In the camp itself, beautiful yurts are nestled into a private valley, with cottonwood tree forest nearby. This is a great place for practitioners and families-- for writers or artists, meditators and yogis or those who love to read and soak in quiet wilderness. We can ride and explore and visit forests, rivers, hidden valleys and grasslands, and spend time with nearby nomads. Meals are lively engaged discourse filled with tales and poetry. Daily yoga and meditation practice in addition to a deep introduction to the wilderness and nomads of this country. We'll be harvesting medicinal plants with local healers and joining nomads for their annual Nadam festival. We will ride up to the remote Lake, for those who want some adventure. We've been challenged to put together a ramshackle polo team with the nomads from our valley to challenge the nomads and rustabouts from the valley north. A rare and wild time for meditation, practice, poetry, riding, and deep renewal.
Daily Itinerary:
Day 1. (July 14) Depart from USA. With the summer olympics in Bejing and the solar eclipse on Aug. 1st, you'll need to book plane reservations way in advance. Korean Air (KE) via Seoul is a recommended carrier direct to Ulaanbattar, Mongolia.
Day 2. (July 15) Fly to Ullanbattor. Wild Earth Journey staff will meet us at their airport and we will transfer by coach to the Imperial Hotel, a centrally located hotel within walking distance of museums and shops for a goodnights sleep.
Day 3. (July 16) Orientation with Carroll/Thomas followed by a visit Ganden Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into Museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s. Gaden Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece for government officials and today is a thriving monastic center. Optional visit to the Zanabazar Museum, where there are the best works of the Bodg Haan Zanabazar, the King of Mongolia of the 17th century. His works like White Tara, Five Dhyana Buddhas are listed as World Classics.
Day 4. (July 17) Visit Ulaanbaatar's Black Market to shop for traditional Dels, riding boots and silver horse briddles Travel by comfortable AC bus through typical Mongolian grasslands and arrive in the afternoon at Hustainuur, where we will stay in a traditional ger camp and visit the wild Takhi horses.
Day 5. (July 18) Travel through typical Mongolian grasslands and arrive in the afternoon to Kharhorin, ancient capitol of Khublai Khan. Overnite at traditional ger camp, Ganzorik.
Day 6. (July 19) We start our day with a visit to beautiful Erdene Zhu monastery. The great Ghengis Khan and his son created the beautiful and legendary city of Kharhorin in the 13th century to serve as the heart of this monolithic, Mongol empire. There are only a few traces left of this once great city, but Mongolia's largest monastery, neighboring Erdene Zhu, was reputedly constructed from the ruins of Kharhorin in the 16th century. Erdene Zhu has been a place of Buddhist activity for more than 500 years. We will explore the monastery grounds and observe the monks as they perform their prayers and rituals. Drive to to Bunkhan in Bulgan Sum for sunset and supper. Gher camp.
Day 7-11 (July 20-24) We ger camp next to the river, located next to the nomads camp. Morning, yoga with Carroll and Thomas. Horse riding tips by Namkha, and horse riding practice in the vast valley of Teel. We can swim in the river, fish, practice archery or enjoy the forest solitude. The nomads beckon for those who wish interaction. Traditional Mongolian barbeque for the evening. On day 10 you'll be host to a mini Nadam, horse racing, wrestling and rodeo events.
Day 12-17. (July 25-30) Horse trip to Blue Lake. Your horse adventure begins. You ride about 3 hours to Tolgin Butts and camp in a beautiful meadow setting, with a late afternoon mountain walk to take in the beautiful Mongolian steepes. (Jul-26) The second day of our horse journey is an invigorating ride over beautiful mountain passes, past Buddhist Ovoos, through wild flower valleys to Mandal Mountain, a sacred place for the Mongols. (July-27) The third day, we ride to Jargalantiin, past the five sacred springs visiting nomads along the way. (Jul-28) The forth day is to Blue Lake Valley, nestled high in the steepe region overlooking the glacial valleys and nomad camps. (Jul-29) The fifth day, we reach the magnificient Blue Lake, home of the lake goddess, Palden Lhamo. (Jul-30) The sixth day, we enjoy the solitude of the lake, with an optional Mountain walk.
Day 18. (July 31) Jeep drive back to Bunkhan. For experienced riders,
Day 19. (Aug 1) Solar eclipse! Rest day at Bunkhan, journal writing, and packing.
Day 20-21. (Aug 2-3) Heading back to UB, with a stop at Tsetserleg to visit local Budhist monastery, overnite at Khankhar Khad, traditional ger camp and then enjoy a farewell dinner in Ullanbattor.
Day 22. (July Aug 4) Travel back home.
Trip cost:
US$ 220/day, 20 days's = US$ 4400 deposit: $500.
The price includes: Carroll Dunham/Thomas Kelly as guides, transport in Mongolia, all meals, lodging in hotels and gers, double occupancy, (single hotel occupancy extra supplement), ger living in Bunkhan, (two to a ger) horses, horsemen, saddles, hotels in UB, meals, airport transfers, museum entrance fees. Single Supplement occupancy ($300) Children under 12, US$100 (outside of UB only) in UB, US$175/day
The price does not include alcohol drinks or tips to the horseman and staff.
Cancellation Policy.
Final payment is due May 1. In the event of cancellation within 31-70 days prior to departure date, there will be a refund of 75% of the land portion of the trip fee. In the event of cancellation within 40 days prior to the departure date, there will be a refund of 50% of the land portion of the trip fee.
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