17 days tour

Mongolia: Steppes, Deserts & Nomads - Eagle Festival

$ 6,120 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $6,120.00

Mongolia: Steppes, Deserts & Nomads - Eagle Festival

This tour includes:

Others

Activities as listed in the itinerary

Guide

Tour leader throughout

Accommodation

We use hotels in Ulaanbaatar and Arvaikheer and ger camps elsewhere. Gers are similar to yurts. This traditional accommodation is airy and usually contains a central wood-burning stove (in the summer the stoves are not normally needed). The bathrooms are shared and all have hot water (due to the remoteness of the camps this can be erratic at times). Many of the ger camps now have 24-hour electricity in the ger itself for charging batteries. If there is no charging facility inside the ger then there are charging facilities in the common area (though this may only be when the generator is turned on during limited periods of the day). Accommodation at the Eagle Festival is four people per ger. For the rest of the camps, it is two people per ger and hotels are on a twin-share basis too. Due to the remoteness of Olgii, there is a limited choice of accommodation and the ger camps here are more basic than elsewhere. There may also be rare occasions when a single cannot be guaranteed in a particular ger camp.

Flights

All internal flights

Meals

All breakfasts, 14 lunches and 15 dinners included. Traditional Mongolian diets are very meat and dairy heavy. Whilst there will be opportunities to try some of these products such as dry-curd and fermented mareโ€™s milk, the meals provided in the ger camps are generally western meals, at times with an Asian influence. There will normally be some form of soup and salad as well as a main course and desert. Vegetarians are generally well catered for, if you are vegetarian or have other dietary requirements please make sure to inform us in advance. Breakfasts can vary from place to place, some are buffet style whilst others are set, normally cereal, bread and possibly a hot dish will be provided. On some days a pack lunch will be provided, this is often still a proper meal (though without the soup). Water is provided and will generally be from 5L water-containers so make sure to bring a water bottle to decant into. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer, vodka and (most of the time) wine are available to buy at the ger camps. There is opportunity to buy snacks in Ulaanbaatar and on a couple other occasions along the way when we drive through towns or villages.

Transport

We travel around in a convoy of 4WD Jeeps (4 passengers per vehicle) as we make our way around central Mongolia and the Gobi Desert. Driving in the wilderness can be hard going on minivans/larger vehicles with punctures or the need to be cooled down from overheating common. We use Jeeps as they are much more reliable and able to navigate rough roads better than the larger seated minivans often used. Although rare, punctures/issues can occur so please come with an open mind. We may also use a coach for getting around Ulaanbaatar and Terelj National Park. We also use one internal flight.

Not included:

Insurance

Travel insurance not included

Others

โ€” Travel insurance โ€” Single accommodation โ€” Visas

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Mongolia: Steppes, Deserts & Nomads - Eagle Festival

  • Day 1 Day 1: Arrive In Ulaanbaatar (Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Arrive In Ulaanbaatar (Dinner)

      Start in Ulaanbaatar. Those not travelling with the group from London will join us at the hotel. There are no activities planned for today to allow for different arrival times and to rest after the flight. You will have your trip briefing with your Leader this evening followed by a welcome dinner. For anyone who arrives into Ulaanbaatar early, why not explore some of the cityโ€™s sites including UBโ€™s main square: Sukhbaatar Square, the National Museum and the landmark State Department Store. Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 2 Day 2: Transfer To Khustain Nuruu N.P Trek To See Wild Horses (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Transfer To Khustain Nuruu N.P Trek To See Wild Horses (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      In the morning we head west out of Ulaanbaatar towards Karakorum, making a detour to the KhustainNuruu National Park, 2 hours west of Ulaanbaatar. KhustainNuruu is famous for the re-introduction of Mongoliaโ€™s wild horse. The Takhi Horse or Przewalskiโ€™s horse was once native to Mongolia and almost became extinct earlier this century, though thanks to the efforts of several Mongolian and international organizations, these magnificent wild horses now roam once again on the steppes of KhustainNuruu National Park. We will visit the Project Information Centre and take a guided hike to see the wild horses before spending our first night in a traditional Mongolian Ger. Accommodation: Ger Camp

