Ursa Major Geolodge
Ulaanbaatar & Central HeartlandLocated near the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, Ursa Major Geolodge boasts spectacular views over the Orkhon Valley. This Out of Nowhere ecolodge is a great base for exploring the UNESCO-listed landscape and discovering the cultural heritage of the former Mongol Empire.
Accommodation is in 15 Mongolian yurts, adorned with traditional furniture and warmed by a wood-burning stove. To minimise environmental impact there is no electricity or running water; instead, there are dry toilets, hot, pine-scented towels to freshen up with, and a Hair Cocoon yurt that provides hair-washing services.
Dine on Mongolian cuisine in the restaurant, and socialise with fellow guests in the bar, sipping French wines and playing games while listening to traditional music.
Enjoy guided excursions around archaeological ruins, monasteries, and temples, meet nomadic herders, and trek to waterfalls and viewpoints. Once the sun sets, marvel at the night sky through the powerful telescope.
Ursa Major Geolodge Information
Location
Ursa Major is located nearby Khujirt, 40 kilometres from the former capital Kharkhorin and offers a spectacular view on Orkhon Valley, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Accommodation
15 tastefully decorated gers are set up on the eastern bank of the Orkhon River. No electricity or running water is available at the lodge to minimize its footprint impact on the environment. Guests are provided with towels perfumed with essential oils twice a day for cleansing. A screen in each yurt provides a private space in which there is a small reserve of water for washing.
Activities
Traditional archery, pony treks, visits to the yak breeders, tour of the former capital Kharkhorin and several must-see places of Orkhon Valley, notably the Uurtiin Tokhoi cliffs, Orkhon waterfalls, Tovkhon and Shankh monasteries and stargazing with the largest telescope in Mongolia.
- Yurt Restaurant
- The Bar
- Hair Cocoon Yurt
- Large astronomical telescope
- Meet nomadic herders
- Explore the archaeological ruins and museum of Karakorum
- Visit ancient monasteries and temples
- Horseback riding in the mythical Orkhon Valley
- Stargazing
- Marvel at the Uurtiin Tokhoi Cliff viewpoint
- Visit the Orkhon Waterfalls
The eco-credentials here are commendable; no electricity or running water is available. Guests are provided with towels perfumed with essential oils twice a day for cleansing, and a screen in each yurt provides a private space with a small reserve of water for washing. Bonus points go to the telescope for stargazing in the evenings – a wonderful experience!
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