GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL
TOUR NAME: |
GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL |
TOUR DATE: |
2020 May-August |
TRAVEL CODE: |
AG-YYT0419G |
DURATION: |
9 days, 8 nights |
TOUR LEVEL: |
Classic |
TRANSPORTATION: |
4x4 drive or minivan |
Immerse yourself in the amazing scenery, rich culture of specific ethnic Kazakh people in our newly designed tour. Enjoy your new adventure whilst experiencing natural abundance and unique history of Nomad lands. The highlight of this tour is definitely the Kazak ethnic group that is famous for its eagle hunting in Mongolia. Through thousands of years, their life is still kept training eagles from their ancestors. Get off the beaten track as you arrive in the west part of Mongolia and meet lots of locals and discover the fascinating Kazakh culture. Have a deep understanding of these special nomads who still live in harmony with nature…Eternal snow-capped mountain, a wilderness of alpine forest, crystal clear lakes and milk-colored white river.
DAY 1: TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
A company guide will meet you upon arrival at the airport after exiting customs and immigration. A short 40-minute ride transfers you to your room with modern interior and furnishings. Time to unwind, relax and take a break with a city view!
Hit the road to discover Terelj National Park just 70 km east of the capital. This park is a mix of where past and present blend, creating an authentic Mongolian experience.
On the way, visit one of the biggest construction projects, the Chinggis Khan statue complex. It takes 9th place among the horse statues in the world. Enjoy your very first Ger /dwelling/ accommodation and its cozy retreat. Come and feed your imagination with the sights, sounds and culinary flavors of Terelj.
ACCOMMODATION - TOURIST GER CAMP MEALS - LUNCH + DINNER
DAY 2: TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
Take a hike to a local meditation temple which is especially recognized as the Center of Meditation and Philosophical studies and get inspired by the teachings of Buddha. Enjoy some optional activity adventures such as horseback riding, hiking, trekking, climbing, and golfing
ACCOMMODATION - TOURIST GER CAMP MEALS - BREAKFAST + LUNCH + DINNER
DAY 3: ULAANBAATAR CITY TOUR
Head back to the capital city. Continue the tour by visiting the National Historical Museum of Mongolia. Learn about the country’s rich history from the Stone Age to the present. The museum invites you to step into the 13th century Mongol empire, a highlight is a wide array and full collection of traditional clothes.
A short walk across the street takes us to the heart of the city, Chinggis Khaan's main square. Monuments at the square lead you to strikingly beautiful architecture and an abundance of history. Enjoy a folklore performance featuring the art of throat singing. This art originated based on the sound of the hills and spirit. Wonder at Morin Khuur expressing the world with two strings, throat singing, and other artistic dance genres.
ACCOMMODATION - HOTEL MEALS - BREAKFAST + LUNCH + DINNER
DAY 4: ULGII CITY
Morning flight to Ulgii, the center of Bayan-Ulgii province. In this province, the Most population is Kazakh ethnic group who have their own language and unique culture. Kazakhs are famous for their Eagle hunting game tradition. Meet our vehicle and the local team. Visit the local museum to know more about Bayan-Ulgii province. Perhaps this evening (or on one of the following days) you will enjoy a Kazakh dinner called 'Beshparmak' (means five fingers because one uses five fingers to eat it).
ACCOMMODATION - TOURIST GER CAMP MEALS - BREAKFAST + LUNCH + DINNER
DAY 5: GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL
Be ready to discover the beginning of the well-celebrated Golden eagle Festival. The two-day festival shows off the skills of eagle and hunter/trainer. Dressed in full regalia and mounted on groomed and decorated horses, the eagle hunters compete for various awards including 'Best Eagle at Hunting Prey'.
After colorful parade for best turnout eagle and hunter, other 'manly' sporting activities you'll watch include camel racing, the Uriankhai archery competition. Another highly entertaining Fox skin competition will start today which eagles will chase and catch the fox skin behind their trainer's horse.
At the end of the festival, In the evening we enjoy having the Kazakh Concert with some traditional songs and music. Stay in your very first night of Kazakh ger and clearly distinguish them from the traditional khalkh dwelling.
ACCOMMODATION - TOURIST GER CAMP MEALS - BREAKFAST + LUNCH + DINNER
DAY 6: GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL
Drive to the site for today’s events, which, altogether, play a major role in preserving traditional Kazakh culture. There are very few ethnic people who use eagles for their hunting. How they train there is what makes the festival unique. Being a proficient eagle hunter takes years to achieve – by apprenticing with a master hunter. The ultimate goal is the ability to catch foxes for their pelts which protect against the bitter winters. It is not just training and hunting. It takes a very strong, fit and well cared for the bird to catch a wild animal of this size.
Many hunters followed in their father’s footsteps and were taken to the mountains at a young age to begin training. Alongside the eagle hunters, there are opportunities to purchase local handicrafts, Kazakh tents, and other traditional and locally made items.
ACCOMMODATION - TOURIST GER CAMP MEALS - BREAKFAST + LUNCH + DINNER
DAY 7: KHUSTAI NATIONAL PARK
We will fly back to Ulaanbaatar by the domestic airline. Have you ever heard of the Przewalski horse? It is the only wild horse in the world now. What we admire most in them is their difference in physical ability than domestic horses. You’ll visit Khustai National Park, one of the most popular national parks of Mongolia through the rolling steppes which are home of over 350 horses. Explore the extraordinary spot, where the Asian wild horses graze, having been reintroduced from Holland in a framework of an international project and other wildlife.
ACCOMMODATION - TOURIST GER CAMP MEALS - BREAKFAST + LUNCH + DINNER
DAY 8: ULAANBAATAR CITY
Spend some free time shopping at the famous Mongolian cashmere and department shops for delicate cashmere scarves and souvenirs. As the sightseeing comes to an end, you could return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
ACCOMMODATION - HOTEL MEALS - BREAKFAST + LUNCH + DINNER
DAY 9: DEPARTURE
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, it would be time to say goodbye to the land of nomads and head to the airport, armed with an enriching experience and memories to last a lifetime.
INCLUDED
- Help before you go
- Personal airport pickup service
- 9 days of interesting activities
- Hotel
- Tourist ger camps
- Tour guide
- Domestic flight
- Full board meals
- All entrance fees
- All transportation
- Visa invitation letter
- Water: 2 bottled water each day
- Traditional concert
EXCLUDED
- International airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Single room supplement – Single room supplement is available at 50$ for one night.
- Optional excursions
- Personal equipment