Current as of: April 19, 2024 - 06:48
Mongolia Golden Eagle Festival Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Mongolia
- Programmes: Culture
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 18 Days: Flight Inclusive
- 17 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: ACK
- Carbon Footprint: 53kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Discover the nomad culture of Mongolia and eagle hunting in the Altai Mountains
In Mongolia, rolling steppe makes way to stark desert. Across this vast landscape, nomadic ger camps are peppered, camels and goats are herded on horseback, fermented mare’s milk is the tipple of choice, dunes sing and the first intact dinosaur eggs were found. Genghis Khan went forth from here to conquer the biggest land empire in history and, to this day, Buddhist and Animist traditions mix. Join this trip and travel through steppe, mountain and the Gobi Desert to explore the nature and culture of this fascinating, yet little known, country. We also head to its far-western reaches to attend the Eagle Festival, celebrating the fascinating pastime of hunting with eagles and the strong connection the Mongolian people have with their animals and land.
For an alternative Eagle Festival itinerary starting in Ulaanbaatar on 22 September 2024, please click here.
At a Glance
- Four nights in hotels and 12 nights in ger camps with shared facilities
- Group size normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
- Travel by 4x4s, bus and one internal flight
- Alternative Eagle Festival itinerary available. Trip Code: ACME
Highlights
- Attend the Eagle Festival in the remote Altai Mountains
- Explore the vast wilderness of the steppe and Gobi Desert
- Experience traditional nomadic culture
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
Mongolia is six and a half times larger than the UK but with a population 21 times smaller. Understandably, this means that large tracts of the country have little infrastructure. Much of our time is spent in areas where roads are barely tracks through the landscape.
On this trip, we go further into the wilderness than the average visitor to Mongolia and, while this allows us to travel through stunning parts of the country, encountering few people other than the odd nomad, it does mean some days involve long and bumpy drives.
The longest driving days are in Bayan Gobi and the drive to Arvaikheer where we are on the move all day. These drives are balanced with time to relax and take in the incredible surroundings often with the option of going for a walk or, sometimes, a horse or camel ride.
There are some scheduled hikes, looking for wild Przewalski’s (takhi) horses and visiting the Singing Dunes, Vulture’s Mouth canyon and the Flaming Cliffs, for instance. These are relatively short, no more than one or two hours, on mostly flat or undulating terrain. The Flaming Cliffs hike may not be suitable if you have an acute fear of heights and can involve some scrambling; however, it’s possible to opt out of the walk and still enjoy great views of the cliffs.
The climate in central Mongolia is generally pleasant in summer when the trip runs. In the Gobi Desert, however, temperatures can get well above 30C (86F), even approaching 40C (104F).
This trip goes off the tourist trail and encounters local nomads. It takes us through spectacular and diverse wilderness and gives us an insight into a fascinating country unlike any other.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Ulaanbaatar
- End City: Ulaanbaatar
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London
The group flight is scheduled to depart London today and is an overnight flight.
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
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)
Drive to Terelj National Park via the Genghis Khan statue
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, it’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
Fly to Dalanzadgad; travel through rocky plains of Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park
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 ‘Three Beauties of the Gobi’ 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 Vulture’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
Hiking around the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag
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
Visit the Singing Dunes, the largest dunes in Mongolia
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
Explore the Singing Dunes and visit a nomadic camel-breeding family
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
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 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
Transfer to Arvaikheer via Ikh Bogd mountain
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 – expect to be on the go for approximately 11 hours.
Accommodation: Standard hotel
Visit Arvaikheer Museum; 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: approximately 93mi (150km), four hours
Accommodation: Ger camp
Visit Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery; drive to the Little Gobi Desert
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 Stalin’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
Transfer to Khustain Nuruu National Park trek to see wild horses
In the morning, we drive for three hours (125mi/200km) to Khustain Nuruu National Park, famous for the re-introduction of Mongolia’s wild horse. The Przewalski’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
Drive to Ulaanbaatar
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)
Fly to Olgii; visit a nomadic Kazakh village
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
Eagle Festival
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
Another day at the Eagle Festival
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
Fly to Ulaanbaatar; free time in the city
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 – 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)
End in Ulaanbaatar
The tour ends after breakfast today and we begin our return journeys home, full of tales and magnificent photos to share.
