MONGOLIA: SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL AWAKENING WITH ROBERT THURMAN
June 25 - July 7, 2017
Join us on this one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the rich culture and heritage of Mongolia, a place where time
stood still for many centuries. Mongolia is a place of wild beauty, defined by its free spirit. Even amidst modern
development, the nomadic lifestyle prevails. Here, you will find traditional felt and canvas tents, or gers, juxtaposed
against the rising skyline in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Explore a place where Buddhism was once silenced, but
has returned with vigor. As we journey across the country to historic and sacred sites and temples, Robert Thurman
will guide travelers through meditation sessions and provide insight into the history and renewal of Buddhism in
this fascinating land. This trip is an opportunity to delve deep into the history and experience the resurgence of
Buddhism with one of the world’s preeminent Buddhist scholars.
Jalsa Urubshurow, Founder and CEO of Nomadic Expeditions, will join Robert Thurman on this special journey.
Urubshurow has shared Mongolia with world travelers since its reopening in 1990.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1, June 25 - Arrival. The contrast between ancient traditions and the dawning of a 21st century democracy
is most visible in Ulaanbaatar, where traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries coexist with modern high-rises.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by your Nomadic Expeditions’ guide and transferred to a centrally
located, luxury hotel within walking distance of various museums and shops. (Shangri-la Hotel)
Day 2, June 26 - Ulaanbaatar. Begin the day with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in
Mongolia. Woven through Mongolia’s nomadic culture is a rich Tibetan Buddhist tradition in which ancient
shamanist practices are still evident. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into
museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece for
government officials. However, in spite of the government’s efforts to suppress Buddhism and other religious
beliefs, Mongolia’s spirituality persisted and a significant resurgence of Buddhism began in 1990 when Mongolia
became a democracy. Monasteries across the country are again opening their doors to worshippers, and the few
lamas who survived the purges are training.
Strolling through the monastery grounds, hear the low tones of the horns used to call the lamas to the temple and
observe their daily rituals, including the reading of sutras, the teachings of the Buddha. Also visit the magnificent
statue of Migjid Janraisig, “the lord who looks in every direction.” This 82-foot high statue, gilded in pure gold
and clothed in silk and precious stones, completely fills one of Gandan’s temples. Spend a full day sightseeing in the
capital.
Drive through downtown Ulaanbaatar to the National Museum for an excellent overview of Mongolia’s history
and culture. The newly remodeled museum displays traditional implements of daily nomadic life including Stone
and Bronze Age artifacts, historical costumes of Mongolia’s minority tribes, sacred religious relics, and agricultural,
fishing, and hunting equipment.
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Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at the Fine Arts
Museum. Named in honor of Zanabazar, the renowned
17th-century artist and politician who was also the first
Buddhist leader of Mongolia, the museum contains one
of the best collections of Buddhist art and artifacts in the
world, including many of Zanabazar’s original works).
(Shangri-la Hotel; B, L, D)
Day 3, June 27 - Hogno Han Mountains. After
breakfast, drive to Hogno Han (4-5 hours), a ger camp
located in the foothills of the Hogno Han Mountains and
at the stunning confluence of three geographical zones,
steppe, desert, and forest.
In the afternoon, explore the sand dunes and surrounding
area. There will also be an opportunity to visit a nomadic
horse-breeder family and experience the warm hospitality
offered to passing travelers in the form of food, shelter, and
friendship. Relatively unchanged for centuries, Mongolia
has one of the last remaining horse-based cultures in the
world. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
Day 4, June 28 - Ovgon Khiid. Spend all morning hiking
up to Ovgon Hiid Monastery, one of the oldest temples of
Mongolia. Total amount of hiking is 5-6 hours with some
altitude gains, gradual uphill, and some loose gravel. (Ger
Camp; B, L, D)
Day 5, June 29 - Kharakhorum / Erdene Zuu
Monastery. After breakfast, drive to the legendary
Kharakhorum (2 hours) and visit the Erdenezuu Monastery
in the town of Kharakhorum. An Abbot of Erdene Zuu
Monastery will join us for these 2 days, take us to his
meditation site, and explore the beautiful mountains and
rivers in this area.
