Current as of: April 19, 2024 - 21:13
Mongolia: Steppes, Deserts & Nomads - 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
- 17 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: ACME
- Carbon Footprint: 62kg CO2e
Trip Overview
From Mongolia’s vast steppe to the Eagle Festival in the Altai Mountains
Rolling steppe make way to stark desert; small nomadic ger camps pepper this vast land where camels and goats are herded on horseback, fermented mare’s milk is the tipple of choice, sand dunes are known to ‘sing’ and the first intact dinosaur eggs were found. Genghis Khan went forth from here on horseback to conquer the biggest land empire in history and, to this day, Buddhist and Animist traditions mix. We travel through steppe, mountains and the Gobi desert exploring the nature and culture of this fascinating, yet little known country before making our way to the far western reaches to visit the eagle festival, celebrating the fascinating past time 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 17 September 2023 and 22 September 2024, please click here.
At a Glance
- 4 nights hotels, all en suite and 12 nights ger camp with shared facilities
- Normally 4 to 16, plus local leader, Min age 16 yrs
- Travel by 4WD Jeeps, bus and one internal flight
- Alternative Eagle Festival Itinerary available, trip code ACK
Highlights
- Attend the Eagle Festival in the remote Altai Mountains
- Explore Mongolia's vast wilderness stepp 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 6.5 times larger than the UK but with a population 21 times smaller. Understandably this means that large tracts of the country do not have much 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 whilst this allows us to travel through stunning parts of the country, encountering few people other than the odd nomad, it does mean that some days involve long and bumpy drives. These drives are balanced out with some downtime to relax and just take in the incredible surroundings or offer, with the option of going for a walk or even, at times a horse or camel ride. There are some scheduled hikes, looking for wild Takhi horses, visiting the Singing sand dunes, Vulture canyon or 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 recommended if you have an acute fear of heights and can involve some scrambling, however, it’s possible to still enjoy great views of the cliffs and opt out of the walk. The climate in central Mongolia is generally pleasant in summer when the trip runs. In the Gobi Desert, however, temperatures can get well above 30’C, even approaching 40’C. This is a trip that goes off the ‘tourist trail’ and comes to the encounter of 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
Start in Ulaanbaatar. Those not travelling with the group from London will join us at the hotel. There are no activities planned for today to allow for different arrival times and to rest after the flight. You will have your trip briefing with your Leader this evening followed by a welcome dinner.
For anyone who arrives into Ulaanbaatar early, why not explore some of the city’s sites including UB’s main square: Sukhbaatar Square, the National Museum and the landmark State Department Store.
Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)
Transfer to Khustain Nuruu N.P trek to see wild horses
In the morning we head west out of Ulaanbaatar towards Karakorum, making a detour to the KhustainNuruu National Park, 2 hours west of Ulaanbaatar. KhustainNuruu is famous for the re-introduction of Mongolia’s wild horse. 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 before spending our first night in a traditional Mongolian Ger.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Drive to Little Gobi Desert; visit Khogno Khan Mountain; opportunity for bird and wildlife watching
After breakfast we continue our journey westwards towards Karakorum along an asphalt road. Today’s destination, the Mongol Els or ‘Little Gobi Desert’ as it is known, is a unique belt of sand dunes in the steppe. Arriving at lunchtime, we check into a nearby ger camp and after lunch 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.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Karakorum; visit Erdene Zuu Monastery
We start the day with a (90km) transfer to 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.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Transfer to Arvaikheer via Shankh Monastery and explore the museum
We drive on a paved road to Arvaikheer, the capital of Ovorkhangai Aimag and on the northern edge of the Gobi. On the way to Arvaikheer we visit Shankh Monastery, once the home of the great Mongolian theorist Zanabazar. We should arrive at Arvaikheer during the middle of the afternoon and check into our hotel. In the afternoon there will be time to visit the local museum, which contains nature collections, stone figures and Turkic scripts.
