northwards to Jargalant, crossing several mountain passes, including Mongolia s highest, Tariat Pass. Stop along the way at the ruins of Ariin Huree. Although little remains of this monastery, you can see some remnants, including a staircase leading to a hilltop. Approx. 5 hours driving. (Ger Camp B, L, D) Day 12 LAKE HOVSGOL Spend the entire day exploring the lakeshore and surrounding mountains and meadows. There will be opportunities to visit local nomads dwellings, sample horseback riding, or fish for Siberian grayling and lenok (please bring your own rod and tackle). Day 10 MURUN UUSHIGIIN DEER STONES Drive towards Murun, the capital of Hovsgol Province, stopping to visit nomadic families. After visiting the local museum in Murun, continue to the Uushgiin Deer Stones, about 30 km to the west. Of the many magnificent deer stones in Hovsgol Province, Uushgiin is one of the highlights. The Uushigiin Deer Stones are comprised of 14 remarkably preserved deer stones, lined up from north to south and often referred to as the graveyard of deer stones. The front stone is carved with a human face at the top, and is the only one of its kind. The renown of the Uushigiin Deer Stones has increased recently as a result of the Smithsonian Institute s research at the site. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the monuments, which are decorated with deer, moons, suns, and various human accessories. Overnight in tents. Approximately 6 hours driving. (Tent Camp; B, L, D) Day 11 HYADAGIIN DEER STONES LAKE HOVSGOL Day 13 MURUN ULAANBAATAR After breakfast return to Murun for the afternoon flight to Ulaanbaatar. Stop along the way for a picnic lunch at Lake Irkh, a small lake in the midst of the steppe that attracts a variety of birds. Upon arriving in Ulaanbaatar in the late afternoon transfer to the hotel. Enjoy dinner at a fine local restaurant. Day 14 DEPARTURE After breakfast transfer to the airport for departure. (Shangri-La Hotel; B, L, D) B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner Nomadic Expeditions reserves the right to change the above itinerary if necessary. Drive about 40 minutes north to the site of the Hyadagiin Deer Stones, five well-preserved relics, some of which are an extraordinary nine feet tall. After a brief visit, continue driving to Lake Hosvgol (3.5 hours.) Mongolia s largest lake by water volume, Hovsgol extends 125 km in length and 30 km in width, and is fed by over 90 streams and rivers. Water exits the lake through only one river, the Egiin, which eventually reaches Lake Baikal in neighboring Siberia. This crystal-clear alpine lake, known as Mongolia s dark blue pearl, is situated among some of the most pristine forests, mountains, and meadows in the world.

7 LAND PRICE $4,995 per person based on double occupancy Internal Airfare: $185 per person Single supplement: $850 per person Airfare for International Flight to Ulaanbaatar is not included. Please contact us for details. LAND PRICE INCLUDES: Ground transportation in Mongolia as described in the itinerary Transfers on arrival and departure All accommodations based on double or twin occupancy (hotel rooms, tents and gers) Meals as noted in itinerary All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary Extensive pre-departure Travel Guide, reading list, important information about your trip, and luggage tags Bilingual Nomadic Expeditions guide throughout your stay LAND PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: International airfare Passport and visa fees Comprehensive medical and trip insurance Airport taxes Tips to guides and drivers Excess baggage charges WHY TRAVEL WITH NOMADIC EXPEDITIONS? Unrivaled Expertise Nomadic Expeditions was founded in Nothing can compete with the experience we have attained over 25 years of designing luxury adventure travel to Asia. While each trip we design is slightly different than its predecessor, our breadth of knowledge, network of contacts, and experience in the field is unrivaled. Our People We hire the best in the business to create and execute memorable journeys for our clients. From our Expedition Specialists in the United States, Ulaanbaatar, Lhasa, and Thimpu who turn wish lists into reality to our English-speaking, professionally trained guides who share their extensive knowledge of the culture and natural history of our destinations, our staff is what makes Nomadic Expeditions successful. Passion for Travel While our journeys open your eyes to a whole new world of experiences, we understand that choosing to book a trip with us requires time spent away from friends, family, and work. Your time is precious and we take that to heart. It s why we design journeys that go beyond a checklist of attractions. When you travel with us, we want you to remember drinking tea with a nomadic family or digging for fossils with a renowned paleontologist. We imbue our trips with encounters, whether it s with a local resident, a high-ranking government official, or a renowned wildlife conservationist, so you take home more than a set of photographs to frame on your nightstand. Our Philosophy Nomadic Expeditions was founded on the principle of treading lightly long before sustainable travel was a buzz phrase. Every expedition is undertaken with the greatest respect for the lands we explore and the local people we meet. Those who travel with us do so with the assurance that the preservation and protection of the ecosystems and cultures we visit is of the utmost importance to us, both as individuals and as a company. Respect for the places we travel to is at the heart of everything we do, but over our 25 years we have realized additional opportunities where we can lend a hand. We have gone beyond simply treading lightly and have wholeheartedly partnered with local communities and regions. Read more about our sustainable practices and philanthropic efforts here. Photography and video fees Porterage and tips to guides, drivers, wranglers, local ger camp and restaurant staff Food and beverages not included in the group meals Items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundry and telephone calls Other items not specifically mentioned as included We would love to share this exceptional adventure with you! Our Expedition Specialists are available from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM EST, Monday thru Friday Nomadic Expeditions Inc., 1095 Cranbury-South River Road, Suite 20A Monroe Twp., NJ USA Phone: or Fax: info@