Mongolia Winter Festivals - 2023 Tour

Come join us in March for a time of festivals! This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the festivities of local communities in Mongolia. Not organized for 'tourists', these local events are put on by communities for their own amusement, but visitors are always welcome.
Highlights
- Ice Festival at lake Khovsgol
- Golden Eagle Festival in capital city
- Nomad family visits
- Mongolian winter experiences
Tour Itinerary

Day 1.
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to the hotel and relax. City tour including the Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, which represents Mongolian Culture starting from the Stone Age to the 21st century, and Buddhism, Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chingis Khaan Square). In Gandan Monastery, you can take local prayers, monks, the biggest standing indoor Buddha statue, and temples' own figure. (L/D)

Day 2.
Take a flight to Murun town, the central town of Khovsgol province in northern Mongolia. After arriving in Murun town, we will visit Deer Stones at Uushgiin Uvur if the flight schedule allows us. Then head to the Lake Khovsgol National Park and stay overnight at ger camp on the Shore of Lake Khovsgol. (B/L/D)

Day 3.
Organized annually on frozen Khuvsgul Lake by National Park rangers, local residents, and businesses, the Ice Festival has been held five years running. A respite from the confinement of the winter months, the Ice Festival is a time to get outdoors and play games. The festival features a gathering of local residents and nomadic reindeer herders, and performances by shamans, musicians, and sportsmen. Competitions include ice sumo, a horse sled race, ice skating races, tug of war between local teams, and a Russian Jeep race on the ice. Many traditional games are played on the sidelines, and this is an ideal venue for visitors to join in the fun and games with local people. The festival is held at Khar-Us on Khuvsgul Lake, a short drive north of Khatgal across the frozen lake ice. (B/L/D)
- Grand Opening Ceremony of the Ice Festival
- Skating Marathon
- Local handcraft's market in Ice Ger
- Sacrificing ceremony for the "Khuvsgul" lake and Khoridol Saridag Mountain.

Day 4.
It is the second day of the Festival. However, we need to miss half of the events due to fly back to catch another fascinating event in Ulaanbaatar.
- Competition for car driving skills on the ice.
- Wrestling competition on the ice
- Competition of short Skating marathon
- Horse sled racing
- Closing ceremony and bonfire
Take a flight back to Ulaanbaatar to catch Spring Golden Eagle Festival. (B/L/D)

Day 5.
The Winter Golden Eagle Festival (also called Spring) starts with its parades and competitions for costuming and hunting techniques. This festival has been celebrated since 2000 and now attracts many travelers. Each year the number of eagle hunters participating in the festival is increasing which makes the festival more colorful and spectacular. Eagles chase fox skins dragged by their owners on horseback. Points are given for their speed and gripping ability. In 2 days you will capture plenty of portraits and competition photos, names Kokbar, Kizkhuar, etc. Festival winners will be announced at the closing ceremony. (B/L/D)

Day 6.
(06 Mar). Departure
Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport or Train station and depart Mongolia. (B)

Prices & Inclusions

Group size |
Price/Per person |
2 pax | 1398$ |
3-4 pax | 1298$ |
5-8 pax | 1198$ |
9-12 pax | 1098$ |
Includes
Accommodation: Hotel****,* ger camp
Guiding and interpreting service
Full board meals
Domestic Round-trip flights (UB-Murun-UB)
Transport: 4x4 vehicle or minivan
Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks
Museums and cultural performance
Festival taxes
Not Includes
International airfare
Personal equipment
Optional activity cost
Excess baggage charges
Single room supplement
Alcoholic drinks
Travel Insurance
The extra cost for photography in museums
Tip for a tour guide, driver, etc
Map & Destinations

