Journey through peaceful happiness

Day 1 ULAANBAATAR

Half day city tour including visiting History museum and Bogd Khaan winter palace (Bogd Khaan was Mongolian last king and head of Buddhism in early 20th century).
Overnight in hotel (B,L).

Day 2 HOGNO HAN MOUNTAIN

After breakfast visit Gandan Monastery. Drive west to Högnö Han Mountain (4-5 hours) which is a splendid and a magnificent giant rock formation is situated in the middle of steppe where is border area of Uvurkhangai, Tuv and Bulgan province with forests, steppes, Gobi-type desert and mineral water sources. We will stay at an eco-camp out of nowhere in the silent beautiful nature. Here we will have some discussion about Buddhism with a monk.
Overnight at camp (B,L,D) /accompanied by a monk/

Day 3 HOGNO HAN MOUNTAIN

This morning we will visit small Erdenehamba Monastery, now being restored. It was destroyed during the purges of the 1930s. We will explore the area on foot today. It is possible to hike a short way until Övgön Monastery ruin, originally built in 17th century by Saint Zanabazar who was a great sculptor and the biggest representative of Buddhism in Mongolia, but destroyed by Galdan Boshigt and assassinated all the monks.
We will have some talk with the monk and practice meditation in the silent nature over here.
Some who are interested available to have a scenic 3 hour walk back to the camp hiking over the Hongno Han mountain ridge or easily drive back.

Overnight at camp (B,L,D) /accompanied by a monk/

Day 4 HARHORIN & ERDENEZUU MONASTERY

AM. We will drive for around 2 hours to Harhorin (or Kharkhorum) which was the oldest capital city of Mongol Empire, started building by Chinggis Khaan in 13th century and which is located on the most important east-west route across Mongolia in the Valley of Orkhon River-UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit an impressive small Kharakhorum archeological museum exhibits dozens of artifacts dating from 13th and 14th centuries which were recovered from sites of the city.
Proceed to visit Erdenezuu Monastery which is the earliest and most magnificent monastery complex in Mongolia, was built at the base of Kharkhorum city in late of 16th century.
The monk will be stand by for more information (The monk will leave the next day).

Overnight at camp (B,L,D) /accompanied by a monk/

Day 5 SHANH TEMPLE – TOVHON TEMPLE in ORKHON VALLEY

AM. Visiting Shanh temple is one of the only survived and oldest temples out of the purge.The excellent location of Tovhon (or Tuvkhun) temple is a short distance from KharKhorum in the Orkhon Valley. It was registered by UNESCO in the World Heritage List as representing evolution of nomadic pastoral traditions spanning more than two millennia.

The Tovhon temple is one of the most beautiful monasteries is situated on a forested rocky mountain called Shireet Ulaan, which elevated in 2300 meters above sea level. The monastery was built in 1654 by Saint Zanabazar who was a great sculptor and one of the biggest representatives of Buddhism in Mongolia. After he return from studying in Tibet, he stayed and used the temple as his personal retreat over the course of 30 years and created many of his most famous works.

We will walk for 4 kms up to the mountain path leads to Tuvkhun temple. Here we enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the scenery.
Overnight at eco ger camp (B,L,D). /accompanied by a monk/

Day 6 ULAANBAATAR

After breakfast drive back to Ulaanbaatar. On the way we will visit a nomad family camping in a beautiful valley for summer while having some unjoyful break. Check in a hotel late afternoon in UB.
Overnight in hotel (B,L,D). /accompanied by a monk/

Day 7 JALMAN MEADOWS

After breakfast visit Gandan Monastery. Drive to Chingis King giant horseback statue on the way to Jalman Meadows in Khan Khentii National Park. We will follow beautiful valley, dotted with gers and herd of livestock of local nomads. We will cross a mountain ridge and drive up through forests until we reach the Upper Tuul River Valley. At the Jalman Meadows Ger campwe are met by yak carts by the local nomads, carrying luggage and move into the comfortable gers.
Stay at eco ger camp (B,L,D)

Day 8 JALMAN MEADOWS

Full day exploring in Jalman Meadows area such as walking, riding horse, kayaking, rafting and mountain biking or relaxing at the camp.
Stay at eco ger camp (B,L,D).

Day 9 JALMAN MEADOWS

Full day exploring in Jalman Meadows area such as walking, riding horse, kayaking, rafting and mountain biking or relaxing at the camp.
Stay at eco ger camp (B,L,D).

Day 10 ULAANBAATAR
After breakfast drive back to UB for 3 hours. Free in the afternoon. Enjoy a folk music concert in the late afternoon.
Overnight in hotel (B,L,D)

Day 11 ULAANBAATAR

After breakfast visit Dashchoilin monastery. Enjoy Luijin (Chod) Buddhist ritual at a Mongolian traditional ger monastery.
Chöd is a spiritual practice found primarily in the Nyingma and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism. According to Mahayana Buddhism, emptiness is the ultimate wisdom of understanding that all things lack inherent existence. The Chod practitioner seeks to tap the power of fear through activities such as rituals set in graveyards, and visualisation of offering their bodies in a tantric feast in order to put their understanding of emptiness to the ultimate test. It cuts through hindrances and obscurations, sometimes called ‘demons’ or ‘gods’.
Overnight in a hotel (B,L,D)

Day 12 DEPARTURE

Transfer to the airport and depart back home.