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Trip Rating Details
Moderate: Hotels, lodges, or full service tent camping. Hikes of two to four hours on some days. Easy physical activities. May include one to three longer driving days.
Packing List
This is a suggested packing list, which you should feel free to adjust to suit your needs. Please refer to our travel guide for more detailed information.
- backpack or soft bag
- sleeping bag (-5C)
- day pack
- head lamp/flashlight
- spare batteries/bulb
- personal medications
- towel
- hiking boots/shoes
- rain jacket with hood
- fleece jacket or wool jumper
- cotton t-shirts
- long sleeve shirts
- lightweight trousers
- shorts
- warm hat
- socks
- underwear
- sun hat
- sandals
- sun glasses
- sun cream
- spare glasses
- insect repellent
- resealing (ziploc) plastic bags
- binoculars/camera
- wet tissues
- watch/ alarm clock
- money belt/ pouch
- insurance confirmation copy
- emergency contact number
See our packing tips for detailed information.
Trip Information - Western Cultural Adventure & Eclipse
Day 1. (27 Jul) Arrival Day (D)
Arrival to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to hotel. Depending on time of arrival, you may have a short city sight-seeing tour. Evening welcome dinner. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2. (28 Jul) Ulaanbaatar/Olgii (B,L,D)
After breakfast we fly to Mongolia's western-most province of Bayan Ulgii, which is mostly inhabited by Kazakh people. Other ethnic groups also reside in the region, among them Tuvans and Buriats. The Kazakh have brought with them their rich cultural heritage, music, handicrafts and the ancient tradition of Hunting with Golden Eagles. We will land at Ulgii, the provincial capital, where we will visit the local museum, which provides an insight into the diverse ethnic groups, the history, and the flora and fauna of the region. Time permitting, we may visit the local mosque and market. Overnight in a ger camp just out of town.
Day 3. (29 Jul) Olgii/Tsambagarav Mountain (B,L,D)
After breakfast we drive to Tsambagarav Mountain, known for its year-round glaciers and wildlife. The Mongolian government has designated this a protected area for the conservation of the Snow Leopard. You may see other wildlife today including marmots, fox, Argali sheep and Ibex, but it is rare indeed to spot the elusive snow leopards. Camping overnight.
Day 4. (30 Jul) Tsambagarav Mountain/Tolboo Lake (B,L,D)
Today we drive through the open valleys of the Altai mountains, visiting with local families along the way, and finally reaching our camping spot at Tolboo Lake which is known for its spectacular sunrises. Camping overnight.
Day 5. (31 Jul) Tolboo Lake/Dayan Lake (B,L,D)
After breakfast we head through areas of lakes and rivers, reaching our eclipse camp at Dayan Nuur. Part of the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, this crystal clear lake is full of fish and many birds. You may also see elk, Argali sheep,Ibex, maral (Asiatic red deer), stone marten and deer in the forests and mountains nearby. We make camp and go for an afternoon hike along the lakeshore. Camping overnight.
Day 6. (1 Aug) Eclipse Day (B,L,D)
Today you will have free time to make your preparations for viewing the eclipse. We will also watch for cloud cover in case we need to make last minute adjustments to the viewing location. About three hours before the event, we will drive a short distance to the peak of a hill where we will be viewing the eclipse. Eclipse watching, followed by a celebration dinner at our campsite by the lake shore. Camping overnight.
Day 7. (2 Aug) Dayan Lake/Eagle Trainer's Family (B,L,D)
Around Altan Tavanbogd park there are many archeological sites, including ancient burial sites and balbals (Turkic stone statues, sometimes shaped like humans). Today we will visit one of these sites, then continue to the home of an eagle trainer's family. You will learn from the eagle trainer about the ancient tradition of training and hunting with golden eagles. In the evening you will join the family in their ger, and enjoy the traditional music and dancing of the Kazakh. Overnight with the family (in tents set up next to their home).
Day 8. (3 Aug) Shiveet Khairkhan/Tavan Bogd (B,L,D)
Today we drive to Shiveet Khairkhan where you will see stone tables and petroglyphs created as part of the yearly sacred rites of the Tuvans who come here to pay respect to their ancestors. We continue to Tavan Bogd, where we camp next to the white river.
Day 9. (4 Aug) Horse riding at Tavan Bogd (B,L,D)
Today you can go on horseback into the foothills of Tavan Bogd or take an optional hike around the area. The mountain scenery in this area, known by Mongols as the Roof of the World, is stunning. Many herder families live along the white river and you many meet people from one of several ethnic clans, including the Kazakh, Khalkh, Durvud, Uriankhai, Tuvan, and Khoshuud minorities.
Day 10. (5 Aug) Tavan Bogd/Olgii (B,L,D)
Today we head to Ulgii town, arriving in the late afternoon. We will check into our ger camp where you can enjoy hot showers and relax after your long trip. Overnight in a ger camp at the outskirts of town.
Day 11. (6 Aug) Olgii/Ulaanbaatar (B,L,D)
In the morning we will visit the local bazaar in Ulgii, time permitting, and then catch the first available flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel. Optional early evening stroll through the main square and city center, dinner at a restaurant. Overnight in hotel.
Day 12. (7 Aug) Ulaanbaatar (B,L,D)
In the morning we will visit Gandan Monastery, the center of Buddhism
in Mongolia. After lunch we will spend a few hours exploring the Black Market. This huge market contains every single item a Mongolian might need, whether they are nomads or urban apartment dwellers. Goods brought from all corners of Mongolia are here for sale. A visit to the market is a colorful experience which gives the visitor an insight to the everyday life of the people of Mongolia. Free shopping time in the afternoon. Mongolia is world renowned for its fine cashmere and you will find this and many other souvenir items in the city. Farewell dinner. Overnight in hotel.
Day 13. (8 Aug) Departure Day (B)
Transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
