The Nomadic Soul of Mongolia - with Lisa Balabanlilar - Rice University
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
July 7–23, 2019 The Nomadic Soul of Mongolia with Lisa Balabanlilar Bayan-Ölgii / Allan Grey (with canvas/image overlay)
Traverse into the
heart of Mongolia’s
unique nomadic
traditions and vast,
romantic landscapes.
Along the way, uncover outstanding
museums, beautiful temples, and ancient
monasteries. Your adventures will take
you to colorful rock formations, towering
sand dunes, and pristine mountain
valleys. After visiting the highlights of
the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, journey
through central Mongolia and see the
ruins of the Karakorum, once the capital
of the Mongol empire. Continue south
through the gorgeous landscapes of
the Gobi Desert and stay in traditional
gers (Mongolian tents) along the way.
Four days are dedicated to the remote
reaches of western Mongolia, hemmed
in by snow-capped mountains and
famous for the nomadic Kazakh people
and their fascinating customs, which you
will experience firsthand during visits
to local communities and a meeting
with hunters who practice an ancient
tradition of hunting with eagles. A special
treat will be attending the annual Altai
Nomad’s Festival, featuring traditional
horse games and feats of skill. Given the
nature of this trip, accommodations and
Experience traditional transportation will be somewhat rugged
Kazakh music, Khuumii in more remote locations.
throat singing and
contortion performed by
Travel with
one of the best Mongolian Lisa Balabanlilar
Lisa Balabanlilar serves
ensembles. as Associate Professor
in the Department of
See death-defying History at Rice University
horsemanship and and joined the faculty in
traditional dress at the 2007. She is a scholar of
the Mughal dynasty and her research
Altai Nomad’s Festival focuses on Islamic kingship among
Turks. In 2012, she published her book
Imperial Identity in the Mughal Empire:
Memory and Dynastic Politics in Early
Modern South and Central Asia and
has had other articles appear in various
academic journals. At Rice, she has
been recognized as the 2010 winner
of the Phi Beta Kappa Sophie Meyer
Farb Prize for Teaching Excellence.
Dr. Balabanlilar has led Traveling Owls
journeys to Turkey, India, Morocco, and
the Silk Road, and is looking forward to
leading this program.
Photos from top: Gandan Migjid Janraisig Buddha Statue
(François Philipp) and riders in Bayan-Ölgii (Allan Grey)
This custom travel program has been with private bathrooms, and dine together.
created uniquely for Rice Traveling Owls. Mongol Nomadic (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
July 7 & 8, 2019 July 11, 2019
Departures Hustain National Park
Depart the United States on an overnight
flight to Ulaanbaatar and cross the
& Nomadic Life
Drive an hour to Hustain National park,
International Date Line.
the site of the last remaining species of
July 9, 2019 Mongolian wild horses, the takhi, which
have been reintroduced from zoos around
Welcome to Mongolia the world after becoming extinct in the
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar International Airport wild. The best time to see the horses up
(ULN) and meet your ISDI tour manager close is in the early morning when they
and local Mongolian guides. Transfer by come down to drink at the streams in the
private coach to the five-star Best Western more accessible areas of the park. See the
Premier Tuushin Hotel for check-in. Set out visible remains of Neolithic graves and take
for the National Museum of Mongolia and a gentle trek to an incredible lookout point
be introduced to Mongolian history from watching for deer, gazelles, and raptors.
prehistoric times to the 1990 democratic Experience local hospitality and learn about
movement that overthrew the communist nomadic life over a traditional home-cooked
regime. Also see the 20th-century Buddhist lunch with a family of herders. Continue to
temple complex Chojin Lama. This the nature reserve of Khogno Khaan and
evening sample Mongolian cuisine during see the reconstructed temples and prayer
a welcome dinner. Best Western Premier wheel at the Uvguun Khiid ruins. Continue
Tuushin (Dinner) to the secluded Sweet Gobi ger camp
with shared bathrooms, located near a
July 10, 2019 small outcrop of dunes at Elsen Tasarkhai,
Gandan Monastery & and dine together. Sweet Gobi Ger Camp
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Mongolian Horse Racing
Meet Oyungerel Tsedevdamba—a July 12, 2019
former member of parliament and the
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Genghis Kahn’s Empire:
of Mongolia—for an overview of current Karakorum & Erdenezuu
affairs in Mongolia. Proceed to the Gandan Drive to Karakorum, the ruins of the
Monastery to see the magnificent 82-foot- 13th-century capital of Genghis Khan’s
tall gold-plated Buddha statue, a symbol Mongol Empire, the largest contiguous
of Mongolian national pride and cultural land empire in recorded history and the
revival. After lunch head to the vast intellectual center of the world during its
Sukhbaatar Square to observe different peak. Little remains of Karakorum after
ethnic groups in their finest robes and its destruction in 1388, but evidence of
headdresses participating in the Mongolian its former glory remains at Erdenezuu,
National Costume parade. Then drive to Hui Mongolia’s oldest monastery, with 108
Doloon Hudag for Mongolian horse racing stupas rebuilt from its own ruins in 1586.
