Ulaanbaatar - Terelj

Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, is located on the bank of the Tuul River and surrounded by majestic mountains. The combination of these pine covered mountains, wide boulevards, vast public squares and parks give the city a feeling of spaciousness, while the ger communities, Buddhist temples, and bustling marketplaces give it a rustic charm. Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia's cultural, political and economic center. Nowhere in the world is there a city of such rich contrasts. In the uniqueness which is Ulaanbaatar, ancient nomadic culture peacefully coexists with the dynamic changes of modern society. On the streets of city, you will pass nomads dressed in traditional deels as well as elegantly attired business people rushing to the Stock Exchange.

Terelj, about 50 miles northeast of Ulaanbaatar, is a popular destination in the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. This area is cool and the alpine scenery is magnificent. There are great opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, rafting, horse riding . Open year-round, Terelj camp is set in the spectacular Gorkhi River valley. Visitors can take leisurely strolls on green meadows carpeted with edelweiss and a dazzling variety of other wildflowers; view fascinating rock formations against a backdrop of pine-covered mountains; and wander along the wooded banks of a mountain stream. The Turtle Rock, created by nature, and the man-made dinosaur statues are the key attractions. Guests can stay overnight in Mongolian gers or cozy guest rooms.

Erdene Zuu monastery

Erdene Zuu monastery is the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia.It was built at the initiative of the most influential Khalkha lord Abtai Khan, in 1586 on the spot where Kharkhorin, the famous capital of the Mongolian Empire of the 13th century .The territoryof the monastery occupies an area of 400 square meters and is surrounded by a stone wall with 108 stupas. The stone columns, blocks and sculptures excavated from the ruins of the city showthat various building materials were used in the construction of this monastery, which began in the 16th century and continued until the 19th century. Erdene Zuu monastery was severally damaged atthe end of the XVII century and the beginning of the XVIII centuriesat the time of the struggle of the Mongolians against the Manchuinvaders. It was restored several times, in 1760-1796 and in 1808-1814.

Kharkhorin city ruins

The city was established in 1220. Kharkhorin was the capital of Mongolia for 140 years and the capital of the Mongol Empire for 32 years.

Orkhon River

The Orkhon river has its source in the Khangai Mountain Rangeand flows 1.124 kilometers, joining the Selenge river in northernMongolia and so to Lake Baikal in Siberia. The main tributaries ofthe Orkhon river are the Tamir and Yeroo rivers, which have theirsource in the Khentii and Khangai mountain ranges. The Orkhon river has numerous species of fish such as Pike, Mirror Carp, Baikal Sturgeon, Taimen, Sig, River Perch, Siberian Umber, Roach, Ide, Bull Ide, Golden Carp, Amur Catfish and Burbot.

Khuvsgul Lake

Try to imagine a 2760 sq km alpine lake, with water so pure you can drink it. Then add dozens of mountains 2000m high or more, thick pine forest and lush meadows with grazing yaks and horses, and you have a vague impression of Khuvsgul lake, Mongolia's top scenic attraction. In surface area, this is the second - largest lake [125 km long and 30 km wide] in Mongolia, surpassed in size only by Uvs lake, a shallow, salty lake in the western part of the country. Khuvsgul lake is the deepest lake [up to 262m] in Central Asia, and the 14th -largest source of fresh water -containing 2% of the world's fresh water. The lake is full of fish, such as lennok and sturgeon, and the area is home to argali sheep, ibex, bear and moose, as well as over 200 species of birds. The region also hosts three separate, unique people; Darkhad Mongols, Buryad Mongols and Tsaatan people,who care for the deers. The lake is now part of the Khuvsgul Lake National Park Visitors also come to fish, swim in the icy water, watch the ducks, seagulls and other birdlife, hike or horse -back ride along the shoreline, or just find a comfortable sport to say and soak in all the fresh air and natural beauty.

Gobi desert

The Gobi desert is one of the untouched, unique, and mysterious places on the world. The site of ancient inland seas, the Gobi desert is a treasure chest of fossilized dinozuar bones and eggs. The Mongolian Gobi is a vast zone desert and desert steppe covering almost 30% of the Mongolian territory. This is the second biggest desert in the world. The Gobi is often imagined as a lifeless desert, similar to African desert. In reality, most part of the Gobi is a land of steppes and mountains and this the incredible land mass is home to wild sheep, wild ass, Gazelle, Havtgai ( wild camel), Mazaalai (Gobi bear) and Desert Ibex. Travel to the legendary Bayan Zag (Flamming Cliffs), site of most important paleontological discoveries,where was discovered the first nest of Dinosaur eggs in 1920 by American paleontologist R.Ch.Andrews, the world had ever seen. Now many Dinosaur's unique foundings are doscovering at this rich site. Visit Gurvansaikhan National Park, covering rocky and sandy plains, cliffs, salt pans amd oases. The Yoliin Am ( Eagle Valley) nestled between the beautiful peaks of the Gurvansaikhan. Hongoriin Els(The Singing Dune), a spectacular sea of sand dunes, they are up to 800m high, 20km wide and about 100km long. You can climb to the top of the dunes with a lot of efforts - three steps forward, one slide back. If you want you can also explore the oases, saxual forests and other dinosaur fossil sites nearby.