Join popular tour leader, Ari Bondt on a journey that explores the culture and art of these two countries whose rich historical backgrounds share many common threads. Buddhism came to Mongolia from Tibet and provided, for Mongolia’s nomadic population, the glue of their collective identity. The trip begins in Mongolia where eight centuries ago the Mongolians startled the world by conquering much of it under the charismatic leadership of Chingghis Khan. Mongolians continue to inhabit a medieval world governed by geography, family loyalties and the grazing of their animals.
In Ulaan Baatar, the country’s capital, discover an incongruous combination of concrete buildings and thousands of traditional ger tents. Visit Gandan Monastery, the Palace of the Bogd Khaan and the National Museum which houses a number of superb works. Fly south by private helicopter to Karakorum, built by Chingghis Khan’s son and successor, Ogodei. Although little remains of this once powerful kingdom, its boundaries are marked by four turtle-shaped rocks. From its ruins were built the monastery of Erdenezuu whose walled compound is marked by 108 stupas, an auspicious number.
Return to Ulaan Baatar and fly to the Gobi Desert, a remote arc of land where only small areas correspond to the dune-swept desert of one’s imagination. Stay in the Three Camel Lodge and explore the surrounding terrain including the Flaming Cliffs where American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews made the world’s first discovery of a dinosaur nest and eggs. But at the heart of the Gobi – and all of Mongolia – is its nomad culture. It was the Mongolians who first domesticated the horse, thus enabling them to lead an army through Central Asia. Even today more than a third of Mongolians live outside of an urban area.
Fly to Beijing for two days before enjoying a spectacular flight to Tibet, a breathtakingly beautiful country surrounded by the earth’s highest mountains. Drive through a rolling, tawny landscape past mud brick villages to Lhasa, the capital of this hidden land. Whilst Chinese occupation and development have taken their toll on traditional Tibet, it is still possible to understand the power of religion in this devout country. Circumambulate the Jokhang Temple and then enter this vast complex. Enormous gilded statues gaze down on hundreds of pilgrims carrying melted yak butter which they leave as offerings to the Buddha, Bodhisattvas and Taras whose presence fills every conceivable space. Drive through a series of switchbacks past abandoned stone buildings painted with white sun and moon symbols, to the beautiful Yamdrok Lake for a picnic lunch. Stop at Gyantse known for its fine statues and fifteenth-century murals painted by Nepali artists. In Shigatse visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery where tiers of white-washed buildings lift the eye to the red halls of the gold-sheathed roofs. Return home from Hong Kong.
Group size is limited to 18 travelers.
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