Category: Winter tours & Migration

Categories
Destinations by country Duration Halal tour Horse riding Mongolia More than 8 days Photo/filming Theme Where Winter tours & Migration

Reindeer herders & Eagle Festival

Day 1 Arrive in UB
Arrive UB airport and meet by our Blue Wolf team. Takes approx 45min to transfer to hotel. 
After a short rest to freshen-up we will do a sight -seeing tour of Ulaanbaatar, focusing on such significant cultural sites as Gandan Buddhist Monastery, the Zanzabar Fine Arts Museum, which holds the finest collection of thangka paintings, carvings and sculptures in Mongolia. The Chojin Lama temple will be visited, the location of which clearly illustrates the great contrast between the old and the new in Mongolia. Lunch will be enjoyed in a nearby Mongolian restaurant with traditional cuisine. In the afternoon, the Winter Palace of the last Bogd Khan will be visited which houses some very interesting cultural and religious artifacts. To get a panoramic overview of the city, we may visit the Great Buddha statue and memorial at Zaisan. Overnight at a 5* hotel.
Day 2-3 Fly to Khuvsgul & Drive ton Renchinkhumbe  
Fly to Murun and meet by our team. Driving about 300 km /7-8 hrs/ reach village Renchinkhumbe. The road goes by Darhad Hotgor valley. Darhadyn Hotgor is a wide high valley west of Hövsgöl nuur. The valley is about 150 kilometers long and 40 kilometers wide, the valley’s altitude is about 1600 meters, and the surrounding peaks are up to 3100 meters high. Darhadyn Hotgor is named after the Darhad Mongols, who make up most of the valley’s population. On second day, we will meet horse rangers and first introduction to the horses and riding training. Overnights in tent. (BLD)
Day 4 To Reindeers
Early morning we start horse ride toward high mountains. Only next day evening, we reach the rein-deer people, who live in tepees. Overnight in tent. (BLD)
Day 5 Stay with Reindeer herders
Learn their everyday life and their traditions as like milking reindeers, riding, processing skins. Also you enjoy the beautiful nature. Reindeer people /Tsaatan/ are small ethnic group of Mongolia /about 600/. They follow shamanism and very believe in mysterious shamanist deeds and traditions. (BLD)
Day 6-7 Ride back & Drive to Lake Khuvsgul
Known as “The Dark Blue Pearl”, Lake Khovsgol is Mongolia’s largest and deepest lake. Located in the northernmost province, it is the largest tributary stream of Lake Baikal in Russia. Lake Khuvsgul is 136 km long, 36 km wide, and 262 meters deep and is located at an altitude of 1645 m above sea level and is frozen from January until April or May. It’s the second largest fresh water lake in Central Asia. It’s inhabited by nine species of fish including the Siberian grayling and lenok. Fishing and sport fishing are becoming popular in the lake area. Taiga Fauna and Flora, Tsaatan, practicing reindeer breeding are the main attractions for tourist. Different ethnic groups live in the area: Khalh, Darhadt, and Buryat. Tsaatans are reindeer herders. Lake Khovsgol is on the important migration route for birds from Siberia, thus facilitating marvelous opportunities for birdwatching. In the evening, come to Murun city. Overnights in local hotel. (BLD)
Day 8-10 Drive to Ulgii
Driving from Hangai Forest Area to Altai Mountains, you can see many different wild areas, where mountains and steppe areas are combined. Meeting nomadic families, you can see how they are used to live on these remote wild places. Last day, come to Olgii, where you can stay in gercamp or hotel with hot shower. (BLD)
Day 11 Golden Eagle experience
The Mongolian Kazakhs use for hunting female eagles as far they are bigger mail ones and more aggressive. These eagles are trained to hunt fox, wolves, rabbit and wild cat. Going side by side with eagle hunter to hunt mostly fox we learn and enjoy this unique customs of the Mongolian Kazakhs. We have the chance to visit some Kazakh families and feel the grade hospitality. Every evening we stay with the Kazakh Dombro Player (traditional musical instrument with two strings). Overnight in tents. (BLD)
