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  breathe deep 
sacred site tour 2013...
 Mongolia!


MONGOLIA, AUGUST 25 - September 7, 2013
Bronze Age nomads erected hundreds of megaliths in northern Mongolia, many featuring a mysterious motif that seems to depict flying deer transforming into birds
Mongolia has been on my mind for years. Ulaanbaatar, the Gobi Desert, the Reindeer People, the open skies. And now finally, it feels like the right time to go. It actually feels like now or never as Mongolia is on the verge of great change. Won't you join me on this trip of a lifetime? In this newsletter you will find the itinerary, early-bird pricing, standard pricing and flight information. 
 
We will explore this mysterious far-away land by visiting with local Shamans, meeting with Buddhists and seeing their temples, and learning about the land from the indigenous Reindeer people. We will hike through national parks, experience the Gobi desert and the secrets of the sky at night, and view the endless landscape during the day. 
 
Our accommodations in the desert will be in Ger camps. Gers are portable houses, made of pounded wool that becomes felt. The Gers are warm in winter, and cool in summer.  Ours will be practically luxurious!

This trip is for those with great imagination, infinite patience, passionate drive for adventure, the understanding that there will be long drives through the desert, vigorous nature walks and light hikes; and the willingness to try new foods  and to be surprised and delighted at all the amazing sites will will come across.

Take a look. Let me know if this is for you. We will have our first gathering to Sunday, February 10 at 1 p.m. to talk about the trip. Join us! 

Баярлалаа (Bayarlalaa -- Thank You in Mongolian!)

Susan and Larry

 

MONGOLIA
breathe deep sacred site tour
with  Susan Weis-Bohlen and Larry Bohlen. 

 

 

 

 

 

Facilitated by 
Red Lantern Journeys
Seattle, Washington -- a leader in travel to Mongolia!

 

 

 

We will leave for Mongolia, via Korea, on Saturday, August 24, 2013. 

 

Day 1, Sunday, August 25

Arrive Ulaanbaatar

Upon arrival, we will be welcomed and transferred to our hotel for check in. In the afternoon we'll visit the Ulaanbaatar Central Square and the National Museum of Mongolian History and the Zaisan Memorial


Ulaanbaatar is the capital city of Mongolia. Its recorded history goes back some 350 years. 

The city settled in its current location in 1778, when the Tea Road, the overland trade route from Peking to St. Petersburg, made it an important commercial center.

The name of the city has also changed a number of times. From 1639 to 1706 it was known as Orgoo, from the Mongolian word for palace. From 1706 to 1911 the name was Ikh Khuree, and from 1911 to 1924 it was Niislel Khuree. For most of this time the West knew the city as Urga. Since October 29, 1924, the name has been Ulaanbaatar, which means Red Hero in the Mongolian language.

 

Overnight in Ulaanbaatar at Bayangol Hotel, Standard Room (Lunch and Dinner)

 

Day 2, Monday, August 26

Ulaanbaatar to Lake Khovsgul

Today we fly north to the forests and lakes of Khovsgol province. 

After arrival at the Murun airport, we'll drive to Lake Khovsgol and 

visit a local Monastery and deer stone monument complex from the Bronze Age 

along the way. Arrive in the breath-taking scenery where our camp is located near the shores of Lake Khovsgol.

 

Overnight in Lake Khovsgul at Ger Camp, Ger Tent (All Meals)

 

Transportation: Flight from Ulaanbaatar to Murun

 

Day 3, Tuesday, August 27

Lake Khovsgol Activities

Lake Khovsgol is the biggest fresh water lake in Mongolia and it holds about 2% of the world's fresh water resources. It's crystal clear waters are 700 feet deep and it is surrounded by magnificent mountains covered with Larch and coniferous tress and beautiful meadows. Today is spent in leisurely activities and sightseeing on Lake Khosvgol and its

surroundings. There are a number of ways to spend the day, including boat journeys, gentle walking, and a visit to the Tsataan nomads - the "Reindeer People." We will also have the opportunity to meet with a local shaman.