Accommodation: Standard Hotel
Bayan Gobi via Mt Ikh Bogd
After an early breakfast we start towards Orog Lake via Bayanteegsoum, a coal-mining centre. Passing over Taats River, the majestic Ikh Bogd Mountain should be visible in the distance, the highest mountain in the Gobi Altai Mountain Range. We stop for a picnic lunch and then skirt the eastern edge of Mt Ikh Bogd, travelling a further 80km southwest to the Gobi Camels Ger Camp where we spend the night.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Explore the region of Bayan Gobi
We start our journey southwards with a short drive (2-3 hours) to the Bayan Mountain Range to view petroglyphs (Rock Art), 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). Our journey then continues through classic Gobi desert scenery of flat stony plains mixed with small rocky outcrops and patches of sand across the Khatan Suudal Steppe. We stop for a picnic lunch on the way, with views of the Bogd Mountain to the north. After lunch we head off to our ger camp in the Kongoriin Els sand dunes and should arrive there in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Visit the singing sand dunes, the largest dunes in Mongolia
Today we have a full day to explore the sand dunes and surrounding area. The Khongoriin 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. 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.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
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.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Travel through rocky plains of Gobi Gurvansaikhan N.P.
This morning we drive through 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. 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.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Morning flight to Ulaanbaatar; afternoon in Terelj National park
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for the mid-morning flight to Ulaanbaatar (please note that we may be flying at a different time, possibly even the evening before depending on the airline’s changeable schedules). Once back in UB we transfer to the Terelj National Park, here there are lots of things to see and we will spend the day exploring the fascinating rock formations, visiting the meditation temple and strolling through the green meadows carpeted with wild flowers. 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.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Ulaanbaatar via Genghis Khaan Statue
After breakfast we drive to the giant Chinggis Khan 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.
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 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. 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.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
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.
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 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.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
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!
Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)
End in Ulaanbaatar
The tour ends after breakfast today.
Flight inclusive travellers will be transferred to the airport in Ulaanbaatar in time to catch the group flight.
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 included.
Traditional Mongolian diets are very meat and dairy heavy. Whilst there will be 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 will normally be some form of soup and salad as well as a main course and desert. Vegetarians are generally well catered for, if you are vegetarian or have other dietary requirements please make sure to inform us in advance. Breakfasts can vary from place to place, some are buffet style whilst others are set, normally cereal, bread and possibly a hot dish will be provided. On some days a pack lunch will be provided, this is often still a proper meal (though without the soup). Water is provided and will generally be from 5L water-containers so make sure to bring a water bottle to decant into. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer, vodka and (most of the time) wine are available to buy at the ger camps. There is opportunity to buy snacks in Ulaanbaatar and on a couple other occasions along the way when we drive through towns or villages.
Transport
We travel around in a convoy of 4WD Jeeps (4 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 with punctures or the need to be cooled down from overheating common. We use Jeeps as they are much more reliable and able to navigate rough roads better than the larger seated 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
Weather & seasonality
September/October is very much 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 down and the crowds have mostly gone. In Olgii, where the Eagle Festival takes place, the weather is likely to be cold with temperatures averaging 7’C.
Weather Charts
Ulaanbaatar
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 will need the following essential items:
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Strong sunblock cream
- Fleece and down jacket
- Gloves and hat
- Good mosquito repellent
- Rain jacket
- Walking shoes or boots are essential
- A water bottle
- Torch / head torch
- Warm sleepwear (the nights in the camps gets cold)
- Binoculars are recommended for Eagle festival departures
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), as well as anything practical for home, sewing kits etc (not knives)
Bedding, including blankets and clean sheets, are provided at the ger camps.
At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage.
Internal flights are subject to a weight limit of 10kg for checked-in luggage and 5kg for hand luggage, it’s possible to pay for extra weight (US$2/kg).
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check the airline’s 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.
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 USD, GBP and EUR can be changed at banks whilst hotels will generally only change USD (at a worse rate).
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
An extra US$150 should be budgeted 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. Baggage allowance on domestic flights (including both checked and carry-on) is small – 10kg (checked in) +5kg (hand luggage) – and excess baggage charges are US$2 per kg, so light packing would be advantageous.
Optional Excursions
Horse-riding (for experienced riders) may be available locally 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 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 so entirely at your own risk.
Theatre show in UB: US$15
Tipping
Tipping is at your discretion, but is customary in Mongolia and has become standard for tourism. We have found that a tip kitty is the easiest way to ensure that the correct levels are given out. This will include tips for local staff at the camps, hotels and airports as well as your driver. Your leader will advise the amount, which will depend on the size of the group. You should budget around US$75-100 for this.
This tip kitty will not include the tip for your leader, which is discretionary, though USD30-50 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.