Day 12-13 Eagle Festival
Drive to the festival place and meet the Kazakh Eagle hunters. The rodeo of eagle hunting. A fantastic opportunity for photographers and adventurers alike to see these magnificent birds up close. There are approx. 400 eagle hunters in Bayan-Olgii aimag. The eagle hunters from around regions gather to test their finely trained birds in singular contests of speed and agility in these few days. During the festival we also see some Kazakh Traditional Horse Games like “BushKushi” (Try to take out from each other the goat skin on horseback), “Kiss woman on horseback”, “Pick up coins from the land on horseback” and others. In the evening we enjoy to have the Kazakh Concert with some traditional songs and music. Overnights in ger/local hotel. (BLD)
Day 14 Drive to Altai Tavan Bogd Nat. Park
We will drive further west. Bayan-Ulgii is rich in archaeological remains, as a reminder of the Bronze Ages and the time of the Huns and Turkic invasions. At Shiveet Hairhan Mountain, where numerous Tuvan nomads live, in Altai Tavanbogd National Park, we will pitch our camp. Shiveet Hairhan is holy for them, so there are about 400 Ibexes there. Sometimes seen, sometimes not seen. Here we will be able to view the biggest petroglyphs from the second period of the Huns (200 B.C.). The Huns were the reason for the Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huangdi to build and finish the Great Wall of China at this time. Overnight in tent/ger. (BLD)
Day 15 Potanin Glacier & Snow Peaks
We will do day hike in the area. In the mountains here, there are some 20 glaciers and this is one of the few locations in the world where camels are used as pack animals in glacier areas. Should weather conditions be difficult we will not be able to see the glaciers. Tavanbogd means “the Holy Five” referring to the five highest peaks, of which Huiten Uul is the highest in Mongolia, 4374 meters above sea level. Quite a considerable height at this latitude. Overnight in tent/ger. (BLD)
Day 16 Drive to Twin Lakes
Today’s driving to north comes out to the steppe valleys of the lake area. We pitch camp on the shores of Hoton Lake, where you will find numerous petroglyphs. The area is below the snow-capped Ikh Turgen Uul. We are now only 15km from the China border. These are the summer pastures of numerous Kazakh herdsmen. Their yurts are a bonanza of handicraft. They are a very friendly and hospitable people. A fishing rod comes in handy here. The largest subspecies of Mongolian Grayling (Thymallus arcticus) is easily fished here. The numerous Great Cormorants in the vicinity are a good indicator that there are plentiful fish in the lakes. Overnight in tent or with family. (BLD)
Day 17 Drive back to Ulgii
Drive to east via Ulaanhuis over desert mountain landscapes, with the snow-capped Sogoog Mountain as a powerful backdrop and the Altai Mountain range ahead of us. After driving 4-5 hrs, come to Olgii. Overnight in gercamp/local hotel. (BLD)
Day 18 Fly back to UB
Early breakfast and transfer to UB airport. Transfer to 4* hotel. (B) You will have a full day to explore the sprawling city of retro architecture, thrilling nightlife, wild traffic and exciting commerce. There’s plenty to see, do and eat – your guide will recommend some of the best places to dine at
Day 19 Depart UB
After early breakfast, transfer to Olgii airport. Leave only foot prints & take only lifetime of memories home from your Mongolian adventure.
Categories
Destinations by country Duration Family suitable Halal tour Horse riding Mongolia More than 8 days Photo/filming Theme Western Where Winter tours & Migration

