Imagine traveling Mongolia with nomadic families along the lush and beautiful Terelj River, around mountains, through idyllic scenery of Terelj National Park. During your Mongolian cultural journey, you will have the rare opportunity to experience the main traditional activities of nomadic lifestyle. On this Mongolian travel route you have the opportunity to slow your pace down to nomad level and experience their daily routines.
Difficulty of trip: Easy going
Method of travel: mainly horseback and camping
Community Fee: $276 USD for 8 days/ 7 nights
Additional In-Country Travel Expenses
UB to Terelj Park Bus Fee (approx.): $2 USD
Booking & travel orientation w/ handbook: $25 USD
National Park Fee: $3 USD
Day One - Herding and milking challenges: Our local guide will receive you at last bus stop of Terelj Protected Area. Then we will go by ox cart to his home where 3 kilometers north of Terelj River. Mrs. Battsetseg will serve you a nomadic lunch and tea. After lunch you will have an opportunity to learn how to herd livestock, tie sheep and goats for milking. Dinner will be served in the evening.
Day Two - Dung collecting challenge: Your next challenge is awaiting today. After breakfast, you will collect dung according to nomad way using traditional equipments. The task will be completed when the one who first fills the wooden vessel (basket) to its brim. Then you will start your horse riding to beautiful and one of holiest Buddhist temple. It will be 24kms round trip. Monks do meditation at Temple. Temple has 108 steps. Surround temple you will see Gods carving on rocks. Then you will back to family and served a dinner.
Day Three - The water challenge: After breakfast, you will travel by horse riding to Mrs. Amarjargal’s Ger for 23kms. At her place we will have a challenge on filling and carrying water jugs. You can have a chance to explore the race in the exactly same place where the very competition was conducted and experience the some of the challenges. When the task is completed, everyone will have a chance to cool down; Mrs.Amarjargal will serve dinner in the evening and overnight at her Ger.
Day Four - Horse riding to Gunj temple: In the early morning you will start your horse riding to Buddhist temple of Gunj soum for around 15kms. When Tusheet khan of the Khalkha was living nearby, Enkhamgalan khan of Manchu, his grandson Dondovdorj won the title of “Ephu” and then Enkhamgalan king gave his 6th princess to Dondovdorj to become queen. Also Enkhamgalan khan awarded a title of ‘Diligence and Kindness’ to his princess and presented her ‘A Golden leaf award’ made of five kilos of gold. When the princess died in 1740, Ephu dondovdorj erected a marble monument and burial temple in her honors. The princess had been murdered by Manchu people displeased with her. Overnight at Gunj temple.
Day Five - Back to Herder family: In the early morning you will return to herder family of Mrs.Amarjargal. You will be served a nomadic lunch at her home. Then Mrs.Amarjargal will show you a how to tie a bridle and make pattern for national dress. She is really talented at sewing. Afterwards you will be welcomed a nomadic dinner and tea.
Day Six - Archery Challenge: After breakfast Mr.Boogi will guide you to Mr.Zorigt’s Ger by horse or ox cart for 9kms. At Mr.Zorigt’s place you will have a chance to shoot arrows with a traditional Mongolian bow. You can compete among yourselves or if you good in archery you can compete with the local herders. Dinner and overnight stay at Mr.Zorigt’s Ger.
Day Seven - Trekking Challenge: After breakfast you will continue your journey to next Ger traveling by feet for 13kms enjoying the beautiful nature of Terelj and will reach Mr.Khashhuu’s Ger. After lunch, she will show you how to make dairy products. Afterwards you will have free time and be served by dinner and overnight location at Mr.Khashhuu’s Ger.
Day Eight - Ox Cart Challenge: After your breakfast in the morning time her husband Mr. Khashhuu will show you how to guide an ox cart. You can practice with him surrounding area. Then you will have a farewell lunch with her family. In the late afternoon local guide will take you by ox cart to Terelj area around 1 kilometer. You will depart from Terelj area.
Included services:
Visiting nomadic families
All nomadic breakfast, lunch and dinner which are stated on itinerary
Herder guide service on route
Sightseeing
Horse riding according to itinerary
Traveling by ox cart according to itinerary
Pack animals on route
Cultural activities (archery, collecting dung, play ankle bone game etc)
Boiled water on route
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