Compare Mongolia Golden Eagle Festival by Exodus Travels vs Trans-Siberian Golden Program by Travel All Russia
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 17 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 2,519 | $ 6,498 |
| Price Per Day | $ 148 | $ 464 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | All breakfasts, 14 lunches and 15 dinners are included. Traditional Mongolian diets are very meat and dairy heavy. While there are opportunities to try some of these products, such as dry curd and fermented mare’s milk, the meals provided in the ger camps are generally Western meals, at times with an Asian influence. There is normally some form of soup and salad plus a main course and desert. Vegetarians are generally well catered for; if you are vegetarian or have other dietary requirements, please inform us in advance. Breakfasts can vary from place to place, some are buffets while others are set, normally cereal, bread and possibly a hot dish. On some days, a pack lunch is provided, this is often still a proper meal (though without the soup). Water is provided and is generally from large water containers, so make sure to bring a refillable water bottle. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer, vodka and (most of the time) wine are available to buy at the ger camps. There is the opportunity to buy snacks in Ulaanbaatar and on a couple of other occasions along the way when we drive through towns or villages. |
11 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 2 Dinners |
| Description |
In Mongolia, rolling steppe makes way to stark desert. Across this vast landscape, nomadic ger camps are peppered, camels and goats are herded on horseback, fermented mare’s milk is the tipple of choice, dunes sing and the first intact dinosaur eggs were found. Genghis Khan went forth from here to conquer the biggest land empire in history and, to this day, Buddhist and Animist traditions mix. Join this trip and travel through steppe, mountain and the Gobi Desert to explore the nature and culture of this fascinating, yet little known, country. We also head to its far-western reaches to attend the Eagle Festival, celebrating the fascinating pastime of hunting with eagles and the strong connection the Mongolian people have with their animals and land. For an alternative Eagle Festival itinerary starting in Ulaanbaatar on 22 September 2024, please click here.Discover the nomad culture of Mongolia and eagle hunting in the Altai Mountains |
Set off on an unforgettable journey with our small group tour on the Trans-Mongolian railway line in a group of 8 to 18 travelers, accompanied by our local expert. Enjoy convenient accommodation in hand-picked hotels in the cities as well as onboard the private train car in 1st-class lockable cabins. Visit all must-sees and mingle with locals during your stays. |
Day 1 Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
The adventure begins in Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia. We have a trip briefing with our tour leader this evening followed by a welcome dinner. But if you arrive early and wish to explore, perhaps visit some of the city landmarks, including Sukhbaatar Square (the main square), the National Museum and the State Department Store. Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Drive to Terelj National Park via the Genghis Khan statue
After breakfast, we transfer to Terelj National Park (approximately a two-hour drive), home to fascinating rock formations and green meadows carpeted with wildflowers. On the way, we visit the Genghis Khan statue. Standing 130ft (40m) tall and made of stainless steel, it’s the tallest equestrian statue in the world and quite a sight. We spend the day exploring these and visit the Aryabal Meditation Temple, which offers great views over the park. After lunch at our camp, we make a short trip to visit a local nomadic family to see how they live and hear about the nomadic way of life. Here, we also enjoy a tasting experience of homemade dairy products, such as yoghurt, cheese, curds and traditional salty milk tea. Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 3 Fly to Dalanzadgad; travel through rocky plains of Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park
We have an early morning flight to Dalanzadgad, the capital of the South Gobi province, then proceed to the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. Gobi Gurvansaikhan means ‘Three Beauties of the Gobi’ and this range marks the eastern end of the Gobi Altai mountain range. The park landscape is extremely varied, with rocky and sandy desert plains, precipitous cliffs, ravines, saltpans and oases. We visit a spectacular natural sight of this region: Yolyn Am, which is approximately 31mi (50km) or 1hr 30min drive each way. Yolyn Am means Vulture’s Mouth and is a canyon so deep and narrow that winter ice can remain on the valley floor even in the height of summer. This region is also renowned for the diversity of its wildlife and many endangered species roam here, including Mongolian wild asses, ibex, argali sheep and snow leopards. We explore the canyon before transferring to a nearby ger camp for dinner and our overnight stay. Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 4 Hiking around the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag
