Tour Itinerary

Day 1, OCT 1. Arrival in Ulgii/Tsagaan salaa rock painting

Flight to Ulgii. Drive to Tsagaan salaa valley /160km/.

Tsagaan Salaa rock paintings are located in the most western part of Mongolia. In 2011, all the Mongolian Altai’s petroglyphs were inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage. Tsagaan Salaa is one of the sites concerned by this protection.

The site is located inside Altai Tavan Bogd National Park and covers 15 square kilometres. We can see about 10000 paintings on the rocks that scatter the southern part of the white river, “Tsagaan Gol”. This important collection of pictograms dates back to a large period going from Neolithic to Bronze Age, and mainly represents hunting and breeding scenes (with herds or lonely animals).

These rock paintings are an important treasure for many reasons: not only because they’re very numerous, but also because the painted subjects and their composition have a big expressiveness and are real historical and artistic witnesses of a period. Relating the transition between a primary society, based on hunting and picking, and a breeding society, they give us precious information about the beginnings of nomadic pastoral economy in Mongolia.

Overnight at winter house local nomadic family. /L,D/

Day 2, OCT 2. Khurgan&Khoton lake

Drive to Khoton  and Khurgan lake /180km/

Khoton & Khurgan are glacial, freshwater lakes, located in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park in Bayan-Ulgii, the westernmost province of Mongolia. Two lakes connected to each other by a short (2 km long) pipeline and the lakes feed the Khovd River. 2 lakes situated at an elevation of around 1900m, which is the lowest point of the Mongol Altai Mountains. The lake's average depth is 26.6 m; the maximum depth reaches approximately 58m.

Overnight at winter house local nomadic family. /B,L,D/

Day 3, OCT 3. Baga Turgen waterfall.

Drive/hike to Baga Turgen waterfall. There are several waterfalls among the outstanding nature of the Turgen Mountains in western Mongolia. One of them is Baga Turgen waterfall in Turgen gorge near the western shore of the picturesque Khoton and Khurgan Lakes. The glacier waterfall falls from 36 m cliff and divided into two waterfalls. The bigger waterfall heights 23 m while the smaller one falls from 13 m. The pristine Turgen valley is an ideal place for hiking and has some historical relicts. Drive to Ulgii.

Farewell dinner. Overnight at tourist camp Altai Lodge. /B,L,D/

Day 4, OCT 4. The Golden Eagle Festival

Opening Ceremony/Competition

The official opening ceremony commences with the participants parading in on horseback 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. The eagles will be released from a cliff and their owner will stand below and signal for them to land upon their arm, as they do during hunting. Those with the fastest times and best technique will be awarded the highest scores. In the evening, attend a Kazakh play in honor of the Kazakhs and their eagles.

Overnight at ger camp in Altai Lodge. /B, L, D/

Day 5, OCT 5. Eagle Festival Continues

Competition / Awards Ceremony

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 competitions are being tallied, the Kazakhs will compete in their traditional game called “kukbar” which tests 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.

Overnight at ger camp in Altai Lodge. Farewell dinner. /B,L,D/

Day 6, OCT 6. Departure

Transfer to the airport for departure. /B/

INCLUDED:

• Internal flights
• English speaking guide.
• All meals included
• All transportation in Mongolia.
• National park fees
• Ger camp fees
• Camping gear, including dinning tent, tables and chairs etc
• Camp crew
• Visa support
• Camels and yardman fee
• All accommodations during the program
• Cook

EXCLUDED:

• Alcohol beverages
• visa fee
• travel insurance,
• optional tipping camping crew,
• pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations.
• International flights
• Individual equipments
• Drinks and extra charges in hotels and inns
• All costs not specified in “Included”