and watch the winners cross the finish line After a tour around the monastery, have
from your seats in the grandstand. Take a
short drive to Mongol Nomadic ger camp (above) Mongolian troops preparing for Naadam Festival
in Ulaanbaatar’s Sükhbaatar Square / Scott Presly
lunch and enjoy a visit to the local market. July 15, 2019
Meet a local artist who specializes in
Buddhist paintings, learn about her family’s
Local Camel Herders
sea buckthorn berry farm, and hear how in the Gobi Desert
these berries are used for health and Set out to explore the dunes on two-
medicinal purposes. Arrive at your ger humped Bactrian camels and listen to the
camp with private bathrooms. Enjoy dinner low hum of the “singing sands.” Meet a
and a performance of traditional music and family of camel herders and learn about
dance. Munkhtenger Ger Camp (Breakfast, their culture, traditions, and day-to-day life.
Lunch, Dinner) Return to camp for lunch. In the afternoon
either relax at camp or take a desert drive
July 13, 2019 across the arid landscape to a local oasis
Monasteries & Temples of saxsaul trees—one of the native species
Set forth on a six-hour drive to Ongi Temple of shrub-like trees which grow in these
complex, breaking up the trip with a stop inhospitable conditions and whose root
at the Shankh Khiid Monastery, one of systems aid against desertification. Look
Mongolia’s oldest and most historically out for herds of white-tailed gazelles and
significant monasteries, which was demoiselle or white-naped cranes.
founded in 1647 by Zanabazar, the first Gobi Erdene Ger Camp (Breakfast,
spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism for Lunch, Dinner)
the Khalkha Mongols in Outer Mongolia.
Upon arrival at Ongiin Khiid, visit the ruins
July 16, 2019
of the 18th-century Barlim Monastery, Petroglyphs, Flaming
which featured one of the largest temples
in all of Mongolia, and the older Khutagt
Cliffs & Dinosaurs
Monastery, which was founded in 1660 and Stop at Khavtsgait to explore the
was home to more than a thousand monks petroglyphs. Walk up a rocky outcrop and
at its peak. Both complexes were destroyed search the surrounding rocks for ancient
and hundreds of monks killed during the engravings that dot the area. Have lunch in
1939 Communist anti-religious purges. In the small village of Bulgan before continuing
the 1990s, efforts to rebuild the monastery to Bayanzag, known as the Flaming Cliffs
began, and the first temple was inaugurated because of their orange glow at sunset.
in 2004. Arrive at your ger camp with shared After settling in at your ger camp with
bathrooms, and dine together. Ongiin Nuuts private bathrooms, enjoy an exploratory
Ger Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) walk around the spectacular sandstone
formations, also a paleontological wonder.
