17 days tour

Mongolia Golden Eagle Festival

$ 7,800 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $7,800.00

Mongolia Golden Eagle Festival

This tour includes:

Guide

Tour leader throughout

Transport

We travel in a convoy of 4x4s (four 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. They may experience punctures and may need to be cooled down as overheating is common. We use Jeeps as they are much more reliable and able to navigate rough roads better than the larger 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.

Meals

All breakfasts, 14 lunches and 15 dinners are included. Traditional Mongolian diets are very meat and dairy heavy. While there are 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 is normally some form of soup and salad plus a main course and desert. Vegetarians are generally well catered for; if you are vegetarian or have other dietary requirements, please inform us in advance. Breakfasts can vary from place to place, some are buffets while others are set, normally cereal, bread and possibly a hot dish. On some days, a pack lunch is provided, this is often still a proper meal (though without the soup). Water is provided and is generally from large water containers, so make sure to bring a refillable water bottle. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer, vodka and (most of the time) wine are available to buy at the ger camps. There is the opportunity to buy snacks in Ulaanbaatar and on a couple of other occasions along the way when we drive through towns or villages.

Others

All listed activities All internal flights Arrival & departure transfers

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.

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Others

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

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Mongolia Golden Eagle Festival

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

      Day 1: Arrive In Ulaanbaatar (Dinner)

      The adventure begins in Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia. We have a trip briefing with our tour leader this evening followed by a welcome dinner. But if you arrive early and wish to explore, perhaps visit some of the city landmarks, including Sukhbaatar Square (the main square), the National Museum and the State Department Store. Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 2 Day 2: Drive To Terelj National Park Via The Genghis Khan Statue (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Drive To Terelj National Park Via The Genghis Khan Statue (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      After breakfast, we transfer to Terelj National Park (approximately a two-hour drive), home to fascinating rock formations and green meadows carpeted with wildflowers. On the way, we visit the Genghis Khan statue. Standing 130ft (40m) tall and made of stainless steel, itโ€™s the tallest equestrian statue in the world and quite a sight. We spend the day exploring these and visit the Aryabal Meditation Temple, which offers great views over the park. After lunch at our camp, we 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 also enjoy a tasting experience of homemade dairy products, such as yoghurt, cheese, curds and traditional salty milk tea. Accommodation: Ger camp

  • Day 3 Day 3: Fly To Dalanzadgad; Travel Through Rocky Plains Of Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Fly To Dalanzadgad; Travel Through Rocky Plains Of Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We have an early morning flight to Dalanzadgad, the capital of the South Gobi province, then proceed to 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 park landscape is extremely varied, with rocky and sandy desert plains, precipitous cliffs, ravines, saltpans and oases. We visit a spectacular natural sight of this region: Yolyn Am, which is approximately 31mi (50km) or 1hr 30min drive each way. Yolyn Am means Vultureโ€™s Mouth and is a canyon so deep and narrow that winter ice can remain on the valley floor even in the height of summer. This region is also renowned for the diversity of its wildlife and many endangered species roam here, including Mongolian wild asses, ibex, argali sheep and snow leopards. We explore the canyon before transferring to a nearby ger camp for dinner and our overnight stay. Accommodation: Ger camp

  • Day 4 Day 4: Hiking Around The Flaming Cliffs Of Bayanzag (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Hiking Around The Flaming Cliffs Of Bayanzag (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Today we drive 45mi (70km) to Bayanzag, popularly known as the Flaming Cliffs, and hike among colourful sands of red, yellow and orange. Bayanzag is a 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 5 Day 5: Visit The Singing Dunes, The Largest Dunes In Mongolia (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Visit The Singing Dunes, The Largest Dunes In Mongolia (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We have a five-hour drive (125mi/200km) to the Khongoryn Els dunes, which stretch for 125mi (200km) and are as high as 985ft (300m) in places. They are known as the Singing Dunes, because of the beautiful sound that resonates through them on a windy day. Accommodation: Ger camp

  • Day 6 Day 6: Explore The Singing Dunes And Visit A Nomadic Camel-Breeding Family (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Explore The Singing Dunes And Visit A Nomadic Camel-Breeding Family (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We have a full day to explore the dunes and surrounding area. We have the opportunity to visit a camel-breeding family and learn about the life of the local nomadic herders. Accommodation: Ger camp

