Mongolia is an archeological hot spot. As we know many ancient cultures left behind many different artifacts, and written records providing information about their day to day lives. These fascinating discoveries also often help us conserve culture, ancient wealth, religion, hierarchy, important dates, property, ownership and etc.
Chinggis Khaan International Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
| Number of travellers | Price per traveller |
|---|---|
| 5 – 6 people | 3500$ |
| 7 – 8 people | 3300$ |
Welcome to Mongolia! Our team welcomes you and picks you up from the airport. After the long flight, we prefer to take you to the hotel to have some rest. It is your adventure, so enjoy your stay in Mongolia. If you need help with accommodation, let us know anytime!
After you’ve had some rest, we’ll have lunch out and make sure you’re dressed comfortably because we’ll go for a short city tour and visit the Museum of National History. Thousands of historical evidences and findings will be displayed chronologically in the National Museum, ranging from the petroglyphs of the Neolithic period to the present day. This includes the Empire of Genghis Khan, allowing us to learn more about Mongolian culture and customs, and to have an overview of the historic base and ethnic diversity that make up Mongolia’s value.
Our next stop is Gandan Monastery, which is the largest monastery in Mongolia. Additionally, you will be introduced to the monastery’s daily operations. A small ceremony of benediction might be held for all participants in a small Gandan temple.
Then, we head out to Sukhbaatar’s Square, where the hero of the country stands in front of the Genghis Khan statue.
Meal: Lunch and Dinner
Stay: Hotel
Today, we begin with breakfast at the coffee shop in the Genghis Khan’s Museum and Cultural Center. The Chinggis Khaan Museum boasts the world’s most extensive collection of Genghis Khan’s objects, research, and is a “must-see” destination. Alongside the collection, the Museum offers interactive exhibits, immersive galleries, and cinematic experiences that are truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Following breakfast, we continue our day with an archaeology meeting. Mongolian archaeologist Turbat.Ts is invited to give us a lecture on “The Mongolian and regional deer stone culture”. The meeting consists of a lecture, debates, and a question and answer session. The lecture lasts for an hour and a half, followed by one to two hours for debates and questions, providing ample opportunities to delve into archaeological inquiries with an expert in the field.
Turbat.Ts is a faculty member in the department of Archaeology and Anthropology at the National University of Mongolia. He graduated from the National University of Mongolia in 1995 and defended his Ph.D. in 2004 at the same institution, specializing in Bronze-Early-Iron Age and Xiongnu period archaeology. In 2022, he was honored by the Mongolian Government for his significant contributions to Mongolian archaeology research. Furthermore, his globally recognized archaeological work includes the nomination of the Deer Stone Monuments in Mongolia to the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 2023, the Deer Stone Monuments and Related Bronze Age Sites in Mongolia were successfully added to the UNESCO World Heritage List during the extended 45th session of the World Heritage Committee.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Stay: Hotel
Today, we embark on a journey to the Arkhangai province to visit the Tsatsyn Ereg deer stone monument situated on the bluff North of the Tamir River (The Khoid Tamir). The Khoid Tamir region boasts the richest assemblage of surface monuments, featuring khirgisüürs, mounds, circles, and 48 massive standing stones.
Mongolia is replete with monuments and complex heritage sites that belong to the Bronze Age culture of Eurasian nomadic peoples. Among these, the most fascinating, elegant, and valuable are the deer stone monuments dating from around 1200 to 600 BCE. Typically found in the context of a partially extended complex, including khirgisüürs (elaborate burial mounds) and sacrificial altars, deer stones belong to a class of Bronze Age monuments known most commonly as menhirs. Mongolian deer stone monuments stand out as the most significant and remarkable examples of this world’s megalithic ceremonial and funeral culture.
A deer stone is a colossal stele, reaching heights of up to 4 meters, adorned with stylized stag images. These massive monoliths, elaborately decorated, are placed directly in the ground, either singly or in groups. Typically, they are vertically divided into three sections: the upper section containing the head, the middle section containing the torso, and the lower section containing the part below the belt. The Mongolian deer stone is unique within the world Bronze Age monumental heritage sites in terms of ornamentation, cultural significance, archaeological and landscape contexts.
The first research on deer stones was conducted approximately 100 years ago. To date, over 1600 deer stones have been discovered across the Eurasian steppe area, with over 1300 found in Mongolia alone. Within Mongolia and Eurasia, three relatively distinct forms of deer stones exist: 1) Mongol-Transbaikal type (Mongolian type), characterized by stylized stag images; 2) Sayan-Altai type, which features either carved or decorated relatively realistic images of animals; and 3) Eurasian type, which lacks imagery and is less well articulated as a type.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Stay: Camping tent
Today, we embark on a journey to the “Jargalantyn Am” Deer Stone Monument. The northernmost of the two Jargalantyn Am components is a large complex comprising 26 deer stones and related features, making it the largest Bronze Age offering complex in Mongolia. Contrastingly, the southern component at Jargalantyn Am is marked by two immense khirgisuurs (north and south), potentially the largest in Mongolia, with three deer stones situated between them. One of these khirgisuurs is adorned with over 1,700 small satellite mounds, each potentially containing a horse skull, suggesting the presence of powerful leaders from that period. As the day concludes, we visit a nomadic family and indulge in a traditional hot stone barbecue known as “khorkhog” for dinner, experiencing the local culture and cuisine firsthand.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Stay: Camping tent
Today, we set out to the “Gol Mod 2” Hun Empire burial site to delve deeper into archaeological findings associated with the Hun empire. Following our exploration, we continue our journey to visit a nomadic family in Ulziit village, where we will spend the night.
