Mongolia

Meet at Athens or Thessaloniki airport and fly to Ulaanbaatar via a connecting airport.

Ulaanbaatar – Tsonjin: 55 km / 1.5 hours' drive
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar in the morning, where we will be met at the airport and depart for Tsonjin.
The Genghis Khan statue is a 40-metre-high steel statue, the largest equestrian statue in the world. According to legend, he found a golden whip at this spot. The statue faces east, towards his birthplace.

Visitors can climb up to the horse's head through its chest and neck, enjoying panoramic views.

The adjoining museum includes displays of everyday objects and sacred animals, as well as exhibits from the era of the Great Khan (13th-14th century).

Tsonjin – Baga Gazriin Chuluu: 281 km / 6 hours' drive
Wonderful rocky landscapes, crystal caves where a Buddhist lama meditated for 20 years, a healing spring for the eyes and the ruins of a 17th-century temple.

416 km / 6 hours' drive
Departure for the town of Dalanzadgad, capital of the South Gobi province, to visit the new Museum of Natural History (open since 2022, with 4,000+ exhibits: fossils, tools, etc.).

After lunch and a short shopping stop, we head for the Yol Valley (also known as the Eagle Valley). A green valley of wild flowers and rocks, where ice fields form even in summer. A walk through the valley (about 2 hours in total). Alternatively, horse riding is possible.

180 km / 5 hours' drive
Transfer to the impressive white Khongor sand dunes, more than 180 km long and 300 m high (a well-known spot: Duut Mankhan – the "Singing Dune").

In the afternoon, a visit to a camel-herding family, an introduction to the nomadic way of life and a camel ride (two-humped Bactrians). A short exploration of the Seruun Bulag oasis and views over the sand from the top of the dunes.

160 km / 5 hours' drive
An area famous for finds of fossilised dinosaur eggs and bones. The Flaming Cliffs are red-coloured hills, the result of erosion by wind and water. The 1923 excavation by Roy Chapman Andrews uncovered the first dinosaur nests.

A walk among the hills and the saxaul trees.

250 km / 6 hours' drive
Transfer to the unique geological landscape of Tsagaan Suvarga. This is a huge geological "sculpture" 200 m high and 400 m long, a former seabed with fossils. It was created by erosion over 10 million years. Ideal for photographs and hiking.

384 km / 6-7 hours' drive
Breakfast at the Ger camp, a short rest and preparation for the return to Ulaanbaatar. The route includes short stops for photos or toilets.

Lunch: A local restaurant along the way with traditional dishes such as khuushuur (fried meat pies) or tsuivan (noodles with meat).

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar: approximately 16:30 – 17:00

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and flight to Ölgii.

Location: Bagatzin Tsagaan – Western Mongolia
In the morning we go to the site where the festival is held and take our places. More than 70 eagle hunters from all over western Mongolia take part, dressed in traditional Kazakh costumes and with their golden eagles on their arms.

The first day of the festival includes the parade of the eagle hunters, the greetings and the presentation of their equipment and costumes. Then the first speed and obedience contests begin, in which the eagles fly from mountain tops to reach the hunters' hands.

The second day includes more difficult contests. The hunters demonstrate their communication and technique with their eagle, and also take part in traditional sports such as:

• Kokpar (a game played with camels or horses)
• Tenge ilu (a contest of endurance and agility)
• Wrestling and horse riding

The day ends with the award ceremony and a traditional celebration with music, songs and local food.

• Eagle Hunting Displays: We will spend the day at the festival site watching the hunters demonstrate their eagles' skills with impressive flights and swoops.
• Meeting the Hunters: A chance to meet the hunters, who are happy to share their training methods and their stories.
• Photography: Capture unique moments of the eagles in flight, against the backdrop of the imposing mountains.

• Exploring the Area: Time permitting, visit nearby sites and enjoy the breathtaking views and the nomadic culture.
• Local Handicrafts: Explore and buy traditional items such as felt goods, textiles or handmade jewellery.
• Farewell Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Kazakh dinner.
• Nomadic Life Experience: Visit a Kazakh family and experience their daily life in a traditional ger.

The White River (locally "Tsaagan Gol") is one of the most impressive rivers in Mongolia. It crosses the Altai Mountains and flows into the Khovd river, continuing towards the Gobi Desert. The area is renowned for its unrivalled natural beauty and its cultural significance.

• Natural Beauty: The river runs through mountains, steppes and valleys, offering stunning landscapes with snow-capped peaks and lush vegetation.
• Wildlife: The area is home to wild goats, marmots, foxes and eagles.
• Glaciers: The river's sources come from glaciers in the Tavan Bogd area, providing a unique natural setting.

The Five Sacred Mountains (Altai 5 Bold) are a sacred mountain range near the borders with Kazakhstan and China. The place is considered sacred by Kazakh and Mongolian nomads and is a top destination for nature lovers and cultural explorers.

• Landscapes and Spirituality: The peaks are known for their spiritual significance and their stunning beauty.
• Activities: Ideal for hiking, climbing and exploring traditional life. •
• Stay in a Ger in the Tavan Bogd area

After breakfast the day is free to enjoy the last moments of the trip.

Breakfast and transfer to Ölgii airport. Return flight to Ulaanbaatar (approximately 3 hours). Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

In the afternoon, free time for a stroll around the city or for shopping (cashmere, handicrafts, souvenirs).

Breakfast and transfer to the airport for the return flight.