Contact us:
+44 (0) 7810280403
jess@eternal-landscapes.co.uk
+44 (0) 7810280403
jess@eternal-landscapes.co.uk
Experience Tsagaan Sar through the eyes of three of the rural families, one of the most important and traditional of celebrations in Mongolia.
Greet the first sunrise of the new year with your host Nergui and his family before travelling to Khogno Khan Nature Reserve to explore Erdene Khambiin Khid and the ruined Ovgon Khiid Monastery or camel trek along the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes. Travel to the Orkhon River Valley, one of Mongolia’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, before returning to Ulaanbaatar, where you will experience the Lunar New Year as it is for urban Mongolians.
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.
After arriving in Ulaanbaatar, the informal city walking tour will give you an insight into the way of life, compared to that of the rural population, as you spend the day exploring the city through the eyes of a local.
You’ll also visit the Black Market to buy a Mongolian del for the Tsagaan Sar celebrations.
Included meals: Lunch, Snacks
After a 6 to 7 hour drive, arrive at Erdenedalai, Mongolian for Jewel Ocean, although far from the ocean this small town located in the middle of the Gobi steppe and provides a genuine insight into everyday life in Mongolia.
On arrival, receive a warm welcome from your host Nergui and his family. You’ll change into your Mongolian Tsagaan Sar clothing and start the Bituun celebrations. On this day Mongolian families eat to be full – it is believed that if you stay hungry you will be hungry for the coming year.
The next morning wake up before dawn and join the head of the family in greeting the first sunrise of the new year. You’ll visit the family ovoo, a traditional stone shrine, and be part of this sacred ceremony.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Staying with a local herding family. Hot showers might be available at the local town shower house with your own private cubicle. Queue with the locals and enjoy experiencing a little of their daily way of life.
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After another 6 hour drive, you'll arrive at Khogno Khan, a sacred granite mountain within an area of secluded valleys, fresh water springs, open steppe and the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes.
You can explore the mountain on a 3-hour hike to the small working temple of Erdene Khambiin Khid and the ruined Ovgon Khiid Monastery or camel trek along the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes.
Your host, Davaasuren, is a at his happiest on showing off his home landscapes of Khogno Khan. He’s a bit of a entertainer as well and his camel treks can include sand sculpting, impromptu wrestling matches and singing.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At Khogno Khan, we work in long-term local community partnership with the Davaasuren family who have lived in the region their whole life. Using the guest ger accommodation that Davaasuren and his family provide allows you to experience their daily life side by side with them.
However, please understand though that as their way of life is simple, so are the facilities they provide. The family offer 4-6 guest gers alongside their own family ger.
The family keep a small number of livestock - including horses & camels. They are a quiet couple who are always happy to welcome guests. They are located in an idyllic spot at the foot of the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes where they live all year round.
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Travel to the Orkhon River Valley, one of Mongolia’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This region is considered the cradle of Mongolian civilisation and an area rich in nomadic life as the Orkhon River provides as essential lifeline for nomads and their livestock.
Day two is left flexible to be more respectful and encourage a naturally Mongolian experience, but you could visit Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of Ogodei Khan and the Mongol Empire, visit Erdene Zuu, Mongolia’s oldest monastery and the excellent Kharkhorin Museum with exhibits based on the history surrounding the Orkhon River Valley and the Turkish and Mongol Empire.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tumee and Jargaa are modern-day herders, a strong part of the local community and move up to six times a year. They are local to the area - they both went to school in the region and one of their adult sons is a member of the Genghis Khan Polo Club. They are considered integral members of their local community. Although they agree their way of life has challenges, they love it for the sense of freedom it provides.
Basic but private ger next to family ger. You will have to share a ger with 2-4 other members of the group. Basic long drop outside toilet and no showers. Hot shower available at the local town shower house – your own private cubicle with plenty of hot water. Queue with the locals and enjoy experiencing a little of their daily way of life.
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After a 7 to 8 hour drive, arrive back as Ulaanbaatar where you'll visit the home of one of your Mongolian trip assistants to experiencie the Lunar New Year as it is for urban Mongolians.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Not sure when you're travelling yet? Looking for a different date? Contact Eternal Landscapes for more information.
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Accommodation is a mixture of homestays with local families and private gers, a traditional circular tent, with basic amenities as well as self booked accommodation at the start and end of your trip.
Staying with a local herding family. Hot showers might be available at the local town shower house with your own private cubicle. Queue with the locals and enjoy experiencing a little of their daily way of life.
Talk to usStaying with a local herding family...
At Khogno Khan, we work in long-term local community partnership with the Davaasuren family who have lived in the region their whole life. Using the guest ger accommodation that Davaasuren and his family provide allows you to experience their daily life side by side with them.
However, please understand though that as their way of life is simple, so are the facilities they provide. The family offer 4-6 guest gers alongside their own family ger.
The family keep a small number of livestock - including horses & camels. They are a quiet couple who are always happy to welcome guests. They are located in an idyllic spot at the foot of the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes where they live all year round.
Talk to usAt Khogno Khan, we work in long-term local community partnership with the Davaasuren family who have lived in the region their whole life...
Tumee and Jargaa are modern-day herders, a strong part of the local community and move up to six times a year. They are local to the area - they both went to school in the region and one of their adult sons is a member of the Genghis Khan Polo Club. They are considered integral members of their local community. Although they agree their way of life has challenges, they love it for the sense of freedom it provides.
Basic but private ger next to family ger. You will have to share a ger with 2-4 other members of the group. Basic long drop outside toilet and no showers. Hot shower available at the local town shower house – your own private cubicle with plenty of hot water. Queue with the locals and enjoy experiencing a little of their daily way of life.
Talk to usTumee and Jargaa are modern-day herders, a strong part of the local community and move up to six times a year...
We 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 $840 and $1,150 pp.
Pricing may vary by accommodation choice, group size and time of year.
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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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Accommodation |
A mixture of homestays with local families and private gers, a traditional circular tent, with basic amenities. Excludes accommodation in Ulaanbaatar at the start and end of your trip. |
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Ground transfers |
All overland transportation throughout the trip in a 4×4 Russian Furgon van and airport transfers. Each vehicle has a charger for cameras and phones. |
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Guided excursions |
All activities mentioned. |
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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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