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.
Day
Location
Places to stay and visit
Meals
Sep 29
Ulaanbaatar
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, and transfer to your 3-star hotel. Visit the city’s cultural highlights including a performance of traditional Mongolian dancers and hoomi (throat) singers. Welcoming diner and overnight at hotel.
L,D
Sep 30
Ulgi
Flight to Ulgi, center of Bayn Ulgi Province. The flight takes 3.20h. On arrival, you will be met by our local staff and vehicle, drive to Altai tour temporary camp. Dinner and overnight in the ger camp.
B,L,D
Oct/1-2
Ulgi Eagle Hunters Festival
Day 1: Opening ceremony/ hunters parade displays 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. in the evening attend traditional performance. Day 2: Most exiting competitions:
Eagles will be checked on ability to grabbing the ‘’fox’’ , their speed and ‘’gripping’’ technique. ‘’Kukbar’’-Skin pulling competition tests one’s horse riding skill, strength and agility. ‘’Tenge Ilu’’Picking –up coins from the ground competition. Afternoon award ceremony. Celebration dinner with eagle hunters. Overnight in temporary ger camp
B,L,D
Oct/3
Riding with Eagle Hunters and visiting historical site
After breakfast ride with Eagle hunters in nearby mountains and valleys explore the surrounding area.
After lunch visit archeological site petro glyphs. Overnight in temporary ger camp.
B,L,D
Oct/4-5
Hustai National Park
Take the flight to UB back, drive to Hustai National Park. Explore surrounding area: Visit wild Mongolian wild horses-takhi, visit ancient historical monuments, overnight at ger camp.
B,L,D
Oct/6
Ulaanbaatar
Drive back to UB, free day shopping, excursion. Overnight in hotel
B, L, D
Oct /7
Departure
B
HIGHLIGHTS:
Attend the 12th annual Golden Eagle Festival, Introduce Kazakh culture, unique craftwork, traditions, explore the landscape and more…
Main office: 976-11-460368 (Ulaanbaatar) Fax: 976-11-460367 Mobile: 976-99115771 Email:info@hovsgoltravel.com
