Idre's Guesthouse Company was established in 1996 and was one of the
first guesthouses in Mongolia.
Nowadays Idre's Guesthouse is a fully experienced tour operator and
agent with professional and experienced staff.
Idre's Guesthouse is accredited by the Mongolian Tourism Board.
Iderzorig Sumiya, the company's director, has been working since 1995
and studied psychology for 10 years in Russia. He speaks in Mongolian,
English, Russian and Japanese. Tsetsegdelger Sumiya the company's
manager, has been working since 1986 as a photography teacher (a subject
she studied while attending college in Russia). She speaks in Mongolian,
Russian and English.
The company has 6 - 8 tour guides who are the sisters, nephews and
nieces. Our family team can all of team can speak Japanese and English.
Idre's Tours designs specialized and personalized itineraries
combined with reliable services to give you the opportunity to create
your own unique holidays along with a safe and unforgettable stay in
Mongolia.
Please note: The Idre's Tour & Guesthouse acts only as an agent
& tour operator for those independent contractors who supply
transportation, guiding services or accommodation and such is not liable
for any loss, accident, injury or damage to you or any personal effects.
The Guesthouse:
We are the first youth hostel in Mongolia located in the centre of
Ulaanbaatar, just a 10 minute walk from the city centre and from the
train station. We have 4 furnished apartments in downtown Ulaanbaatar.
We offer our guests a comfortable, clean and exciting environment to
enjoy their holidays. We have had such a great response from guests
staying in our guesthouse. Come and join the fun in our guesthouse when
you are in Ulaanbaatar. Visit us when you are in Ulaanbaatar and use our
guesthouse as the base for the start of your enjoyable and unforgettable
trip to countryside in Mongolia.
Idre's Guesthouse provides:
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A unique hostel in an excellent location.
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A fantastic home atmosphere where guests can meet others from
around the world.
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Great budget accommodation that is superior to any other hostel
or budget hostel in the heart of Ulaanbaatar.
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Excellent facilities to meet the needs of all guests, whether
they are backpackers, families or simply taking a city break in
Ulaanbaatar.
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A family team that is comprised of friendly, enthusiastic and
experience staff on hand 24 hours a day to help answer any questions
or provide any information that guests might have about Mongolia.
The guesthouse is available with the following facilities:
- TV room
- Hot showers
- Internet access
- Laundry service
- Book exchange
- Luggage storage
- Telephone service
- Free kitchen facilities
- Lockers for your valuables
Directions:
From the airport:
Please, show this to your taxi driver:
Тээврийн
товчоо, 9
давхар
байшин, 23-р
байр 2-р орц 44
тоот
From the railway station:
Once outside the train (facing north toward a small park/garden,)
walk north across both sides of Teeverchdyn street. You will then walk
east on Teeverchdyn for about 700 meters until you see Zanabazaryn
street. You then turn left and on the northeast corner you will see a
petrol station, a wooden fence and West Market. The guesthouse is
behind West Market. You will need to walk along the north side of the
market and the turn right. You should see two entrances to a story
building, take the one on the right. Go up to the third floor, walk
straight ahead a few steps and it should be the door to your left.
Address of guesthouse:
Sukhbaatar district 5th street. Building 23, entrance 2, floor 3,
door 44
About Mongolia:
The vast expanses of the steppes, the untouched pristine nature, the
beauty and wonder of the Mongolian scenery coupled with the Mongolian
nomadic lifestyle and renowned hospitality have been the major
attractions for all to our country.
Located in the very heart of Asia, between Russia and China, with a
population of 2.8 million and a territory of 1.566 million
squarekilometer. The country possesses a great potential to develop and
prosper.
With an extremely low population density of only 1.4 persons per
square kilometer, many areas still remain virtually unpopulated.
Mongolia’s nature is unique and unspoiled, comprising mountain ranges,
forests, steppes, semi-desert and desert areas.
Mongolia, the very name of evokes images of Chinggis (Genghis)
Khan’s warriors who inspired an admirable awe. Politically, Mongolia
is successfully making its transition to democracy, undertaking
democratic reforms that value civil liberties and promote human rights.
