Mongolia Overland Explorer

For over a millennium the Kazakh’s have been practicing the art of falconry, a tradition passed down from their Turkic ancestors, using golden eagles. Weighing up to fifteen pounds, the females are nearly one-third bigger than the males and their vision is eight times more acute than the human eye. Through the winter months the Kazakhs hunt foxes, rabbits and marmots, with their eagles. Learn about how they care for the eagles and see a demonstration. In the evening enjoy dinner with the family and hear their songs about the powers of their eagles.

Drive to Eregt valley to get to Tavan Belchir pasture where Uriankhai people spend summer. The WWF’s surveys have determined that there are four snow leopards living in the region. You’ll also find Siberian ibex and Argali wild sheep here, the now leopards’ main prey. Hike up to Tavan Belchir pasture and start scanning rocky slopes of snowcapped mountains.

A cross country drive takes you to Bayan Nuur Lake, located on the north-eastern side of the Tsambagarav mountain. Set dramatically with high mountains on its south and north banks, the lake is rich with migratory birds. Spend some time walking along its shores spotting birds. Enjoy a picnic lunch before heading to Namarjin Valley, where you will learn more about nomadic life. Explore the area on foot or by horse back with a family.

Mongolia’s largest monastery, Erdene Zuu, was reputedly constructed from the ruins of Karakhorum in the 16th century. Surrounded by 108 stupas, Erdene Zuu has been a place of Buddhist activity for more than 500 years. Explore the monastery grounds and the  temples which are richly decorated. Kharakhorum Museum offers fascinating insight into what was once the center of arts, politics, trades, and religions of the world.

Head out with your guide on a hike (or horse trek) through the Orkhon Valley. This gorgeous region is not just home to many archeological, cultural and historic sites but it also stands testimony to how age-old nomadic culture has shaped and influenced developmental changes in Mongolia in general. After lunch, visit Kultegin Monument, erected during the Turkic Empire in the 8th century. Built in honor of a prince, this magnificent statue has been the subject of research by archeologists from around the world.

Visit the legendary Flaming Cliffs, named for the orange glow of the rock at sunset. The red sandstone of the Flaming Cliffs is rich with dinosaur fossils, and paleontological expeditions continue to make significant discoveries at this site.

Travel to  Havsgait by vehicle or on horseback for panoramic views of the grasslands and to see some amazing artwork of our ancestors. Preserved at the top of the mountain are some of the precious petroglyphs of the Gobi, ancient works of art that can be clearly seen as the sun hits the rocks from the right angle. From the depictions of these petroglyphs, we can gain a better understanding of the everyday lives of the people who lived in the Gobi during the Bronze Age.

Drive to Yol Valley National Park, cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. An ancient river carved this surprisingly green valley, and its remnant streams create ice formations that sometimes persist as late as July. A hike through the valley leads to the habitat of indigenous vulture-like lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks, and Argali mountain sheep.