Today we drive 45mi (70km) to Bayanzag, popularly known as the Flaming Cliffs, and hike among colourful sands of red, yellow and orange. Bayanzag is a renowned dinosaur fossil exploration site, discovered in the 1920s by Mongolian and American palaeontologists. We are free to explore the region and may even be lucky enough to spot dinosaur fossils. After a picnic lunch, we head to our camp for the afternoon. Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 5 Visit the Singing Dunes, the largest dunes in Mongolia
We have a five-hour drive (125mi/200km) to the Khongoryn Els dunes, which stretch for 125mi (200km) and are as high as 985ft (300m) in places. They are known as the Singing Dunes, because of the beautiful sound that resonates through them on a windy day. Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 6 Explore the Singing Dunes and visit a nomadic camel-breeding family
We have a full day to explore the dunes and surrounding area. We have the opportunity to visit a camel-breeding family and learn about the life of the local nomadic herders. Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 7 Explore the region of Bayan Gobi and the Bichigt Khad petroglyphs
Our journey continues through classic Gobi Desert scenery of flat stony plains with small rocky outcrops and patches of sand across the Khatan Suudal Steppe. We stop for a picnic lunch and then continue our drive to the Bayan mountains to view the Bichigt Khad petroglyphs. The rock inscriptions and pictures here date to 3000 BCE; we see paintings including depictions of ibex, argali and men riding horses. It is possible to see some of these from the vehicles (better with binoculars) but, for those who wish, it is also possible to hike up to the cliffs for a closer inspection of these Bronze Age works of art (the main cliff is a steep climb for 195ft/60m and walking poles are required so we usually visit the smaller cliff, which is more accessible). We are in the vehicles almost all day today and cover approximately 240mi (385km). Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 8 Transfer to Arvaikheer via Ikh Bogd mountain
First, we drive to Tsagaan Agui (White Cave), then pass over Taats River, from where the majestic Ikh Bogd mountain (the highest mountain in the Gobi Altai range) should be visible in the distance. We stop for a picnic lunch and then skirt the eastern edge of Ikh Bogd. We then drive to Arvaikheer, the capital of Ovorkhangai Aimag, on the northern edge of the Gobi. We cover around 260mi (415km) today – expect to be on the go for approximately 11 hours. Accommodation: Standard hotel
Day 9 Visit Arvaikheer Museum; to Kharkhorin via Shankh Monastery
This morning, we visit Arvaikheer local market and the museum, which contains nature collections, stone figures and Turkic scripts. After lunch, we set off for Kharkhorin, stopping en route to visit Shankh Monastery, once the home of the great Mongolian theorist Zanabazar. We arrive to camp in the evening in time for dinner. Total driving: approximately 93mi (150km), four hours Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 10 Visit Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery; drive to the Little Gobi Desert
This morning, we visit the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. It was established by Ogedei Khan and remained the Mongol power base until Kublai Khan established Beijing as the capital. Erdene Zuu (Hundred Treasures) Monastery was the largest monastery in Mongolia, built in 1586 under the direction of Abtai Khan on the ruins of the ancient capital. Much of the monastery was destroyed during Stalin’s purges of the 1930s, but an impressive wall with 108 stupas and several temples remain. After lunch, we drive (for about two hours) to the Mongol Els, or Little Gobi Desert as it is known, a unique belt of dunes in the steppe. We check into a nearby ger camp and head out to explore the region. It is an incredible sight to witness the bactrian camels wandering the desert dunes while horses graze on the green steppe nearby. We also visit Khogno Khan mountain, a small temple at its base. This region is also renowned for its birdlife, including steppe eagles. Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 11 Transfer to Khustain Nuruu National Park trek to see wild horses