The most popular sites visited by tourists include the Gobi desert,
the ancient capital of Kharahorum and the great Khovsgol Lake in the
north of the country, all of which are ideal places to experience
traditional Mongolian lifestyle.
Population:
The country's population is 2.8 million. Started some twelve
centuries ago as a 300,000 strong union of several nomad tribes, by
the turn of this century Mongols counted a mere half a million.
During seven decades of communism, the population quadrupled,
especially after the "baby boom" of 1960's. Presently,
children and youth under 35 make up 70 percent of the population and
the average age is 21 year. Out of 2.8 million roughly a half lives in
cities and towns, while the remaining 47 percent still live nomad
lifestyle.
The capital city:
Ulaanbaatar, or Red Hero, is the capital of Mongolia, main center
of politics, business and finance, culture and science. One third of
the country's population, or about 700,000 people live now in the
capital city.
Religion:
Mongolia used to be the second, after Tibet, stronghold of Buddhist
religion. At the turn of 20th century each and every family was
obliged to send one of their children to a monastery to become monk.
However, with the arrival of the communists in the 1920's, the
religion was severely repressed and all but one monastery was
destroyed. More than 30,000 monks and priests were executed and
another 70,000 exiled or imprisoned. In seven decades Buddhism was
almost eradicated, but the liberalization of 1990 allowed its peaceful
revival. Now more than 140 Buddhist monasteries have been set up anew.
Under this new freedom of belief, other religions flocked in,
including more than 40, mostly Christian, churches and cults. Another
popular religion is Islam practiced by a 60,000 strong Kazakh minority
in Bayan Ulgii province.
How To Get A Mongolia Visa:
Passport and visa. Every tourist must be in possession of a valid
passport, entry and exit visa. Visa can be obtained from the Mongolian
Embassy in the country of your origin or at the Ulaanbaatar airport.
Requirements: 4 photos, valid passport and invitation from our company.
Diplomatic representatives abroad and honorary counsels of Mongolia have
the rights to issue to foreign citizens Mongolian visas. No official or
private invitation is needed for a foreign citizen (except the citizen
of Russia and China) applying for a Mongolian visa, if the visitor's
stay does not exceed one month.
Visa will be issued within 24 hours.
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Citizens of Poland, Kazakstan, do not require a visa for a visit
not exceeding three months.
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Citizens of Malaysia, Israel do not need a visa for visit not
exceeding three months.
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Citizens of Philippines are allowed to enter Mongolia for visit
not exceeding three months.
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Citizens of Singapore do not need a visa for visit not exceeding
two weeks.
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Citizens of People's Republic of China, Vietnam, Bulgaria,
Romania, who has diplomatic and service passports, do not require a
for visits to Mongolia.
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Citizens of Russia, Laos, Yugoslavia, Czech, Slovak who has
diplomatic and service passports, do not require a visa for visits
not exceeding three months.
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Citizens of Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Thailand,
Hungary, Turkey who has diplomatic and service passports, do not
need a visa for visits not exceeding one month.
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Citizens of India shall have Mongolia visa without visa
application and visa fee.
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Foreign nationals from other countries, which have no agreement
on relaxing visa regime on the basis of reciprocity wishing to pay a
visit to Mongolia for more than 30 days, should have official or
private invitation.
Personalized and Tailor Made Tours:
Mongolia is a land of undisturbed nature and untouched culture. We
invite you to join us to experience mysterious deserts, tundra forests,
endless steppes, majestic snowcapped mountains and crystal clear lakes
all in one place and discover a rich and ancient nomadic cultural
heritage dating to the time of Chengis Khan.
We offer you an opportunity to experience the best of Mongolia with
the greatest of comfort and convenience. We specialize in arranging
customized tours specifically tailored to your individual interests and
requirements.
Choose from one our popular suggested itineraries or we can prepare
customized itineraries for you, carefully designed to give you the best
possible experience of Mongolia. All our tour programs have been
carefully planned to maximize your time and enjoyment.
