The pilgrimage will begin in Ulaanbaatar. We will first visit Bogd Khan Palace, which is a series of beautiful traditional buildings, the former residence of the last religious King of Mongolia. Proceeding south of Ulaanbaatar, we will visit the Zaisen War Memorial, located in the foothills of the Bogd Khaan Mountain. The memorial features murals and a monument depicting friendship between the USSR and Mongolia. From the memorial we will enjoy a panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar and the Tuul River. Bogd Khaan Mountain is a UNESCO protected site and is home to a 20 meter gilded statue of Buddha.

We will then enjoy a city tour of Ulaanbaatar. During the tour we will visit the Choijin Lama Temple, a Buddhist monastery complex built in the early 1900’s. The complex consists of four temples originally occupied by a man named Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav, who was the state oracle. The complex was begun in 1904 and completed in 1908. We will also visit the Dashchoilin Monastery.

We will also enjoy a visit to the Manzushir (Manjushri) Monastery which is located inside the Bogd Khan Mountain National Park. The Manjushri Monastery was first built in the 1700’s but later destroyed. It is since been restored. We will have lunch, relax a bit and then take a hike in the park.

We will travel to the city of Karakorum, the former capital of the Great Mongol Empire founded by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. We will visit Erdene-Zuu, the oldest Mongolian Monastery built in 1586 which contains 108 stupas. We will also visit Karakorum Museum to see the Great Mongol state period and collections of artifacts from the Stone Age and Bronze Age.

We will travel from Kharakorum to the Tuvhun Monastery and also Shankh monastery. Tuvhun Monastery is one of the most beautiful monastery complexes, situated on a forest rocky mountain. It was erected by Zanabazar, in 1643 when he was quite young. Zanabazaar was the first Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, or spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism for the Khalkha, in Outer Mongolia. Zanabazar also founded Shankh Monastery in 1647. Shankh Monastery is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Mongolia. Shankh Monastery is famous for its seven Kalachakra Mandalas that contain all 722 Kalachakra deities.

In addition, we will visit Hustai National Park and see the Takhi, the Asian wild horses. It is possible we will also see wolves, argali sheep and deer in the park as well. The Takhi were deemed extinct in the wild in the late 1960’s. However, a small herd of 16 horses were released into the wild in 1992 (from zoo breeding programs). Since this time the wild Tahki have been roaming the Mongolian steppe and slowly increasing their numbers. There are now over 300 Takhi living within their wild habit

We will also visit the Danzanravjaa Museum. This museum was established in 1991 in honor of the fifth Goviin Dogshin Noyon Khutagt (“Terrible Noble Saint of the Gobi”), who was one of the greatest and most unusual intellectuals in Mongolian history. We will then visit Khamariin Khiid which is considered the official opening doorway to the Land of Shambhala. Originally created by Dornogov Danzan Rajvaa in the nineteenth century, it was destroyed by Stalin during the 1930 repressions. It has been rebuilt and contains 108 stupas. Some monks maintain that this physical Shambhala located in Khamariin Khiid serves as a portal to the multi-dimensional Shambhala, which intersects the mundane physical world.

We will also be visiting Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar which contains a huge gold plated Buddha, which is regarded as a symbol of Mongolian national pride and cultural revival. We will also visit the Pethub Monastery and the Zanabazar Museum. The monastery was constructed by order of the 5th Jebtsundampa in 1809. The first temple was the Gungaachoilin Datsan. Only one wooden pillar remains from this temple. In 1838, the Gandantegchenlin Temple was built along with the private residence of the Jebtsundamba. The 13th Dalai Lama stayed in the residence in 1904.

The great news is Kyabje Gelek Rimpoche has accepted a request to give teaching at various locations during this trip. We may also receive teachings from other great Masters or Rinpoches in Mongolia.

The price will be all-inclusive (lodging, meals, and local transportation) within Mongolia from August 7th through August 16, 2014 .

The price includes a donation of $1000 per person to the Jewel Heart Organization, which is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

The price for “Pilgrimage to Mongolia Tour” package does not include international airfare.

Lodging	Single	Double
Four star hotel in Ulaanbaatar and tourist Ger Camp and local hotel in other places	$4600	$4150

 

The package rate is based on a minimum of 20 persons for this trip.

Please note that while Gelek Rimpoche fully expects to go on the trip, it is always possible that health considerations could limit his participation on the trip.

All participants are expected to purchase their own health insurance and trip cancellation insurance, and will be asked to sign a waiver.

Contact: [email protected] Phone (734) 994-3387