Buddhist, Shaman, and Fortune-Telling Itinerary in Mongolia

Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar – Gandantegchinlen Monastery

• Morning: Arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to a centrally located hotel (e.g., near Sukhbaatar Square). Check-in and rest briefly.
• Afternoon: Visit Gandantegchinlen Monastery, the largest and most significant Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. Explore its chapels, including the 26.5-meter-high Migjid Janraisig statue. Participate in a guided tour to learn about Mongolian Buddhism, a blend of Tibetan Buddhism and local shamanistic influences.
• Evening: Welcome dinner at a traditional Mongolian restaurant (e.g., Modern Nomads). Enjoy local dishes like buuz (steamed dumplings). Brief orientation about the trip’s spiritual focus.
• Overnight: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

Day 2: Choijin Lama Temple Museum and Authentic Fortune Teller

• Morning: Visit Choijin Lama Temple Museum, a stunning early 20th-century complex built for Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav, the state oracle. Explore its five temples, housing Buddhist artifacts, thangkas, and a red coral tsam dance mask. Learn about its historical role in oracle practices.
• Afternoon: Meet an authentic fortune teller arranged through a trusted local contact This practitioner, known for traditional Mongolian divination methods, will offer personalized readings. Guests can ask questions about their life and future in a private, respectful setting. Note: The fortune teller’s identity is vetted for authenticity, avoiding commercialized services.
• Evening: Free time to explore Ulaanbaatar’s cultural scene, such as a folk music performance at Tumen Ekh Ensemble. Optional shopping for Buddhist or shamanic souvenirs.
• Overnight: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

Day 3: Travel to Khuvsgul Province – Murun and Local Culture

• Morning: Early breakfast and transfer to Ulaanbaatar’s airport for a 1-hour domestic flight to Murun, the gateway to Khuvsgul Province. Upon arrival, meet the local guide and driver.
• Afternoon: Drive (approx. 3 hours) to a tourist ger camp near Khuvsgul Lake National Park. En route, stop at a local nomad family to learn about their lifestyle and spiritual practices, which often blend Buddhism and shamanism.
• Evening: Settle into the ger camp. Enjoy a traditional dinner by the lakeshore, surrounded by taiga forests. Brief discussion with the guide about the upcoming shaman ritual and etiquette.
• Overnight: Tourist ger camp near Khuvsgul Lake.

Day 4: Khuvsgul Lake – Shaman Preparation and Nature

• Morning: Explore Khuvsgul Lake, known as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia.” Take a guided walk along the lakeshore, visiting sacred sites like ovoos (shamanistic cairns adorned with blue fabric). Learn about their dual shamanic and Buddhist significance.
• Afternoon: Meet a local Darkhad or Tsaatan shaman (arranged via the tour operator). Discuss their role as a bridge between the human and spirit worlds. The shaman may share insights into their calling and rituals. Participate in a preparatory activity, such as crafting small offerings (e.g., milk or vodka libations) for the evening ceremony.
• Evening: Free time to relax or hike in the area. Dinner at the ger camp, featuring local dishes like khorkhog (stone-cooked mutton).
• Overnight: Tourist ger camp near Khuvsgul Lake.

Day 5: Shaman Ritual Experience

• Morning: Leisurely morning at the ger camp. Optional activities include horseback riding or meditation by the lake, reflecting on the spiritual journey.
• Afternoon: Prepare for the shaman ritual, which typically begins at night. The shaman will consult each participant about their birth year (lunar calendar) and ancestral details to tailor the ceremony. Learn about ritual elements, such as the drum, deerskin costume, and trance state.
• Evening: Attend the authentic shaman ritual (starting around 10–11 PM). Witness the shaman enter a trance to communicate with spirits, possibly invoking tengri (sky spirits) or ancestral ongon. The ceremony may involve chanting, drumming, and offerings to address healing, guidance, or protection. Guests observe respectfully, with the guide translating key moments. The ritual may last until the early morning.
• Overnight: Tourist ger camp near Khuvsgul Lake.

Day 6: Return to Ulaanbaatar – Reflection

• Morning: Late breakfast to recover from the late-night ritual. Pack up and drive back to Murun (approx. 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Fly back to Ulaanbaatar (1-hour flight). Transfer to the hotel and rest.
• Evening: Group discussion to reflect on the shaman ritual and spiritual experiences. Dinner at a cozy restaurant (e.g., Luna Blanca for vegetarian options).
• Overnight: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

Day 7: Cultural Immersion – Dashchoilin Monastery and National Museum

• Morning: Visit Dashchoilin Monastery, a vibrant monastic complex known for its blend of Mongolian and Tibetan architecture. Observe monks chanting or performing rituals, offering insight into daily Buddhist practices.
• Afternoon: Explore the National Museum of Mongolia, which showcases Mongolia’s spiritual history from the Stone Age to modern times, including Buddhist and shamanic artifacts. Free time for souvenir shopping (e.g., cashmere or traditional crafts).
• Evening: Farewell dinner with a cultural performance, such as throat singing or morin khuur (horse-headed fiddle). Share final reflections on the journey.
• Overnight: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

Day 8: Departure

• Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Free time for last-minute exploration or packing.
• Afternoon: Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for departure.
• Note: Schedule depends on flight times. If time allows, visit Sukhbaatar Square for final photos.

Additional Notes

• Tour Operator: Book through a reputable agency like Eyeland Travel known for authentic spiritual tours. They ensure vetted shamans and fortune tellers.
• Etiquette: Respect monastery rules (e.g., remove hats, dress modestly). For shaman rituals, avoid interrupting and follow the guide’s instructions. Photography may be restricted.
• Packing: Bring warm clothing for Khuvsgul’s cool nights, mosquito repellent, and comfortable shoes for walking.
• Costs: Entry fees are included in most tours.
• Shaman Authenticity: The shaman is selected from the Darkhad or Tsaatan ethnic groups, known for preserving traditional practices. Rituals are not staged for tourists.
• Fortune Teller: Arranged privately to ensure authenticity, avoiding commercialized services. Expect a respectful, non-entertainment-focused experience.

This itinerary offers a deep dive into Mongolia’s spiritual heritage, blending Buddhism, shamanism, and traditional divination in an authentic and respectful manner.

The package includes:

• Transfer to/from the 4-star hotel
• 3 meals a day during the trip
• English-speaking guide
• Transportation in the countryside
• Accommodation at Mongolian 4-bedded ger camps
• Sightseeing as per the itinerary
• Entrance fees to the museum and the National Park