It is impossible to mention Mongolia without conjuring up
images of the great warrior, Chinggis Khan. The empire
created by Chinggis and his descendants was the largest
contiguous land empire in recorded history, and its scope has
never been matched. The great Khan and his son created the
beautiful and legendary Kharakhorum to serve as the heart
of this monolithic empire. At the time, Kharakhorum was
one of the largest junctions of the Silk Route, connecting
the Oriental world with the West. Unfortunately, this
bustling capital was abandoned by Khublai Khan and later
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fell into ruin. There are only a few traces left of this once great city, but Mongolia’s largest monastery, neighboring
Erdene Zuu, was reputedly constructed from the ruins of Kharakhorum in the 16th century.
Surrounded by 108 stupas, Erdene Zuu has been a place of Buddhist activity for more than 500 years. Explore the
monastery grounds and observe the monks as they perform their prayers and rituals. The temples are richly decorated
with spectacular Buddhas, as well as Buddhist art and architecture. Just behind the monastery compound, visit the
site of archeological digs being conducted by German archeologists at the former sight of Kharakhorum. Among
the findings: an entire foundation of a house with brick stove and a beautifully forged gold bracelet. Overnight at
gers. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
Day 6, June 30 - Tuvkhun Monastery. After breakfast, explore the site of Tuvkhun Monastery (4-5 hours),
constructed in the 17th century in the Alpine forest. Zanabazar’s art school and workshop was based here. Explore
the area by foot. Return to camp in the afternoon. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
Day 7, July 1 - Ongyn Khiid. After breakfast, drive to Ongiin Hiid and explore the ruins of this 17th- century
temple, situated in a beautiful mountainous region. Still known as the “Pearl of the Great Desert,” Ongiin Hiid was
one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia until its destruction during the communist purges in 1939.
On the way, visit Shankh Hiid, a monastery within a short driving distance of Erdene Zuu and Kharakhorum that
was once frequented by Zanabazar, the renowned Buddhist artist and religious leader. Overnight at gers. (Ger
Camp; B, L, D)
Day 8, July 2 - South Gobi/ Three Camel Lodge. After breakfast drive to South Gobi, Mongolia’s southernmost
province of semi-arid desert. Contrary to the sameness that the word ‘desert’ suggests, the Gobi is a fascinating and
diverse region, and includes sites of some of the most important paleontological discoveries of the 20th century.
For the next four days, explore the stunning landscapes of the Gobi, habitat for Bactrian camels, Argali mountain
sheep, goitered gazelle, Golden Eagles, Saker Falcons, jerboas, and many endemic reptiles. The Gobi is also home to
some of the Northern Hemisphere’s most rare and elusive mammals, such as the dhole, snow leopard, wild camel,
and Gobi bear.
Arrive in time for lunch at Three Camel Lodge ger camp, located at Bulagtai Mountain on the edge of Gobi Gurvan
Saikhan National Park. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure or explore the surroundings on your own. The lodge
offers a wide variety of activities to travelers from reading a book on Mongolia to watching a documentary about
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nomadic culture, and from learning traditional Mongolian
games to enjoying a relaxing massage. Overnight in gers.
(Three Camel Lodge; B, L, D)
Day 9, July 3 - Bulgan Temple. Drive to Bulgan Temple,
the meditation temple built at Hoorhon Devseg valley.
This is the first meditation temple in this area since 1990
by local Lama Buyan and his disciples. Hike the 1800-meter
mountain and visit the meditation temple on top. Enjoy
spectacular views and explore the surrounding area before
returning to the Three Camel Lodge.
