Legendary Routes of the Secret History
Itinerary
Day 1/2. Ulaanbaatar
Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar you will be greeted by your guide and driver and transferred to a
hotel. Half and full day tours are available. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 3. Lake Khukh Nuur. 215 km
After an early breakfast drive to Khukh Nuur, 215 km from Ulaanbaatar. Have a lunch and
camp in Khukh Nuur tourist camp which is located near Khukh Nuur. Khukh Nuur is known
as the location where Temujin was bestowed with the title `Chinggis Khaan`. After lunch visit
the lake and explore Khar Zurkhen Mountain. A historian would give a speech about Chinggis
Khaan’s life, which is specific to this area. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp. (L/D)
Day 4. Binder soum. 220 km
This morning drive to Binder soum, 220 km from Lake Khukh Nuur. We will see Uglugchiin
Kherem Wall which is 3km in length, is made entirely of stones without the use of mortar.
Today it stands 3.1 meters tall at its highest point and there are approximately 60 tombs near
the wall. Oglochiin Kherem may be a burial place of great historical Mongol figures, such as
Chinggis Khaan or Khubilai Khaan. Picninc lunch and overnight stay in a ger camp. (B/L/D)
Day 5. Dadal. 120 km
In the morning drive to Chinggis Khaan’s birthplace, Dadal soum, 120km away from Binder
soum. The journey will follow the banks of Onon river. Keep your cameras handy and catch
the photo opportunities along the way. Arrive in a ger camp, which is close to Chinggisiin
Gurvan Lake. In the afternoon visit a Buriad family and experience unique culture of this
ethnic group. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp. (B/L/D)
Day 6. Dadal
Explore the birthplace of Chinggis Khaan, Deluun Boldog and Chinggisiin Gurvan Lake. A
historian will take you on a journey to Chinggis Khan’s period. Afterwards, visit the Chinggis
Khaan’s Monument. In the afternoon enjoy horseback riding in the steppes. Dinner and
overnight stay in a ger camp. (B/L/D)
Day 7. Undurkhaan. 260 km
Drive to the center of Khentii province, Undurkhaan, 260 km from Dadal. Dinner and
overnight in a ger camp. (B/L/D)
Day 8. Khuduu Aral. 135 km
Drive to Khuduu Aral, 135 km from Undurkhaan. Khuduu Aral is the place where the “Secret
History of the Mongols” was written in 1240. In the area archeologists found the ruins of
ancient city Aurag. After lunch, explore the Chinggis Khaan’s monument and the ruins of
Aurag city. It is believed that Chinggis Khaan used to drink from the natural mineral springs
near the ruins. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp. (B/L/D)
Day 9. XIII century park. 150 km
In the morning we will drive to XIII century park. The complex covers area of 15 by 15 km. It
consist of 6 camps and tribes which are very unique on their own. Everything is built in XIII
century style. It will be an unforgettable experience of Mongol History. Overnight in a ger
camp (B/L/D)
Day 10. Ulaanbaatar. 96 km
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar for 96 km. On the way visit Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex.
Transfer to your hotel after arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Stay overnight in a hotel. (B)
Day 11. Departure
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport or railway station for international
departure.
Information
Region: Khentii, Eastern Mongolia
Highlights: Khukh Nuur lake, Dadal, Khuduu aral, XIII Century
Length: 11 Days
Dedicated to 850 anniversary of Great Chinggis Khaan
Great Chinggis Khaan’s history was deeply related to Khentii province and banks of Onon
River. After ChinggisKhaan’s death first literature testimonial of the Mongols called Secret
History of the Mongols was written in 1240 A.D near Huduu Aral.
Temujin was born in 1162 in a Borjigin tribe near Deluun Boldog Mountain and the Onon
river in a modern-day Mongolia. The Secret History of the Mongols reports that Temujin was
born with blood clot grasped in his fist, a traditional sign that he was destined to become a
great leader. Temujin’s childhood and early life was spent near Onon river and Kherlen river.