Classic Eagle Hunting on Altai Mountains, 8 days

Day 1. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, you’ll be greeted at the airport by our professional team. Then, we drive to the east and reach Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, which is located near Ulaanbaatar, about 80 km. The Park is a great getaway destination for short and long-time visitors. Visit the Temple of Ariyapala and enjoy a stunning view. Explore the famous Turtle Rock and the extraordinary frock formations on horseback riding. Chinggis khan statue complex is located among beautiful natural scenery on the bank of river Tuul, in the place called “Tsonjin Boldog”, memorial place connected with historic events. Evening drive back to UB. Overnight at 4/5* hotel. (LD)
Day 2. Flight to Olgii/Hovd and Drive to Khukh Serkhiyn Nuruu (Blue Goat) National Park
After early breakfast, transfer to UB airport. Arrive Hovd airport to be met by the Blue Wolf team. We will then drive 160kms (4-5hrs) to the south and come to a traditional Kazakh Eagle hunter’s summer home. In an impressive valley on the northwestern side of the great Khukh Serkh Mountain, this is a mountain range renowned for its Snow Leopards, with abundant populations of Argali and Ibex. Our visit will be benefiting from an ongoing Snow Leopard research project that is being undertaken here, giving us considerable insight into the movements and habits of these elusive cats. We will meet Erbol and his magnificent Golden Eagle, and learn from a true master about the traditions and skills of hunting with Eagles in the Altai. Overnight in nomadic style ger. (BLD)
Day 3-6. Khukh Serkhiyn Nuruu Nat. Park We will spend our days hiking in the wild and remote fastnesses of the Khukh Serkhiyn range. We will take our time to watch carefully for all aspects of wildlife here: Argalis, Ibexes and Red Deer, always entertaining the hope for a possible and rare Snow Leopard sighting. We will enjoy all that these mountains have to show, from the many raptors such as Golden Eagle, Steppe Eagle, the awe-inspiring bone-eating Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), the great Black Vulture and the swift Saker Falcon (the Altai race of which is considered by many ornithologists to be a separate species). We will give ourselves the opportunity to observe these mountains in all their intricate grandeur, and appreciate their great silences, in the mountain heart of Asia.Staying with local Kazakh Hunter with Golden Eagle, we will continue to learn more about Kazakh Eagle-hunting skills and gain from his unique perspectives about living in his mountain home. You will have unique opportunity to release the trained Golden Eagle to the pray from your hand. There’s nothing like it. Live these few breathtaking days as a true Eagle hunter. Try making fresh dairy products, and experience the real world nomads’ daily life Overnights in nomadic style ger. Last day, we will take an afternoon drive to Olgii, through a dramatic landscape with Sairiyn Nuruu towering above us and the rugged Altai uplands beyond Lake Tolbo (Nuur). After 4-5hrs we arrive at the Blue Wolf ger-camp in Olgii. During a dinner, we will have a small traditional concert. Have a farewell dinner with Blue Wolf Team, a perfect ending for a perfect journey. Overnight at a local hotel. (BLD)
Day 7. Flight back to Ulaanbaatar (Flight duration: 2hrs) After breakfast, we will head for Olgii airport. After arrival at UB airport & will transfer to hotel. You will have a full day to explore the sprawling city of retro architecture, thrilling nightlife, wild traffic and exciting commerce. There’s plenty to see, do and eat – your guide will recommend some of the best places to dine at. (B)
Day 8. Depart Ulaanbaatar Early breakfast and transfer to UB airport. (B) Leave only foot prints & take only memories from your Mongolian adventure.
Categories
Destinations by country Duration Halal tour Horse riding Mongolia More than 8 days Photo/filming Theme Where Winter tours & Migration

Mystical Taiga & Trails of ATB National Park (14 days)