In the morning, we drive for three hours (125mi/200km) to Khustain Nuruu National Park, famous for the re-introduction of Mongolia’s wild horse. The Przewalski’s horse (or takhi horse) almost became extinct, but thanks to the efforts of several Mongolian and international organisations, these magnificent wild horses now roam the steppes of the park. We visit the Project Information Centre and take a guided hike to see the wild horses. Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 12 Drive to Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, we drive back to Ulaanbaatar city. You have the afternoon free to relax or explore the city. In the evening, we have the option to see a live performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance. Performed by the Tumen Ekh dance troupe, we see throat singers, contortionists and Tsam dancers. Total driving: Approximately 130mi (210km), four hours Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)
Day 13 Fly to Olgii; visit a nomadic Kazakh village
In the morning, we fly to Olgii in western Mongolia, from where we drive offroad for about an hour to Sagsai village. Here, we visit a Kazakh family home. We spend the day seeing how they go about daily life, taking care of and milking the cows, goats and sheep. We can also sample their traditional food and taste homemade yak cheese and yogurt. This is a great opportunity to understand the life of a nomadic family and to experience their friendliness and hospitality. In the afternoon, we return to Olgii and stay overnight at a ger camp. Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 14 Eagle Festival
Today we attend the Eagle Festival. For the first day of the festival, we see the competition for the best Kazakh costume, horse racing and archery. In the evening, we enjoy a cultural performance in the local theatre. Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 15 Another day at the Eagle Festival
Today we have another chance to witness the competitions and events of the Eagle Festival. We can see a demonstration from the eagles and their hunters, a camel race and the lively sport of kukhbar (in which two horseback riders wrestle over the possession of a goat skin). After enjoying the festivities, we return to camp for dinner. Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 16 Fly to Ulaanbaatar; free time in the city
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for a mid-morning flight to Ulaanbaatar, arriving midday. We transfer to the hotel and freshen up before a light lunch. This afternoon is free for last-minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping around UB – cashmere, leather goods and traditional handicrafts are all good options and the guide can recommend the best places to go for these. Night owls may want to sample the Ulaanbaatar nightlife! Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)
Day 17 End in Ulaanbaatar
The tour ends after breakfast today and we begin our return journeys home, full of tales and magnificent photos to share.
Day 1: Arrival in Moscow
Transfer
Welcome to the gorgeous capital of Russia - Moscow! Your driver meets you at the airport and transfers you to your centrally located hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is free so you can relax in your cozy room, dine in one of the nearby restaurants or start exploring the charming city center on your own.
Optional pre-tour extension available: Begin your journey with an exploration of the legendary Venice of the North and the brilliant Northern capital of Russia - St. Petersburg. Contact your travel specialist for details.
Day 2: Exploring the Kremlin, Armoury Chamber & the Heart of Moscow
Meals: Breakfast
City tour
This day is dedicated to the exploration of one of the most outstanding Moscow icons - the Kremlin and the heart of Moscow - the Red Square.
Following breakfast you meet your guide at the hotel lobby and walk to the Kremlin territory where you have a chance to explore the gems hidden behind the Kremlin walls such as the Cathedral Square and the Assumption and Annunciation cathedrals.
Then you visit the famous Armoury Chamber that houses a unique collection of crown jewels, stunning coronation finery, hand-forged armor and weapons, royal carriages and sleighs, and world-famous Fabergé eggs.
After a short break for coffee you take a walk through the beautiful Red Square, go inside the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral and explore the famous GUM department store.
After the tour you walk back to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.
Day 3: Visiting the Tretyakov Gallery & Moscow Subway Ride
Meals: Breakfast
Museum
City tour
This morning is free for you to continue exploring the magnificent Moscow city center on your own. In the afternoon you check out from your hotel, meet your guide and enjoy a guided tour of the world-famous treasure trove of the Russian fine art, the Tretyakov Gallery, where you have amazing time viewing the gems of its collection, including the famous masterpieces of Ivan Aivazovsky, Mikhail Vrubel, and Viktor Vasnetsov.