We can customize any tour to your travel needs. Please send us an
email on how to customize a tour to meet your travel requirements. Also,
if you any questions regarding any of the tours we offer then please let
us know.
We can share unique information that only we can provide as the
operators of the tours. No-one does it better!
Groups of all sizes catered for. Ideal for families and groups.
Just let us know where you want to go or let us design your perfect
itinerary (ideal for individuals, families and groups).
Introduction To The Tours:
The first two days of all tours start with your arrival and a tour of
the city. All of the tours start as follows:
Day 1:
Arrive at airport or railway station. Transfer to a hotel.
Overnight in the hotel. City tour.
Day 2:
We will visit Gandantegchilen Monastery (main temple) the center
and the most visited place by Mongolian Buddhists and visit the Museum
of natural historic, where we will see two complete dinosaur
skeletons, which were found in the Gobi - the giant flesh-eating
Tarbosaurs, 15 meters tall and four to five tons in weight and the
little duck - billed plant-eating Saurolophus, and displays of
Mongolia's geography, flora and fauna.
Depending on which tour you take, various things are prepaid for you.
These prepaid items can include:
If you would like to know what is exactly included in your tour then
we will be happy to tell you.
Please ask for the currents rates of any of the following tours:
South Mongolia - The Gobi Desert Tour:
9 nights - 10 days. Best from March to November. Hiking and camel
riding.
The Gobi desert is one of the untouched, unique and mysterious places
on the world. The site of ancient inland seas, the Gobi desert is a
treasure chest of fossilized dinosaur bones and eggs. The Mongolian Gobi
is a vast zone desert and desert steppe covering almost 30% of the
Mongolian territory. This is the second biggest desert in the world.
The Gobi is often imagined as a lifeless desert, similar to African
desert. In reality, most part of the Gobi is a land of steppes and
mountains and this the incredible land mass is home to wild sheep, wild
ass, gazelle, two humped wild camels, desert Ibex, takhi (the Mongolian
wild horse), rare saiga antelope, and the world's only desert bear - the
Gobi bear,of which there are only 50 left in the wild.
The appropriately named desert warbler and saxaul sparrow hide in
saxaul (zag in Mongolian), a stubby shrub that produces wood so dense
that it sinks in water.
Picture a camel ride on the serious sand dunes of Khongoryn Els (The
Singing Dune); a walk through Yolyn Am (Vulture Mouth), a valley with
dramatic, rocky scenery and thick ice almost year round; and exploration
of the ochre red "Flaming Cliffs" of Bayanzag, famous for
dinosaur findings.
Specification: The unique and pure nature, crystal clear waters and
the fresh air of Mongolia attracts people who love nature and trekking.
Day 1 and 2 are as described above.
Day 3:
We'll start with a full day trip to the Ruins of SumKhukh Burd
Temple (255 kilometers). On the way we'll stop for lunch at Zorgol
Khairkhan Mountain then stop again to see Baga Gazryn Chuluu Ruins
(1768 meters above sea level). At this ruins there are mineral water
springs and trees a top the many beautiful rocky hills. We'll spend
the night in tents or nomadic families ger.
Day 4:
We'll do full day trip driving to Yolyn Am in the middle of the
Gobi desert National Park which is a strictly protected area, covering
70 square kilometers. On the way we'll stop for lunch at huge flat
steppe. The mountains here are the highest in the Gobi Desert and the
rocky scenery is quite interesting, especially until mid July while
the ice gorge remains. We'll walk 3 kilometers through a narrow
valley, then 3 kilometers back to the minivan. We'll stay in Gercamp
and take a shower.
Day 5:
We'll drive to the Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes (195 kilometers) after
lunch time. The Khongoryn Els are some of the largest and most
spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia. We'll see beautiful views, huge
sand dunes and a cold water spring with a river that leads to two
small ponds. We'll then spend the night in a Mongolian traditional ger.
Day 6:
We'll climb and hike to the top of the biggest sand dunes. Also, if
you wish, you may walk alongside the river for about 10 kilometers. We
arrange the camel riding trip on the serious sand dunes. We will stay
in a same place.