Day 1. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, you’ll be greeted at the airport by our professional team. Then, we drive to the east and reach Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, which is located near Ulaanbaatar, about 80 km. The Park is a great getaway destination for short and long-time visitors. Visit the Temple of Ariyapala and enjoy a stunning view. Explore the famous Turtle Rock and the extraordinary rock formations on horseback riding. Chinggis khan statue complex is located among beautiful natural scenery on the bank of river Tuul, in the place called “Tsonjin Boldog”, memorial place connected with historic events. Evening drive back to UB. Overnight at 4/5* hotel. (LD). 
Day 2. Flight to Murun  Take an early morning flight (1 hour flight) to Murun and meet by our team & we will drive for almost 2 hrs to Khatgal. On the way, we will stop at 50,100 degrees in energy center of gravity. Then we will reach The Blue Pearl – Khuvsgul Lake, the deepest and purest lake in Mongolia. The lake is one of the few glacial lakes left from the last ice age. As the 2nd largest lake with 262m depth & with only 1 river flowing out of it and 96 rivers flowing in, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in Mongolia We will explore the Khatgal’s local markets, flora & fauna of Khuvsgul lake. Overnight in a ger camp. (BLD)
Day 3. Boat tour in the purest Lake
After breakfast, we will hike in the surrounding forest mountains to have a better look of the The blue pearl. Being with the nature allows us to tune in to the infinite wisdom of our highest self. Then we will take a boat tour to one of the islands in Khuvsgul lake. After returning from boat trip, we will get to the reindeer village, where we can experience the unique culture of Tsaatan people, who live in tepees. Overnight at the same ger camp. (BLD)
Day 4. Flight back to Ulaanbaatar We will drive back to the Murun city for your return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival in UB, we will do a city site seeing tour. Starting from Gandan monastery, Sukhbaatar main square, the winter palace of Bogd Jabzan Damba Hutagt VIII, Zaisan Memorial, State department store, Museum of Dinosaurs. Overnight in a 4/5* hotel. (BLD)
Day 5. Flight to The West (Ulgii city) & Drive to Ulaanhus soum After early breakfast take flight to Ulgii airport and meet by our local team. After lunch, drive to Ulaanhus soum to a Kazakh nomadic family. We will set up tents near Kazakh family and experience the authentic nomadic daily of a family. Try milking sheeps, goat, making traditional meals. Watering, feeding the livestocks etc. 
Day 6. Drive to ATB National Park After breakfast,  we will have 4-5 hours of drive to Altai Tavan Bogd Peaks (The Holy Five) via Tsagaan Gol (White river) valley and through Altai Mountains that are Mongolia’s largest and highest mountain range more than 3000-4000 meters high. One famous spot is “Shiveet Hairhan” Sacred Mountain, where we will see the largest rock painting site from the period of the Huns (approx 200 B.C.). Overnights in tent. (BLD)
Day 7. Explore the highest peak of Mongolia
We will make soft hiking to the base camp area at the edge of the 20km long Potanin glacier that runs down from the highest mountains in Mongolia. Tavanbogd means “The Holy Five” referring to the peaks of Huiten (4374m and the highest), Naran, Ölgii, Burget and Nairamdal. It is a stunning setting with the awe inspiring massif of high snowcapped peaks. Optional activity to summit the lowest of 5 holy mountains (Malchin), which takes about 7-9 hrs. Evening back to the tents. (BLD) 
Day 8. Drive to Twin Lakes After early breakfast, drive towards Khoton & Khurgan lakes, where many Nomadic Kazakh families spend summer. After the wooden bridge on the water channel between the Lakes, we drive to north along the Khoton Lake about 12kms to reach 3 small Rocky Mountains – Biluut 1, 2 & 3. Here you can see the many rock printings (petro-glyphs). Overnights in tents at the base camp. (BLD)
Day 9. Baga Turgen Water fall After breakfast, drive to Baga Turgen Waterfall (15kms) and stop at the parking stations. Then, we will hike for about 30 mins to reach the beautiful waterfall and lunch will be served in lunch boxes. After lunch, drive to tents near Kazakh families and before sunset take great photos with Eagles, nomadic life style, in the evening we will learn how to cook a Kazakh traditional meal (Bes Barmak or Sirney) with the family.
Day 10. Drive back to Ulgii
Drive to east via Ulaanhuis over desert mountain landscapes, with the snow-capped Sogoog Mountain as a powerful backdrop and the Altai Mountain range ahead of us. After driving 4-5 hrs, come to Ulgii. Overnight in gercamp/local hotel. (BLD)
Day 11. Drive to Tsambagarav National Park
After breakfast, we will drive 4-5hrs & we will pitch camp just on the north side of Tsamba-Garav Uul(one of the highest snowcapped mountains in Mongolia 4208m).The place called “Tavan Belchir”/Five Pastures/. We make soft hiking to see the beautiful snowcapped peaks, rocky valleys and crystal clear spring waters. We visit the nomadic Kazakh and Urianhai (one of western Mongolian ethnic groups) families and feel their grade hospitalities. From North West side of the TsambaGarav Uul we have the chance to hike closer to snow caps. Overnight in nomadic style ger. Set up toilet and shower tents. (BLD)
Day 12. Lake Bayan-Nuur Continue our trek to east. From Tsambagarav Mountains, we drive down to Lake Bayan Nuur, summer pastures of Kazakh nomads. (from over 3000m to 1600m). Coming down to the lakeside you will see the same landscapes with red rocky mountain granites and sandy beaches around the lake itself. There are many water birds here and good for swimming. We drive only 35 km to east and see the biggest Turkic Stone with face. After picnic lunch, drive back to Olgii. Overnight in “Eagle Dreams” hotel. (BLD)
Day 13. Flight back to Ulaanbaatar Early breakfast & transfer to Ulgii airport. Fly back to UB about 3hrs. Transfer to your hotel. You will have a full day to explore the sprawling city of retro architecture, thrilling nightlife, wild traffic and exciting commerce. There’s plenty to see, do and eat – your guide will recommend some of the best places to dine at. (B)
Day 14. Departure After breakfast, transfer to UB airport. Leave only foot prints & take only memories from your Mongolian adventure with Blue Wolf Travel.
Categories
Destinations by country Duration Halal tour Horse riding Mongolia More than 8 days Photo/filming Theme Western Where Winter tours & Migration

Golden Eagle & Snow Leopard

 

