Winter Festival Tour

Winter in Mongolia is cold except for visitors who are brave and adventurous, however the rewards are infinite. The landscape takes on an extraordinary beauty in its winter coldness. With no other people in evidence, it is easy to feel that you have the country to yourself. This is the time that people come together, that challenges are faced as one, that unique experiences become everyday occurrences. This is the time that the legendary Mongolian hospitality comes into its own. In the North of Mongolia, the Tsaatan Reindeer Herders have their own ways of dealing with winter conditions. This ancient race developed the ski as a more efficient way of herding their Reindeer in deep snow. Imagine skiing on virgin terrain, living with the mysterious Tsaatan, learning the craft of traditional ski-making… now that would be an adventure.

Day 1.( Feb28) Ulaanbaatar. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to hotel in the city centre. After lunch, we will start the city tour including Gandan Monastery, Chinggis Khaan square and surroundings including Parliament House, National Opera Theatre, Cultural Palace and House of City Council. Then we will drive to Zaisan Hill, which provides wide view of the Ulaanbaatar then we will visit Museum of National history with an excellent exhibitions such as Stone and Bronze Age, Turkic and Mongol Empire, rise of Buddhism and communist regime. Overnight and relax in the hotel.

Day 2.( Mar1) Terelj National Park. We will drive to Gorkhi Terelj National Park, located in the Khentii Mountain range via Statue of Chinggis Khaan which was erected in 2006. We will visit the in the afternoon. The park is the popular destination because of its granite rock formations, a famous “Crawling Turtle Rock”, alpine forests and flower scenery. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3. (Mar2) Murun/Khuvsgul lake. Transfer to airport and fly to Murun city by Hunnu Air in the morning about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival meet the local drivers and transfer to Khatgal for 200km drive. Arrive at the lake and stay at the camp. Local sightseeing and visit in the family. Overnight at the ger camp.

Day 4. ( Mar 3) Khuvgul lake/Ice Festival. Opening ceremony, shamans greetings, folklore performance, horse sledging, ankle none shooting on the ice, betting on horse sledging, and ice skaters marathon. Mongolian tradition costume competition on the ice and local fairs for local goods and services. Overnight at the ger camp.

Day 5. ( Mar 4) In the morning we will see ice skaters marathon, wrestling on ice and rope stretching competition and experience on horse sledge tour, and local family visit. After lunch we will drive back to Murun to catch a flight back Ulaanbaatar. Overnight at the ger camp.

Day 6. ( Mar 5) Ulaanbaatar. Departure to Hustai National Park. The park lies in the foothills of southern Khentii mountain range. It is the place where you can see wild horse called Takhi known as Przewalski horse to the world. The wild horses survive in nature by themselves because they have been reintroduced successfully to their homeland after 40 years of extinction. Currently, the number of Takhi has already reached more than 260. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar-the nations’ capital. Overnight and relax in the hotel.

Day 7. ( Mar 6) Ulaanbaatar/Gobi. Transfer to airport and fly to Dalanzadgad, South Gobi. The flight will take 1.5 hours and transfer to camp. Opening ceremony for Camel Festival including camel polo contest, Camel-My friend paiting competition among school children, fairs for handicraft products, and folklore performance in the evening. Overnight at the ger camp

Day 8. ( Mar 7) South Gobi. We will continue to watchCamel polo competition and the best camel trainers contests among local camel breeders and end by closing ceremony. After lunch, we will drive to Yoll valley for sightseeing. Overnight local hotel in Dalanzadgad.

Day 9. ( Mar 8) Ulaanbaatar. Early morning departure to Ulaanbaatar via land by 4WD jeep. Box lunch on the way. Dinner and overnight in Ulaanbaatar.

Day 10. ( Mar 9) Departure. We will transfer to the “Chinggis Khaan” International Airport with professional Blue Gobi Tour Team.