Day 7:
We'll drive to Bayan-Zag (150 kilometers). When we arrive at
Bayan-Zag, spend the night in a Gercamp and take a shower. Bayan-Zag
wich means "rich in Saxaul Shrubs" is more commonly known as
the "Flamming Cliffs" of Bayan-Zag, famous for the discovery
of dinosaur fossils.
Day 8:
We'll drive to the Erdenedalai village. On the way we'll stop for
lunch. We'll spend the night in tents.
Day 9:
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. On the way we'll stop for lunch.
Day 10:
Depart Mongolia. Transfer to the airport or railway station.
North Mongolia - Khovsgol Lake Tour:
7 nights - 8 days. Best from May to October. Trekking and horseback
riding.
Khovsgol is one of the country's largest and most spectacular
protected areas. Bordered to the north by the Sayan Mountains (rising to
the park's highest point of 3491 meters) and to the west by the Khoridal
Soridag range, the lake is 136 kilometers long and 36 kilometers wide.
Its 380 cubic kilometers of water make it the fourteenth largest
freshwater lake in the world by volume, with over 2% of the world's
fresh water. At its deepest in Central Asia, the dives 262 meters. The
lake is 1645 meters above sea level and is generally frozen from January
until April or May. Ninety-six rivers and streams empty into Lake
Khovsgol, but only the Egyn River exits the lake. The Egyn flows
southeast until it joins the Selenge River, which flows through one of
Mongolia's most densely populated areas on its way to Lake Baikal.
Tributaries to Khovsgol include the Khankh and Khoroo rivers, the mouths
of which have been designated "core areas" because of their
importance for migratory birds. The lake is full of fish, such as lennok
and sturgeon, and the area is home to argali sheep, ibex, bear and
moose, as well as over 200 of birds, and 750 species of plants,
including 60 with medicinal importance.
The region also hosts three separate, unique people: Darkhad Mongols,
Buryad Mongols and Tsaatan, who care for the deer. The lake is now part
of the Khovsgol Lake National Park Visitors also come to fish, swim in
the icy water, watch the ducks, seagulls and other bird life, hike or
horse back ride along the shoreline or just find a comfortable spot to
stay and soak in all the fresh air and natural beauty.
The Tsaatan Reindeer Herders:
Living mostly in the rugged taiga-forested mountain areas to the
north and west of Lake Khovsgol, the Tsaatan (meaning "reindeer
herdsmen" in Mongolian) are one of Mongolia's most fascinating
social groups. Traditional reindeer herders, the Tsaatan are part of
the Turkic-speaking Tuvinian ethnic group known as Dukha, reindeer
herders who today inhabit parts of Tuva, the region just across the
border in Russia. Traditionally, these taiga forest dwellers used
reindeer for transporting supplies, riding, and milk and only rarely
used them for meat. Today, 30 - 40 Tsaatan families still practice
reindeer herding.
Specification: The unique and pure nature, crystal clear waters and
the fresh air of Mongolia attracts people who love nature and trekking.
Day 1 and 2 are as described above.
Day 3:
Flight to Moron city, the capital of Khovsgol province,
northwestern Mongolia. Drive to Jankhay ger camp (100 kilometers).
We'll stay in Ger camp.
Day 4:
We'll do a full day's worth of exploring the breathtaking shares of
this beautiful lake, swim in the icy water, free hiking and photo
session along the shorelines, a home to rich wildlife and birds. We'll
spend the night in tents or nomadic families ger.
Day 5:
We'll do horse back riding trip for a full day. We'll spend the
night in tents or nomadic families ger.
Day 6:
We'll meet with Tsaatan people from taiga, who care for deer. Also,
we'll travel by boat on the lake. We'll stay in Ger camp.
Day 7:
We'll drive back to Moron city and we'll have a lunch and flight to
Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to a hotel. After the arriving we'll be taken to
souvenir and cashmere shops. Then in the evening we will go to the
concert of "Tumen ekh" Mongolian national ensemble of folk
song and dance. In the evening a farewell dinner.
Day 8:
Depart Mongolia. Transfer to the airport or railway station.
