After arriving in Ulaanbaatar, fly out to Ulgii or Khovd and spend time a local family, experiencing their rural way of life and learning about the traditions and culture of the Kazakhs in Mongolia.
Transfer through Ulgii to the small community of Altai district with optional activities including learning more about the way of life, a horse trek or full day hike into the mountains.
Head to Deluun, at the foothills of the Khokhserkhiin Nuruu, for a celebration of the Kazakh culture and focuses on the speed, agility and accuracy of the ‘berkut’. The festival provides you with a wealth of cultural experience as you mix in the company of small town folk, nomads and the Kazakh hunters.
Travel back to Ulgii where you will celebrate Nauryz, the first day of spring, before flying back to Ulaanbaatar.
All new travel arrangements benefit from our revised flexible booking conditions, which will remain in place until the end of 2022. If you decide to cancel your trip, by choice or necessity, up to 10 weeks before departure, we will fully refund your deposit (and balance if paid). If you decide to cancel between 10 and 31 days before departure, we will fully refund your balance (if paid), and your deposit will be held as credit to be used on a different trip instead (with no cut off date. This can be transferred to a friend or family member).
Use the following itinerary for inspiration. Remember: all days, hotels and activities can be altered to suit your requirements. A Eternal Landscapes travel specialist will be happy to advise.
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and enjoy a relaxed walking tour that will give you a contrasting insight into a way of life, compared to that of the rural population as you spend the day exploring the city through the eyes of a local.
Included meals: Lunch
Fly out to Ulgii or Khovd where you will transfer by road through the Altai landscapes to the small community of Ulaankhuus.
In this river valley, the Kazakh eagle hunter Bashahan and his family have their winter home where you’ll be warmly welcomed. We leave the plan in the hands of your Kazakh eagle hunter host as this leads to a more respectful and authentic Kazakh experience. Spend time with the family experiencing their rural way of life and learning about the traditions and culture of the Kazakhs in Mongolia.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer through Ulgii, stopping for a hot shower, before you head to the small community of Altai district in the south of Bayan Ulgii Province. Your destination is the winter pasture of Kazakh herder and eagle hunter.
There is nothing planned leading to a more respectful and authentic Kazakh experience. Options include learning more about the way of life, a horse trek or full day hike into the landscapes of the mountains.
At some point during your time in Ulgii you will try ‘Besbarmak’, a dish consisting of boiled horse or mutton.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer by road to the small community of Deluun at the foothills of the Khokhserkhiin Nuruu to expereince the Eagle Festival, a celebration of the Kazakh culture and focuses on the speed, agility and accuracy of the ‘berkut’ (the female Golden Eagle). The festival provides you with a wealth of cultural experience as you mix in the company of small town folk, nomads and the Kazakh hunters.
When it comes to festivals in Mongolia, don’t get caught up in notions of authenticity. The local festivals always feature a lot of local involvement drawing local Mongolian spectators as well as westerners and the locals are always more enthusiastic. They often feel like a party for locals, thrown by locals.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel back to Ulgii where you will be hosted by our Kazakh translator Jako and her family. Celebrate Nauryz, the first day of the spring equinox, with the family.
As well as spending time at the family, visit the market where you can purchase some locally made wool and embroidery crafts and take in the view from Ulgii’s ‘Zaisan’.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar where we’ll transfer you to your accommodation and where you could use our guide to help you to explore the urban side of Mongolian life in downtown Ulaanbaatar.
Included meals: Breakfast
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More dates available | Enquire |
Not sure when you're travelling yet? Looking for a different date? Contact Eternal Landscapes for more information.
EnquireWe booked a 9-day tour with Eternal Landscapes to the Khentii province, probably the most remote and challenging part of Mongolia. I was researching for a novel I'm currently writing, and my family and a friend also wanted to tag along for the adventure. And what an adventure it was! We traveled over 1,300 kms in 2 Russian Furgon vans, following the footsteps of Chinggis Khan and paying homage to the Mongol homelands. I feel somewhat forever changed on a fundamental level by the experience. We have fallen in love with Mongolia and its wonderful people, who are so resilient, resourceful, friendly and forever helpful.
Booking the trip was a lengthy process as our itinerary had to be custom-designed and the owner, Jess, was immensely patient, informative, and extremely helpful. After looking around at a few different tour companies, we decided with Eternal Landscapes because of this and also because of the philosophy that the company operates with. They are very environmentally conscious, taking measures to minimise waste during our travels. They do everything they can to try to give back to the country and the community, giving work to small local businesses and employing women as trip assistants. In a country where it is difficult for women to find work as guides, Eternal Landscapes provides training and support to those that want the opportunity to work in tourism.
A trip that exceeded all my expectations! I cannot thank Eternal Landscapes (Jess Brooks) enough for blessing us with two of the most knowledgeable, friendly, funny and caring people. Please do not hesitate in booking with EL, you won't be disappointed.
We had the most amazing time with Eternal Landscapes. We booked with them because of their ethical and empowering way of working and giving back to the community. If you want to be more than a tourist, we highly recommend them. Jess, the owner was extremely patient and helpful in customising our trip. And even though we never met her, her philosophy and absolutely love and knowledge for the country and its quirks shines through the whole experience.
With such vast landscapes and different way of life, winter is a fantastic way of seeing, appreciating and experiencing the country. And as photographers it was mind blowing. Our tour assistant and driver were both lovely, incredibly accommodating, with a great sense of humour.
This itinerary would cost from $1,795 and $2,825 pp.
Pricing may vary by accommodation choice, group size and time of year.
All meals |
All meals outside of the city of Ulaanbaatar. Mainly prepared and cooked by your local team so they are fresh and it means we offer more flexibility for any dietary requirements. |
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Ground transfers |
Transportation to and from the airport on arrival and departure days and all overland transportation throughout the trip. Each vehicle has a charger for cameras and phones. |
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Guided excursions |
All activities mentioned with a local team of English speaking assistants. |
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Equipment |
We provide each traveller with one of our traditional hand made goatskin blankets, used on top of your sleeping bag, and a pair of Mongolian felt boots to wear during your time in Mongolia. |
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Accommodation |
Basic homestays, staying with local families. Excludes accommodation in Ulaanbaatar at the start and end of your trip. |