Itinerary Include flights Expand all Day 1 Depart London. The group flight is scheduled to depart London this evening. Day 2 Overnight stopover in Beijing The group flight to Ulaan Baatar is via Beijing and as at this time of year there is no same day flight connection, the airline will provide a hotel in Beijing for the night at no additional cost (Exodus is not responsible for this hotel, it is entirely the airline's responsibility). You do not need to apply for a China visa in advance as a transit visa will be issued at the airport. Please note: at the time of writing (Jan 2020) the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all non-essential travel to China and Exodus must adhere to this. September is a long way off but if this advice is not lifted in time, Exodus has a back-up plan in place with alternative flights held for Flight Inclusive passengers. We will continue to monitor the situation closely over the coming months. Day 3 Arrive Ulaanbaatar. This morning, catch the connecting flight from Beijing to Ulaan Baatar. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to our start hotel in the city centre. This afternoon/evening there will be a full welcome briefing at the hotel, followed by a group welcome dinner. Standard Hotel Meals included: Dinner Day 4 Ulaanbaatar sightseeing. We have the whole day to discover Ulaanbaatar. Our sightseeing tour will include a visit to Zaisan Hill where we'll see the memorial painting which honours allied Mongolia and Soviet soldiers who fought in World War II. We'll also visit the Bogd Khaan Winter Palace Museum, which houses one of the largest collections in the country and we'll go on a cashmere factory tour. Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Fly to Dalanzadgad; travel through rocky plains of Gobi Gurvansaikhan N.P. Early morning flight to Dalanzadgad, the capital of South Gobi province, then proceed to the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. Gobi Gurvansaikhan means 'Three Beauties of the Gobi' and this range marks the eastern end of the Gobi Altai mountain range. The park'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 (approx. 50km/1.5 hours driving each way). Yolyn Am means Vulture'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.Ger Camp Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Hiking around the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag. 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.Ger Camp Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Visit the Khongoryn Els, or 'singing sand dunes', the largest dunes in Mongolia. Drive to the Khongoryn Els sand dunes (approx. 200 km/5 hours driving). The Khongoryn Els stretch for 200km and reach heights of 300 meters in places. They are known as the 'Singing Dunes' 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. Ger Camp Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 Explore the Singing Sand Dunes and visit a nomadic camel breeding family. Today we have a full day to explore the sand dunes and surrounding area. 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. Ger Camp Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 9 Explore the region of Bayan Gobi and the Bichigt Khad petroglyphs 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 Mountain Range to view some petroglyphs, 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). We are in the vechicles almost all day today and cover approx. 385km. Ger Camp Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 10 Transfer to Avaikheer via Mt Ikh Bogd. 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 Mountain Range) should be visible in the distance. We stop for a picnic lunch and then skirt the eastern edge of Mt Ikh Bogd. Drive on to Arvaikheer, the capital of Ovorkhangai Aimag and on the northern edge of the Gobi. We cover around 415km today - expect to be on the go for approx. 11 hours. Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 11 Visit Avaikheer Museum; on to Kharkhorin via Shankh Monastery. 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: approx. 150km / 4 hours. Ger Camp Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 12 Visit Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery; drive to Mongol Els or 'Little Gobi Desert'. This morning we visit 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 Stalin's purges of the 1930's but an impressive wall with 108 stupas and a number of temples still remain. After lunch we drive (for about 2 hours) to the Mongol Els or 'Little Gobi Desert' as it is known, a unique belt of sand dunes in the steppe. We check into a nearby ger camp 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. Mt Khogno Khan offers a great spot for bird watching where we will stay for a while before we return to camp in the late afternoon.Ger Camp Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 13 Transfer to Khustain Nuruu N.P trek to see wild horses. In the morning we head to the Khustain Nuruu National Park, famous for the re-introduction of Mongolia's wild horse (approx. 200 km / 3 hours driving). The Takhi Horse or Przewalski'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. Ger Camp Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 14 Drive to Terelj National Park. After breakfast we transfer we transfer (for approx. 5 hours) to the Terelj National Park, known for its fascinating rock formations and green meadows carpeted with wild flowers. We spend the day exploring these and also visit the Aryabala Meditation Temple which offers great views out over the park. 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. Ger Camp Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 15 Drive to Ulaanbaatar via Genghis Khaan Statue After breakfast, we drive to the giant Genghis Khaan 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. Total driving: approx. 140 km / 3 hours. Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 16 Fly to Olgii; visit a nomadic Kazakh village 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, taking care of and milking the cows, goats and sheep and we may even get to help process the dairy products. 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.Ger Camp Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 17 Eagle festival. 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.Ger Camp Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 18 Another day at the Eagle Festival 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.Ger Camp Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 19 Fly to Ulaanbaatar; free time in the city. After breakfast we transfer to the airport for the mid-morning flight to UlaanBaatar, arriving in the nation'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!Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 20 Depart Ulaanbaatar. Today we transfer to Ulaanbaatar airport and catch the return flight back to London.
