Discover the nomad culture of Mongolia and eagle hunting in the Altai Mountains
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.
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).
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.
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.
AVAILABLE DATES | PRICE (1 ADULT) | PRICE (1 CHILDREN) | Single room supplement | TRAVEL STATUS | |
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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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