Compare Mongolia Trek by Tusker Trail vs Golden eagle festival tour by Nomadic of Blue Sky
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 4,640 | $ 2,371 |
| Price Per Day | $ 309 | $ 263 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
The food on camping trips is from the best produce available, and the menus are possibly the most varied you will find in Mongolia. Mongolia is mostly a non-vegetarian country, but we can cater to vegetarians upon request. However, we require as much early notice as possible. Our cooks are all Mongolian and they have a wealth of experience in catering for the western traveler. You will also eat some Mongolian food on trips. We try to buy as much produce as possible from local people, though there is not a lot of variety. Alcohol is not provided on the treks, but clients are free to bring their own. On trips staying in ger camps, food is provided by the camp. Again, the cooks are Mongolian but the food tends to be a little less varied with a strong emphasis on meat, rice, pasta, and potatoes. Vegetarians can be accommodated but will probably end up eating a lot of eggs. |
| Description |
We spend our days journeying through pristine alpine terrain. Venturing through a hidden world, we cross the river valleys of the Altai Mountains over lush tundra and open steppe. Glaciers rumble in the distance while frothy white rivers plunge through emerald green meadows into smoothly sculpted lakes. Nomadic Kazakh people who continue their 1,000-year old tradition of hunting with Golden Eagles, welcome us into their warm and colorful felt-lined tents. We witness traditional Kazakh games on horseback, and find ourselves invited to local ceremonies. |
Golden eagle festival is quite famous celebration in Mongolia. The festival is only hold by Kazakh people living far northern border of Mongolia. Kazakhs are famous for their ability to hunt preys such as wolves, foxes |
Day 1-2: Arrive Mongolia
Accommodation: Ulaan Bataar Hotel
Our Mongolia trek begins when you arrive in Mongolia’s capital, Ulaan Bataar. Our second day is spent on a tour of this bustling city, where we visit the Gandang monastery, as well as some fascinating museums. Overnight at Platinum Hotel or similar.
Day 3: Fly to Bayan Ulgii
A 3 hour flight west takes us to Bayan Ulgii. We drop our gear at our Ger Camp, modeled after the traditional nomadic camps, then explore Ulgii's busy outdoor market and sleepy town. Overnight at the Ger Camp.
Day 4-5: Drive to Khoton Nuur
A full day's drive to the west takes us through the small town of Tsengel on our way to Khoton Nuur. After crossing the rickety bridge over the Khovd River, we set up camp for two days on the magnificent lakeshore.
This is where our trek begins and, if you plan to ride, where you meet your horse. We visit the local Kazakh nomads in their Gers (tents), and learn about their age-old traditions and attend the exciting horse games.
Day 6: Upper Khoton Nuur
Our crew loads up our camels, and we start trekking through the Alpine forest, heading north. We cross a few glacial rivers, following the lakeshore to upper Khoton Nuur. Our campsite is located near a small river with a majestic view of the lake and mountains.
Day 7: Cheben Hill
We cross over to the east side of the Tsagaan Gol River, and continue up through the river valley and set up camp on Cheben Hill overlooking the beautiful grassy plains below.
The glacial depression that contains Khoton Lake is marked by horizontal benches that reveal ancient lake levels; probably the result of glacial dams that periodically built up and broke away. The Tsagaan Us River is one of three tributaries to Khoton Lake, flowing south from the Tavn Bogd glaciers through the heart of the Altai Mountains.
Day 8: Yak Milk Valley
Descending Cheben Hill toward the river junction, we trek up the river gorge on the eastern bank of the Tsagaan Gol River. We're at the halfway point of our trek, so we spend an extra night here. Spectacularly located in a wide valley, shouldered by high snowcapped mountains, the white Tsagaan River flows right in front of our camp.
Day 9: Sheveed Uul Gorge
Ready for the mountain pass ahead, we trek out of the river gorge, and cross the 10,350 ft. mountain pass. If there has been any precipitation, we might be hiking part of the day through snow, and will have to dig a path through it. We set up camp at Sheveed Uul Gorge on the other side of the pass.
Day 10-11: Tsagaan Gol River
Heading downhill, we stop to visit some of the local Tuvan people who follow traditional Shamanistic beliefs. Then we descend into the Tsagaan River valley. This is an exciting river crossing on horseback to our campsite.
Day 12: Tavn Bogd Base Camp
We trek for 10 miles today to the National Park base camp at the foot of the magnificent Altai Tavn Bogd Glaciers. The Potanini glacier lies at the foot of Khuiten Peak (14,350 ft.) the highest point in Mongolia.