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

      Day 7: Explore The Region Of Bayan Gobi And The Bichigt Khad Petroglyphs (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Our journey continues through classic Gobi Desert scenery of flat stony plains with small rocky outcrops and patches of sand across the Khatan Suudal Steppe. We stop for a picnic lunch and then continue our drive to the Bayan mountains to view the Bichigt Khad petroglyphs. The rock inscriptions and pictures here date to 3000 BCE; we see paintings including depictions of ibex, argali and men riding horses. It is possible to see some of these from the vehicles (better with binoculars) but, for those who wish, it is also possible to hike up to the cliffs for a closer inspection of these Bronze Age works of art (the main cliff is a steep climb for 195ft/60m and walking poles are required so we usually visit the smaller cliff, which is more accessible). We are in the vehicles almost all day today and cover approximately 240mi (385km). Accommodation: Ger camp

  • Day 8 Day 8: Transfer To Arvaikheer Via Ikh Bogd Mountain (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Transfer To Arvaikheer Via Ikh Bogd Mountain (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      First, we drive to Tsagaan Agui (White Cave), then pass over Taats River, from where the majestic Ikh Bogd mountain (the highest mountain in the Gobi Altai range) should be visible in the distance. We stop for a picnic lunch and then skirt the eastern edge of Ikh Bogd. We then drive to Arvaikheer, the capital of Ovorkhangai Aimag, on the northern edge of the Gobi. We cover around 260mi (415km) today โ€“ expect to be on the go for approximately 11 hours. Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 9 Day 9: Visit Arvaikheer Museum; To Kharkhorin Via Shankh Monastery (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Visit Arvaikheer Museum; To Kharkhorin Via Shankh Monastery (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      This morning, we visit Arvaikheer local market and the museum, which contains nature collections, stone figures and Turkic scripts. After lunch, we set off for Kharkhorin, stopping en route to visit Shankh Monastery, once the home of the great Mongolian theorist Zanabazar. We arrive to camp in the evening in time for dinner. Total driving: approximately 93mi (150km), four hours Accommodation: Ger camp

  • Day 10 Day 10: Visit Karakorum And Erdene Zuu Monastery; Drive To The Little Gobi Desert (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Visit Karakorum And Erdene Zuu Monastery; Drive To The Little Gobi Desert (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      This morning, we visit the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. It was established by Ogedei Khan and remained the Mongol power base until Kublai Khan established Beijing as the capital. Erdene Zuu (Hundred Treasures) Monastery was 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 1930s, but an impressive wall with 108 stupas and several temples remain. After lunch, we drive (for about two hours) to the Mongol Els, or Little Gobi Desert as it is known, a unique belt of dunes in the steppe. We check into a nearby ger camp and head out to explore the region. It is an incredible sight to witness the bactrian camels wandering the desert dunes while horses graze on the green steppe nearby. We also visit Khogno Khan mountain, a small temple at its base. This region is also renowned for its birdlife, including steppe eagles. Accommodation: Ger camp

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

      Day 11: Transfer To Khustain Nuruu National Park Trek To See Wild Horses (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      In the morning, we drive for three hours (125mi/200km) to Khustain Nuruu National Park, famous for the re-introduction of Mongoliaโ€™s wild horse. The Przewalskiโ€™s horse (or takhi horse) almost became extinct, but thanks to the efforts of several Mongolian and international organisations, these magnificent wild horses now roam the steppes of the park. We visit the Project Information Centre and take a guided hike to see the wild horses. Accommodation: Ger camp

  • Day 12 Day 12: Drive To Ulaanbaatar (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Drive To Ulaanbaatar (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      After breakfast, we drive back to Ulaanbaatar city. You have the afternoon free to relax or explore the city. In the evening, we have the option to see a live performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance. Performed by the Tumen Ekh dance troupe, we see throat singers, contortionists and Tsam dancers. Total driving: Approximately 130mi (210km), four hours 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 offroad for about an hour to Sagsai village. Here, we visit a Kazakh family home. We spend the day seeing how they go about daily life, taking care of and milking the cows, goats and sheep. We can also sample their traditional food and taste homemade yak cheese and yogurt. This is a great opportunity to understand the life of a nomadic family and to experience their friendliness and hospitality. In the afternoon, we return to Olgii and stay overnight at a 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 see the competition for the best Kazakh costume, horse racing and archery. In the evening, we enjoy 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 can see a demonstration from the eagles and their hunters, a camel race and the lively sport of kukhbar (in which two horseback riders wrestle over the possession of a goat skin). 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 a mid-morning flight to Ulaanbaatar, arriving 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 โ€“ cashmere, leather goods and traditional handicrafts are all good options and the guide can recommend the best places to go for these. Night owls may want to sample the Ulaanbaatar nightlife! Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)

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

      Day 17: End In Ulaanbaatar (Breakfast)

      The tour ends after breakfast today and we begin our return journeys home, full of tales and magnificent photos to share.

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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

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 18 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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