Riding Through The Land Of Genghis Khan

Quick Reference Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival and city sightseeing, overnight Bayangol Hotel; Day 2 Drive to Hoh Nuur ("The Blue Lake"), overnight in tents; Day 3 Drive to Baldan Bereeven, overnight in tents; Day 4 Drive to Ancestor's Wall, overnight in tents; Day 5 Begin horseback riding, ride to Asgat Mountain, overnight in tents; Day 6 Horseback ride along the Onon River, fishing optional, overnight in tents; Day 7 Rest day, visit local family, optional fishing and swimming; Day 8 Continue horseback ride along the Onon River, overnight in tents; Day 9 Last day of riding to Jugamt Gatlaga, overnight in tents; Day 10 Drive into Dadal village, overnight in tents; Day 11 Rest day at Dadal, visit to Deluun Boldog & Khajuu Bulag, overnight in tents; Day 12 Drive to Kherlengiin Khodoo Aral, overnight in tents; Day 13 Rest & relaxation, hike to Great Aurag Palace, overnight in tents; Day 14 Drive to Ulaanbaatar, overnight at Bayangol Hotel; Day 15 Depart Mongolia

Day 1

Upon arrival in Mongolia's capital city, Ulaanbaatar, you will be transferred to the Bayangol Hotel. In the afternoon, we will begin our historical exploration at the National History Museum of Ulaanbaatar. This museum houses excellent displays relating historical accounts of Genghis Khan and his ancestors including models of the great ger (traditional Mongolian dwelling) that Genghis Khan lived in and was pulled by a herd of hundreds of horses while in transit.

Day 2

After breakfast, we will drive east outside of the capital into one of Mongolia's National Parks and reach Hoh Nuur ("The Blue Lake") located at the foothill of Har Zurh ("The Black Heart") Mountain. En route, we will have our lunch by the Kherlen River. The area around Blue Lake is forested and filled with wildflowers and several bird species. At this place in 1189, a ceremony was held conferring the title of Genghis Khan to the young Temuujin thus becoming the King of the Mongols. Not far from the lake, is a trace from the 15 meter wide ger that was Genghis' dwelling. We will make our overnight camp by the edge of the lake.

Day 3

Today, we will continue our driving until we reach the ruins of Baldan Bereeven monastery. The monastery was erected with granite rocks and sanctified in 1724. At one time, it included a three story high temple enclosed by thirty two pillars. During that time, almost 3,000 monks lived around and worshipped in the monastery. It was considered to be the Mongolian version of the Tibetan Utai and Gumben monasteries. Baldan Bereeven monastery was later destroyed leaving foundational ruins. On the rocky hills surrounding the monastery, you will view religious paintings and art work. We will explore the ruins and meet the monks and carpenters who are now in the process of restoring the monastery. We will make our tented camp overnight in this area.

Day 4

Today, we will drive to the Ancestor's Wall visiting other sites along the way. First, we will explore the rock writings at Rashaan Had Rock. The writings include about twenty different kinds of script including Orkhon-Enisey, Kidan, Arabian, Persian, Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese. In the area, are ancient burial sites that date to 20,000 BC. Archeological finds from the stone and bronze ages have been made in this area. Also, the Deer Stone in the valley of Jargalant River will be explored today. Later, we will arrive at the Ancestor's Wall which was erected with large red granite rocks which half encircles a small rocky hill. The wall is approximately 3 feet wide, 8-10 feet high and 4.78 miles in length. It is thought to have been built in the 13th century and remains to this day in remarkable condition. Yesukhei, Genghis' father, was buried at this location. Here, we will meet our horseman and horses. In the evening, we will do short rides to get acquainted with the horses and make our tented camp overnight in the area.

Day 5

Today will be our first day of horseback riding. We will ride down through steppe along the valley of Khurkh River until reaching the foothill of Asgat Mountain. We will make our tented camp overnight in the area.

Day 6

We will continue our horse riding through Mongolia's steppe land and make our camp on the eastern banks of the Onon River. En route, we will visit a memorial located close to the center of Binder village. This memorial was established for the historical event conferring Genghis Khan to the "King of All Mongols." For those who enjoy fishing, the evening hours will provide an opportunity to fish in the Onon River.

Day 7

Today we will have well-earned rest day after 2 days of the riding. Spend the morning in the leisure swimming in the river, optional fishing is possible. In the afternoon, we will have time to visit a local herdsman's family to experience Mongolian hospitality and explore their nomadic lifestyle

Day 8

We will continue our horse ride along the Onon River. The Onon River rises to the northern slope of the Khentii Khan mountain range ad flows 808 kilometers to join the Shilka River in the Russian Federation. The Onon River abounds with fish species including sturgeon, Taimen, Lenok, Amur Chub, Barbel, Amur Pike, Khadary, Amur Grailing, Amur Ide and Burbot. We will visit a Buryat family. Buryat is an ethnic group that resides in Mongolia as well as southern Siberia and the Tuva region. In the afternoon, we will finish our daily trip near Maihan Khar Mountain on the banks of the Onon River where fishing activities are possible.

Day 9

This will be our last day of horseback riding. We will ride until we reach Jugamt Gatlaga where we will make our camp overnight in the area. In the evening, we will enjoy a farewell dinner with our horsemen.

Day 10

In the early morning, we will bid our horsemen goodbye and continue our journey in vehicles. We will drive into the center of Dadal village and make our camp in the forest near The Three Lakes. The lake is located at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level and is rich in a variety of minerals

Day 11

Rest day at Dadal. Today, we will visit several historical sites beginning with Deluun Boldog and Khajuu spring waters. We will walk to a low hill named Deluun Boldog where Temuujin was born. Nearby is a small flowing spring called Khajuu Bulag and is the location of where Temuujin was bathed after birth. We will also visit the cave in which Khokhochu, the shaman, was living during that time. Overnight is at the previous night camp.

Day 12

Today we will set again on our vehicles early morning. Our final destination of the day is Kherlengiin Khodoo Aral. This location is mentioned in "The Secret History of the Mongola" and is where the book was completed by an unknown Mongolian historian in 1240. We will make our tented camp overnight in the area.

Day 13

Today will be a day of rest, relaxation, and walking in the surrounding area. We will explore the traces of the Great Aurag Palace, the first city of the Mongolian Empire. Natural spring waters also abound in this valley. This will be our last night in camp.

Day 14

Drive to Ulaanbaatar and upon arrival your will be transferred to the Bayangol Hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations.

Day 15

Transfer to airport for departure flight.

Departure date:

Available from 1 June to 15 September

Prices per person:
Group 2-3 people USD 2430
Group 4-6 people USD 2200
Group 7-10 people USD 2000
Group 11-14 people USD 1860
Single supplement USD 95 (it refers only to hotel in Ulaanbaatar)

Tour prices include:
-All ground transfers in Mongolia
-Double accommodations at the Bayangol Hotel while in Ulaanbaatar
-Sightseeing and transportation on a private bus in Ulaanbaatar
-4 WD Russian jeeps in the countryside
-English speaking guide throughout the trip
-All attraction and National Park entrance fees
-All meals
-Accommodations in tents while in the countryside
-Horse and horsemen hire

Tour prices do not include:
Alcohol drinks, all items of personal nature, airport taxes and international transportation to and from Mongolia