Across the Land of Eagles and Nomads
September 8–20, 2017 (13 Days)
Immerse yourself in Mongolian culture. Witness the art of eagle
hunting, visit a nomadic family, ride horses and camels, and explore
historic monasteries. Experience the rugged landscapes: mountains,
steppe and sand, that Mongolians call home, and discover the art and
music inspired by these places.
September 8 Arrival
Meet your guide at Ulaanbaatar's airport, travel
into the heart of Mongolia’s cosmopolitan capital
and check into the five-star Blue Sky Hotel, your
home in the city. (D)
September 9 Ulaanbaatar
Visit Gandantegchenlin Monastery, the center of
Mongolian Buddhism, and trace the country’s history from the Stone Age through Genghis Khan
to the present at the National Museum of Mongolia. (B,L,D)
September 10 Hustai National Park
Travel west to Hustai National Park and see
Przewalski's horses, the world’s only species of
wild horse. Enjoy your first of five nights in gers
(nomadic dwellings) at tourist ger camps. (B,L,D)
September 11 Lake Ugii
Visit Lake Ugii, an important site for migrating
birds. Explore thousand-year-old ruins and ride
horses across the steppe. (B,L,D)
September 12–13 History of the Steppe
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Orkhon
Valley. At the former site of Karakorum, capital
of the Mongol Empire, visit 16th century Erdene
Zuu Monastery. Climb Tuvkhun Shireet Mountain to reach the mountaintop retreat of Mongolia's greatest spiritual leader and artist, the Undur Gegeen Zanabazar. (B,L,D both days)
September 14–15 Camel Riding and Sand Dunes
Travel to Elsen Tasarhai, a land where golden
sand dunes meet green steppe in the shadow of
Mt. Hugnu Khan. Visit a local family and explore
the sand dunes on camelback. On the second
day, return to Ulaanbaatar and visit Narantuul,
Mongolia’s largest market. (B,L,D both days)
September 16–17 Altai Kazakh Eagle Festival
Fly from Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii, capital of BayanUlgii Province, in Mongolia’s far west. In the
nearby village of Sagsai, celebrate the Altai Kazakh Eagle Festival, an annual competition of
about forty eagle hunters. The festival also includes traditional sports, food, embroidery, music
and time to explore the mountainous surroundings. Spend both nights in a hotel in Ulgii. (B,L,D
both days)
September 18 Altai Mountains
Explore the rugged countryside surrounding
Ulgii. Explore the Bronze Age Hatuugiin Petroglyphs. Visit a herding family and experience
daily life in the Altai Mountains. (B,L,D)
September 19 Ulaanbaatar
Return to Ulaanbaatar on a morning flight from
Ulgii. Attend a folk music and dance performance by the renowned Tumen Ekh Ensemble,
followed by a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
September 20 Depart for the United States
Return to the airport for your flight home. (B)
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