Nearby, Nairamdal Peak (13,392 ft.) marks the triple border point common to Mongolia, Russia and China. The climate in this high mountain area can be extreme and since it is above the tree line there is very little vegetation, giving the surrounding landscape a barren appearance. Very few species have adapted to these harsh conditions and the area is characterized by tundra, lichen-covered rocks, alpine meadows and high mountain swamps.
Day 13: Bayan Ulgii
Our last day takes us north and east to the Ranger station. We unload the camels, and meet our vehicles, heading back to Bayan Ulgii. We overnight at the Ger Camp in Bayan Ulgii.
Day 14-15: Fly to Ulaan Bataar - Fly Home
A short drive takes us to the nearby Ulgii airport for our flight to Ulaan Bataar. We overnight at thePlatinum Hotel or similar.
On our last day we drive to the Ulaan Bataar airport to catch our flights home.
Day 1: Meeting day / Sep 13, 2022 /
Our guide will meet you at airport upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar city/capital of Mongolia/ and take you to the hotel you stay. Free at leisure for the rest of the day. Prepare yourself; on the most of days of this tour, we'll spend a several hours on the road. Note: the camera with full battery, torch, and other stuffs/suitable clothing for horse/camel riding/.
Overnight in Hotel
Meals included
Day 2: Journey to Terelj National park / Sep 14, 2022 /
In the early morning our experienced driver and guide will pick you up from the hotel you stay. Then we will head to Terelj National Park located 75 km on the side, on the way you will explore Ovoo-the pile of sacred stones, according to the local legend, espirit of nature dwells in the heaped Rocks which was set for god of nature and blue sky. Terelj National Park is Mongolian's best known national park for good reason, it was created in 1965, popular among the Mongolians for its magnificent granite rocky hills, rock formation especielly Turtle Rock and the green forests.On the way to park you will visit to Biggest Equestrian Statue in the world /Chingis Khaan/, and Meditation Monastery. Stay overnight in nomadic family experiencing nomads's everyday life, milk production and livestock in the pasture.
Overnight in Ger camp Meals:B,L,D
Day 3: Back to Ulaanbaatar / Sep 15, 2022 /
After lunch in the National park we will drive back to Ulaanbaatar. For the rest of the day, You will have a break at the Hotel.
Overnight in Hotel Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Fly to Bayan-Ulgii / Sep 16, 2022/
Early in the morning drive to Airport and fly to Bayan-Ulgii province for 3 hours. It is located in far western part of Mongolia, 1700 km from Ulaanbaatar city. Exploring Ulgii town.
Overnight in Local Hotel Meals: B,L,D
Day 5: Golden eagle festival opening ceremony. / Sep 17, 2022 /
The golden eagle festival is held annualy in Bayn-Olgii province as organized event. During the Golden Eagle festivel, they celebrate this festival to show their ancester's heritage competing each other with their well-trained eagles that catch small animals, such as hares, fox even wolves. By doing this, they both show their skills and abilities. Prizes are awarded for their speed, agility, and accuracy, as well as best traditional Kazakh dress and more.
Stay overnigh in Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Second day of "Golden eagle festival" / Sep 18, 2022 /
Enjoy the Golden eagle Festival. Dark, rocky mountainous terrain forms the backdrop to the festivities which incorporate an opening ceremony, parade, cultural exhibitions, demonstrations and handcrafts in the center of town of Ulgii followed by sporting activities and competitions 4 km out towards the mountains. Dressed in full eagle hunting regalia and mounted on groomed decorated horses, the entrants compete for the awards of Best Turned out Eagle and Owner; Best Eagle at Hunting Prey and Best Eagle at Locating Its Owner from a Distance. Other sporting activities include horse racing, archery and the highly entertaining Bushkashi - goatskin tug of war on horseback.
Overnight: in Hotel or Ger camp Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Visiting eagle hunting family / Sep 19, 2022 //
With only around 400 traditional eagle hunters left in the world, the custom is precious and unless your father was an eagle hunter, you cannot become one. “They have to endure many hours of horse riding with a 7 to 9kg golden eagle on their arms in extremely cold weather.” Each eagle is taken from the wild at a young age - either straight from the nest or once the mother has taught them basic hunting skills - and hunters will embark on rigorous training to hone their skills. “As soon as the eagle reaches 10-years-old - half of their life expectancy - they are returned to nature to breed again and have a normal life with another eagle.” Only female eagles are used for hunting as they tend to be bigger, stronger, more agile and far more focussed while hunting down their prey.
Stay overnigh in Hotel or Ger camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Fly back to Ulaanbaatar / Sep 20, 2022 /
After breakfast we will drive to local airport and flight to Ulaanbaatar for 2.5 hours. All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy time. If we've got time left, you can do the shopping or cultural show.
Overnight in hotel Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Departure / Sep 21, 2022 /
We will take you to the airport. Check your items when you're leaving the hotel. Good luck for your next trip.