East Mongolia - Genghis Khan:
7 nights - 8 days. Best from May to October. Trekking and horseback
riding.
The ancestral home of Chengis Khaan, Khan Khentii preserve takes in
over 1.2 million hectares of the rugged Khentii Mountains, stretching
from just northeast of Ulaanbaatar, to the Russian border. The core of
this remote wilderness area is uninhabited and accessible only by foot
or horseback.
Covered by forests, wetlands, alpine tundra, and permanent snow and
ice fields, several peaks rise above 2500 meters. The highest peak is
Asralt Khairkhan (2800 meters). The head waters of three major river
systems spring from the protected area: The Tuul, which flows to
Russia's Lake Baikal and on to the Arctic Ocean, and the Onon and
Kherlen, which flow east to join the Amur before emptying into the
Pacific Ocean. The reserve contains 10% of Mongolia's forests and
defines the southern edge of Siberia's taiga. Therapeutic hot springs,
long used for medicinal purposes, lie along the Onon River and elsewhere
in the protected area. More than 1150 species of plants characteristic
of both taiga and steppe have been identified to date. The protected
area is home to more than fifty species of mammals, including endangered
musk deer and moose, brown bear, wolf, fox, lynx, badger, wolverine,
sable, weasel, roe, and elk. The 253 species of birds identified to date
include whoopee swans, spoonbills, great white egrets, and numerous
raptors. Twenty-eight species of fish inhabit local lakes and rivers.
Archaeologists have discovered over 800 ancient burial sited near
Khan Khentii mountain, though the search continues for the grave of
Chengis Khaan himself. A ruined monastery, Gunjyn, is uninhabited.
Semi-nomadic herders of Mongolia's Khalkh and Buryat ethnic groups
frequent the buffer zones just outside park borders.
Specification: The unique and pure nature, crystal clear waters and
the fresh air of Mongolia attracts people who love nature and trekking.
Day 1 and 2 are as described above.
Day 3:
We'll do a full day trip by car to Khangal nuur. We'll spend the
night in tent or nomadic families ger.
Day 4:
We'll do a full day trekking trip to Baldan Bereeven khiid or we
can arrange the horseback riding trip for whole day. We'll stay in
Gercamp.
Day 5:
We'll see beautiful views and rocky scenery is quite interesting.
We'll drive after lunch to Khokh nuur and Ereg Buureg, places where
lived Chengis Khaan. We'll spend the night in tent.
Day 6
We'll drive to Terelj National Park. Also, here we'll see beautiful
views and rocky scenery is quite interesting like frog rock. We'll
stay in Gercamp.
Day 7:
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to a hotel. After the arriving
we'll be taken to souvenir and cashmere shops. Then in the evening we
will go to the concert of "Tumen ekh" Mongolian national
ensemble of folk song and dance. In the evening a farewell dinner.
Day 8:
Depart Mongolia. Transfer to the airport or railway station.
West Mongolia - The Kazak and Eagle Hunting
Trips:
10 nights - 11 days. Best from June to November. Trekking, visit
eagle hunter family and horseback riding.
Falconry, one of the most dramatic and primal relationships between
man and beast is alive and well in the remote mountains of western
Mongolia. You'll follow Kazakh hunters with trained golden eagles, the
largest and most powerful of raptors, as they hunt fox and rabbit from
horseback. Meet the hunters, their families and their birds, follow them
on the hunt and learn some of the skills involved in the capture,
training and use of the eagles as hunters.
Fox, rabbit and even wolf are hunted for their fur and for the
challenge they present, pursued across the snowy mountains and steppes.
The Kazaks only hunt with their eagles during winter, when the pelts
of the rabbits, red fox and wolf are at their most luxuriant. Hunting
with eagles is an ancient sport. Eagle hunting is a Kazakh tradition
dating back about 2000 years (Marco Polo mentioned it in his travels).
It reminds us of how close, until recent history, man was with both
nature and animals. This tradition, lost in many parts of the world, is
enjoying a resurgence of interest among the Kazaks and has spread to
other ethnic groups who once hunted with raptors but lost the knowledge.
