Have you ever imagined living in a winter wonderland, walking through sculptures of ice on a lake that looks as if it was made of the purest glass? If this is your dream, then come and join us in March 2024 for the world-famous Lake Khuvsgul Ice festival. When Mongolia’s biggest lake world freezes over it is truly a spectacle! Join in the ice competitions, witness the spectacular traditional dress and take in all the natural beauty of this breathtaking frozen wonderland!
Bactrian (Two Hump) Camels are some of the most unique and truly remarkable domesticated creatures in the world. Mongolia is famous for its use of these two humped beasts, using them for transport, wool and milk. Once each year, in the wilds of the Gobi Desert, the camel herders of Mongolia come together to show of the best of the best. Join us to watch the annual Gobi Camel Festival; experience camel races, camel polo, feats of agility and control as well as the beauty of Mongolian culture. You will see the care and attention these men and women give these animals as they are crucial to life out in the desert. You will also get to witness the beautiful simplicity of Mongolian herder culture; the slow and melodic beat of the desert dictates the day to day actions of these incredible people. Traditional costumes, food, music, and tradition will be at your fingertips! Join us and come on this adventure of a lifetime to one of the most unique festivals in the entire world.
The Kazakh minority in the west of Mongolia still practice the ancient tradition of hunting with Golden Eagles. Each winter, Ulaanbaatar hosts the Eagle Hunters in a spectacular one day festival. Watch as Eagles land on their master’s arm while he is riding a horse at full speed, and other incredible competitions.
Traditional Ger Camps & family guesthouses.
During your time in Ulaanbaatar you will stay at Meg’s Guesthouse in dorm room and double and single room accommodation. Meg’s Guesthouse is located centrally in Ulaanbaatar, walking distance from many attractions and amenities. As a Mongolian company we prefer to support Nomadic families financially and help support their livelihoods.
We are sure this resonates with our travelers who enjoy engaging with their culture on The Steppe. It is therefore our preference to stay with these families if they have an extra Ger. As well as directly supporting local herders, you can experience this rich traditional way of life first hand.
Tour departs at 8 am on the morning of departure is recommended. The driver and guide can pick you up from the airport, train station, or your accommodation to suit your requirements.
Most of the meals on this tour are included in the tour price. All included meals will be prepared from fresh local produce. The majority of the shopping for food will be done before the trip departs, and fresh goods, such as meats, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, will be bought en-route during the trip from supermarkets, local shops and markets. Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads or local restaurants. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes. Our GUIDE will organize the meal preparation and lead the way here. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements can be catered for but need to be specified prior to arrival.
Winter in Mongolia typically spans from late November to early March. The Mongolian winters are cold and dry, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. It’s essential to be prepared for the harsh winter conditions, including snowfall and icy winds. So be prepared for all weather conditions.
Winter gear (we can provide winter gear if your luggage is full), thermal sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, cold-weather sunscreen, insulated hat, thermal long underwear, insulated pants, warm and waterproof footwear, lip balm, thermal hand wipes, UV-protective sunglasses, prescription medications (if needed), snow-resistant outerwear, sturdy winter boots, hand warmers, and a reliable flashlight.
