Altai Eagle Festival

Golden eagle festival 11 days

Highlights:

City orientation tour, National parks Terelj, Khustai, nomad family visit, Altai Eagle Festival in most western part of Mongolia.

Duration: 10 nights/ 11 days
Days available: October beginning

Itinerary:

Day1. City tour

Incredible Mongolian crew meets you at Chinggis Khan international airport or railway station to transfer to hotel. Welcoming city tour with full sightseeing starts from Mongolian Buddhist centre Gandan monastery where spectacular 25 meter, 20 tons statue of Megdjid Janraisag Buddha. Then explore ‘Sukhbaatar’ Main Square situates in the centre of Ulaanbaatar. Afterwards visit Mongolian National History museum, exploring the rich history of Mongols and great Chinggis Khan’s Great Empire. At lunch enjoy Traditional meal. Then drive to Zaisan hill - the World War II memorial complex and the city looks gorgeous from that hill.
Overnight at hotel (L)

Day2. Terelj national park

Today drive 70 km to the east of Ulaanbaatar to reach Terelj National Park– the most exciting spot near the city. Please explore the extraordinary formation of rocks and stones, which is some of them looks quite similar with Turtle, person who reading book and others. The Terelj is continuation part of Mongolian Khenti Mountain Range. The forest consists from aspen, larch and birch, which supporting bear, deer, wolf, wild boar, eagle and others. Visit to beautiful Buddhist temple “Aryabal” -the god of wisdom. Free horse back riding will be organized during the trip. Stay overnight in Mongolian traditional felt ger camp. /B, L, D/

Day3. Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast on the way back pass Tsonjin Boldog the Great Chinggis Khan’s Statue. That is stainless steel statue which inside have nested museum, coffee shop and conference hall. Then drive to the hotel. Afternoon will visit to Bogd King temple museum. Stay overnight at hotel (B, L)

Day4. Fly to Ulgii town

Early in the morning be transferred to airport to fly to Ulgii town, Bayan-Ulgii province for 4.10 hours (1636km’s distance).
The province is said as “root of the world “a remote land of high mountains, glaciers, steep slopes and rushing torrents.
Brief tour around the Ulgii town including local museum and Muslim mosque.
Overnight in kazak ger camp (B, L, D)

Day5. Opening ceremony of Altai Eagle Festival / competition

The official opening ceremony commences, as the participants will parade on horse back with their eagles. The competition begins with each Kazak displaying his hunting outfit and accessories. The most elaborate and beautiful clothing and accessories are given the highest point. In the afternoon, the golden eagles will be evaluated for their speed and agility. The eagles will be released from a cliff and their owner will stand below and signal for them to land upon their arms, as they do during hunting. Those with the fastest times and best technique will be awarded the highest scores. In the evening you are invited to attend especial performance of traditional Kazak dance, song, and music, arranged for the competition participants, many who have traveled as far as 140 miles on horse back.
Overnight in Ger (B, L, D)

Day6. Competition / Award ceremony

Prepare for some exiting action today. The Golden eagles will be released from a cliff to attack fox skin that will be dragged by their owner on horseback. The eagles will be judged on their success of grabbing the “fox”, their speed, and “dripping” technique. As the point for the competitions are being tallied, the Kazak will compete in their traditional game “Kukbar” which tests ones horse-riding skills, strength and agility. In the afternoon, the winner of the festival will be announced at the awards ceremony. In the evening, enjoy a celebration dinner
Overnight in ger camp (B, L, D)

Day7. Visit to Kazak family and Rock drawings.

Free day, you may enjoy Mongolia trip and visit to Kazak family. Get introduced Kazak nomads and their life style, tradition, music, handicrafts. Drive to rock drawings aged several thousand years. (B, L, D)

Day8. Ulgii – Ulaanbaatar city

Afternoon will drive to Ulgii town for departure. As soon as will land in Ulaanbaatar you can relax at the hotel refreshing after long flight. In the evening we are inviting you in Mongolian folklore performance with throat singing, contortion ex. Overnight at hotel (B, L, D)

Day9. Ulaanbaatar- Khustai National Park

Today will drive 95 km to Hustai Nuruu National Park in the west. First reach in Mongolian tourist camp locates in National park, introduce Takhi museum and watch short documentary film. After lunch drive to the Core area to see Przewalski wild horses. Stay in Mongolian traditional felt ger camp; enjoy the stars in blue sky, overnight. (B, L, D)

Day10. Khustai- Ulaanbaatar

In the morning drive to UB city to do shopping. For ardent shoppers, tremendous variety of Mongolian goods on offer including world known cashmeres, souvenirs for your friends and handicrafts are will be your best choice. Evening enjoy Mongolian BBQ for dinner.
Overnight at hotel (B, L, D)

Day11. End of the tour
For your international departure Incredible Mongolian driver will transfer you to international airport or railway station from the hotel. End of the Mongolia tour. (B)

B- Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Book this tour
Tour features:
	Included in the price:		Excluded in the cost:
6 days accommodation in tourist ger camps 4 nights at hotel Domestic around flight from Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii town to Ulaanbaatar city Altai Eagle festival ticket Professional experienced English speaking guide Private transfer around whole trip Meals as listed National Parks entrance fees, museum tickets Horse riding trial Supply of 3 x 0.5L bottled pure water everyday		International airfare, train ticket Travel Insurance, visa fee to Mongolia Excess luggage charge in domestic flight Optional activity cost Personal expenses including laundry, beverage, and extra meals not mentioned in itinerary, telephone call unit, alcohol.  Single room supplement.