Participants will discuss the techniques of capturing and training an
eagle (only the females are used, they are larger) and will be able to
see the eagles fly in pursuit of prey. Female eagles are almost always
used as they are one-third heavier than the males and far more
aggressive. Young birds, around two years old, are caught in nearby
valleys, fattened up and washed, and then 'broken' by being tied to a
wooden block so that they fall when they try to fly away. After two days
they are exhausted and ready for training, which involves being kept on
a pole called a tugir, and catching small animals skins or lures called
shirga.
The eagles are trained to hunt marmots, small faxes and wolves
(eagles have vision eight times more acute than humans), and release
them to the hunter, who clubs the prey to death. Part of the meat is
given to the eagles as a reward. Tools of the trade include the tomaga
(hood), bialai (gloves) and khundag (blanket to keep the bird warm).
If well trained, a bird can live, and hunt, for about 30 years. Most
hunters train several birds during their lifetime and release their
birds into the wild after 10 years. In addition, the far western
mountains of Mongolia (Altai) are spectacularly beautiful.
Specification: The unique and pure nature, crystal clear waters and
the fresh air of Mongolia attracts people who love nature and trekking.
Day 1 and 2 are as described above.
Day-3:
Fly to Olgii in western Mongolia. Drive to hunter's camp. Overnight
in gers.
Day-4-9:
Join the hunters either by jeep, on foot or horseback.
Day-10:
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to a hotel. After the arriving
we'll be taken to souvenir and cashmere shops. Then in the evening we
will go to the concert of "Tumen ekh" Mongolian national
ensemble of folk song and dance. In the evening a farewell dinner.
Day-11:
Depart Mongolia. Transfer to the airport or railway station.
Notice: This trip is limited to 6 participants and an interview is a
prerequisite.
Central Mongolia - Ancient Capital
Kharkhorum:
8 nights - 9 days. Best from November to March. History tours, hiking
and horseback riding.
In 1220 Chinggis Khaan decided to move his capital from the Onon
Valley in Khentii to Kharakorum, 373 kilometers southwest of modern
Ulaanbaatar. Building only began after Chinggis death by his son Ogodei
Khaan. The second great khaan, Ogodei, made it the real capital of the
Mongolian Empire. The fourth great khaan, Monke, extended the city and
European travelers recorded the city in the world history in 1246 as
"Khara Khorin".
Kharakorum served as the political, cultural and economic capital of
the Mongols for only 40 years, before Kublai Khaan moved it to Khanbalik,
in what is now Beijing. Following the move to Beijing, and the
subsequent collapse of the Mongolian empire, Karakorum was abandoned and
then destroyed by vengeful Manchurian soldiers in 1388. Whatever was
left of Karakorum was used to help build Erdene Zuu Khiid in the 16th
century, which itself was badly damaged during the Stalinist purges.
Erdene Zuu Khiid (the monastery):
Erdene Zuu monastery is the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia.
It was built at the initiative of the most influential Khalha lord
Abtai Khan, in 1586 on the spot where Khara-Khorum, the famous capital
of the Mongolia Empire of the XIII century was. A considerable portion
of the building work of the temples, fortress and stupas was created
under the direction of the Mongolian artisan Manzshir and many
Mongolian craftsmen participated in erecting this architectural
ensemble. The architectural style of the temples combines the style of
ancient Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese architecture. Most noteworthy
is that not a single nail was used in the building.
The territory of the monastery occupies an area of 400 square
meters and is surrounded by a stone wall with 108 stupas. These stupas
were erected either in honor of a prominent historical event, or as
the grave of a state or religious figure. Almost ten thousand lamas
lived within the fortress, which contained more than 60 chapels of
various sizes. Erdene Zuu is said to have had 108 Tsam dancers and
religious rites were arranged annually in different parts of the
monastery.
The Mongolians, Chinese, Arab and Tibetan scripts of the XIII and
XIV centuries have been preserved to the present in some of the
temples. The chapel built in honor of the Tusheet Khan Chahundorj's
visit to Dalai Lama in 1675 is also situated here.