Situated north of the Khangai mountain range in central-north Mongolia, approximately 12 kilometers east of the river Khanui in Undur Ulaan village, Arkhangai, the “Gol Mod 2” burial site spans 2.2 kilometers west-east and 1.3 kilometers north-south. This cemetery encompasses over 400 burials, with over 30 of them being meticulously studied. Notably, rare artifacts discovered here have been recognized as one of the “Top Ten Archaeological Finds” of 2019 worldwide.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Stay: Nomadic yurt
Today, we have the unique opportunity to visit the Tomb of the Silver Dragons located in the Gol Mod-2 Cemetery. To enrich our understanding of archaeology, we are privileged to have a lecture delivered by Dr. Iderkhangai, a Ph.D. archaeologist from Ulaanbaatar University. This enlightening session takes place within the cozy confines of a nomadic yurt.
In Mongolia, archaeologists have uncovered two opulent tombs constructed for nobles of the Hun Empire, a nomadic people who exerted influence over the eastern Eurasian steppes from the third century B.C. to the first century A.D. Both tombs were excavated by a joint team from Ulaanbaatar University and the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, revealing an array of sumptuous grave goods.
Within the larger tomb, researchers discovered wooden boxes containing silver rings, jade belt hooks, and a pair of gilded silver dragons, likely used as handles on a vessel. Meanwhile, the smaller tomb contained the remains of a man interred alongside a horse-drawn carriage, 15 horse heads, and 19 silver equestrian ornaments, each depicting a unicorn deity.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay: Nomadic yurt
Today, we depart to visit Kharkhorum city, an ancient capital of the Mongol Empire established in the 13th century. The construction of the capital was initiated by Genghis Khan, and it was completed by his son in 1235 after his father’s passing. Continuing our journey, we head to the Erdene Zuu Monastery within the city. This monastery is believed to be the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, constructed in 1585. Originally comprising 62 temples surrounded by walls and stupas, only three temples managed to survive the communist purge in 1939. Today, despite years of prohibition, this ancient monastery operates actively as a religious site.
Later in the day, we visit the “Erdenesiin Khuree Mongolian Calligraphy Center” in the city, where we have the opportunity to learn from master calligraphist Tamir about this significant cultural heritage.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay: Tourist camp “Silk Road”
Today, we explore the Kharkhorum Museum in Kharkhorum city and have the privilege of meeting Enkhmend.S, a researcher at the museum. We join his presentation, which focuses on archaeological research and excavation efforts concerning the ancient capital of Kharkhorum.
Given our nomadic culture, characterized by constant movement, it becomes imperative to seek documentation and evidence of civilizations and the histories they forged. Over the years, various scholars and researchers have conducted archaeological research and excavation works, revealing the remains of Kharkhorum city in the Orkhon Valley, situated in Kharkhorin soum, Uvurkhangai province. Among the most significant tangible cultural heritage artifacts validating the existence of the capital in Mongolia are the remnants of the Kharkhorum city.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay: Tourist camp “Silk Road”
Today, we embark on an adventure to the sand dunes of Elsentasarkhai, affectionately known as the “Little Gobi,” located at the convergence of four regions and stretching over 80 kilometers. Here, we have the opportunity to leisurely stroll through this remarkable landscape. The fertile soil creates a stunning contrast by intermingling willows, elms, and dogwoods with the sandy dunes. Our mode of transportation for the day will be the iconic Mongolian two-humped camels, promising a memorable experience amidst this breathtaking scenery.
Continuing our journey, we proceed to the Hustai National Park, a strictly protected area dedicated to the preservation of endangered animals. Situated 60 miles southwest of Ulaanbaatar, this 90,000-hectare park is renowned for being the habitat of the only naturally surviving wild horses, known as Przewalski horses or takhi in Mongolian. Successfully reintroduced to the wild in the 1990s after being held in European zoos, these horses are characterized by their distinct features such as a light yellow coat, stiff black mane, and shorter stature. Hustai National Park is also home to a diverse array of flora, boasting 450 species of vascular plants, including 200 with medicinal properties.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay: Tourist camp “Hustai”
Today, we bid farewell to our current location and journey back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, you’ll have some free time to explore the city at your leisure, perhaps capturing a few more snapshots of urban life or indulging in some shopping. If you require any assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance.
In the evening, we have a special treat planned for you—an unforgettable traditional performance. At 6 p.m., you’ll have the opportunity to attend the Tumen Ekh Traditional Art show. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Mongolia through traditional dances, throat singing, instrumental music, songs, and contortionist performances. This experience promises to leave you with lasting memories.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay: Hotel
Depending on your flight time, you can enjoy more in UB city and then we will drive you to the airport to say goodbye/Bayartai/.
