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

Upon your arrival in Ulan Bator, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (D).

On the second day of your journey, you will convene with your team and head to Chinggis Khaan Airport. Following a brief flight, you'll arrive in Murun, the central hub of Khuvsgul province. Upon landing, you'll embark on a drive to the enchanting frozen Lake Khuvsgul. You'll have dinner and spend the night at a ger camp situated on the shore of the lake, surrounded by its tranquil and picturesque beauty. (B/L/D).

Following a leisurely breakfast, you will have the privilege of witnessing the captivating opening ceremony of the Ice Festival. The event will be enriched with traditional Mongolian folk music performances, played on traditional instruments. You will also have the unique opportunity to observe a shamanic ritual, which is a distinctive cultural experience.

This day also marks the commencement of the first round of the Ice Marathon, where ice skaters will compete in a challenging 100-kilometer (63 miles) race on the frozen lake. Throughout the day, you'll have ample opportunities for photography and the chance to engage in horse riding on the pristine ice.

Another highlight of the day will be your visit to a nomadic family in the area, providing insight into their way of life. 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, making for a memorable cultural exchange. (B/L/D).

Today, the ice driving competition takes center stage, showcasing the skills of local drivers as they compete and demonstrate their expertise on the icy terrain. Alongside this, you'll have the chance to witness ice wrestling, as well as enjoy the thrilling spectacle of horse sledding and horse riding on the frozen lake.

You'll also have the opportunity to visit a nomadic family, deepening your understanding of their lifestyle and traditions. In the evening, the closing ceremony will be a grand affair, marked by a fireworks display, creating a memorable and enchanting conclusion to the Ice Festival. You'll spend the night in a ger camp, surrounded by the serene beauty of the frozen landscape. (B/L/D).

After a satisfying breakfast at the ger camp, we will drive back to Murun and catch a flight back to Ulan Bator. Upon your return to the capital, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can enjoy a leisurely day in the city, taking in the local culture and sights. You'll spend the night at your hotel in Ulan Bator. (B/L/D).

On this day, you will gather with your group and set out for the Chinggisiin Khuree area to attend the Eagle Hunting Festival. Here, you'll have the chance to witness the thrilling eagle hunting competition, the skilled horseback archery competition, and an eagle training demonstration.

Amidst the snowy surroundings, you will enjoy an alfresco picnic lunch. After the festival concludes around 5 pm, you will journey back to Ulan Bator and be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day's experiences. (B/L/D).

Your day will begin with a trip to the airport to catch the morning flight to Dalanzadgad, which lasts approximately 1.5 hours. As the capital of Umnugobi province, this area is situated in the semi-arid desert zone in southern Gobi, marking the southernmost province of Mongolia. It's a remarkable and incredibly photogenic region, despite its desolate beauty.

Upon your arrival, you will check in to your gers and enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge, setting the stage for your exploration of this unique part of the world. (B/L/D).

Today, your focus will be on camels and the exciting competitions they participate in. The day kicks off with the race of adult camels, followed by the two-year-old camels' race. During these races, you have the opportunity to place bets on and support the camel of your choice. The camels are judged based on their speed during the 12-kilometer (7.5 miles) and 15-kilometer (9.5 miles) races. The first three camels to cross the finishing line the fastest in each age category are awarded with gold, silver, and bronze medals, respectively.

Lunch will be served in Bulgan Soum to keep you energized for the afternoon's highly anticipated event: the Camel Relay. This competition involves catching, taming, training, and ultimately loading a camel with an actual ger (traditional dwelling). Several teams of 5 members each participate, with each person performing a different task.

The closing ceremony takes place later in the afternoon, where the winners are presented with trophies, making for a truly magical and highly memorable day. You will enjoy dinner and spend the night in a camp, surrounded by the allure of the Gobi Desert. (B/L/D).

Following an early breakfast, we will embark on a drive to Dalanzadgad in preparation for your return flight to Ulan Bator. Once you land in Ulan Bator, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the incredible experiences from your Gobi Desert adventure. (B/L/D).

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure. Your memorable journey through Mongolia comes to an end, and you will carry with you the experiences and memories of this remarkable country. (B).