  • Day 3 Day 3: Drive To Little Gobi Desert; Visit Khogno Khan Mountain; Opportunity For Bird And Wildlife Watching (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Drive To Little Gobi Desert; Visit Khogno Khan Mountain; Opportunity For Bird And Wildlife Watching (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      After breakfast we continue our journey westwards towards Karakorum along an asphalt road. Todayโ€™s destination, the Mongol Els or โ€™Little Gobi Desertโ€™ as it is known, is a unique belt of sand dunes in the steppe. Arriving at lunchtime, we check into a nearby ger camp and after lunch head out to explore the surrounding region. It is an incredible sight to witness the Bactrian camels wandering the desert dunes whilst horses graze on the green steppe nearby. We will also visit Mt Khogno Khan, the small temple at its base. This region is also renowned for its birdlife, including steppe eagles. Accommodation: Ger Camp

  • Day 4 Day 4: Karakorum; Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Karakorum; Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We start the day with a (90km) transfer to the 13th century capital of the Mongol Empire - Karakorum. Karakorum was established by Ogedei Khan and remained the Mongols power base until Khublai Khan established Beijing as the capital. Here we will visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery (meaning Hundred Treasures), this is the largest Monastery in Mongolia, built in 1586 under the direction of Abtai Khan on the ruins of the ancient capital. Much of the monastery was destroyed during Stalinโ€™s purges of the 1930โ€™s but an impressive wall with 108 stupas and a number of temples still remain. Accommodation: Ger Camp

  • Day 5 Day 5: Transfer To Arvaikheer Via Shankh Monastery And Explore The Museum (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Transfer To Arvaikheer Via Shankh Monastery And Explore The Museum (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We drive on a paved road to Arvaikheer, the capital of Ovorkhangai Aimag and on the northern edge of the Gobi. On the way to Arvaikheer we visit Shankh Monastery, once the home of the great Mongolian theorist Zanabazar. We should arrive at Arvaikheer during the middle of the afternoon and check into our hotel. In the afternoon there will be time to visit the local museum, which contains nature collections, stone figures and Turkic scripts. Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 6 Day 6: Bayan Gobi Via Mt Ikh Bogd (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Bayan Gobi Via Mt Ikh Bogd (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      After an early breakfast we start towards Orog Lake via Bayanteegsoum, a coal-mining centre. Passing over Taats River, the majestic Ikh Bogd Mountain should be visible in the distance, the highest mountain in the Gobi Altai Mountain Range. We stop for a picnic lunch and then skirt the eastern edge of Mt Ikh Bogd, travelling a further 80km southwest to the Gobi Camels Ger Camp where we spend the night. Accommodation: Ger Camp

  • Day 7 Day 7: Explore The Region Of Bayan Gobi (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Explore The Region Of Bayan Gobi (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We start our journey southwards with a short drive (2-3 hours) to the Bayan Mountain Range to view petroglyphs (Rock Art), called Bichigt Khad. The rock inscriptions and pictures here date back to 3000 BC; we will see paintings including depictions of ibex, argali and men riding horses. It is possible to see some of these from the vehicles (better so with binoculars) but for those who wish, it is also possible to hike up to the cliffs for closer inspection of these Bronze Age works of art (the main cliff is a steep climb for 50-60m and walking poles are required so we usually visit the smaller cliff, which is more accessible). Our journey then continues through classic Gobi desert scenery of flat stony plains mixed with small rocky outcrops and patches of sand across the Khatan Suudal Steppe. We stop for a picnic lunch on the way, with views of the Bogd Mountain to the north. After lunch we head off to our ger camp in the Kongoriin Els sand dunes and should arrive there in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Ger Camp

  • Day 8 Day 8: Visit The Singing Sand Dunes, The Largest Dunes In Mongolia (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Visit The Singing Sand Dunes, The Largest Dunes In Mongolia (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Today we have a full day to explore the sand dunes and surrounding area. The Khongoriin Els stretch for 200km and reach heights of 300 meters in places. They are known as the โ€™Singing Dunesโ€™ because of the beautiful sound that resonates through the dunes on a windy day. The South Gobi has 100,000 camels, typically used by herders to transport their gers. We will take the opportunity today to visit a camel breeding family and get a glimpse of the way of life of the nomadic herders of these parts. Accommodation: Ger Camp

  • Day 9 Day 9: Hiking Around The Flaming Cliffs Of Bayanzag (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Hiking Around The Flaming Cliffs Of Bayanzag (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Today we make a short drive to Bayanzag (70 km) known as the Flaming cliffs and hike amongst colourful sands of red, yellow and orange. Bayanzag is a world-renowned dinosaur fossil exploration site, discovered in the 1920s by Mongolian and American palaeontologists. We are free to explore the region and may even be lucky enough to spot dinosaur fossils. After a picnic lunch we head to our camp for the afternoon. Accommodation: Ger Camp

