Nomadic Comforts: Exploring Khan Khentii

In the morning you will visit the Gandan Lamasery, possibly in time for the prayers, center for the Buddhist revival in Mongolia. The Mongols follow the Tibetan version of Lamaism, Dalai Lama being the supreme theocratical leader.

We then drive out of the exit of the city, and gradually the Mongolian landscapes unfold before our eyes. By the time we come to the Hadan Hoshuu steppes valley, there are no traces of the so-called civilization any more. Another world of pastoralist nomads with their horses, gers and livestock are making use of this summer pasture. Picnic lunch en route. We will cross the forested Zamtiin Pass into the Upper Tuul River Valley.

We will meet the yak carts and the horses at Bosog Meadows, streamside of the Tuul River. We will spend two overnights here. Each ger will have a stove and strong cots with full bedding.

After a night under the stars in our luxurious ger (yurt) tented camp, we will make a full day trial ride on the southern side of the Tuul River, up the valleys, forests and on to the ridges with stunning panoramic views of the habitat of southernmost Siberian forests as it makes the transition to Mongolian steppes.

We will now ride along with the yak carts downstream along the tiny Baruunbayan Valley until we come to the large meadows by the Tuul River. Again cross the Tuul River with the horses while our caravan heads straight for our Bosog Meadows, which will be our last night stop. Full day ride loop out of Bosog Meadows will bring us up the valleys and ridges on the southern side of Tuul River.

The day before our entire camp of gers (yurts) have already been loaded on the yak carts, and now our luggage is being loaded before breakfast. Our support structure is free from vehicles. All our provisions, camping equipment, luggage’s will be loaded on to yak carts.

We will ride and make way north towards the Khentii Mountains, across the forested ridge into the next valley, the Baruunbayan, where we will again spend another two overnights.

Riders will separate at some point and ride a most scenic loop.

We will make a full day ride excursion from our new base camp at Baruunbayan River, to Gunjin Sum, a temple ruin hidden in the forest.

Gunjin Sum was established in the 17th century by the renowned Mongolian religious leader Zanabazar. The temple served as an important center for Buddhist learning and spiritual practice, attracting pilgrims from across the region. Gunjin Sum is known for its unique architecture, featuring traditional Mongolian and Tibetan design elements. Despite facing destruction during periods of political upheaval in Mongolia, the temple has been restored and continues to be a significant cultural and religious site. Today, Gunjin Sum stands as a symbol of Mongolia's rich Buddhist heritage and attracts visitors interested in exploring the country's spiritual traditions.

Pack up and load the caravan for the last time. We set out separating ourselves from the yak carts caravan riding up the partly forested ridges. Most trees as larch, however some of the ridges there are larger patches of Pine, there is a real possibility to come across the rare Black-billed Capercaillie. But also Black Grouse which is more common.

Our ger camp will be built next to the Zuunbayan River, a tributary of the Tuul River. We spend two nights at this place.

We'll stay next to the Zuunbayan River, observing the nature and the wild animals around.

We will ride up towards the tree line of the Khentii Mountains, with spectacular scenery and views in all directions.

Today we say good bye to the herders and their yak carts caravan, and head on horse back to the Sharbulag Valley, crossing the uppermost parts of the Tuul River.

We reach our small ger camp at Jalman Meadows mid afternoon. Stay overnight in the ger camp.

A full day to enjoy the setting of our Ger Camp. You may use the day for an additional half or full day ride.

Or lean back in the library ger with good reads on Genghis Khan, contemporary Mongolia or horses for that matter.

If you like to replace the ride with a float on Russian catarafts downstream using inflatable rafts which will be loaded to a yak cart and taken to the river side.

There is also a possibility of a river side sauna at streamside.

In the morning, you return to Ulaanbaatar and check into the hotel. See the capital city on your own. Distances are short. The local guide is standing by to assist where your points of interest are located.

We will have a farewell dinner in local restaurant and entertainment.

Transfer out to your next destination.