July 14, 2019 Bayanzag became famous for its dinosaur
remains after the first nest of dinosaur
Mongolia’s Largest eggs the world had ever seen was found
Sand Dunes by an exploration team from the American
Drive seven hours to the Khongor sand Museum of Natural History in 1922. Gobi
dunes, a 60-mile stretch of rippling sand Naran Ger Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
dunes, some reaching heights of up to 600
feet, and enjoy scenic photo stops along
the way. Spend the next two nights at Gobi
Erdene Ger Camp with private bathrooms,
and dine together. Gobi Erdene Ger Camp
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) above Flaming Cliffs in Bayanzag inar Fredriksen
July 17, 2019 costumes. Enjoy dinner tonight at your
hotel, Eagle Dreams. Eagle Dreams Hotel
Yol Valley National Park (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
& Local Horse Taming July 20, 2019
Explore Yol Valley, a wonderfully
picturesque area surrounded by sheer Altai Nomad’s Festival
rocky walls that form incredible canyons. Spend the day attending the Altai Nomad’s
During a hike, see the remarkable lush Festival and see some traditional Kazakh
chasm that cuts through the foothills of horse games. Admire the traditional clothing
the Altai mountains and try to spot Altai of local nomads. This evening enjoy dinner
snowcocks, ibex, yaks, and Argali mountain and a Kazakh concert of traditional songs
sheep. After lunch, drive to a nearby and music. Eagle Dreams Hotel (Breakfast,
nomadic family who will demonstrate the Lunch, Dinner)
traditional art of ‘breaking in’ horses. Gobi
Naran Ger Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) July 21, 2019
July 18, 2019 Inside Kazakh Culture:
Bogd Khan Winter Hunting with Eagles
Drive to the small village of Sagsai for a
Palace & Mongolian private demonstration of Eagle Hunting,
Performing Arts an ancient tradition at the heart of Kazakh
Following a morning flight to Ulaanbaatar, culture. Meet with local hunters to learn
visit the Central Museum of Mongolian about the majestic golden eagle, one of
Dinosaurs, which exhibits the famous the world’s largest eagles, and watch them
Tarbosaurus Bataar that was repatriated being trained for the hunt, an unforgettable
from the United States along with many experience. Return to Ölgii and dine
more dinosaurs due to the efforts of Texan together. Eagle Dreams Hotel (Breakfast,
Robert Painter. After lunch, visit the Bogd Lunch, Dinner)
Khan Winter Palace where Mongolia’s last
July 22, 2019
king and eighth living Buddha resided,
and view displays of elaborate ceremonial Ölgii to Ulaanbaatar
robes. In the evening, experience the best Fly to Ulaanbaatar and visit the impressive
of Mongolian performance arts, including Genghis Khan statue complex, where the
Khuumii throat singing, folk and traditional world’s largest equestrian statue stands
music, song, dance and contortion. Tuushin gloriously on the bank of the River Tuul
Best Western (Breakfast, Lunch) against a scenic landscape. Bid goodbye
to Mongolia over a farewell dinner. Tuushin
July 19, 2019 Best Western (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Ölgii: Kazakh Culture July 23, 2019
in Western Mongolia Mongolia Departures
Fly to Ölgii (ULG), the capital of Bayan-Ölgii
Transfer to the Ulaanbaatar International
province, Mongolia’s westernmost province
Airport for independent flights back to the
where the Kazakh people and culture has
United States.
been best preserved. At the Aimag Museum
of Ölgii, learn about Kazakh culture and the
geography of the province, including an
excellent collection of colorful traditional (above) Bogd Khan Winter Palace / François Philipp
Tour Information recommended. A confirmation
letter and travel insurance
TOUR COST application will be mailed to you
Land Only ................................................................................. $6,695 upon receipt of your deposit.
Tour price is per person based on double occupancy, with a minimum of 15 paying participants.
Land price is calculated as of July 2018 and is subject to change. TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS
Fourteen (14) nights’
DATES | July 7–23, 2019 accommodations; breakfast
daily, 13 lunches, 13 dinners;
ACTIVITY LEVEL | Moderate any reason including insufficient services of an ISDI tour manager;
standing and walking for up numbers of participants, as well land transportation by private
to three hours at a time and as the right to decline to accept or motorcoach and 4x4 vans, as
motorcoach rides up to seven retain any person as a member of needed; group airport transfers to
hours (with breaks) the tour at any time. If bookings and from the hotel upon arrival
fall below the minimum required, and departure; one-way flight
DEPOSIT & FINAL PAYMENT passengers will be advised of from Dalanzadgad (DLZ) to
A deposit of $1,000 per paying additional costs or itinerary Ulaanbaatar (ULN); round-trip
participant is required to guarantee alterations before departure date. flight between Ulaanbaatar (ULN)
participation in the program. This and Ölgii (ULG); expert, local
deposit may be paid by check CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS English-speaking guides throughout
or by Visa or MasterCard. Final All cancellations must be planned activities; services of an
payment will be invoiced and is received in writing by ISDI, and ISDI Tour Manager; gratuities to
due on March 8, 2019 by check charges are calculated as of the local guides and drivers; entrance
only to International Seminar day notification is received in fees to sites per itinerary; bottled
Design, Inc. Registrants will be writing by ISDI. If a tour member water daily; taxes, services, and
accepted beyond this date on cancels, the following scale of porterage fees.
a space-available basis with charges is incurred: There is a
payment in full by check only. non-refundable administrative TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS
fee of $500 per person. Written Airfare, airline taxes, and fuel
FLIGHTS | Participants are cancellation received by ISDI surcharges; individual transfers to
responsible for all aspects of their on or before March 8, 2019: and from the hotel for those not
air arrangements, round-trip to and full refund minus $500 per using the group transfers; airport
from Ulaanbaatar International person administrative fee. porterage; gratuities for hotel
Airport (ULN). Participants who Written cancellation received housekeeping staff; excursions,
are unable to take the group by ISDI between March 9 and activities, or meals during traveler’s
airport transfers are responsible for May 23, 2019: full refund of free time; personal items; personal
their own airport transfers. any recoverable land costs, less services; taxis; travel extensions;
$3,350 per person cancellation personal insurance for health,
TERMS & CONDITIONS charge (includes administrative baggage and tour cancellation;
International Seminar Design, fee). Written cancellation received passport fees; visa fees.
