Visit the key Temples of Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia on our unique tour of important temples across Mongolia, From Amarbaysagalant built by Qing Emperor Kang-Si, to the ruins of huge temple complexes in the Gobi, via many smaller temples.

13 Days / 13 Nights          Price: from $1,230 (4PAX) to $3,200 (1PAX)

Days 1-2  ULAANBAATAR

‘Red Hero’ acquired its Soviet name in 1924 after gaining independence from China. Ulaanbaatar is surrounded by vast hills known as the ‘Four Holy Peaks’ and has the River Tuul flowing through the valley.
With the Soviet influenced Sukhbaatar Square lying in the heart of the city, old Soviet buildings stand contrasting against towering new, modern developments transforming the city’s skyline.
Newly built residential estates are now emerging in the suburbs, amongst the traditional backdrop of gers – Mongolian dwellings – which can be seen sprawling up the mountains surrounding the city.

You will Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, late in the evening. Transfer to Mongolian Resorts Guesthouse for dinner and relaxation.

On the following morning your city tour will begin with one of our specialized, local Mongolian guides. Highlights on this tour include: Gandan Monastery (the centre of Buddhism in Mongolia), Dashchoilyn Monastery (interesting for its Mongolian architecture), the new Bakula Rinpoche Monastery (a gift from a former Indian Ambassador in Mongolia) and Otochmaaramba & Dambadarjaa Monasteries (in the “ger” districts). Later you will get a deeper look in Mongolian history by visiting the excellent Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts (for its numerous local Buddhist masterpieces), the National Museum of History and the Museum of Political Repression (to understand the rise and demise of Buddhism in Mongolia).Overnight in Mongolian Resorts Guesthouse. 

Day 3  ULAANBAATAR   

In the morning you will visit with your guide the Choijin Lama Museum and the Winter Palace. The first, also called the Museum of Religion, was home of the brother of the Bogd Khan, Mongolia’s eight Living Buddha and last king, whom you can see many costumes in his Palace amongst other religious artifacts. In the afternoon we’ll drive you to Manzushir Monastery, 50km away from the capital, this is the occasion for you to see what’s left of most Mongolian temples after the turmoil of the 20th century. It is nevertheless worth a visit for its wonderful surroundings that will give you a first taste of Mongolian nature. Back in Ulaanbaatar. Overnight in Mongolian Resorts Guesthouse.     

Days 4-5  AMARBAYASGALANT MONASTERY

This monastery, one of Mongolia’s architectural wonders and one of the three main centres of Buddhism in the country is located 4 hours’ drive from Ulaanbaatar. It is set in some beautiful surroundings near the mighty Selenge river, at the foot of Mount Buren-Khaan.

In the morning after a hearty breakfast at the UB Deli’s you’ll depart by car from Ulaanbaatar to Amarbayasgalant Monastery. An easy drive which brings you to one of Mongolia’s highlights! Upon arrival have lunch on site, and then enjoy the whole afternoon there, and meet one of the monastery’s senior monks to talk about life in Amarbayasgalant and Buddhism in general. You will overnight in a ger camp nearby the monastry which will give you a chance to take some magnificent pictures of the monastry highlighted by the glorious sunsets of the north.

The next morning you can hike in this stunning area, for instance up some nice remains and stupa on the other side of the valley. In the afternoon head off to Ulaanbaatar and overnight in the Mongolian Resorts Guesthouse.   

Day 6  KHÖGNÖ KHAN & ÖVGÖN MONASTERY

Khögnö Khan is a national park named after its highest peak, Khögnö Khan Uul, which stands at 1967m high. A small monastery stands in the grounds, and the ruins of its predecessor, dating back to 1660, are a short hike away.

Today we drive West to the beautiful mountain park of Khögnö Khan. After a short break at Mongols Els sand dunes, we will look around the old monastery of Ővgön Khiid, and take a short hike into the mountain to visit some ruins, during which time you might spot an ibex and maybe hawks.Enjoy the sunset over the rocky peaks as you relax in your ger camp for the night.

Days 7-8  KHARKHORIN (KARAKORUM)

Kharkhorin served as Mongolia’s capital for 40 years under Chinggis Khan’s sons’ rule. After Kublai Khan moved the capital to Beijing (then Khanbalik), it was left to go to ruin and further destroyed by Chinese troops. Today it’s having a revival around its impressive Erdene Zuu Monastery.

You’ll have a short drive to Kharkhorin in the morning. Kharkhorin is worth a 2-day visit for its temples and the remains of the former imperial capital, although few are left. With your cultural guide you should go back from this pleasant country town with a full insight on Mongolian Buddhism and the history of the empire. You’ll enjoy the comfort of a high standard ger camp nearby for these 2 nights. Upon request take a horse or camel ride in the Orkhon valley.