Day 1 Arrive in UB & Explore UB Arrive UB airport and meet by our Blue Wolf guide. Transfer to hotel. After a short rest to freshen-up we will do a sight -seeing tour of Ulaanbaatar, focusing on such significant cultural sites as Gandan Buddhist Monastery, the Zanzabar Fine Arts Museum, which holds the finest collection of thangka paintings, carvings and sculptures in Mongolia. The Chojin Lama temple will be visited, the location of which clearly illustrates the great contrast between the old and the new in Mongolia. Lunch will be enjoyed in a nearby Mongolian restaurant with traditional cuisine. In the afternoon, the Winter Palace of the last Bogd Khan will be visited which houses some very interesting cultural and religious artifacts. To get a panoramic overview of the city, we may visit the Great Buddha statue and memorial at Zaisan. We will overnight at a 4* hotel.
Day 2 Fly to Hovd & Drive to Chandman village near Jargalant Mountain After early breakfast, transfer to UB airport. Arrive Hovd airport to be met by the Blue Wolf team. Lunch in Hovd town. After lunch, we will drive south across the Great Lakes Basin south to Chandman soum where it is claimed that the renowned Mongolian throat-singing originates. En route we will see the Khar Us Nuur (Black Water Lake) with its vast reed beds (among the largest in Central Asia) and abundant water birds (Cranes, Gulls, Herons, even Pelicans). This National Park, like the Jargalant Hairkhan Mountain is a priority for WWF Mongolia who are very active here. Overnight in tent. (BLD)
Day 3-5 Explore Jargalatn Mountain home of the Snow Leopards Today, we explore Jargalant Hairhan Mountain and hike into Rashantiin Am (Spring Canyon), a sacred valley with a spring renowned for its medicinal properties. Jargalant Hairkhan (Mountain of Sacred Happiness) is a great range that dominates the Great Lakes Basin. Rashantiin Am is an atmospheric valley piled with rocks and ancient poplar trees. WWF Mongolia have done many years of research here on what is known to be an important population of Snow Leopard. We will immerse ourselves in the ecology of this, our first Altai mountain experience, learning about the plants, birds and mammals that make their home here. We will do a number of hikes within this spectacular canyon and surrounding valleys, looking for sign of Snow Leopard and other wildlife. Overnight in tents. (BLD)
Day 6 Drive to Khukh Serkhyin Nuruu (Blue Goat) National Park After breakfast, we cross open plains below Jargalant Hairkhan and will look out for the rare and unusual Mongolian Saiga antelope, a relic of the Pleistocene era. We will then drive 160kms (4-5hrs) to the northwest to come to a traditional Kazakh Eagle hunter’s summer home. Erbol will be our host, in an impressive valley on the northwestern side of the great Khukh Serkh Mountain. This is a mountain range renowned for its Snow Leopards, with abundant populations of Argali and Ibex. Our visit will be benefiting from an ongoing Snow Leopard research project that is being undertaken here, giving us considerable insight into the movements and habits of these elusive cats. We will learn from Erbol and his magnificent Golden Eagle, and learn from a true master about the traditions and skills of hunting with Eagles in the Altai. Overnight in tents. (BLD)
Day 7-9 Khukh Serkhiyn Nuruu (Blue Goat) NP We will spend our days hiking in the wild and remote fastnesses of the Khukh Serkhiyn range. We will take our time to watch carefully for all aspects of wildlife here: Argalis, Ibexes and Red Deer, always entertaining the hope for a possible and rare Snow Leopard sighting. We will enjoy all that these mountains have to show, from the many raptors such as Golden Eagle, Steppe Eagle, the awe-inspiring bone-eating Lammergeyer (Bearded Vulture), the great Black Vulture and the swift sacker Falcon (the Altai race of which is considered by many ornithologists to be a separate and little-known species). We will give ourselves the opportunity to observe these mountains in all their intricate grandeur, and appreciate their great silences, in the mountain heart of Asia. We will vary our hiking routes each day, looking for signs of Lynx, Pallas’s Wildcat, Wolf, Fox and other mammals. Spending time with Erbol the Eagle hunter, we can learn more about traditional Kazakh Eagle hunting skills and gain from his unique perspectives about living in his mountain home. We will overnight in tents hosted by a local family. (BLD)
Day 10 Drive to Olgii city We will take an early morning drive to Olgii, the through a dramatic landscape with Sairiyn Nuruu towering above us and the rugged Altai uplands beyond Lake Tolbo (Nuur). After 4-5hrs we arrive at the Blue Wolf ger-camp in Olgii. After lunch we will spend the afternoon sightseeing around Olgii, visiting its interesting bazaar as well as the recently renovated local mosque, and a well-stocked local museum. Some interesting backstreet handicraft shops will give us the opportunity to look for traditional Kazakh crafts and wares. Overnight at local hotel. (BLD)
Day 11 Flight back to UB After breakfast, transfer to Olgiy airport to catch a flight for Ulaanbaatar. Meet by our guide and transfer to hotel. (B) 

You will have a full day to explore the sprawling city of retro architecture, thrilling nightlife, wild traffic and exciting commerce. There’s plenty to see, do and eat – your guide will recommend some of the best places to dine at 
Day 12 Departure After early breakfast, transfer to Olgii airport. Leave only foot prints & take only lifetime of memories home from your Mongolian adventure.