Inc. (ISDI) acts only as an agent by ISDI after March 24, 2019:
for the participant with respect to no refund. After the tour has TRAVEL INSURANCE
transportation, accommodations, commenced, it is not possible to The purchase of trip cancellation
and all other services relating to issue any refunds. No refunds are insurance is strongly
this tour. ISDI, the Association issued for any unused portion of recommended for coverage of
of Rice Alumni, and/or their the tour including, but not limited expenses in conjunction with
agents assume no responsibility to, occasional missed meals cancellation due to illness or
or liability for any act, error or or sightseeing tours. Costs for accident. Baggage insurance
omission, or for any injury, loss, promotion, staff, and other group is also recommended. In the
accident, delay or irregularity, expenses are not refundable. If event that you must cancel your
which may be caused by any due to weather, flight schedules, participation in a travel program,
defect in any aircraft, ship, or other uncontrollable factors trip cancellation insurance may be
train, bus, or other carrier, or you are required to spend an the only source of reimbursement.
through neglect or default of any additional night, you will be Travel insurance information
subcontractor or other third party, responsible for your own hotel, will be emailed to you from the
which may be used wholly or in transfers, and meal costs. In the Traveling Owls upon receipt of
part in the performance of their case of cancellation, substitutions your registration.
duty to the participants of the tour. are not accepted. The tour
ISDI and the Association of Rice cost is non-transferable. Tour © 2018–2019 INTERNATIONAL
Alumni reserve the right to cancel cancellation, baggage, and SEMINAR DESIGN, INC. (ISDI)
any tour prior to departure for medical insurance is strongly CST 2072963-40, WST 603578109
Russia
Ölgii Hustain
National Park Ulaanbaatar
Karakorum
Mongolia
Ongi
Temple
Dalanzadgad China
Stamen Design / Open Street Map
Tour Highlights Meet local Kazakh Meet Oyungerel
hunters who practice Tsedevdamba, a
Explore Erdenezuu,
the ancient tradition former member of
Mongolia’s oldest
of hunting with parliament and the
monastery, and
eagles. Minister of Culture,
Karakorum, the
Sports and Tourism
symbolic ruins of the Meet a family of of Mongolia, for an
13th-century capital camel herders in the overview of current
of Genghis Kahn’s Gobi Desert and learn affairs in Mongolia
Mongol Empire. about their traditions
and daily life.
The Nomadic Soul of Mongolia
July 7–23, 2019
ROOMING OPTIONS: (please select)
Double Occupancy, We prefer separate beds
I will share a room with:
Name (as listed on passport) Rice Affiliation
I would like a roommate but will pay the price of the
single supplement if one cannot be found.
Name (as listed on passport) Rice Affiliation The undersigned has read the tour itinerary and recognizes and
accepts any risks therein. The undersigned also understands and
hereby agrees for and on behalf of his/her dependents, heirs, executors,
administrators and assigns to abide by the conditions set forth in the
Address (billing if using credit card for payment) terms and conditions listed in this brochure and to release and hold
harmless International Seminar Design, Inc. (ISDI), the Association
of Rice Alumni, and any of their officers, trustees, agents, licenses, or
City State Zip representatives from any and all liability for delays, injuries, or death
or for the loss of and/or damage to his/her property however occurring
during any portion of, or in relation to, this tour.
Daytime Telephone Cell Phone EACH PARTICIPANT MUST SIGN
Registration invalid without signature
E-mail Address
please send mailings to my email to receive information more quickly
Signature Date
Number of Persons Amount Enclosed
Signature Date
DEPOSIT Visa or MasterCard
BY: Check (payable to International Seminar Design) COMPLETE AND RETURN TO:
Rice Alumni Traveling Owls
MS-520, P.O. Box 1892 | Houston, TX 77251
Card Number Exp. (mm/yy) Tel: 713-34-TRIPS, Fax: (713) 348-5210
Email: travelingowls@rice.edu
Billing Zip Code (if different from above)
You can also read