Reindeer People
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overnight in Lake Khovsgol at Ger Camp, Ger Tent (All Meals)

 

Day 4, Wednesday, August 28

Lake Khovsgol Activities

After breakfast, drive to the north to visit a Shaman family. Explore the lifestyle of the Reindeer herder families.

Shamanic Ritual

 

In the afternoon attend Shaman's ritual ceremony.

Read this New York Times article from a few years ago to learn more!  

 

 

 

Overnight in Lake Khovsgol at Ger Camp, Ger Tent (All Meals)

 

Day 5, Thursday, August 29

Khovsvgol to Ulaanbaatar

Today we return to the Murun airport and fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, We will  be met and transferred to our hotel for check in.

 

In the afternoon, visit the Gandan Monastery with its huge gold plated Buddha; a symbol of Mongolian national pride and cultural revival. See the monks chanting, spin some prayer wheels and view the intricately embroidered thankas. Also visit the Natural History Museum, where we'll  have a chance to see the flora and fauna of Mongolia and complete dinosaur skeletons and eggs.   

 

Overnight in Ulaanbaatar at Bayangol Hotel, Standard Room (All Meals)

 

Day 6 Friday, August 30

Ulaanbaatar to the South Gobi Desert

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight to the South Gobi. The Gobi is a desert like no other. Flat, arid plains stretch for thousands of miles interrupted by the occasional lone ger or herds of goats, camel or sheep. The Gobi desert is the least populated area of Mongolia and despite its arid climate, it supports a diverse array of bird and animal life.

 

On arrival, we will be met and drive to Yoliin Am, 

(Eagle Valley). This is a long valley with high cliff walls that shade some areas of the valley floor from the sun year-round, allowing stunning ice sheets to form. We'll walk through the valley and see ibex grazing on the cliff faces. The wildlife in this area is abundant and desert plants are vibrant and varied. This area is situated in the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, which encompasses the 'Three Beauties" peaks and the eastern-most points of the Altai Mountains.

 

In the evening we will have a meditation under the stars.  

 

Overnight in South Gobi Desert at Ger Camp, Ger Tent (All Meals)

 

Transportation: Flight from Ulaanbaatar to the South Gobi Desert

 

Day 7, Saturday, August 31

South Gobi to Bayanzag

At morning we drive about 3 hours (all driving times are estimated) to Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs. Along the way, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Gobi desert's endless steppe. Bayanzag is where the complete petrified dinosaur skeleton and dinosaur eggs of the Cretaceous period were found. We will visit a local archaeological museum and explore the site.

 

Today we will have an opportunity to use a different type of transport. Rise early and we will ride camels today to explore the massive sand dunes! Tow-humped camels are comfortable to ride as they are slow

gentle walkers. Guided by our camel man, we will explore and picnic at the dunes, and visit with a local camel breeder's family. Meditation under the stars tonight. 

 Meditation under the stars and at dawn time permitting. 

Overnight in Bayanzag at Ger Camp, Ger Tent (All Meals)

Ger Camp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 8, Sunday, September 1

Bayanzag to the Ongi Monastery

Today we will drive to the ruins of the Ongi monastery. It was the largest Buddhist center in the Gobi region. There are two complexes of temple ruins which were built up in 1780s. During political repression in 1930s these two temples were destroyed and many lamas were executed and imprisoned. Visit ruin of monastery reconstructed parts. 

 

Overnight in Ongi Monastery at Ger Camp, Ger Tent (All Meals)

 

Day 9, Monday, September 2

Ongi Monastery to Karakorum

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll drive to Karakorum, the symbolic ruins of the 13th century capital of the Mongol Empire. Visit Erdene-Zuu, the oldest monastery in Mongolia, with 108 stupas, built in 1586. Then visit Karakorum museum and see the Great Mongol state period, Stone Age, Bronze Age, Ancient state period halls and Erdenezuu monastery which is built on the ruin of the city.

