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Tour Code : ACK
The journey is provided by
Exodus Adventure Travels
Destinations : Mongolia
Tour Starts : Ulaanbaatar
Tour Ends : Ulaanbaatar
Group Size : 4 - 16
Ages : 18+
Activity :
17 days from
NOK 60 070

Overview

Discover the nomad culture of Mongolia and eagle hunting in the Altai Mountains

In Mongolia, rolling steppe makes way to stark desert. Across this vast landscape, nomadic ger camps are peppered, camels and goats are herded on horseback, fermented mare’s milk is the tipple of choice, dunes sing and the first intact dinosaur eggs were found. Genghis Khan went forth from here to conquer the biggest land empire in history and, to this day, Buddhist and Animist traditions mix. Join this trip and travel through steppe, mountain and the Gobi Desert to explore the nature and culture of this fascinating, yet little known, country. We also head to its far-western reaches to attend the Eagle Festival, celebrating the fascinating pastime of hunting with eagles and the strong connection the Mongolian people have with their animals and land. For an alternative Eagle Festival itinerary starting in Ulaanbaatar on 17 September 2023 and 22 September 2024, please click here.

Highlights
  • Attend the Eagle Festival in the remote Altai Mountains
  • Explore the vast wilderness of the steppe and Gobi Desert
  • Experience traditional nomadic culture
Key Information
  • Four nights in hotels and 12 nights in ger camps with shared facilities
  • Group size normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Travel by 4x4s, bus and one internal flight
  • Alternative Eagle Festival itinerary available. Trip Code: ACME
Included
  • All breakfasts, 14 lunches and 15 dinners
  • All accommodation
  • All transport, including 4x4s
  • Activities as listed in the itinerary
  • All internal flights
  • Tour leader throughout
Not included
  • Travel insurance
  • Single accommodation
  • Visas

Itinerary

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Important Information

The trip destination
  • Four nights in hotels and 12 nights in ger camps with shared facilities
  • Group size normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Travel by 4x4s, bus and one internal flight
  • Alternative Eagle Festival itinerary available. Trip Code: ACME
Food
All breakfasts, 14 lunches and 15 dinners are included. Traditional Mongolian diets are very meat and dairy heavy. While there are opportunities to try some of these products, such as dry curd and fermented mare’s milk, the meals provided in the ger camps are generally Western meals, at times with an Asian influence. There is normally some form of soup and salad plus a main course and desert. Vegetarians are generally well catered for; if you are vegetarian or have other dietary requirements, please inform us in advance. Breakfasts can vary from place to place, some are buffets while others are set, normally cereal, bread and possibly a hot dish. On some days, a pack lunch is provided, this is often still a proper meal (though without the soup). Water is provided and is generally from large water containers, so make sure to bring a refillable water bottle. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer, vodka and (most of the time) wine are available to buy at the ger camps. There is the opportunity to buy snacks in Ulaanbaatar and on a couple of other occasions along the way when we drive through towns or villages.
Weather

September/October is the shoulder season in Mongolia. Temperatures can vary quite widely from very hot to freezing and you should pack for both hot and cold weather as you’ll be in a T-shirt one minute and a down jacket the next. This is possibly the best time to visit the Gobi Desert as the temperatures cool and the crowds have mostly gone. In Olgii, where the Eagle Festival takes place, the weather is likely to be cold with temperatures averaging 7C (44F).

Is this trip for you?

Mongolia is six and a half times larger than the UK but with a population 21 times smaller. Understandably, this means that large tracts of the country have little infrastructure. Much of our time is spent in areas where roads are barely tracks through the landscape.

On this trip, we go further into the wilderness than the average visitor to Mongolia and, while this allows us to travel through stunning parts of the country, encountering few people other than the odd nomad, it does mean some days involve long and bumpy drives.

The longest driving days are in Bayan Gobi and the drive to Arvaikheer where we are on the move all day. These drives are balanced with time to relax and take in the incredible surroundings often with the option of going for a walk or, sometimes, a horse or camel ride.

There are some scheduled hikes, looking for wild Przewalski’s (takhi) horses and visiting the Singing Dunes, Vulture’s Mouth canyon and the Flaming Cliffs, for instance. These are relatively short, no more than one or two hours, on mostly flat or undulating terrain. The Flaming Cliffs hike may not be suitable if you have an acute fear of heights and can involve some scrambling; however, it’s possible to opt out of the walk and still enjoy great views of the cliffs.

The climate in central Mongolia is generally pleasant in summer when the trip runs. In the Gobi Desert, however, temperatures can get well above 30C (86F), even approaching 40C (104F).

This trip goes off the tourist trail and encounters local nomads. It takes us through spectacular and diverse wilderness and gives us an insight into a fascinating country unlike any other.

Prices / Dates

By accepting our offer in writing, you/you confirm that our terms and conditions have both been read and understood and that cancellation fees may apply if the trip is cancelled.

Adult
Children
AVAILABLE DATES PRICE (1 ADULT) PRICE (1 CHILDREN) Single room supplement TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 22 Sep 2024 / Tue, 08 Oct 2024 NOK 60 070 On request NOK 8 330 Available
AVAILABLE DATES PRICE (1 ADULT) PRICE (1 CHILDREN) SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 22 Sep 2024 / Tue, 08 Oct 2024 NOK 60 070 On request NOK 8 330 On request

We will get back to you with an offer on the requested trip / package within 48 hours. All offers are non-binding and are usually valid for 7 days. Please note that reserved services can be canceled within these 7 days and that price may change until a final order is received.

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