Mongolia
Emperors of the 13th Century
Once the largest empire in the world, this program takes your students back in time to the period of the Great Khan, Chingis Khan. In this program, students will comprehensively understand what Mongolia was truly like in the 13th century. They will learn about all facets of Mongol society, from the military tactics that allowed the empire to stretch from Asia to Europe to diving deep into Buddhism and Mongolian spirituality, particularly the relationship that traditional Mongolian culture has with the living world.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and meet your program leaders at the airport.
Transfer to your hotel and check in. Enjoy a traditional Mongolian welcome dinner.
Day 2
Arrival and Settlement in a Ger Camp: You will arrive at Gorkhi Terelj National Park, located 55 kilometers northeast of Ulaanbaatar. You'll settle into a ger camp with a stunning view of the valley. Gers are traditional Mongolian nomadic tents, and you'll get to experience what it's like to live in one.
Educational Sessions: Each morning, you will have theory lessons with a teacher to learn about various aspects of Mongolian culture and history. This may include topics such as Mongolian history, nomadic culture, local cuisine, Buddhism, shamanism, local animals, fauna, flora, and the history of the Great Khans of the Mongol Empire.
Afternoon Exploration: In the afternoons, you will go on excursions. Your first stop will be Melkhii Khad, also known as Turtle Rock, a collection of massive boulders that provide a spectacular vantage point for the surrounding landscapes.
Visit to Aryabal: You will continue your journey to the spiritual site of Aryabal. Here, you will climb the road to Nirvana represented by 108 steps leading up to a hillside monastery. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Mongolian Buddhism.
Meditation Workshop: With the vast Mongolian steppes as your backdrop, you will have the chance to participate in a meditation workshop. This will allow you to experience the peaceful and spiritual side of Mongolian culture.
Day 3
After breakfast, start the day with a teaching class on nomadic family customs, Mongolian ger and its interior and exterior design, nomadic accessories that help them live sustainably in the wild nature over centuries, and local fashion. Every teaching class will be carried out in an interactive edutainment/gamification way, so don’t worry, it is not your regular classroom lessons.
Have lunch and get ready for the horse-riding trip to visit a local nomadic herder family. Ride on horseback with local riders or hike through the mountains and visit a local herder family living in a ger in the area. Spend the afternoon with the nomadic family to learn about their daily tasks. Divide into teams to try and ‘walk a day in their shoes.’ After a day spent herding sheep, mending equipment, transporting wools, and checking boundaries, gather around to partake in a time-honored evening activity - storytelling. Listen to elders sharing their stories, and fall into the cadence and prose of their traditional locution styles. Return to your camp by horse, on foot, or by bus, depending on the timing. Dinner at the camp.
Day 4
Traditional Sports and Music: Immerse yourself in Mongolia's heritage with insights into traditional sports and captivating throat singing. Discover the historical and cultural significance behind these art forms.
Horse Fiddle Crafting: Engage in a hands-on workshop to create and play a horse fiddle, a unique instrument made from horsehair.
Birds of Prey Encounter: Get up close with a hunter eagle and an awe-inspiring vulture. Learn about the profound tradition of eagle hunting in Mongolian culture.
Camel Riding Adventure (Optional): Enjoy an unforgettable camel riding experience by the river, sure to be a highlight of your day.
Riverfront Barbecue: Journey to a picturesque river spot and participate in a barbecue, complete with a cooking lesson on preparing Khorkhog, a traditional Mongolian dish slow-cooked with meat, vegetables, and stones.
Local Games and Activities: Engage in traditional Mongolian activities like ankle bone games, horse riding, archery, and wrestling, guided by local experts.
Leisure Time at the Lodge: Unwind at the lodge, taking advantage of its amenities and a well-deserved break after an active day.
Campfire and Folk Culture: In the evening, gather around a campfire and be enchanted by traditional folk dance and music performances by local artists. It's an immersive cultural experience you won't want to miss.
Day 5
After breakfast, checkout and begin a two-day immersion experience, into our historical theme of “Emperors of the 13th century”.
Drive approximately 60km to a historically accurate 13th-century settlement. On the way the team will stop by the Chinggis Khan Statue complex (40m tall), the tallest equestrian statue in the world, on the way to Khentii Province. Take in the panoramic view of the legendary site where Chinggis Khan found a golden whip symbolizing his divine leadership. In this theme park, students will be guided by Dr. Sukhbaatar, historian and expert on the Chinggis Khaan. Explore six different camps and tribes, located at a distance of 1-3 kilometers from each other, and experience the way of living and working in the 13th century. Gain insight into Mongol empire rules and customs, and battle techniques. Have dinner at the 13th-century camp.
Day 7
Return to Ulaanbaatar, and transfer to the hotel.
The rest of the day will be on your own, except the lunch and farewell dinner.
We will assist/consult you to select the right services from a local perspective.
Canvas and Perception Before our farewell dinner, let's come together for a magical Art Hour. Unleash your creativity as you draw your inspiration onto the canvas. It's a special moment to express yourself and capture memories in a unique way. Join us for this artistic gathering, adding your personal touch to the farewell festivities. Let the canvas become a testament to the shared moments and creativity of our time together. A farewell dinner at the hotel with all trip members to celebrate the achievements and learnings from the trip, along with special prizes to the achievers and winners of separate activities.
Day 6
After studying Chinggis Khan's strategies, students will form groups for a survival competition. Teachers and guides will provide instructions and support. Teams will face challenges testing their knowledge of Mongolian culture and Chinggis Khan's mindset. They'll use traditional methods to navigate, prepare food, and work together, emulating a 13th-century Mongol army. The game fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and insights into the Mongol empire's expansion. It ends when the mission is complete or by 6 p.m. The winning team enjoys a lavish dinner, while the losers serve the winners and dine modestly with 13th-century servants.
Day 8
Transfer back to Ulaanbaatar for your journey home.
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