Accommodation
Hotels and ger camps
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 (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.
Single supplement from £ 610
Food & Drink
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 mare’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.
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.
Weather & Seasonality
September/October is the shoulder season in Mongolia. Temperatures can vary quite widely from very hot to freezing and you should pack for both hot and cold weather as you’ll be in a T-shirt one minute and a down jacket the next. This is possibly the best time to visit the Gobi Desert as the temperatures cool and the crowds have mostly gone. In Olgii, where the Eagle Festival takes place, the weather is likely to be cold with temperatures averaging 7C (44F).
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Bayangol Hotel, Chinggis Avenue-5, Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia
Phone: +976-11-312255
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 1hr 30min drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Ulaanbaatar
Location end: Ulaanbaatar
What To Take
Essential Equipment
In addition to your normal daily clothes, you need the following:
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Strong sunscreen
- Fleece and down jacket
- Mosquito repellent
- Rain jacket
- Walking shoes can be useful on a couple of the walks
- Water bottle
- Torch (flashlight)/headtorch (head lamp)
- Warm sleepwear (the nights in the camps can get cold)
- Binoculars
Bedding, including blankets and clean sheets, are provided at the ger camps.
Internal flights in Mongolia are currently subject to a weight limit of 22lb (10kg) for checked-in luggage and 11lb (5kg) for hand luggage. Extra weight costs US$2 per kilogram.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check the airline website for the latest information prior to your departure.
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Optional Equipment
Small gifts from home for local herders are a nice touch. Ideal gifts include:
- Pictures from home
- Pictures of family
- Children’s presents (colouring‐in books and pencils etc)
- Anything practical for the home, sewing kits etc (not knives)
Practical Information
Visa
Mongolia
Travellers from UK, US, CA and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Mongolia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/mongolia
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/mongolia
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mongolia/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Mongolia.html
Vaccinations and Health
Mongolia
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and tick-borne encephalitis.
Dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available; therefore, we recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Local Time
Mongolia's time zone: Asia/Ulaanbaatar (UTC +08:00)
Electricity
Mongolia's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and E (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Mongolia's currency: Mongolian tögrög (MNT)
ATM Availability
There are a number of ATMs, including in the hotel we normally use in Ulaanbaatar. Credit and debit cards can also be used in various shops, hotels and restaurants in Ulaanbaatar, though not in small shops in smaller towns and villages or at some souvenir stands.
Major currencies such as US dollars, British pounds and euros, can be changed at banks while hotels generally only change US dollars (at a worse rate).
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Budget an extra US$150 for incidental expenses such as laundry, telephone and excursions into the nightlife of Ulaanbaatar. Cashmere, leather products, carpets, woodcarvings, watercolour paintings and traditional Mongolian dolls all make great souvenirs – US$150 is a modest souvenir budget.
Optional excursions
Horse riding (for experienced riders) may be available at some locations within the itinerary. The price will be confirmed at the time as these are operated independently by local horsemen. Please note, riding helmets and instruction are very unlikely to be available and, where they are provided, the quality may not be of the highest standard. Mongolian ponies are generally unpredictable and more suited to confident and experienced horse riders. Any horse riding undertaken in Mongolia is done entirely at your own risk.
Theatre show: US$15
Tipping
Tipping is at your discretion but is customary in Mongolia and has become standard for tourism. We have found that a tipping kitty is the easiest way to ensure the correct levels are given out. This includes tips for local staff at the camps, hotels and airports plus your driver. Your leader will advise on the amount, which will depend on the group size. Budget around US$75-US$100 for this.
This tip kitty does not include a tip for your leader, which is discretionary, though US$30-US$50 is common.
People, Places & Planet
At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Important Information
Optional activities and excursions
If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.