Trip Summary
Without camels, supporting trade routes between Asia and Europe in ancient times would not have been possible. As late as the mid-20th century, these gentle creatures were one of the main means of transport in the whole of Inner Asia. Camels enabled the great Tea Road to flourish for over 200 years. Futher, they were critical to the first motorised expeditions in Mongolia organized by the American Museum of Natural History between 1922 and 1927.
On this exciting journey, you will be able to imagine yourself being a part of a camel caravan crisscrossing the mighty Gobi Desert. You will ride horses along with descendants of Genghis and Khubilai Khan on their home turf. At the conclusion, you will have a chance to witness the famed Golden Eagle festival in the far western province of Bayan-Ulgii. The Golden Eagle Festival is one of the most anticipated cultural events of local Kazakhs. Every year, both the eagle and the hunter prepare for not only the hunting season but to compete in the annual festival. Winning the games is a prestigious and milestone event in the life of an eagle hunter. Some of the participants come from as far as 250 kms away. Join us on this epic journey to experience the best of Mongolian Panoramas!
Trip Highlights
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT…
- Travel to the Lake Hovsgol, which contains over 70% of Mongolia’s fresh water;
- Imagine yourself as part of a camel caravan crossing the mighty Gobi Desert, just as travelers did centuries ago;
- Ride horses alongside descendants of Great Khans
- Witness the Golden Eagle Festival in Bayan Olgii, one of the most anticipated cultural events for local Kazakhs;
- Enjoy visiting local Kazakh hunters and observe how eagles are trained for hunting
- Enjoy meeting with nomads and exploring the nomadic culture of Mongolia
THIS TOUR IS PERFECT FOR…
- Travelers passionate about experiencing and understanding different cultures and traditions, especially those of Mongolia.
- Those looking for a thrilling and unique adventure
- Individuals fascinated by birds of prey and the tradition of eagle hunting.
- Those interested in the historical significance of trade routes, camel caravans, and the legacy of Mongol leaders.
- Travelers who appreciate pristine natural environments and want to explore some of Mongolia’s most remote and beautiful areas.
Trip Map & Itinerary
Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to the centrally located hotel in downtown Ulaanbaatar. In the evening, we will provide your pre-trip briefing and then host a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant. (Hotel Shangri La or similar; D)
Discover Ulaanbaatar’s cultural gems: a morning monk blessing at Gandan with the iconic Megjid Janraisag statue, a visit to the National History Museum, and an art-filled stop at Zanabazar’s Fine Arts Museum. End the day with a mesmerizing Mongolian music and dance performance, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (Hotel Shangri La or similar; B, L, D)
Fly north to Lake Hovsgol, Mongolia’s “Dark Blue Pearl”. Surrounded by stunning Horidal Saridag Mountains and Siberia, it holds 70% of the country’s freshwater. Stay in traditional ger camps, offering an authentic Mongolian experience. (Ger camp; B, L, D)
Experience a day of horseback riding, visiting local herder families, and hiking. Ride Mongolian horses known for their stamina and sturdy build. Explore varied terrain comfortably with Russian cavalry saddles and provided helmets. Return each evening to the ger camp for dinner and overnight stay. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
Today we drive to Murun, provincial center of Hovsgol to fly back to Ulaanbaatar. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight at hotel. (Hotel Shangri La or similar; D)
Drive south to the Gobi desert, witnessing the landscape shift. Stop in Mandalgobi town for lunch and arrive at our Gobi ger camp by evening. Check-in, enjoy dinner, and overnight in gers. (Approx. 8 hours driving; B, L, D)
Drive to Khongoryn Els dunes after breakfast. Explore the Gobi’s largest dunes, climb the tallest one, and visit a camel herder family for a Bactrian camel ride. Overnight at a tourist ger camp. Spend a day capturing the Saxual tree forest, unique landscapes, and Mongolia’s two-humped camels through photography sessions with friendly Mongolian herders. Overnight in gers. (Approx. 3 hours driving; Ger Camp; B, L, D)
Morning drive to Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, visiting the Havtsgait Petroglyphs site with pre-historic rock drawings. Afterward, lunch at the ger camp. Late afternoon excursion to the Flaming Cliffs, a 3 km stretch of red cliffs abundant with dinosaur fossils. Join in fossil exploration with brushes and tools, followed by a sunset dinner. Return to the ger camp. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
In the morning, begin driving back to Ulaanbaatar, enjoying a picniclunch along the way. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Remainder ofthe day is independent. Overnight in gers. (Hotel Shangri La or similar; B,L, D)
Fly to Ulgii, the capital of Bayan-Ulgii aimag(province), rich in Kazakh and diverse ethnic cultures. Explore the city, and visit the market for Kazakh handcrafted art, including felt rugs. Optionally, explore a local museum with cultural and natural exhibits. In the evening, retreat to Khovd River on the city’s eastern side, offering an opportunity for evening trout fishing. Overnight in gers at a Rustic Ger Camp. (B, L, D)
Spend this day trekking in the neighboring Hatuu mountains and visiting local herder families of different ethnicity. Enjoy lunch with a family. Meet hunters and engage in discussions over this ancient trade. Dinner and overnight at the camp. (Rustic Ger Camp; B, L, D).
Attend the two-day Golden Eagle Festival in Bayan Ulgii, where eagle hunters showcase their skills, including eagle speed tests and traditional horseback competitions like kukbar, tenge ilu, and kyzguar. Experience an archery contest by ethnic Uriankhai people using traditional Mongolian arrow and bow designs from the 13th century. Enjoy traditional Kazakh meals and captivating performances by Kazakh singers in the evenings. Overnight in gers at a Rustic Ger Camp. (B, L, D)
After breakfast, drive back to Ulgii for our return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, spend the rest of the afternoon for shopping and individual sightseeing. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (Hotel Shangri La or similar; B, L, D)
Spend the day exploring Ulaanbaatar for last-minute sightseeing and shopping, immersing in the cultural and commercial hub. After field trips, relax in the city and indulge in a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (Hotel Shangri La or similar; B, L, D) On day 17, after breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
Pricing
- Land transportation based on using Toyota Land Cruiser jeeps seating 3 passengers each;
- Domestic flights as mentioned;
- Accommodation at hotel and standard ger camps throughout;
- Airport arrival and departure transfers;
- Sleeping bags; and mats;
- All meals indicated as B, L or D;
- All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary;
- Camel and horse riding fees;
- English speaking national guide throughout your stay; B
- One soda per person per meal;
- A bottled water per person per day.
- Domestic and international airfare;
- Personal laundry;
- Drinks not mentioned in the itinerary;
- Travel insurance;
- Medical evacuation costs;
- Excess baggage charges;
- Visa fees;
- Gratuities;
- Photography and video fees
- Any other item not mentioned as included.
Photos & Review
Our 2 week trip over Sep/Oct 18 in Mongolia was organised by Mongolia Quest. I had researched for an inbound operator online and found that they were highly recommended. And rightly so. We had the most amazing trip (Gobi Desert and the Golden Eagle Festival). Our career has been in travel as so we are able to spot a non authentic operator. Within a couple of emails I knew we were in safe hands and would have an amazing trip and so it was. Bogi, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable, a naturalist and with humour and sense of fun he guided us throughout the 2 weeks. The drivers Togtohoo and Jacov were excellent. The camps were variable but mostly fine. Overall – a great trip and we will return to see another season.
~ Jo, Zambia
