Tour itinerary
Day 1-2. (Feb 14-15) Mongolian New Year Day in Tuv province.
Meet in Ulaanbaatar. Drive to the “Secret History of the Mongols” tourist camp in Tuv province. (120 km). Not only Mongolia, but also a number of Eastern and Central Asian countries follow, since ancient times, the Lunar Calendar with its 12 animal cycles. The Mongolian New Year, according to the oriental calendar, is called “Tsagaan Sar”, which is translated as “White Month”. We will visit a local nomad family and have an opportunity to experience their way of life, culture and traditions. Explore the nomad lifestyle and celebrate the Lunar New Year with Mongolian nomads. You will be encouraged to join in for the most honored Mongolian meals. Overnight in the tourist camp. (L+D)
Day 3. (Feb 16) Horse races, Hustai National Park
After breakfast we will drive west to Hustai National Park. Enjoy the horse races. We will explore the extraordinary spot where the Takhi wild horses graze. Takhi horses were reintroduced from Holland to Mongolia as part of the “Takhi” International Project. Overnight in the tourist camp. (B+L+D)
Day 4. (Feb 17) Mongolian Eagle Festival in Terelj National Park.
Today is Hunter Eagle Festival Day. Drive to the Terelj National Park where the festival’s opening ceremony will begin at around 10:00 AM, then enjoy an introduction to the Eagle Festival, as well as the Hunters’ Show displaying traditional native outfits, the eagle hunting competition and many more activities. You'll explore the extraordinary rock and stone formations; some of them look quite similar to turtles. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Overnight at a hotel. (B+L+D)
Day 5. (Feb 18) Fly to South Gobi and Camel Festival.
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for the morning flight to Dalanzadgad, capital of the Southern Gobi province (1.5 hours). Upon arrival, drive to the tourist camp (2 hours). The Camel Festival begins at Bulgan soum (40 minutes driving) with a “parade” of camel riders. Competitions for the day include “best looking couple on camelback”, most adorable male and female camels as well as a camel polo competition which takes place in the central square. There’s also an exhibition of paintings by local children who participate in the drawing contest called “Camel– My Friend”. Overnight in the tourist camp. (B+L+D)
Day 6. (Feb 19) Camel Festival
The competition begins with a race of mature camels followed by the racing of the two-year-old camels. For your own enjoyment, you may place bets on the camels. The first three camels in each group are awarded the gold, silver and bronze medals. In the afternoon, one of the most awaited competitions begins. This is called “The Camel Relay”, a competition consisting of catching, taming, training and, finally, loading a camel with an actual ger. There are several groups with five members, each of which have different roles in the contest. The closing ceremony takes place late in the afternoon when the winners will be presented with their trophies. Overnight in the tourist camp. (B+L+D)
Day 7. (Feb 20) Flight to Ulaanbaatar
Up early for your drive back to South Gobi and your return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to your hotel. Relax and overnight at the hotel. (B)
Day 8. (Feb 21) Flight to the Huvsgul National Park
In the morning meet at the hotel. Drive to the airport for your flight to Murun, the capital of Huvsgul province (1.5 hours). Upon arrival in Murun, a local driver will take you to Huvsgul National Park. Enjoy hiking by the lakeshore and overnight in the tourist camp. (B+L+D)
Day 9. (Feb 22) Ice Festival opening ceremony
After breakfast, attend the Ice Festival opening ceremony, Ice Creation Competition, Ice Sumo Wrestling, Ankle Bone Shooting, the Shaman Ceremony and the National Folklore Concert. After lunch, visit Horidol Saridag Mountain to meet a reindeer breeding family and explore their traditions and nomadic lives. Overnight in the tourist camp. (B+L+D)
Day 10. (Feb 23) Ice Festival and International Marathon
Following breakfast enjoy the Reindeer Sleigh Event, Competition of Horse Sledding and Reindeer Sledding on the ice-covered lake, Competition of driving jeeps on ice, skating, fishing and games, Lunch is followed by a horse sledding trip on the ice of Khuvsgul Lake. Later, enjoy a horse riding trip along the lakeshore. Overnight in the tourist camp. (B+L+D)
Day 11. (Feb 24) Flight to Ulaanbaatar
Today you will be driven back to Murun with your guide for your return flight to Ulaanbaatar to end your trip. (B)
B- Breakfast L- Lunch D- Dinner
Services included in
the cost
- Twin bedded rooms in a hotel***
- Accommodations in tourist ger camps
- Domestic flights
- Guiding and interpreting service
- All meals as listed in the itinerary
- Daily supply of bottled water
- Transfers by vehicle 4x4
- Local guide
- All entrance fees
- Horse and camel ride trial
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Services
not included in the cost
- International airfare
- Optional activity cost
- Alcoholic drinks
- Travel Insurance
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