Karakorum

We depart to the Elsen Tasarkhai (Mongol Els sand dunes). It is 80 km long dunes surrounded by low hills covered with rare bushes and a small forest near a river. We stay a while and enjoy walking on sand dunes, then take lunch in a near tourist camp. Then we arrive at Kharkhorin. There, firstly we visit the Erdene Zuu monastery which was built in 1586. Since the Ming dynasty troops occupied and later razed the ancient capital Karakorum, the city could not be rebuilt. With the various construction materials taken from its ruin of it, The Erdene Zuu Monastery was built in 1586. Next, there, we visit the Kharkhorin museum which tells us the story of how the Karakorum flourished as the capital of the Mongol Empire. We will be acquainted with its interesting relics, artifacts, and archeological research. Then, along the way, we see the turtle stone statue which is an important monument of Kharkhorin city. Then spend a pleasant relaxing evening in a ger guest house.

After breakfast, we depart Kharkhorin to the complex of Bilge Khan, the last ruler of the Turkic empire. In this site, there was a sacrificial temple dedicated in memory of Bilge Khan after his death and later by the archeological excavation, more than 2,000 gold and silver artifacts were found. There, you can see the steles that vividly tell history of the last days of the Turkish Empire. After, we move to Ugii Lake and take lunch at near tourist camp. We spend some good relaxing time at the shore of the lake and drive back to UB city. Ugii Lake is beautiful freshwater lake and very rich in fish, so it is a breeding ground for waterfowls and also a perfect place where national fishing competitions are held. If you want, you can order fish for lunch. On the way, we see the ruins of a military fortress of the Kidan dynasty dating back to the 10th century. Finally, our tour ends with a return to UB city around 8 p.m.