Taste of Mongolian Altai with Naadam Festival
Description
In this dramatic journey we will explore beautiful Western Mongolian Altai mountains& steppes,
glaciers, golden eagle-hunters, wild animals such as: Argal sheep, Ibex, foxes, marmots etc. and
visit to Mongolian, Kazakh and Tuvan nomads so you can learn nomadic way of life. Riding
horses and camels will always possible. In addition, western Mongolia is rich in archeological
sites that vary from ancient petroglyphs to stone carvings from early Turkish nomads.
Highlight of the trip will be Kazakh Eagle Hunters and Naadam Festival: In 2024, Naadam
commemorates the 103rd anniversary of the Mongolian Revolution, the 818th anniversary of the
Mongol Empire and the 2,233rd anniversary of the Hunnu Empire.
Areas covered during the trip: Central and Western part of Mongolia
| 13 Days | Max People : 26 | Jan 18 - Dec 21 | Langauge - English |
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrive to Ulaanbaatar-Exploring the city
Today we will do city tour including The National Museum of History, Central square of Ulaanbaatar( heart of Mongolia). Dinner at local Mongolian restaurant. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2. Tsonjin Boldog area of Terelj National Park
Drive to Terelj and Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue in Tsonjin Boldog. The massive statue made of 250 tons of gleaming stainless steel will take your breath away. Along the way, stop for a picnic lunch. Afternoon return to UB, and dinner time in a typical Mongolian restaurant.
Overnight in Hotel. B+L+D
Day 3. Western part of Monglia
Catch a domestic flight to Ulgii city. Meet you local crew and start driving to Taban Bogd National park. Along the way, we will find numerous petroglyphs and Turkic stones and picnic lunch. Bayan-Ulgii is rich in archaeological remains, as a reminder of the Bronze Age and the time of the Huns and Turkic invasions. Reach to Ger camp. Overnight in Kazakh or Mongolian
ger. B+L+D
Day 4. Taban bogd massif
Today we hike full day and during the hiking we can see the glaciers and TavanBogd massif. Tavanbogd means “The Holy Five", referring to the five highest peaks, of which Huiten Uul is the highest in Mongolia, 4374 meters above sea level. There we see 20km long Potanina glacier – the biggest of the twenty glaciers in Mongolian Altai. Overnight in Kazakh or Mongolian ger.
B+L+D
Day 5. Twin lake Area of Altai Tavan Bodg NP
Today we drive to Hoton lake. We will pitch our camp near to Nomadic family. We are now only 10km from the China border. Overnight in Kazakh ger or camp. B+L+D
Day 6-7. Exploring the Twin Lake area
These days you relax and swim, fish and explore amazing mountainous area. These days you can see and learn regular day life of nomads and their tradition. Like horse riding, fishing and hiking around. Also, we see the snowcapped mountains with forest, which make the wall between China and Mongolia and some beautiful waterfalls. Overnight at yurts(nomads tent) or camping. B+L+D
Day 8. Drive back to Ulgii city and visit Eagle Hunter’s Family
Drive back towards Ulgii, on the way we visit to Kazakh eaglehunters family. See the magnificent eagles and learn about eagle-hunting. Eagle-hunters typically use female birds because they are bigger, stronger, and more aggressive than their male counterparts. Hunters typically keep their birds for 10 years before releasing them back into the wild. Overnight with Eagle Hunetr’s family in a yurt/ger/. B+L+D
Day 9. Free day at South River Camp
We will spend one full day resting at a“South River” camp. Here in “South River” camp we have a shower and small traditional Kazakh souvenir shop. Also around camp you may have opportunity to see some wild animals such as: Argal sheep, Ibex, fox, rabbit. B+L+D
Day 10-11. Naadam Festival of Mongolia
We will spend two full days at the Naadam Festival in Ulgii. We will see the opening ceremony, the wrestling and archery competitions in the central stadium. A guide and vehicle will accompany you at all times. The following day can be spent to see the horse racing in the surrounding countryside. Overnight in Ger camp near the Ulgii city.
What is Naadam Festival and what to expect to see: A feast for the senses filled with culture and pageantry, the Naadam Festival is Mongolia's biggest celebration of the year, held July 11–15, 2024. During Naadam, Mongolians honor their heritage and compete in the Three Manly
Sports: Wrestling, Archery and Horse racing
In 2024, Naadam commemorates the 103rd anniversary of the Mongolian Revolution, the 818th
anniversary of the Mongol Empire and the 2,233rd anniversary of the Hunnu Empire.
Day 12. Fly back to Ulaanbaatar
Free day in UB by visiting the biggest cashmere factory shop in the world. Overnigt in hotel.
Day 13. Departure back to home country and end of the trip!
Include: Domestic flights, transportation within Mongolia, hotel in Ulaanbaatar and Ulgii city, all the overnight Gers and tents, three meals a day, English, Russian or Chinese speaking guide, cook, renting of riding horses or camels, support staff including drivers, all Border and National park permits. Possible to help with some visa problems. Do not include: International transportation, travel insurance, visas, departure tax, alcoholic drinks, gratuities, items of a personal nature.
