At its zenith, there were 1,000 resident monks and, although most of the temples were destroyed in the 1930s, the monastery is slowly being restored and is considered by many as the most important monastery in Mongolia.The political climate in Mongolia is changing and Buddhism, previously suppressed, is currently experiencing a resurgence.
The Mongol culture of today is still mainly pastoral and we hope to come across itinerant herdsmen, a group of two or three families, their gers pitched on the steppe.The provision of a gift when you visit a ger is part of the culture in Mongolia, so feel free to pack something small.We plan to visit the spot where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered in Central Asia.These are often small, family run establishments or campsites which provide a no-frills experience with adequate amenities and service standards.Sleeping arrangements are simple, sometimes with en suite facilities.