Furthermore there is a brick fortress wall with two graves, of
Abtai Khan who died in 1587, and his son Tusheet Khan Gombodorj. The
tomb of Gombodorj's wife is placed outside of the fortress in the so
called 'female sector' of the monastery, on the north eastern side.
Three main temples, "Three zuu" the western temple of which
was built by Abtai Khan and his son Gombodorj, stand in most sacred
western side. Three statues of 8 idols are placed in the temple, the
one on the left side depicting Sanjaa who, according to the religious
mythology, was the first disseminator of religion before Buddha, the
on of right being Jamba (the Holy Maitreya), disseminator of Buddhism
after Buddha, and the one in the centre is Buddha in his old age.
The main Central Zuu was built by the missionary Tsogt at the
Zungen Lord's ruling. An idol can be seen on either side of the
entrance of the main shrine of Erdene Zuu, the idol Lham to the left
and the idol Gombogur to the right.
Three big idol statues are placed along the northern wall. On the
left of the God of medicine Otoch Manal, on the right is Holy Abida,
and the centre the Buddha in his youth. Statues of 8 idols are also
placed in the temple. These are the Buddha's disciples, the God of the
Moon, 8 Sages and others. A special pedestal displays dozens of
guilded statues of idols (chased and moulded) the works of Under Gegen
Zanabazar, a master sculptor and artist. The walls of the temple are
adorned with beautiful works of appliqué depicting the forest,
mountains and caves where the gods pursued their hermitic existence.
These pictures are called the land of the Thousand Buddha of Golden
Time, who have descended from heaven to earth. The eastern temple of
Zuu was built by Erhi Mergen Khan's wife and the Bogdo Lama's mother.
There are three big statues displayed in the temple, on the left is
the Bogdo lama himself, on the right is the idol Janraiseg, and the
center is the image of the Buddha in his teenage years. The model of
the eastern Zuu temple made of brown sandalwood is placed on a central
pedestal.
The main stupa which is called the Golden Payer Stupa stands in the
northern sector. The three circled palace of Lavran restored in 1969
-1973 is located nearby and is the only monument in Mongolia of pure
Tibetan style. The central square of the monastery, 45 meters in
diameter, is paved with flagstones and is named the Square of
Happiness and Prosperity. Legend says that the ger (yurta) of Abtai
Khan stood here, a big ger (yurta) of Benediction erected in 1658, in
which the annual assemblies of the Mongolian lords were usually held.
A grass covered hollow has been left at the place near the square
where there was once a pond. The Erdene Zuu monastery preserves the
marvelous works of the Mongolian artisans, painters, cutters,
sculptors, embroideries and craftsmen of the XVII century.
Erdene Zuu monastery was severely damaged at the end of the XVII
century and the beginning of the XVIII centuries at the time of the
struggle of the Mongolians against the Manchu invaders. It was
restored several times, in 1760 -1796 and in 1808 - 1814.
The volcano and Great white lake:
Known in English as the Great White Lake, this freshwater lake (and
the volcanic area around it) is certainly the highlight of Arkhangai
province, and on of the best in a country full of beautiful lakes.
Surrounded by extinct and craterous volcanoes (part of the Tarvagatain
Nuruu range), Terkhyn Tsagaan Nuur is not as forested or as large as
Khovsgol Nuur, but completely undeveloped and just about perfect for
camping and hiking. The lake, bird life and mountains are now
protected within the 77.267 hectare Khorgo-Terkhyn Tsagaan Nuur
National Park. The lake, which was formed by lava flows from a
volcanic eruption many millennia ago, is excellent for swimming,
though a bit cold in the morning - try the late afternoon, after the
sun has warmed it. One good excursion takes you to the top of Khorgo
Uul volcano (2965 meters from sea level).
Specification: The unique and pure nature, crystal clear waters and
the fresh air of Mongolia attracts people who love nature and trekking.
By minivan tour: Total distance: 1400 kilometers.
Day 1 and 2 as described above.
Day 3:
We'll start with full day driving trip to the Ruins of Mongolian
king which is called "Tsogt taijyn balgas". On the way we'll
stop for the lunch and we'll spend the night in the tent.