  • Day 10 Day 10: Travel Through Rocky Plains Of Gobi Gurvansaikhan N.P. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Travel Through Rocky Plains Of Gobi Gurvansaikhan N.P. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      This morning we drive through the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. Gobi Gurvansaikhan means โ€™Three Beauties of the Gobiโ€™ and this range marks the eastern end of the Gobi Altai mountain range. The parkโ€™s landscape is extremely varied, with rocky and sandy desert plains, precipitous cliffs, ravines, salt pans and oases. We visit a spectacular natural sight of this region - Yolyn Am. Yolyn Am means Vultureโ€™s Mouth and is a canyon so deep and narrow that even in the height of summer winter ice can remain on the valley floor. This region is also renowned for the diversity of its wildlife and many endangered species can be found here, including Khulan, Ibex, Argali and Snow Leopard. We explore the canyon before transferring to a nearby ger camp for dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Ger Camp

  • Day 11 Day 11: Morning Flight To Ulaanbaatar; Afternoon In Terelj National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Morning Flight To Ulaanbaatar; Afternoon In Terelj National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      After breakfast we transfer to the airport for the mid-morning flight to Ulaanbaatar (please note that we may be flying at a different time, possibly even the evening before depending on the airlineโ€™s changeable schedules). Once back in UB we transfer to the Terelj National Park, here there are lots of things to see and we will spend the day exploring the fascinating rock formations, visiting the meditation temple and strolling through the green meadows carpeted with wild flowers. After lunch at our camp we will make a short trip to visit a local nomadic family to see how they live and hear about the nomadic way of life, here we will also enjoy a tasting experience of homemade dairy products, such as yoghurt, cheese, curds and traditional salty milk tea. Accommodation: Ger Camp

  • Day 12 Day 12: Ulaanbaatar Via Genghis Khaan Statue (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Ulaanbaatar Via Genghis Khaan Statue (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      After breakfast we drive to the giant Chinggis Khan Statue, standing at 40 meters tall and made of stainless steel it is quite a sight! Here we have some time to fully explore the statue and surrounding area before making our way back to Ulaanbaatar where we have the option to go and see a live performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance. Performed by the world famous Tumen Ekh dance troupe, we will see throat singers, contortionists and Tsam dancers. Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 13 Day 13: Fly To Olgii; Visit A Nomadic Kazakh Village (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Fly To Olgii; Visit A Nomadic Kazakh Village (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      In the morning we fly to Olgii in western Mongolia, from where we drive off-road for about an hour to Sagsai village. Here we visit the home of the Kazakh people; there will be plenty to see and do. We spend the day seeing how they go about daily life. We will also be able to sample their traditional food and taste home-made yak cheese and yogurt. This is a great opportunity to explore the real way of living like a nomadic family and to personally experience their friendliness and hospitality. In the afternoon we return to Olgii and stay overnight at Ger Camp. Accommodation: Ger Camp

  • Day 14 Day 14: Eagle Festival (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Eagle Festival (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Today we attend the Eagle festival. For the first day of the festival, we will see the competition for the best Kazakh costume, horse racing and archery. In the evening we will see a cultural performance in the local theatre. Accommodation: Ger Camp

  • Day 15 Day 15: Another Day At The Eagle Festival (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Another Day At The Eagle Festival (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Today we have another chance to witness the competitions and events of the Eagle festival. We will be able to see a demonstration from the eagles and their hunters, a camel race and the lively competition of Kukhbar. Kukhbar is essentially a fighting match on horseback where two riders have to fight over a goat skin each trying to claim possession of it. After enjoying the festivities we return to camp for dinner. Accommodation: Ger Camp

  • Day 16 Day 16: Fly To Ulaanbaatar; Free Time In The City (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: Fly To Ulaanbaatar; Free Time In The City (Breakfast)

      After breakfast we transfer to the airport for the mid-morning flight to Ulaanbaatar, arriving in the nationโ€™s capital at midday. We transfer to the hotel and freshen up before a light lunch. This afternoon is free for last minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping around UB - cashmere, leather goods and traditional handicrafts are all good options and the guide will recommend the best places to go for these. Night owls may want to sample the nightlife of Ulaanbaatar! Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 17 Day 17: End In Ulaanbaatar
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 17: End In Ulaanbaatar

      The tour ends after breakfast today. Flight inclusive travellers will be transferred to the airport in Ulaanbaatar in time to catch the group flight.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 16 / Max: 80

Age range allowed for this experience.

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