In the evening, enjoy stargazing with a leading Mongolian
astrophysicist. (Three Camel Lodge; B, L, D)
Day 10, July 4 - Yol Valley National park. In the
morning drive to Yol Valley National Park, cradled in the
foothills of the Altai Mountains. An ancient river carved
this surprisingly green valley, and its remnant streams create
ice formations that sometimes persist as late as July. A
hike through the valley leads to the habitat of indigenous
vulture-like Lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks, and
Argali mountain sheep. After exploring the valley, visit the
local natural history museum for an overview of the flora
and fauna of the surrounding area. Return to the lodge.
(Three Camel Lodge; B, L, D)
Day 11, July 5 - Naadam Festival - Flaming Cliffs.
In the morning, enjoy the Naadam Festival, which includes
wrestling, archery, and horse racing. The Naadam Festival is
a classic, age-old tradition that provides a unique perspective
for visitors to Mongolia.
In the late afternoon, travel to the legendary “Flaming
Cliffs” (1 hour), named for the red-orange sandstone which
glows brilliantly at sunrise and sunset. It was here, in 1922,
that Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews and his exploration team
from the American Museum of Natural History found the
first nest of dinosaur eggs the world had ever seen. To the
trained eye, the ancient formations of the Flaming Cliffs are
rich with fossils, and paleontological expeditions continue
to make significant discoveries at this site. (Three Camel
Lodge; B, L, D)
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Day 12, July 6 - Ulaanbaatar. Early in the morning, transfer to Dalanzadgad, the capital of South Gobi province
and fly to Ulaanbaatar (1.5 hour).
Today, visit the Choijin Lama museum, one of Mongolia’s architectural gems. Set amidst high-rises, it was originally
built by the order of the last king of Mongolia, the Bogd Khaan, and was dedicated to his brother and the state
oracle, Luvsan Haidav Choijin Lama. Choijin is an honorary title given to the high ranking monks. Comprised
of five temples, the Choijin Lama Temple museum houses various Buddhist artifacts dating back to 1800–1900s,
including the masterpieces of the famous Mongolian sculptor Zanabazar, some fine thangkas, and the best collection
of the tsam masks used in the country’s religious ceremonies.
In the afternoon, visit the Bogd Khan Palace, home of Mongolia’s last theocrat, Bogd Jabtzan Damba Hutagt VIII,
which displays elaborate ceremonial robes and other personal effects of Mongolia’s ‘8th Living Buddha.’
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (Shangri-la Hotel; B, L, D)
Day 13, July 7 - Departure. Transfer to the airport for departure. (B)
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
Nomadic Expeditions reserves the right to alter the above itinerary if deemed necessary.
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Price:$ 10,900
per person based on double occupancy
Single supplement:
$ 1,650
Additional cost:
Donation to the Tibet House in the amount
of $1,000 per traveler
Trip Price includes:
•Ground transportation and domestic flight in
Mongolia as described in the itinerary;
• All transfers on arrival and departure;
• All accommodations based on double occupancy;
• Meals as noted in itinerary and bottled water
throughout;
• All lectures, exclusive meetings, entrance fees, and
visits as described in itinerary;
• Gratuities to local guides, drivers and support staff;
• Extensive pre-departure Travel Guide, reading list,
important information about your trip, map and
luggage tags;
•English speaking Nomadic Expeditions guide
throughout your stay.
Trip Price does not include: International airfare; passport
and visa fees; comprehensive medical and trip insurance;
excess baggage charges; food and beverages not
included in the group meals; items of personal nature
including alcoholic beverages, laundry and telephone
calls; other items not specifically mentioned as included.
Single Supplements
Single supplements guarantee single accommodations
in hotels and gers. If single travelers wish to share
accommodations, every effort will be made to match
them with a roommate. If a suitable roommate is not
available at the time of booking, a single supplement
fee will be invoiced. A refund will be issued if a share
situation subsequently becomes available.
