This amazing trip takes you to two of the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Mongolia and into the homes of nomadic peoples to experience everyday life of these hardy mountain herders. It is an active cultural trip: we’ll take numerous walks along the lake shore of Uvs Nuur (Lake) Biosphere Reserve and into the Altai mountains to see phenomenal petroglyphs that trace the evolution of herders and horse-dependent cultures from BC times.

A special feature of this trip is attendance at the annual Golden Eagle Festival, staged by the intrepid Kazakh hunters of the western Mongolia steppe. We'll marvel at their horse-menship and their command of these magnificent birds in a stunning wild west landscape.

We’ll walk through the Singing Sand Dunes of the South Gobi, and see the Red Flaming Cliffs where dinosaurs roamed 70 million years ago and laid their eggs, now fossilized in stone. A visit with a camel-herding nomad family invites you to ride a camel and taste dairy products made of camel’s milk, including a pungent drink that the children (photo left) are churning for consumption.

Join KarmaQuest Director Wendy Lama as she returns to places she explored on a 3000 mi/5000 km overland journey for USAID and the Mongolian government, helping to develop tourism in remote areas to help supplement rural people’s livelihoods.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. Note: due to the late night arrival of most international flights, your overnight on Sept 9 (Day 1) is included, allowing you a full night's rest upon your arrival. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 2: Get to know Ulaanbaatar: Today we will visit a few notable sites in “UB” including Chinggis Khaan Square and the Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum and later enjoy a traditional art performance and Welcome Dinner.

Day 3: Travel to South Gobi. Today we’ll travel by air to the South Gobi Desert. Here we’ll walk through Yol Valley (Lammergeier’s Gorge), a picturesque narrow valley that shelters rich wildlife including the Bearded Vulture or Lammergeier. We’ll also visit the Gobi Museum and overnight in a Ger camp.

Day 4: Khongor Sand Dunes. This magnificent landform (photo left) -- up to 300 yds/m high, and 10 by 112 miles in size (16 by 180 kms) – are known as the “singing” sand dunes for the sounds emitted by their creator, the wind. A walk through the dunes promises an incredible view from the top. Overnight in a Ger camp.

Day 5: Guests of a camel herder nomad family. Today we will have a chance to see nomadic life in the Gobi and taste traditional dairy products made of camel’s milk. Optional camel riding is available. We’ll return to overnight at the Ger camp.

Day 6: Bayanzag and the Flaming Red Cliffs. Internationally known for its complete dinosaur skeletons and fossilized eggs of the Cretaceous period, here dinosaurs lived 70 million years ago. We’ll also see the Red Flaming Cliffs and pedestal rocks formed by the aeolian effect on the sand and rock over millions of years (photo left). Overnight in a Ger camp.

Day 7: Fly to Ulaanbaatar and visit Khustai National Park, home of the Przewalski (wild horse): Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and drive about 50 miles to Khustai National Park to scout for the Takhi (Przewalski’s Horse), the only true wild horse in the world (it has never been domesticated). At one time extinct, it has been reintroduced to its native habitat at this park. Herds can often be seen while driving through the park. Overnight in Ger camp.

Day 8: Drive back to UB and enjoy a free afternoon to explore on your own. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 9: Travel to Western Mongolia for the Golden Eagle Festival Early morning fly to Ulgii town (approx 4.5 hrs). Today and tomorrow you will enjoy the “Golden Eagle Festival” beginning with (at about 11:00 am) the opening ceremony of festival participants parading on horse-back with their eagles. The competition begins with each Kazakh displaying his hunting outfit and accessories. The most elaborate and beautiful clothing and accessories are given the highest points. In the afternoon, the Golden Eagles will be evaluated for their speed and agility. In the evening watch a Kazakh concert consisting of traditional songs and dances. Stay overnight in Ger camp.

Day 10: Golden Eagle Festival:Prepare for some exciting action today! The Golden Eagles will be released from a cliff to attack fox skins that will be dragged by their owner on horseback. The eagles will be judged on their success of grabbing the “fox,” their speed, and “gripping” technique. As the points for the competition are being tallied, the Kazakhs will compete in their traditional game called “kekbar”- passing a goat skin to test one’s horse riding skills, strength and agility. In the late afternoon, the winners of the festival will be announced at the awards ceremony. In the evening, enjoy a celebration dinner. Stay overnight in Ger camp.

Day 11-12: A visit with Kazakh nomads. Today we’ll experience the lifestyle and hospitality of the Kazakh people. Drive to the herding grounds of these nomadic herders and stay in the Ger of a Kazakh family. We will learn about their unique tradition of hunting using trained Golden Eagles as well as their daily life, and explore their homelands on foot and taste their traditional foods.

Day 13: Uureg Lake. Today we will drive about 125 mi/200 kms to Uureg Lake located in the middle of the Mongolian Altai Mountains Range and enjoy a short hike around the lakeshore. Explore ancient statues remained from 6th-9th centuries. Overnight in a nomad Ger camp.

Day 14: A short trek in the Altai. Today we will hike about 3-4 hrs (4-5 mi/7-8 kms) into the neighboring mountains where we find petroglyphs dating back 3000-5000 years. From the top of the mountain is a beautiful view of the snowy Turgen Mountain Range. Travel back to the Ger camp and overnight.

Day 15: Travel to Ulaangom, explore Uvs Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel to and explore on foot the stunning Uvs Nuur (Lake) Basin Biosphere Reserve (photo left), home to 173 species of birds and 41 species of mammals.In the late afternoon visit a local community that demonstrates their cultural traditions including the “Khoomii” throat singing, “Bielgee” folk dance and “Tsuur” ancient musical instrument playing. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 16: Morning transfer to the airport and fly to UB (3 hrs): Have a free afternoon in Ulaanbaatar and overnight in a hotel.

Day 17: Ulaanbaatar. Our last day in Mongolia. Rest or explore on your own before a Farewell Dinner. Transfer to airport for departure.


Trip Cost: -- From US$5,190/person, depending upon group size

Single supplement: US$450/person (single occupancy not available in nomad ger camp)


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For more information and a detailed itinerary... please contact

KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel
Tel: (650) 560-0101/
Fax: 712-8164
699 Spindrift Way, Half Moon Bay,
California 94019 USA
Karma@KarmaQuest.com
Website: www.KarmaQuests.com