After the tour of the Tretyakov Gallery you have a quick subway ride to explore the most beautiful stations of Moscow Subway, which is known to be one of the most beautiful and efficient metro systems in the world. Then you see the spectacular Cathedral of Christ the Savior and learn the story of its destruction and reconstruction.
Today you also have a chance to enjoy one of the best city views at Sparrow Hills and see the grand building of Moscow State University, the highest of seven Stalinist skyscrapers of Moscow.
After the tour you are transferred to the train station where you board your train and start your amazing journey across Eurasia!
Note: 2019 small group tour itinerary includes 2 program days with a sightseeing tour of Kazan and a day trip to Sviyazhsk. Two nights at the Kazan centrally located hotel are also included.
Day 4: Arrival in Ekaterinburg
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer
In the evening you arrive in Yekaterinburg. Your driver meets you at the train station and transfers you to your centrally located hotel for overnight.
Day 5: Last Days of Russian Imperial Family Tour in Ekaterinburg
Meals: Breakfast
City tour
During the tour you take a walk through the historical city center, visit Ural Craftsman Lane where you can buy some traditional hand-made souvenirs, see the magnificent architectural ensemble of the Rastorguev - Haritonov’s House and take a trip to the famous Europe-Asia monument where you can happily experience being at two places at once putting one foot in Europe and the other in Asia.
The second part of your tour is dedicated to the last days of the Russian Imperial Family. You visit the Church on Blood built on the site of the notorious Ipatiev House, where the last Russian Emperor, Nicolas II, and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918.
The last stop for today is the first burial place of the tsar’s family - the Monastery Complex “Ganina Yama” that now consists of seven chapels - one for each member of the royal family.
After the tour you return to your hotel to take some rest before you are transferred to the station and board your train to Irkutsk.
Day 6: On Board the Train
Meals: Breakfast
You spend this day on board the train enjoying fantastic scenery passing by your window and a company of your fellow travelers from all over the world.
Day 7: On Board the Train
You spend this day on board your train enjoying fantastic scenery passing by your window and a company of your fellow travelers from all over the world.
Day 8: Listvyanka Village Tour & Lake Baikal Cruise
Meals: Lunch
City tour
Museum
In the morning you arrive to Irkutsk. Upon arrival, you are transferred right to the Lake Baikal shore and check in to your hotel. On the way you make a stop at a local cafe for breakfast (not included).
After some rest you enjoy a guided tour around Listvyanka Village. During the tour you visit the Baikal Limnological Museum and Aquarium that houses an interesting display of the unique flora and fauna of the lake.
Then you take a chair-lift to the nearby viewpoint to take some magnificent panoramic pictures of Baikal, view the Chersky Rock and visit the 19th century wooden St. Nicolas church and spend some time at a local fish market where you see a great variety of fish and different ways of cooking it.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we invite you for an exclusive experience - a private 3-hour cruise on Lake Baikal. Together with the guide you board a ship that takes you to one of the first Baikal railroad stations. After you get ashore, you walk to the tunnels of the old railroad and take magnificent pictures. On the way back you relax on the open-air deck with a cup of hot Siberian tea and local candies, listening to the stories about the life of locals.
After the cruise you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.
Day 9: Trip to Taltsy Village & Irkutsk City Tour
Meals: Breakfast
City tour
Day tour
After breakfast you check out from your hotel and say "Good-bye" to Lake Baikal! Your guide and driver take you on a trip to the open-air museum of wooden architecture located in Taltsy Village.
This reconstructed Siberian village consists of a number of buildings that were threatened with flooding when the Irkutsk Dam was constructed on the Angara River. All the buildings at the Taltsy museum were rescued from the rising waters and brought here to serve as models of Irkutsk regional architecture.
Your driver takes you then to Irkutsk for a guided tour around the most remarkable city's attractions.