International Airfare
The most popular gateway cities to Mongolia’s capital
Ulaanbaatar are Beijing (Air China or Mongolian Airlines),
Seoul (Korean Air or Mongolian Airlines), Moscow
(Aeroflot or Mongolian Airlines) and Tokyo (Mongolian
Airlines). Additionally, there are weekly flights from
Berlin (Mongolian Airlines) and Hong-Kong (Mongolian
Airlines) and Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) as well. Due to the
time difference, passengers originating from the USA
or Europe, will have to leave 1-2 days prior to the trip
commencement date.
Please indicate on your Trip Application Form if you
would like us to assist you in booking international flights.
Flight availability and pricing is subject to change and
Nomadic Expeditions cannot guarantee the availability
of flights close to the departure date, so it is in the client’s
best interest to make reservations as early as possible
in the trip planning process. Airline ticketing fees will
be applied to tickets purchased through Nomadic
Expeditions.
It is imperative that you send a copy of your international
flight itinerary to Nomadic Expeditions at least 30
days prior to departure so that we may arrange for any
additional services and/or airport transfers.
Visa Requirements
U.S. citizens do NOT require a visa to enter Mongolia.
However, if you are traveling to Mongolia via China, you
are only permitted 72 hours or less in Beijing or Shanghai
without a visa. If you plan to travel to other cities or
extend your stay beyond 72 hours, it is imperative that
you obtain a double-entry Chinese visa in advance.
Most other nationalities, including Canadian and
European, also do NOT require a visa to enter Mongolia.
Please contact us if you need more information on
Mongolian visa application.
Reservations
Reserve your space on this trip by completing our Trip
Application and mailing it to us with a $500 deposit per
person. Please mail to:
Nomadic Expeditions
1095 Cranbury South River Road Suite 20A
Monroe Township, NJ, USA, 08831
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be submitted in writing to Nomadic
Expeditions. Cancellation charges are based on the
number of days from the date we receive the written
cancellation notice until the main trip departure date.
Cancellation charges:
90 days or more
89-60 days
59-30 days
29-0 days
After trip departs
$500 deposit
25% of trip price
50% of trip price
No refund
No refund
This trip is subject to cancellation, refund, and other
policies set forth under the general terms and conditions
of the Trip Application. We urge you to read this
information carefully and call us if you have any questions.
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Ger Accommodations
Ger Camps in Karakorum and Ongiin Hiid Monastery
Made of a latticed wood structure covered with layers of
felt and canvas, each ger is heated by a wood stove and
furnished with beautifully painted wood-framed beds.
The camp restaurant and western-style toilet and shower
facilities are located in a central building found a few
hundred feet from the gers.
Gers provide an authentic and memorable taste of
Mongolian culture and allow you to visit areas which
otherwise lack traveler accommodations. Most visitors
find their stays at ger camps to be among their most
enjoyable experiences in Mongolia.
About Tibet House
Tibet House US is dedicated to preserving Tibet’s unique
culture at a time when it is confronted with extinction on
its own soil.
By presenting Tibetan civilization and its profound
wisdom, beauty, and special art of freedom to the people
of the world, we hope to inspire others to join the effort to
protect and save it.
Tibet House US is part of a worldwide network of Tibetan
institutions committed to ensuring that the light of the
Tibetan spirit never disappears from the face of this earth.
The Three Camel Lodge
The Three Camel Lodge is Mongolia’s premier eco-lodge
and expedition camp. Built in the Gobi according to
environmentally and culturally sustainable guidelines, the
camp offers an extraordinary combination of adventure
and sophistication, combining traditional style with
superb service.
Each ger at the Three Camel Lodge is heated by a wood
stove and appointed with hand-painted wood-framed
king-size or two double beds and custom furnishings.
Each ger also features a private bathroom equipped with
a toilet, sink and shower.
Robert Thurman
Robert A.F. Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor
of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of
Religion at Columbia University, President of the Tibet
House U.S., a non-profit organization dedicated to the
preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization, and
President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a
non-profit affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies
at Columbia University and dedicated to the publication
of translations of important artistic and scientific treatises
from the Tibetan Tengyur.