Ger interior

 

Overnight in Karakorum at Ger Camp, Ger Tent (All Meals)

 

Day 10, Tuesday, September 3

Karakorum to Khustai National Park

In the morning visit Erdenezuu again to attend daily ritual of lamas. Then drive to the Khustai National Park to explore and spot the wild Prezwalski horses reintroduced to the country in recent years. In the afternoon drive to core zone of the park to explore other wildlife in the park such us takhi, red deer, wild sheep, wild goat and marmot. Visit with a local herder family to have lunch together. The gostess of nomad family may teach you how to produce milk products. Return to the camp and relax.

 

Overnight in Khustai National Park at Ger Camp, Ger Tent (All Meals)

 

Day 11, Wednesday, September 4 

Khustai National Park to Ulaanbaatar

r a After a leisurely breakfast, drive about 130 km back to Ulaanbaatar. After checking into your hotel, visit the

Bogd Khaan Palace, which is a series of beautiful traditional buildings in which the last religious King of Mongolia resided. In the evening, attend a traditional concert with throat singers followed by a dinner at a local restaurant.

 

Overnight in Ulaanbaatar at Bayangol Hotel, Standard Room (All Meals)

 

Day 12, Thursday, September 5 

Ulaanbaatar to Terelj National Park

In the morning visit a children's center in Ulaanbaatar. After lunch with children, drive to Terelj National Park. After checking in at the camp, take an excursion to Turtle Rock and enjoy the scenery of the area. Also visit the Meditation Temple. In the evening, visit the Ger Museum furnished with authentic Mongolian furniture and old Mongolian men's and women's clothes and belongings.

Turtle Rock at Terelj National Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overnight in Terelj National Park at Terelj Lodge Ger Camp, Ger Tent (All Meals)

 

Day 13, Friday, September 6 

Terelj National Park

Terelj National Park to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast at the camp head back to Ulaanbaatar. On the way back visit Chingiss Khaan Equestrian Monument which is dedicated to the 800th anniversary of the Mongolian empire. Return to the hotel for check in and in the afternoon free time on own. 

 

Overnight in Ulaanbaatar at Bayangol Hotel, Standard Room (All meals)

 

Day 14, Saturday, September 7 

Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our departure flight.

 

 
 
 
Pricing and Details




Price: $5800 per person
Early Bird Price: $5400, paid in full by 
March 31

This Tour Includes:

  •  Accommodation for 13 nights

  •  All meals

  • Services of English speaking guide services

  • All entrance fees

  •  Domestic flights

This Tour does not Include:

  •  International Airfare

  • Alcoholic drinks

  • Tips and gratuities

  •  Personal expenses

 
Red Lantern Journeys will include Travelex 360 Group Travel Insurance for guests in the cost of the trip. This insurance provides post-departure coverage for emergency medical and evacuation needs and some other minor benefits. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance (pre-departure) coverage will also be offered at additional cost.

All guests must be confirmed and paid in full 60 days before departure, June 24, 2013 

 


Want to Know More?
Come to a gathering to learn more about the trip in Sunday, February 10,
at 1 p.m. at breathe books. 

Larry and I are planning several special meditations at dawn and late at night in the Gobi.  We can also practice yoga as time and space permits, during the trip, led by Susan.

We have always been fascinated by standing stones, endless skies and nomadic people. This trip will fill our senses to the brim with the most amazing sights, sounds and experiences. Please call anytime to talk about this spectacular journey. I hope you can join Larry and me! 

See some useful Mongolian phrases here!

Here are some movies shot in Mongolia. 


Thank you!

Susan & Larry susan and larry bath
breathe deep tour leaders for Mongolia 2013 
 
breathe books
810 W 36th Street. Baltimore, Maryland 21211
410-235-7323; www.breathebooks.com