Over two millennia ago, a powerful confederacy of nomadic tribes known as the Xiongnu Empire (Hunnu in Mongolian) thrived in what is now Mongolia. For many Mongolians, this is when the nation began. Xiongnu were the dominant power in Central Asia, forcing its southern neighbor, the Han dynasty to maintain a “peace and kinship treaty.”  Dr. Erdenebaatar of Ulaanbaatar State University and his dedicated archaeological team  have been excavating largest known tomb of Xiongnu aristocrats to date. The site,  known as Gol Mod-2, is located in the picturesque Arhangai Province. Excavations have yielded never before seen crafts of the Xiongnu Empire, including gold, silver, and jade ornaments as well as parts of horse chariots, tools, and human and animal remains. In June of 2015, this team is planning to open yet another tomb at the site. On this “Empires of the Steppe” tour, we will be given exclusive access to visit the excavation site and to spend a few days with the scientists and students. We will have the opportunity not only  observe the excavation work, we will be able to help in unearthing an ancient treasure never seen before by the modern world.

Dr. Erdenebaatar Diimaajav is a Professor of History, Dean of  Faculty of Humanities and Head of the Department of Archaeology of Ulaanbaatar State University. His chief research area is the archaeological study of Bronze Age and the Xiounnu Period in Mongolia. He is the author of several Mongolian books and has co-authored many publications including The History of Mongolia Volumes (2003) and The Treasures of Xiounnu (2009).  In 2000, he led the discovery of the largest tomb of Xiounnu aristocrats known to date and has been conducting excavation expeditions ever since. During the excavations, he had unearthed a cup from the Roman Empire and several other artifacts which had never been found in Asia before. Dr. Erdenebaatar has traveled throughout Mongolia and is an outstanding expert on early Mongolian history, monuments and burial sites.

• Travel back in time in Mongolia, visiting ruins of ancient cities, monasteries, burals sties, statues and symbols, guided by a top Mongolian archeologist

• Enjoy an exclusive access to the excavation of the largest known Xiongnu artistocrat tomd, found to date

• Be one of the first to witness artcrafts and and tools being seen by humans for the first time in over 2000 years.
• Enjoy meeting and interacting with local nomads, with a chance to hike, horseback ride and fish in Central Mongolian pristine rivers and lakes.

• Minimum number of participants required for the trip: 4 people
• There will be some extensive overland driving involved
• Majority of nights in the field trip will be spent in expedition style tent camps with basic but efficient field amenities such as shower and field toilets
• Each day, we will go surveying for archeological evidenves under the guidance of Mongolian field expert
• Essential field equipment for optional excavation  works will be provided

Hotel Ulaanbaatar

Hotel Ulaanbaatar is conveniently located in downtown Ulaanbaatar and is a very well established hotel with a friendly staff. All major atractions of UB are located with a walking distance of the hotel.

Expedition Base Camp

Once we arrive at the tomb excavation site, you will stayi in rustic but confortable Mongolian gers. Our private chef will cook field meals every day and camp setting will be an expedition style, with a field toilet and shower provided.

Ger camps

We will also be staying at tourist class, cozy and authentic ger camps with western bathroom and restaurant facilities. Most visitors find staying in gers as one of the highlights of their trip to Mongolia.

Land Transportation

Land transportation will be provided by 4×4 Mitsubishi Delica Vans, seated one for every four passengers. Separate supply vehicles will be used to carry our tents and kitchen supplies.