Sagsai Eagle Festival & Central Mongolia

Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – the coldest capital in the world. Upon arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, our English speaking guide will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel.

Check in and relax after your journey. In the evening, you will attend a welcome dinner at a traditional Mongolian restaurant.

Overnight: Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the heart of the city, Sukhbaatar Square. Named after the revolutionary leader Damdin Sukhbaatar, this space is symbolic for national ceremonies, and key to its surrounding government buildings. Next, we will make our way to Zaisan Hill, an open air memorial with panoramic murals honouring the Mongolian and Soviet soldiers of World War II. The hill also offers spectacular views of the Ulaanbaatar city from atop.

Moving ahead to the National History Museum, we will learn about the history of Mongolia dating from prehistoric to the twentieth century. Following this, we will get the chance to look at the works of great Mongolian masters of fine arts in the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts.

End your evening with a Folk Art concert, showcasing the Mongolia’s traditional Khöömei (throat singing), long note singing, dancing and contortionist.

Overnight: Ulaanbaatar

Today will mark as our first day towards our long and adventurous drive to Ulgii. The first destination is Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. During our time in Kharkhorin, we will visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery, regarded as one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia. It is also one of the few Buddhist sites to survive decades of anti- religious crackdowns in Mongolia.

We will then explore the Kharkhorin Museum, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the great Mongol Empire’s history, and that of surrounding historical monuments.

Overnight: Kharkhorin

Today is all about relaxing in the care of nature. We will drive to Tsenkher Hot Spring, a natural thermal spa with mineral-rich waters, and considered therapeutic. It is a perfect place for you to unwind in the outdoor pool surrounded by beautiful mountain landscape, especially after a long journey.

You may also enjoy a small hike in the nearby forest, or use the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight: Tsenkher Hot Spring

Today we will enjoy a scenic mountain road drive to Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (White Lake), that is surrounded by extinct volcanoes and forested hills. It was formed many millennia ago when the lava from the now extinct Khorgo volcano blocked the flow of the Terkh river, creating a natural dam. This flooded the valley forming the lake as we know it today. The wetlands here are home to many bird species, and an important habitat for migratory water birds. After our arrival at the lake, you may enjoy an evening walk by the lakeshore, and take in the natural surroundings.

Overnight: Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur

We will enjoy today to explore and enjoy the tranquil natural surroundings. First, we will hike to the Khorgo volcano, which is now extinct. It will be about 2 hours to the top, where you will be able to walk around the crater.

We will visit local nomadic families and experience their traditional lifestyle. You will have the opportunity to learn about how they endure Mongolia’s harsh winters, manage their water resources, and raise their livestock in such remote areas. You are encouraged to ask questions and engage in friendly conversations. Nomads are known for their warm hospitality and generosity, always offers what they have to make visitors welcome. You will be offered to try their traditional milk tea and homemade cookies, along with various dairy products such as butter, cheese, dried curd and yogurt.

You may also opt for optional horse riding available in the lake area, to explore the surroundings on horseback.

Overnight: Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur

Today we will be a long and adventurous day, consisting of a long drive to Ulaagchiin Khar Nuur. This turquoise and emerald blue lake has a unique landscape, having its shores lined by a combination of sand dunes, mountainous slopes and wetlands. Once we reach, we will set up an overnight camp near the lake, followed by a campfire in the evening to enjoy the warmth in the remote and chilly landscape under the bright stars.

Please note that the overnight camp will be under the open sky and temperatures may be a bit chilly (around 0°C at night by the end of September), so please be prepared the camping night with appropriate attire. Tents for two people each will be provided, along with sleeping bags, mattresses, and camping chairs. There are no toilets, so please be prepared to use the open air in nature.

Overnight: Ulaangchiin Khar Nuur

In the morning, we will drive about 100 km on off-road to the Mukhart Gol. You will witness a unique natural phenomenon here, where the river originates from large sand dunes, carrying a lush oasis-like vegetation along its banks in the middle of the desert, before disappearing into the sands again. We will walk for around 2 hours here to reach the river’s source.

We will then continue to drive for around 50 km on off-road towards Zavkhanmandal village, where we will spend the night. This area is one of Mongolia’s most picturesque regions, with vast steppes and dramatic landscapes. The village is remote, and you will get to witness the traditional rural lifestyle where the people have strong ties to the land and their livestock.

Please note that due to the remoteness of the region, there are no showers available, and toilets provided are shared traditional, squatting, pit toilets.

Overnight: Zavkhanmandal village

Our drive today will be across desert and the steppe terrain, towards Khyargas Lake. This is a saltwater lake, and one of the largest in Mongolia. It serves as an important habitat for migratory water birds, that nest on the dramatic rocky formations emerging from the water. You will have the opportunity to lodge in a homestay, and spend your night sleeping in a traditional ger.

Please note that due to the remoteness of the region, there are no showers available, and toilets provided are shared traditional, squatting, pit toilets.

Overnight: Around Khyrgas Lake

We will travel through the rugged landscapes of western Mongolia, approaching Bayan-Ulgii province. It is the only province in Mongolia with majority Muslim and ethnic Kazakh nomads, which has retained its cultural identity through crafts, language, music and festivals. We will arrive in Ulgii, the provincial capital, and head to the Ethnographic Museum to learn more about the Kazakh culture in Mongolia.

Overnight: Ulgii

Today is going to be all about the Golden Eagle Festival, a showcase of the ancient art of hunting with trained golden eagles. The festival will begin with the opening ceremony with traditional music and Kazakh games. You will also get the opportunity to witness events such as the eagle calling contests, horseback games, archery, and tug-of-war. To remember the occasion, you will get a chance to take photos with the magnificent eagle hunters, hold an eagle, and even pose on horseback while holding the eagle.

We will later visit a Kazakh family in their traditional gers , which are beautifully decorated with vibrant colours. The culture of the Kazakh people differs completely from those in central Mongolia. They speak their own language, have their own crafts and traditions. This will give you an opportunity to interact and learn about their beautiful culture directly from the people in the community.

Overnight: Ulgii

Continue to enjoy the festival events and competitions through the day, and witness eagle hunters parade with their majestic birds. Attend the Kazakh cultural performances and try local food like beshbarmak (boiled meat with square noodles, onion sauce and meat broth).

In the evening, attend the award ceremony for top eagle hunters, the final event of the festival.

Overnight: Ulgii

We will begin our drive towards the southeast, to the town of Khovd. A historic Silk Route town. On our way, you will have the opportunity to stop and witness the mighty snow-capped Altai mountains. These mountains stretch across Russia, Kazakhstan, China Mongolia. The mountain ranges support diverse wildlife (snow leopards, golden eagles, ibex, etc), and also have ancient rock art and petroglyphs.

Once we arrive in Khovd, we will visit the Khovd Museum, showcasing the town’s historical significance and cultural diversity, and after that we will head to the local market.

Overnight: Khovd

We will take an early morning domestic flight from Khovd to Ulaanbaatar. After arrival in Ulaanbaatar, we will drive eastwards to the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex, the biggest equestrian statue in the world. Here, we will explore the museum, and climb to the horse’s head for panoramic views.

In the afternoon, we will return to Ulaanbaatar city, and check into the hotel. You may use your time at leisure, or for optional Departmental Store and souvenir shopping.

In your final evening in Mongolia, we will have a farewell dinner at an Indian restaurant in Ulaanbaatar.

Overnight: Ulaanbaatar

After your breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Chinggis Khaan International Airport to catch your international departure flight.