Shamanism is the oldest religious practice in Mongolia and centers on beliefs and rituals associated with a shaman, a man, or a woman regarded as having access to the “spirit world”. Shamanism is faith without books. All teaching and instruction have been given orally, passed from shaman to shaman over the centuries, and its traditions learned by heart. Mongolian shamans enter an ecstatic trance state in which the shaman is empowered to engage with the spirits I order to protect and heal members of the community, to guide souls, and cure illnesses. The shaman might wear a headdress to resemble a bird, with the tail of a pheasant and the body costume of a fish. Drums are used to help the shaman enter the trance-like state, as chanting begins and the shaman “transcends “into another world while the body dances, swirls, or totters with jerky movements. Shamanism went underground during the former communist period but has been revived recently. HIGHLIGHTS Lake Khovsgol National Park Darkhad Ethnic shaman Shamans and Reindeer herding people Adventure riding through Taiga wilderness Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park Erdene Zuu Monastery in Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire

Day 1 - Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Transfer to the hotel. Unpack and rest in the hotel. Short city tour with Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, which represents Mongolian Culture starting from the Stone Age to the 21st century and Buddhism, and Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chingis Khaan Square). (L/D)

Day 2 - Amarbayasgalant Monastery

Head to northern Mongolia and arrive at the famous Amarbayasgalant Monastery, the possible stop. Excursion through the monastery, located at the foot of Burenkhaan mountain, Amarbayasgalant, or "Monastery of Tranquil Felicity”, is one of the largest and most important monasteries in Mongolia. Stay in tourist ger camp. (B/L/D)

Day 3 - Khutag-undur village

Heading to the north and stopping at Hutag-under village where you can visit local nomads and experience their lifestyle. Stay overnight in a tourist ger camp. (B/L/D)

Day 4 - Lake Khovsgol national park

Arrive at Khovsgol Lake National Park. Magnificent Khovsgol Lake - itself is one of the natural wonders of the world covering an area of 2.760 km2. It is a land of taiga forest, crystal-clear lakes, icy streams, and lush grass, these magnificent surroundings will make your stay enjoyable. Walking along the lakeshore and hiking in vicinity areas. Stay in tourist ger camp. (B/L/D)

Day 5 - Darkhad Valley and Meet Darkhad Shaman In Tsagaan Nuur Village

The shaman trail starts and heads to the north to the Taiga Mountains. We will drive to the Tsgaan Nuur village via the “13 ovoo - mountain pass". The Darkhad valley is located between the Khoridol Saridag Mountain Range and the Ulaan Taiga Forest, where many small lakes are dotted. Here we experience spiritual shamanic healings learn about their roots and see their rituals. Stay overnight in a local guest house or tent camp. B/L/D)

Day 6 - Experience Reindeer Herders’ Lifestyle and Meet Tsaatan Shaman

Today we start heading the north to meet reindeer herders (Tsaatan) and shamans. We cross Darkhad valley and head towards Tsagaan Nuur (White Lake). Trekking or horse riding sessions. Those days we load our luggage on horseback and leave our vehicle team, as the landscape becomes difficult to access with cars. We'll see real events, how shamans do connect with other spirits, and what they do. Also these days we meet the tsaatans' life and tradition because they have their own religion, language, tradition, and customs that differ from other Mongols. Tented camp near shaman's home. (B/L/D)

Day 7 - Time to Head Back

Drive back and arrive at Ulaan Uul village after 3 days of a wonderful experience. Stay overnight in a local guest house. (B/L/D)

Day 8 - Drive to Murun

Drive back and arrive at Murun town, the center of Khovsgol province. stay overnight in a local hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 9 - Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park

Arrive in a beautiful freshwater lake Terkhiin Tsagaan (White Lake) surrounded by extinct volcanoes at an altitude of 2.060 meters above the sea level. Explore the lake and its vicinity areas. Hike to Khorgo Uul volcano (2.965m) from the northeast shore of the lake. Visit caves on the way. (B/L/D)

Day 10 - Erdene Zuu Monastery in Kharkhorin

Leave early in the morning to Kharkhorin /Karakorum/, the ancient capital city of the Great Mongol Empire. There’s almost nothing left from this great capital of the world, but in 1586, under the rule of King Avtai Sain, the Erdene-Zuu Monastery was built at the site of the ruins of ancient Kharkhorin. The Erdene-Zuu – means Hundred of Treasures was again destroyed during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, but there are still various Buddhist statues, works of art, religious instruments, and even Tsam religious dance masks at the monastery. There are an amazing 108 stupas surrounding the monastery. (B/L/D)

Day 11 - Back to Ulaanbaatar

Drive back to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel and relax. Option to go shopping for souvenirs and cashmere products. Farewell dinner together. (B/L/D)

Day 12 - Departure Day

Transfer to Chingis Khaan International Airport or Train station and depart Mongolia. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel****,* ger camp, tented camp Guiding and interpreting service Full board meals Transport: 4x4 vehicle or minivan Border permission Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks Museums and cultural performance Horseback riding Camping equipments

International airfare Personal equipment Optional activity cost Excess baggage charges Single room supplement Alcoholic drinks Travel Insurance The extra cost for photography in museums Tip for a tour guide, driver, etc