Time chose Professor Thurman as one of its 25 most
influential Americans in 1997, describing him as a “larger
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than life scholar-activist destined to convey the Dharma,
the precious teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, from Asia
to America.” The New York Times recently said Thurman
“is considered the leading American expert on Tibetan
Buddhism.”
Thurman is known as a talented popularizer of the
Buddha’s teachings. He is a riveting speaker and an
author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics
and culture, including The Central Philosophy of
Tibet, Circling the Sacred Mountain, Essential Tibetan
Buddhism, The Tibetan Book of the Dead, Wisdom
and Compassion: The Sacred Art of Tibet, Worlds of
Transformation, Inner Revolution, Infinite Life, the Jewel
Tree of Tibet, Why The Dalai Lama Matters: His Act of
Truth as the Solution for China, Tibet, and the World, and,
most recently, with Sharon Salzberg, Love Your Enemies.
His own search for enlightenment began while he was a
student at Harvard. After an accident in which he lost the
use of an eye, Thurman left school on a spiritual quest
throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He found
his way to India, where he first saw H.H. the Dalai Lama
in 1962. After learning Tibetan and studying Buddhism
he decided to become a Tibetan Buddhist monk and
was the first Westerner to be ordained by the Dalai
Lama. However, some years later, he offered up his robes
when “he discovered he could be more effective in the
American equivalent of the monastery: the university”.
He returned to Harvard to finish his PhD. A very popular
professor, students call his classes “life-changing”.
As part of his long-term commitment to the Tibetan
cause, at the request of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Thurman
co-founded Tibet House US in 1987 with Tenzin Tethong,
Richard Gere, and Philip Glass. Since then Uma Thurman,
Melissa Mathison Ford, Natalie Merchant, Leila Hadley
Luce and many others served on the board. Tibet
House US is a non profit organization in New York
City dedicated to the preservation and renaissance of
Tibetan civilization. It maintains a lively museum and
cultural center, and offers programs in all aspects of the
Tibetan arts and sciences. It recently founded the Menla
Mountain Retreat Center in the Catskill Mountains to
advance the healing arts and wisdom of Tibetan and
Asian medicine traditions and offer their resources to
the growing demand for alternative and complementary
health practices.
Inspired by his good friend the Dalai Lama, Thurman
stands on Buddhism’s open reality, and thence takes us
along with him into an expanded vision of the world,
whether the sweep of history, the subtleties of the inner
science of the psyche, or the wonders of the life of the
heart. He always shares the sense of refuge in the Dharma,
which unfailingly helps us clear away the shrouds of fear
and confusion, sustains us with the cheerfulness of an
enriched present, and opens a door to a path of realistic
hope for a peaceful future.
About Nomadic Expeditions
Nomadic Expeditions has been arranging exceptional
adventures to Mongolia since the country’s democratic
transition in 1990 and the true opening of its borders to
western visitors.
Our foremost commitment is to Mongolia and her
people. Nomadic Expeditions’ commitment is a reflection
of our founder and president, Jalsa Urubshurow, a
Mongolian-American with a deep love and respect for
his ancestral homeland. Having traveled much of the
globe, he believes that Mongolia is one of the world’s last
unspoiled treasures and is dedicated to the preservation
of its natural and cultural wonders. We believe that
Mongolia can benefit greatly from the development of
an ecologically conscientious and sustainable approach
to tourism.
Nomadic Expeditions Recent Awards:
2015 Wendy Perrin WOW List – Trusted Travel Expert
for Mongolia (Jalsa Urubshurow)
2015 National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World
– Founding Member (Three Camel Lodge)
2013-2008 World’s Top Travel Specialist for MongoliaCondé Nast Traveler Magazine (Jalsa Urubshurow)
2013 “25 World’s Best Lodges” National Geographic
Traveler (Three Camel Lodge)
2013 “50 Tours of a Lifetime” – National Geographic
Traveler
2013 “50 Dream trips” – Travel and Leisure Magazine
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