Day 4:
We'll drive to Kharhorin (a slight detour into Ovorkhangai
province), is pleasantly smooth on tar.Once at this ancient capital
city, the highlight is Erdene Zuu Khiid Buddhist monastery the first
in Mongolia.It started in 1586 and parts have survived the Manchu
invasion and Stalin's purges.On the way we'll stop for the lunch at
the lake Ugii and spent the night in the Guest house.
Day 5:
We'll do full day driving trip to Chuluutyn canyon (about 10
kilometers longer).On the way we'll stop in town Tsetserleg (capital
of Arkhangai province) for the shopping. We'll spend the night in the
tent.
Day 6:
Drive to Khorge Volcano. Khorgo Volcano is located in the northern
part of the Khangai mountain range. We'll climb to the top of the
volcano, where we'll see beautiful picturesque views. Afterwards we'll
prepare for the next day's horseback riding trip. We both lunch and
dinner will be in the open air and spend the night in Ger.
Day 7:
We'll do for two hours horseback riding trip round the Terkhyn
Tsagaan lake. We'll have lunch in the open air, then we'll drive back
to Taikhar rock and will spend the night after Tsetserleg in the tent.
Day 8:
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. On the way we'll stop for lunch. We'll
stay at hotel.
Day 9:
Depart Mongolia. Transfer to the airport or railway station.
The Naadam Festival - National Holiday:
July 11 - 13. Mongolia's historic and traditional festival.
The Naadam festival is often referred to as the world's second oldest
Olympics.
The Naadam festival is the biggest and most joyful and colorful
holiday celebration for Mongolians. Held from July 11 to 13 each year,
this unique celebration makes the 1921 Mongolian Revolution. The
festival comprises the “Three Manly Sports”: wrestling, horse racing
and archery.
1024 wrestlers compete on the green wrestling field - there is no
time limit and no weight division. Mongolian wrestlers wear traditional
Mongolian boots and special clothes for wrestling, Zodog - small open
fronted vest and Shuudag - short pants.
There are 6 different categories of horse racing depending on the age
of horses. The riders, both boys and girls are aged between 5 - 12 and
the distance of the race ranges from 15 - 30 kilometers.
Archery, originating from the era of Genghis Khan is the oldest sport
in Mongolia. Traditionally, this was only a man’s sport but nowadays
both men and women compete in separate divisions. Male archers shoot on
a 75 meter range while female archers shoot on a 60 meter range.
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8:00 Breakfast
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9.30 Opening ceremony
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10.30 Start wrestling in the stadium
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11.30 Go to horse race starting line
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13.00 Lunch time
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14.00 Come back to the stadium to see the archery
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15.00 Visit to the Mongolian traditional game
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16.00 Go to horse race finishing line
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17.30 Come back to the Hotel
Lunar New Year Celebration - National Holiday:
Takes place in February. Festival tours and cultural expeditions.
Visit a nomadic family and observe how the Mongols prepare for
Tsagaan Sar: make buuz (beef and mutton dumplings), boil a sheep's lower
back and tail. This trip gives you a great opportunity to celebrate
Mongolian traditional festival with Mongolian nomads. White Month
celebrates the end of severe winter, the beginning of spring and start
of Lunar New year. The festival is held over three days between February
and March depending on lunar calendar.
Each family cleans every corner of the house and Ger before the first
day of celebration. During the festival everyone wears new clothes and
each family makes lots of food and beverages as a symbol of being clean,
rich and happy in the coming year.
In the morning of first day Mongolians make a special greeting Zolgoh
that means younger person is giving a respect to the older generations.
During the days of festival Mongolians eat the traditional cuisine and
drink Airag, which is the traditional drink - fermented mare's milk, and
exchange gifts to each other especially to the children.
There is no way to imagine a Mongolian festival without the spectacle
traditional wrestling and horse racing. On this trip you can see the
winter horse racing and wrestling.
The trip gives us a great opportunity to celebrate Mongolian
traditional festival with Nomads and visit to other nomadic family on
Mongolian horseback.