Mongolia All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. Almost all nationalities, including British, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand, require a single entry visa for Mongolia. If you think you may be exempt you must check requirements with your local authorities or your agent. The current cost of a visa for British Citizens is £50 and further information can be found here. American passport holders are offered 30 days visa-free entry to Mongolia on presentation of a valid passport at the time of entry. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.
Mongolia There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
4 nights hotels, all en suite and 12 nights ger camp with shared facilities We use hotels in Ulaanbaatar and Arvaikheer and ger camps elsewhere. Gers are similar to yurts, generally airy and comfortable with beds and, normally, a central wood burning stove (though in the summer the stoves are not normally needed). The bathrooms are shared and all have hot water (however due to the remoteness of the camps this can, at times be erratic). Many of the ger camps now have 24hr electricity in the ger itself for charging batteries. If there is no charging facility inside the ger itself then there are charging facilities in the common area (though this may during limited periods of the day only when the generator is turned on). Accommodation at the eagle festival will be four people per ger, for the rest of the camps it will be two people per ger and hotels will be on a twin share basis too. Due to the remoteness of Ulgii, 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.
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Reviewed October 2019 Chris Goddard Trip: Mongolia Steppes, Deserts & Nomads - Eagle Festival Eagle Festival Advice given by Exodus regarding the transfer in Beijing was inadequate. Much more detail is needed. Many lost souls were wandering the airport for some time. Perhaps a step-by-step description ? Chinese airport personnel were generaly rude, and less than helpful. The whole trip was generally fine. Exodus were advisied that one of us was gluten-free, but this information was not given to the tour guide beforehand, which Exodus stated it had been. Probably did not make a huge difference in the end as Gluten free food is largely unknown in Mongolia (not entirely unexpected). What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Eagle festival was stunning What did you think of your group leader? Namja (??) did an excellent job in leading the tour. He was very well versed in local history, and very keen to help and assist when required. Thouroughly reccommend this guide/group leader. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Gluten free travellers - take plenty of food ! Make sure you understand the intricacies of Beijing airport transfer - in advance ! Is there anything else you would like to add? No
Reviewed October 2019 Jeremy Reed Trip: Mongolia Steppes, Deserts & Nomads - Eagle Festival Excellent trip. Just returned from.this Mongolia trip. It was a wonderful holiday. Mongolia is vast and fascinating. The holiday was made more enjoyable and informative by our guide MG. The Eagle Festival was unbelievable. 120 eagle hunters with their beautiful Golden Eagles. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The Eagle Festival What did you think of your group leader? The group leader MG was amazing. Knowledgeable and well organised. Took all the stress of travelling. Well done MG. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take more money. The Ger camps sell beer and wine. Plus you need c $100 per person for tips and incidental paid for by the group leader. Plus you need to tip the group leader at the end of the trip.
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