KHOWSGOL LAKE AND TSAGAAN NUUR VILLAGE (REINDEER PEOPLE)

Today’s destination is the second largest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, the ‘Monastery of tranquil felicity’, is located near the Selenge River. The Manchu empire Yongzheng built the monastery between 1727 and 1737, and dedicated it to Zanabazar, Mongolia’s first Bogd Gegeen (sacred king who ruled the country by the Buddhist teachings) and a famous artist and the inventor of the vertical Mongolian script. His mummified body was moved here in 1779. Amarbayasgalant Monastery is one of the few monasteries in Mongolia to survive from the purge of the 1930’s. Restoration of this historic site began in 1975, and was completed in 1998. 

The nearby Burengiin mountain range and surrounding fields of grass and wildflowers make this monastery is one of the most attractive destination in Mongolia. 

 

 

Day 3. Moron city, half way to next testination

 

Day 4. Today we are driving deeply to Taiga called Tsagaan Nuur where you need to prepare for next horse trip

Tsagaannuur is a sum of Khövsgöl aimag. The area is 5,410 km². In 2000, Tsagaannuur had a population of 1,317 people, of which most identified themselves as Darkhad. 269 inhabitants identified themselves as Tsaatan. The sum center, officially named Gurvansaikhan is located at the shore of Dood Tsagaan nuur, 279 km north-northeast of Mörön and 1048 km from Ulaanbaatar.

 

 

Day 6. Continue horse trekking and reach reindeer tribe in a half day explore their lifestyle 

Reindeer Family Tsaatan Ethnic Group Not far from Khuvsgul Lake, the Tsaatan people, named from the Mongolian word for reindeer herders live in the taiga. Their entire existence is based around the reindeer, which provide milk, fur for clothes, transport and, occasionally and meat. The Tsaatan are part of a Tuvan ethnic group, which inhabits the Tuvan Republic of Russia. They are truly nomadic, often moving their small encampments, called ail, every two or three weeks-looking for special types of grass and moss loved by the reindeer. The Tsaatan do not use Mongolian GER, but prefer a hut made by reindeer skin.

 

 

Day 8. Drive to Toomiin Davaa, useful half way to Khatgal

 

Known as “The Dark Blue Pearl”, Lake Khuvsgul is Mongolia's largest and deepest pure lake. Located in the northernmost province, it is the largest tributary stream of Lake Baikal in Russia. Lake Khuvsgul is 136 km long, 36 km wide, 262 meters (for known measurement) deep and is located at an altitude of 1645 m above sea level and is frozen from January until April or May. It's the second largest fresh water lake in Central Asia. It's inhabited by nine species of fish including the Siberian grayling and lenok. Taiga (deep forest) Fauna and Flora, Tsaatan or known as reindeer herder, practicing reindeer breeding are the main attractions for tourist.  Different ethnic groups live in the area: Khalh, Darhadt, Buryat. Tsaatans reindeer herders are lived. Lake Khuvsgul is on the important migration route for birds from Siberia, thus facilitating marvelous opportunities for bird watching. 

 

 

Day 12. Terkh White Great White Lake

Today we are going to drive to Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur on a very good newly built paved road until reaching the destination.  

It is an astonishingly beautiful lake with relatively pure fresh water. Torrents of lava issuing from the Khorgo volcano blocked the north and south Terkh rivers, so forming the dammed lake of Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake at an altitude of 2060 meters above sea level. The lake supports Pike and other fish. Rare birds are found here. 

After exploring the environment, you can prepare yourself for next day’s horse trip.

 

Day 13. Terkh White Lake (hiking to Khorgo Volcano)

After breakfast at 10:00 am, start your horse trip to volcano with well trained local guide and your tour guide. Before riding your guide will give you clear instruction about horse riding.

KHORGO is an altitude of 2200 meters above sea level. Khorgo is rich in beautiful scenery of mountains, cliffs, rapid streams, rivers, lakes, extinct volcanoes, green forests and pastures, where the long-haired yaks and horses pasture. Natural zones around Khorgo: Taiga forest, Transition between Taiga forest and grassland, Mountain Forest Steppe. 

 

After breakfast, continue your trip to tsenkher hot spring. It is Reflect, relax, spa, enjoy the premier nude spa retreat in Arkhangai province, enjoy a whirlpool and contemplate the mountain above you - Relax in the sun all day and swim free in a spa water pool - Tsenkher's curative mineral waters have been used for centuries as the most pure and healing in the Mongolia. Feel the 24 hour mineral water whirlpool massage the tension from your busy life at our refreshing, up scale and sensual countryside center - Sauna bliss - sun bathe natural, rest in Mongols' traditional dwelling Ger.

 

Kharkhorin village and visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery Kharkhorin Erdenezuu Monastery After breakfast, continue driving to Karakorum, the symbolic ruins of the 13th century capital of the Mongol Empire. On the way, we will enjoy beautifully changing landscape from semi desert Gobi into forest steppe. Visit Erdene-Zuu, the oldest monastery, with 108 stupas, built in 1586. Then visit Karakorum museum and see the Great Mongol state period, Stone Age, Bronze Age, Ancient state period halls. 

 

Day 16. After breakfast we are driving back to UB city, have lunch on the way back to UB.