Gobi Mirage Lodge
Yol Valley
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Southern Mongolia
Golden Eagle Festival & Golden Gobi
A 12-day journey through the Gobi Desert's White Stupa, Flaming Cliffs and Khongor dunes, paired with the Golden Eagle Festival and a stay with a Kazakh family in Western Mongolia.
Duration12D / 11N
Group size6+
Best timeAutumn (daytime 5–15°C, nighttime 0–10°C)
About this trip
The tour takes you to the captivating Gobi Desert. A true marvel of nature, the Gobi mesmerizes with its breathtaking variety, featuring vast mountains, expansive grasslands, meandering rivers, serene lakes, and picturesque oases. Prepare to be awestruck by the beauty that unfolds in this extraordinary destination.
Additionally, immerse yourself in Central Asia's meticulously preserved cultural heritage by attending "The Eagle Festival" in the untamed landscapes of Western Mongolia. With daytime temperatures ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures between 0 and 10 degrees, you'll be able to relish the autumn season at its finest. Rest assured, accommodations will be heated at night, ensuring a comfortable and cozy stay without concerns about the chilly weather.
Eagle Festival
Over two full days, Kazakh eagle hunters celebrate their heritage by showcasing unique cultural music, dances, and competitions, demonstrating their skills and highlighting the bond between the eagles and the hunters. The festival for 2024 will take place on Sept 7-8 in Altai town, Sept 14-15 at Tolbo Lake, and Oct 4-5 in Ulgii town.
Day by day
- Day1
Arrival and City Tour
Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation. Delve into the heart of the city with a guided sightseeing tour, exploring key landmarks and cultural highlights. Cap off the day with an exquisite dinner at one of Ulaanbaatar's finest restaurants, ensuring a perfect blend of comfort, exploration, and culinary delights.
- Day2
Tsagaan Suvarga the White Stupa
At the break of dawn, depart from the city for the enchanting landscapes of Gobi. Our first day in Gobi unfolds at the mesmerizing White Stupa site, a striking 30-60m high, 400m long limestone formation aptly named for its resemblance to Stupas. Delve into the natural beauty as you traverse the trails, offering opportunities for invigorating hikes through the cliffs. Capture the breathtaking scenery, as these cliffs are renowned as the optimal photo shooting spot, ensuring a memorable start to your Gobi exploration.
- Day3
Bayanzag the Flaming Cliffs
This morning, our journey takes us to Bayanzag, a region renowned for its historical significance as the site of the first discovery of dinosaur eggs by paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews in 1923. This groundbreaking exploration unveiled the revelation that dinosaurs laid eggs. Embark on a captivating hiking tour through the iconic Flaming Cliffs, immersing yourself in the same landscape that revealed this pivotal chapter in paleontological history.
- Day4
Khongor Sand Dune
We'll traverse a truly desolate desert landscape, venturing toward Mongolia's largest sand dunes for an encounter with the monumental beauty of the sandy expanse. Brace yourself for the distinctive sounds crafted by the wind as it crescendos to a height of 800m, spanning an impressive length of 190 km. As the day unfolds, be prepared to witness the most breathtaking view of your life, an unforgettable tableau painted by the sun's descent over this magnificent landscape.
- Day5
Yol Am Ice Valley
Embrace the morning with a captivating camel ride amidst these colossal dunes then embark on a scenic drive to Gurvan Saikhan National Park, a captivating gem within the Gobi boasting a breathtaking canyon landscape, the mesmerizing Gobi Glacier, and diverse local wildlife. En route, take a moment to explore the charming local town, where a visit to the Gobi Museum awaits, offering insights into the region's rich history and culture. Additionally, make a stop at the bustling local black market, providing an opportunity for unique and authentic shopping experiences. In the late afternoon, indulge in a hiking excursion to the captivating ICE Valley, immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes of the Gobi Valleys. This tranquil experience allows you to explore the natural beauty that surrounds, creating lasting memories in the heart of this enchanting region.
- Day6
Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Embark on a scenic drive to Baga Gazar, a captivating expanse featuring a granite canyon nestled in the heart of the steppe. Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of these Rocky Mountains through an invigorating hike, discovering the remnants of an ancient temple dating back to the 17th century. This journey promises a harmonious blend of natural wonders and historical exploration.
- Day7
Return to Ulaanbaatar City
Following a satisfying breakfast, commence the journey back to Ulaanbaatar city. Upon arrival you may visit Chinggis Khaan museum or visit the biggest black market of the country.
- Day8
Bayanulgii - Western Mongolia
Take a local 2.5-hour flight to Bayan-Ulgii. Upon arrival, explore the local museum and market to explore Kazakh culture. Visit a with a Kazakh family to experience and learn about their way of life.
- Day9
Golden Eagle Festival
The festival commences with grand parades featuring competitors adorned in their traditional costumes. Over two full days, you'll delight in exceptional performances by Kazakh hunters, accompanied by music and dance showcasing their unique culture. Winners of the festival are announced during the closing ceremony. Throughout this time, you'll reside with a Kazakh family in their gers, experiencing firsthand their way of life.
- Day10
Golden Eagle Festival
The festival commences with grand parades featuring competitors adorned in their traditional costumes. Over two full days, you'll delight in exceptional performances by Kazakh hunters, accompanied by music and dance showcasing their unique culture. Winners of the festival are announced during the closing ceremony. Throughout this time, you'll reside with a Kazakh family in their gers, experiencing firsthand their way of life.
- Day11
Fly back to UB city
Today marks our return to the capital city. Take the opportunity to leisurely explore the city on foot or indulge in a shopping experience at a cashmere outlet, immersing yourself in the local culture and adding a touch of luxury to your day.
- Day12
Departure
Departure to the Chinggis Khaan International Airport. (B) Thank you for travelling with us!
Where you'll stay
Gobi Erdene Camp
Khongor Sand Dune
Prices & packages
| Package | Per adult | Child | Single supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 PAX – 4-star hotels & camps | $5,400.00 | ||
| 2 PAX – 5-star hotels & camps | $5,510.00 | ||
| 4 PAX – 4-star hotels & camps | $4,270.00 | ||
| 4 PAX – 5-star hotels & camps | $4,380.00 | ||
| 6 PAX – 4-star hotels & camps | $4,180.00 | ||
| 6 PAX – 5-star hotels & camps | $4,290.00 |
Prices are per adult.
Prices are per person in USD. The starting price of 4,180 USD applies to a group of 6 travellers with 4-star hotels and camps; the price varies with group size and hotel category.
- Children 0–6 years: 2,510 USD
- Children 7–12 years: 3,340 USD
Gallery
From · 12D / 11N$4,180.00 per personPlan my trip