As previously arranged by his father, Temujin married Borte when he was around 16 in order
to strengthen alliances between their respective tribes. As a result by 1206 Temujin managed
to unite and or subdue the Merkits, Naimans, Kereits, Tatars, Uyghurs and dispersed other
smaller tribes under his rule. It was a monumental feat for the “Mongols” (as they became
united). At a Khuraldai, a council of Mongol chiefs, Temujin was acknowledged as “Khan” of
the consolidated tribes and took a new title, Chinggis Khaan. In 1227, after defeating the
Tangut people, Chinggis Khaan died (according to Secret History of the Mongols). The
reason for his death is uncertain and speculations vary. Some historians claim that he fell off
his horse during a hunt, others claim that he passed away due to battle wounds and physical
fatigue. Chinggis Khaan asked to be buried without markings, according to the customs of his
tribe. After he died, his body was returned to Mongolia and presumably to his birthplace in
Khentii province, where many assume he is buried somewhere close to Onon River and
Burkhan Khaldun mountain (part of the Khentii mountain range). According to the legend, the
funeral escorts killed anyone and anything that encountered on their path to conceal the
secrets of the Khaan’s last resting place.
Nowadays, many researchers, historians and archeologists are undertaking expeditions to
locate the lost tomb of one of the world’s greatest and most charismatic emperors, Chinggis
Khaan. Yet Chinggis Khaan’s tomb is still a big mystery for the World. Juulchin Tourism
Corporation of Mongolia is planning a join-in-tour “The Legendary Routes of the Secret
History”. Join our tour and discover the stories, legends and history of Mongols.
1. Lake Khukh Nuur
Although sources have divided opinions, it is possible
that Temujin (Chinggis Khaan) was made khaan in the
area in 1206, near the Khukh Nuur. Most locals agree
on the latter. There is a small silver plaque featuring
the image of Chinggis at Khukh Nuur. Khangil Nuur,
about 30km further west, is another site associated with
Chinggis, it is believed he occasionally camped here.
Researchers have also found stone slab tombs within
this area. Try looking at Melzelei Mount, which has
also a group of tombs from Middle Kherlen.
2. Dadal, Deluun Boldog
Dadal is a legendary birthplace of Chinggis Khaan. Because of its
natural setting and association with Chinggis Khaan, Dadal is a
destination for tourists. There is a monument decorated with Chinggis
Khaan’s portrait on the shore of Gurvan Nuur (Three Lakes). Erected
on May 31, 1962, it celebrates the 800th anniversary of his birth.
Beside the portrait Chinggis Khaan’s famous speech that reads, “If my
body dies, let my body die, but do not let my country die” is carved.
Near the lake there is a place called Deluun Boldog where Chinggis
Khaan was born.
3. Huduu Aral, Aurag
Huduu Aral is one of the most important places in the life of Chinggis
Khaan. “Secret History of the Mongols”, the only historical document
on Chinggis Khaan’s life and wars and achievements was completed
here in 1240. In honor of the event, a stone monument of the Great
Chinggis Khaan was erected here in 1990. Here the three Great
Khaans, Ogedei, Munkh, Yesun Tumur, were crowned.
Aurag is a ruin of the Aurag Palace, built by Chinggis Khaan, known as the Chinggis Khaan’s
winter Palace. Aurag was founded in 1189, is the oldest Mongol population centre and like
Karakorum, was first used as a supply base for the Mongol Army.
4. Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex
Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex is located 53 km
east from Ulaanbaatar at Erdene soum of Tuv
province, there is a place called “Tsonjin Boldog”,
memorial place with historic events.
The statue stands 40m tall on a 10m platform
decorated with columns. Mounted Chinggis Khaan
holds a golden whip in his right hand. The visitors
can walk to the head of the horse through chest and
mane of the horse, where they can have a creat
panoramic view over the complex area.
The Tourist camps in Khentii
Khukh Nuur Tourist Camp
Altargana Ger camp in Dadal
Khuduu Aral
The Mongolian Ger
The only hotels in Mongolia are in the capital,
Ulaanbaatar. Throughout the countryside
accommodation is offered in the form of traditional
Mongolian ‘gers.’ These ger camps are slightly
modified for foreign tourists but in effect offer a
traditional experience and the opportunity to
experience Mongolia’s wilderness. Most ger camps
are situated in attractive areas: on the shores of
small rivers, nestled under rocky hills or on vast
open plains and all under amazing night skies.
The gers are made from wooden frames with layers
of canvas and felt. Interior wood is usually carved or brightly painted and they are equipped
with 2 beds and a small table and stools. There is a central stove for wood-fire heating at
night. Communal bathroom facilities are in basic but clean blocks nearby and with hot water
(an impressive feat in the middle of the Gobi desert!). There are also restaurants and bars in a
separate concrete building, or sometimes in large gers.
Whilst visiting Mongolia is hugely rewarding, it is a wilderness destination and the
accommodation is basic. We use the best gers available in each area and the itinerary above
has been put together to enable stays in the best camps at the most attractive locations.
Tour Map
Legendary Routes of the Secret History