Experience Mongolia's Winter Magic: Ice & Camel Festivals (MN-09)

Upon your arrival in Ulan Bator, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in and begin your stay in the city. (D).

On the second day of your journey, you'll meet your group and proceed to Chinggis Khaan Airport. After a short flight, you'll arrive in Murun, which serves as the center of Khuvsgul province. Upon your arrival in Murun, you'll embark on a drive to the picturesque frozen Lake Khuvsgul.

The evening will be spent enjoying dinner and settling into your accommodation at a ger camp situated on the lakeshore. It promises to be an atmospheric and unforgettable experience. (B/L/D).

After a leisurely breakfast, you will have the privilege of witnessing the dramatic opening ceremony of the Ice Festival. This mesmerizing event will feature traditional instruments, Mongolian folk music concerts, and a unique shamanic ritual, all of which will leave you in awe.

The first round of the Ice Marathon will kick off today, with ice skaters participating in a challenging 100-kilometer (approximately 63 miles) race. Throughout the day, your group will have ample opportunities for photography, horse riding on the frozen lake, and experiencing the unique culture of a nomadic family in the area.

In the evening, a special ceremony will take place where the foreigner wearing the best Mongolian Deel (traditional clothing) will be elected and awarded with a medal and a certificate by the office of the province governor. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local traditions and festivities. (B/L/D).

Today's focus is on the ice driving competition, where local drivers will showcase their skills, providing an exciting and entertaining spectacle. In addition to the driving competition, you will have the opportunity to watch other engaging activities like ice wrestling, horse sledding, and horse riding.

A visit to a nomadic family in the area will offer you a glimpse into their traditional way of life, enhancing your cultural experience. As the day comes to an end, a vibrant closing ceremony with fireworks will mark the culmination of the festival's celebrations. You'll spend the night in a ger camp, reflecting on the memorable experiences of the day. (B/L/D).

Following breakfast at the ger camp, you will drive back to Murun, where you'll catch a flight to return to Ulan Bator. Upon your arrival in the capital, you will be transferred to a hotel.

The day in Ulan Bator will be leisurely, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace and perhaps visit some of its cultural and historical attractions. You will spend the night at your hotel, enjoying a comfortable and relaxing stay. (B/L/D).

Today, you will embark on a journey to the Chinggisiin Khuree area to attend the Eagle Hunting Festival. This festival promises an array of exciting events, including the eagle hunting competition, horseback archery competition, and an eagle training demonstration.

In the midst of the snowy, picturesque surroundings, you will enjoy an alfresco picnic lunch. The festival typically concludes by 5 pm. After the festivities, you will drive back to Ulan Bator and be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind after a day of cultural experiences. (B/L/D).

Your day begins with a journey to the airport for a morning flight to Dalanzadgad, a flight that typically takes around 1.5 hours. Dalanzadgad serves as the capital of Umnugobi province, situated in the semi-arid desert zone of South Gobi. This province is the southernmost region of Mongolia, and its unique landscape is both wonderful and highly photogenic, despite its desolate nature.

Upon arrival, you will check in to your gers, traditional Mongolian dwellings, and enjoy a delightful dinner at the lodge. Get ready to explore and embrace the distinctive beauty of this part of the world. (B/L/D).

Today is a day dedicated to camels and their thrilling competitions! The day starts with the race of adult camels, which is closely followed by the two-year-old camels' race. An interesting twist is that you can place bets on the camels you believe will perform best. The camels are judged based on their speed in the 12 km and 15 km races. In each age category, the first three camels to cross the finish line receive gold, silver, and bronze medals, respectively.

After an exciting morning of camel races, you'll enjoy lunch in Bulgan Soum. In the afternoon, the highly anticipated Camel Relay competition begins. This event encompasses catching, taming, training, and ultimately loading a camel with an actual ger. Teams of five members work together, each performing a different task in this unique competition.

The day culminates with the closing ceremony in the late afternoon, where the winners are presented with trophies. This day promises to be truly magical and highly memorable. You'll have dinner and spend the night in a camp, reflecting on the thrilling experiences of the day. (B/L/D).

After an early breakfast, you will drive to Dalanzadgad for your return flight to Ulan Bator. Upon your arrival in Ulan Bator, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind after the exciting camel festival and your travels. (B/L/D).

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for international departure. (B).