Golden Eagle Festival

After a local Buddhist monastery visit we head out to the Genghis Khan Statue Complex. In 2008, a gigantic statue of Genghis Khan riding on horseback was erected on the bank of the Tuul River at Tsonjin Boldog, 54 kms east of the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, where according to legend, he found a golden whip. The statue is 40 meters tall and wrapped in 250 tons of gleaming stainless steel. The statue is symbolically pointed east towards his birthplace. Back in the city we will attend a cultural show in the early evening and quick meal at a local restaurant will finish off this day. Overnight in very nice hotel downtown.

We have a full day ride from Ulaanbaatar, getting off the road quickly outside the city of UB and following a wide, rolling wide river valley, stopping at Hustai National Park for lunch, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Przewalski’s horse, the worlds only true wild horse that were re-introduced in the park after near extinction in late 1950’s.

A combination of paved and dirt roads will bring us to Kharkhorin, an ancient capital city of Khubilai Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan. Overnight in ger camp.

Morning visit to the Erdene Zuu monastery which was one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia before it was been destroyed by the Communist regime to repress religion. Today the monastery is active and holds around 100 monks. A bit of paved roads and we get back onto track, hopping from hill top to hill top until we reach Tsenkher hot springs. We should expect some shallow river crossings today. Overnight in gers beside the hot springs.

We will use a combination of paved roads and track to get us to the high (2060m) Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake (Great White Lake) for our evening stop. If we arrive early enough, we could get hiking up to the Khorgo volcano crater, or rent horses for an easier time. Overnight in ger camp.

We cross the Khangai mountain range today, peaking at 2600m and the Solongot pass, one of Mongolia’s greatest passes. We will crest it on the way to the lumber and berry village of Tosontsengel, Mongolias coldest spot where it normally dips below -45C in winter. The valleys arround it are magnificent – tranquil and serene. Overnight in a simple, local hotel.

Today we take another riding day towards west to Altai Mountains, our dirt ride trek goes into valley of the great lakes, arriving Uvs Lake’s southern shore. Our ger camp will be beside the lake, and our cool time of year for this visit should keep the bugs at bay. Overnight in ger camp.

DAY 9

Shaazgai Lake
190km

Khyargas Lake is a salt lake, and at over 2300 km2, the second largest lake in western Mongolia. In the morning we can explore the lake then return to ger camp for lunch. This afternoons track goes into trans-Altai semi-desert plains, and passes ancient stone tombs and stone monuments that dates back to 6-8 Century A.D. We arrive at Shaazgai Lake where we overnight in gers of local families. In the evening we relax and enjoy a folk performance of the local people.

DAY 10

Olgii
200km

Today we ride to Bayan-Ulgii province along the Hovd river and via Achit Lake, arriving in Olgii, and transferring to a private ger camp in Khatuu river valley. Overnight in ger camp.

DAY 11

Tsambagarav  Mountain Eagle Hunters
50km

We take a day trip to Tsambagarav Mountain Eagle Hunters and spend time in the homes of the eagle hunters to witness their preparation for Eagle Hunters Festival. We return in the afternoon. Overnight in ger camp.

DAY 12

Golden Eagle Festival
(optional 150km)
Overnight in ger camp

Day 1 of the Golden Eagle Festival. Another optional ride if you want to miss a bit of the festival is to go up to the Russian border. Overnight in ger camp.

DAY 13

Festival Day

Day 2 of the Golden Eagle Festival. Overnight in ger camp.

DAY 14

Fly to Ulaanbaatar

Our flight back to Ulaanbaatar will likely get us back to the capitol city in the early afternoon, so we can spend a few hours doing our last minute shopping before our last group dinner. Overnight in very nice hotel downtown.

DAY 15

Fly Out

Fly out. After breakfast your driver will take you to the airport, bringing your Mongolia experience to a close