Exploring Western Mongolia

Day 1:

Ulaanbaatar

Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar you will be met by one of our representatives and, after checking in at your hotel, we will take you on a city sightseeing tour and for a welcome dinner.

Day 2:

Dayan Lake

You will fly to Ulgii in Western Mongolia, about a 3 hour flight. Ulgii is the capital of the province of Bayan-Ulgii, the home the Kazakh people of Mongolia. At the local airport you will be met by an English-speaking guide and driver. After lunch we will drive to Dayan Lake. On the way we will see the ancient Deer Stones and Balbal Stones, which are 6th to 8th century burial markers. We will arrive before dinner at the Ger Camp of our Kazakh guest family. We will stay overnight in one of the Gers, together with members of our guest family. Kazakh families are quite large, consisting of three generations, grandparents, parents and children.

Day 3:

Kazakh Family

We will spend the day with our Kazakh family. We’ll get up at same time with the family and experience the morning ritual, or even help, in milking cows, goats and sheep, There will be plenty to see and do, such as riding with Kazakh herdsmen, watching how they take care of their animals, helping with processing the dairy products and sample home-made yak cheese and yogurt. We will also assist in cooking the traditional food. This way, we explore the real ways a nomadic family lives and personally experience their friendliness and hospitality.

Day 4:

Kazakh Family

We will spend today with an eagle hunter. The tradition of hunting with eagles goes back thousands of years in central Asia. Summertime is not an eagle hunting season, but the hunters will show us their training methods and you will be introduced to the art of eagle hunting. You will be able to speak with the hunters (through an interpreter) about how they train and hunt with their eagles. You will also see how Kazakh embroidery is made. Kazakh women are celebrated for their colorful needlework used to decorate the interiors of their gers. (Ger/B.L.D)

Day 5:

Kazakh Family

Learn to play Kazakh traditional games, such as knuckle bones. Our Kazakh friends will also show us some horseback riding games. After the games, we will learn to make felt. This events will keep you busy all day. (Ger/B.L.D)

Day 6:

Kazakh Family

You can choose to go on a hike in the beautiful mountains around the summer camp, or to go horseback riding, or just stay near the lake and enjoy nature. Today is our last day with our nomadic friends. To celebrate thus we will have a big dinner called Besbarmak, which means “five fingers” since the meal is eaten with the hands. This is a delicious stewed mutton, various sausages, all types of fresh vegetables, and homemade noodles sprinkled with parsley and onions. We will celebrate our amazing stay with our guest family by opening a bottle, or two, of the local vodka. (Ger/B.L.D)

Day 7:

Ulgii

We will say good bye to our Kazakh friends and we drive back to Ulgii. There we will visit the local Muslim Mosque, the open air bazaar, the museum and do our shopping, including famous Gobi cashmere and local art and handicrafts. We will overnight in our Ger Camp (which includes the luxury of a hot shower) or in our own Guest House, Eagle’s Nest, with ten double rooms, each with full modern comforts. (Ger/B/L.D)

Day 8:

Ulaanbaatar

Transfer to the Ulgii Airport and check-in. After your flight to Ulaanbaatar, you can enjoy the day at leisure.

What is included:

Accommodation: Hotel***,* ger camp, tented camp

Guiding and interpreting service

Full board meals

Transport: vehicle 4×4 or minivan

Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks

Museums and cultural performance

local guide

Horses

Camping equipment

What is not included:

International airfare

Personal equipment

Optional activity cost

Excess baggage charges

Single room supplement

Alcoholic drinks

Sleeping bag

Travel Insurance