You first walk along Angara River embankment - the most popular meeting place among the locals - to an eternal flame and the monument to explorer Yakov Pohabov, the founder of the city. You proceed to the only Catholic Cathedral in Irkutsk, the beautiful Polish Roman Church, located in the historical part of Irkutsk.
You are then driven to one of the main monasteries in Siberia - Sigh Monastery also known as the Znamensky Monastery. You also explore the Kazan Church, which with its Byzantine style decorations looks like a fairy tower, and Block 130, the historical zone with many colorful wooden houses and buildings constructed in the 17th century.
After the tour you are transferred to centrally located hotel for check-in.
Day 10: On Board the Train
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer
After breakfast, you check out from your hotel, and your driver transfers you to the train station. You board a train that takes you to the final destination of your Trans-Siberian tour - Ulan Bator.
You spend this day on board your train enjoying fantastic scenery passing by your window and a company of your fellow travelers from all over the world.
Day 11: Visiting the Gandan Monastery & Trip to Gorkhi-Terelji National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day tour
In the morning you arrive in the capital of Mongolia - Ulan Bator. Your driver meets you at the train station and takes you to your hotel to freshen up and have breakfast.
Later you meet your guide and explore the legendary Mongolian Buddhist Gandan Monastery in Ulan Bator. You then depart from the capital and in about 1.5 hours arrive to the camp and enjoy traditional lunch.
Later you take the tour of the picturesque Gorkhi-Terelji National Park and visit its most popular attractions, including the famous Turtle Rock and the Aryabal Temple located on a steep hill. At the entrance to the temple’s grounds there is a long walking path leading to the set of 108 steep stairs that symbolize the elephant’s elongated trunk. You can rise up to the temple and admire the magnificent view of surrounding valleys.
In the evening you enjoy a 1-hour pony riding and have dinner at the camp. You spend this night in a traditional Mongolian yurt.
Day 12: Meeting a Nomadic Family & Exploring the Genghis Khan Statue
Meals: Breakfast
Day tour
Following breakfast at the ger camp you meet your guide and start the day with a visit to a nomadic family to learn more about their culture, authentic lifestyle and traditions.
You continue to the banks of the Tuul River where an iconic 40-meters tall equestrian statue of Genghis Khan is located. During the tour you explore the interiors of the statue, see a replica of Genghis Khan’s legendary golden whip and walk through the chest and neck of the statue's horse up to its head. At the top you enjoy an excellent view of the complex area and the surrounding scenery.
After a break for lunch you make your way to the famous Zaisan Hill which offers the best panorama of Ulan Bator and then to the cashmere factory where you learn how raw materials are being transformed into thread and then into clothing.
Later you are transferred to your hotel in Ulan Bator and have the rest of the day free.
Day 13: City Tour & Folk Show in Ulan Bator
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
City tour
Show
After breakfast you meet your guide at the hotel lobby and go on a walking city tour around the most interesting attractions of Ulan Bator.
During the tour you visit the National Museum of Mongolia, one of the leading museums in the whole country and the one which is responsible for preserving Mongolian cultural heritage. You also stroll along the main streets of the city, see the Parlament house and walk through the central Sukhbaatar Square formerly known as Genghis Khan Square.
After the tour you return to the hotel to take some rest or continue exploring the city center on your own. In the evening you attend an amazing Mongolian folk show at the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet (the show venue is located within the walking distance from your hotel). After the show you are invited to the restaurant to have a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 14: Departure from Ulan Bator
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer
This is the final day of your amazing Trans-Siberian train tour! Following breakfast you check out from the hotel and your guide transfers you to the airport for your flight back home. We wish you a safe flight and hope to work on your future trips!
Optional post-tour extension: Continue your journey further to Beijing and spend 4 days exploring this Chinese gem or to Vladivostok to visit one of the most significant Russian ports located on the western shores of the Sea of Japan. Contact your travel specialist for details.
