Trip overview

Start the tour with central Mongolian highlights, the Mongolian biggest Buddhist monastic complex and small Gobi oasis prior to the Golden Eagle Festival to experience the world's only one eagle festival which is celebrated among Mongolian Kazakhs. The festival is ranked in Mongolian top 5 and recognised as the most attractive celebration in the western Mongolia. Taking part in the festival allows you to photograph of iconic eagle hunters with beautiful outfits.

Highlights

Enjoy Golden Eagle Festival
Camel & horse ride
Visit Ulaagchny Khar Lake
Kazakh & Turkish cuisine
Explore Kharkhorin exhibits

Itinerary

DAY 1. TO KHUGNU TARNA NATURE RESERVE

Head to the west to visit the Khugnu Tarna Nature Reserve, which protects some endangered species of birds of prey and wolves. Three different nature zones are combined together in the same place and covers 49600hectars. Once reach to Khugnu Tarna NR we will ride a Mongolian two humped camel and visit Erdenekhamba temple.

DAY 2. TO KHARKHORIN & ERDENEZUU MONASTERY

Travel to Kharkhorin village, an ancient capital of the Great Mongolian Empire, one of the most popular tourist destinations. Upon arrival in the village, we'll visit the earliest surviving monastery “Erdene Dzuu”, constructed with stones nearby ruins of the ancient Mongolian capital of Kharakhorum in 1586 by Abtai Sain King. The Monastic complex was also inscribed on the List of World Heritage in 2004 as a part of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. Before heading our accommodation, we’ll enjoy some exhibits and artifacts in Kharkhorum museum.

DAY 3. TO KHORGO TERKH NATIONAL PARK

Drive to Khorgo Terkh NP, famous with its attractive scenery, situated in Arkhangai province. When reaching to the destination, we’ll visit several small caves, formed by volcanic lava stream, then head to Great White Lake/Terkhyn tsagaan nuur/ where we’ll spend the nights on its shore. The lake is extremely beautiful with fresh water and prosperous species of fish and some rare water fowls.

DAY 4. TO IDER RIVER

Head further into the west and take a scenic drive to appreciate the dramatic landscape of the western rugged mountains and rivers. Today, we’ll wild camp on the banks of Ider river.

DAY 5. TO ULAAGCHNY KHAR LAKE

Continue the journey to the Ulaagchny khar lake, a turquoise lake lies among sand dunes in the western plateau of the Khangai Mountain Range. The lake stretches about 37km and 4-12km wide on average. It is an ideal for fishing and hiking to enjoy surrounding unusual natural landscapes. Once we reach there, we’ll set up our tent nearby the impressive sand dunes along the northern shore of the lake.

DAY 6. TO KHOVD CITY VIA MUKHART RIVER & ARCH ROCK

Head to Khovd province. On the way to Khovd, we’ll enjoy some sites, 10meter high arch rock and spectacular Mukhart river, a crystal clean stream which gushes beneath Borhyar Sand Dunes and forms a beautiful oasis with river meadows, poplars and sea buckthorn fruit tree.

DAY 7. TO ULGII TOWN

To Ulgii town and stay overnight in a local hotel or hostel and enjoy hot shower & relax.

DAY 8. PARTICIPATE IN GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL

Drive to Bugat district of Ulgii town where eagle festival is going to be taken place. Upon our arrival at the venue, we will enjoy several competitions that involved local eagle hunters.

DAY 9. CONTINUOATION OF EAGLE FEATIVAL

Continuation of the competitions/Camel race, Uriankhai Archery and Tinge Llu, a competition to snatch the coins from the ground with horseback ride/ and enjoy Eagle Festival Closing Concert, performed by Kazakh artists at Ulgii theatre in the late evening.

DAY10. FLY BACK TO ULAANBAATAR CITY

Early in the morning, head to Ulgii Airport to catch a flight back to Ulaanbaatar city.