8 days / 3 nights in Hotel /4 night in Ger Camp in Bayn Ulgyi /
Kazakhs and Golden Eagles

Under Communist restrictions during the 1930’s Bayan Ulgy became a landlocked land. Border closures and travel regulations shut the nomadic tribes off from their traditional winter grazing lands in Xingjian and Kazakhstan, Families were separated and relatives lost.Travelling to the other places in Mongolia was difficult and under the tight control. But they still had their eagles. The age old tradition  of falconry (training raptors  to catch prey) was still practiced in Bayan Ulgy during Communism. In 1990, people in this far flung western aimag were given the opportunity to visit their relatives in China and Kazakhstan for the first time in 60 years. Kazakhs in Russia are too Russified and Kazakhs in China are too Chinesed. Satellite country, had been relatively sheltered from Soviet Union or Sino influence. Eagle hunting had somehow survived. And it is perhaps the last place on the earth where falconry exists in its purest form.

Highlights
Attend the 9th annual Golden Eagle Festival, Introduce Kazakh culture, unique craftwork, traditions, explore the landscape and more….

Packing list
Very warm boots, gaiters, sleeping bag-40C. day pack, personal medication, warm fleece or wool jacket and pullover, long sleeved shirts, warm socks, hats, gloves, scarves. Underwear, sun cream, sun glasses.

Itinerary:

Thursday / September 30
After breakfast start the city tour to Gandan monastery, Lunch, visit cashmere store transfer to Hovsgol Travel Hotel./B,L,D/

Friday / October 1
Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Ulgy (3.5 hours) capital of Bayn Ulgy. Visit local museum . Overnight in ger /B,L,D/

Saturday /October 2
Drive to Hatuu Mountain-petroglyph site. On the way visit local Kazakh family introduce they tradition and hospitality. Overnight in ger /B,L,D/

Sunday /October 3
In the morning  visit local crafts stores and work shop, local market-called ‘’ Bazaar’’ spend the afternoon riding with Eagle hunters in nearby mountains and valleys explore the surrounding area, in the evening attend traditional performance/B,L,D/

Monday/October 4
Opening ceremony/ hunters parade on the main square in Ulgy /display the hunters outfit and accessories. Competitions are all held in the area of 10km outside of Ulgy. In the afternoon checking the speed and agility of Golden Eagles./B,L,D/

Tuesday /October 5
Most exiting competitions:
Eagles will be checked on ability to grabbing the ‘’fox’’ , their speed and ‘’gripping’’ technique. ‘’Kukbar’’-tests one’s horse riding skills, strength and agility. ‘’Tyin Teru’’Picking –up coins from the ground. Afternoon award ceremony. Celebration dinner with eagle hunters. /B,L,D/

Wednesday /October 6
After breakfast take a flight to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to the hotel, free day./B,L,D/

Thursday /October 7
Transfer to the airport to catch the International flight.