Mongolia Golden Eagle Festival

The group flight is scheduled to depart London this evening.

Day 2

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

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*

Day 4

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*

Day 5

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*

Day 6

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*

Day 7

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*

Day 8

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*

Day 9

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*

Day 10

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*

Day 11

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*

Day 12

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*

Day 13

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*

Day 14

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*

Day 15

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*

Day 16

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*

Day 17

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*

Day 18

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*

Day 19

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*

Day 20

Today we transfer to Ulaanbaatar airport and catch the return flight back to
London.
**