MONGOLIAThe Golden Eagle Festival

October 2 - 9, 2019

nomadicexpeditions.com | 800-998-6634

Join us for the Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia’s Bayan-Ulgii Province! Each year, Kazakh hunters from near and far attend the festival for competitions based on the speed, agility, and accuracy of their magnificent hunting eagles. This festival celebrating the Kazakhs’ honored golden eagle is also a celebration of Kazakh traditional heritage, and is organized by the local Kazakh community and the Berkut Association.

Historically, nomadic Kazakhs depended on golden eagles for hunting. Jalsa Urubshurow, Founder and CEO of Nomadic Expeditions, founded the Berkut Association and the Golden Eagle Festival as a means of promoting conservation of the golden eagle and preservation of the Kazakhs’ traditional culture. All proceeds from the festival’s ticket sales go to the Berkut Association, a community-based association comprised of local Kazakhs. The Association utilizes these funds to further the goals of the organization and to support the annual Golden Eagle Festival.

MONGOLIAThe Golden Eagle Festival

Day 1 WELCOME TO ULAANBAATAR

The contrast between ancient traditions and a 21st-century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar, where traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries sit side by side with modern high-rises. Upon arrival at the airport you are welcomed by your Mongolian guide and transferred to a centrally located hotel within walking distance of various museums and shops.

(Shangri-La Hotel)

Day 2 ULAANBAATAR

Begin the day with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Woven through Mongolia’s nomadic culture is a rich Tibetan Buddhist tradition in which ancient shamanist practices are still evident. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece for government officials. However, in spite of the government’s efforts to suppress Buddhism and other religious beliefs, Mongolia’s spirituality persisted and a significant resurgence of Buddhism began in 1990 when Mongolia became a democracy. Monasteries across the country are again opening their doors to worshippers and the few lamas who survived the purges are training a new generation. Extensive reconstruction and renovation projects have been completed and priceless artifacts that were hidden for safekeeping by nomadic families are now being returned to monasteries.

Experience these exciting developments first-hand at Gandan Monastery. Strolling through the monastery grounds, hear the low tones of the horns used to call the lamas to the temple and observe their daily rituals, including the reading of sutras, the teachings of the Buddha. Also visit the recently renovated Chenrezi and Kalachakra Temples, as well as the magnificent statue of Migjid Janraisig, “the lord who looks in every direction.” This 82-foot high statue, gilded in pure gold and clothed in silk and precious stones, completely fills the largest of Gandan’s temples.

Next, drive through downtown Ulaanbaatar to the National History Museum for an excellent overview of Mongolia’s history and culture. The newly remodeled museum displays traditional implements of daily nomadic life including Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, historical costumes of Mongolia’s minority tribes, sacred religious relics, and agricultural, fishing, and hunting equipment.

After lunch, visit the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum. Named in honor of Zanabazar, the renowned 17th-century artist and politician who was also the first Buddhist leader of Mongolia, the museum contains one of the best collections of Buddhist art and artifacts in the world, including many of Zanabazar’s original works. Overnight at hotel.

(Shangri-La Hotel; B, L, D)

MONGOLIA | BHUTAN | TIBET | NEPAL | CHINA | MYANMAR | SIBERIA | SRI LANKA | INDIA

nomadicexpeditions.com800-998-6634

Y O U R J O U R N E Y

DEPARTURE DATE(S): OCTOBER 2 - 9, 2019

RECOMMENDED FOR:

Adventurous and intrepid travelers interested in attending the Golden Eagle Festival, a celebration honoring the Golden Eagle and Kazakh heritage.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Attend the spectacular Golden Eagle Festival with up to 60 Kazakh hunters and their golden eagles

Enjoy the rare opportunity to view golden eagles up close

Visit Kazakh families in their traditional gets decorated with fine textiles

ACCOMMODATIONS:

4 nights at the Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar

3 nights at ger camps in western Mongolia

MONGOLIA | BHUTAN | TIBET | NEPAL | CHINA | MYANMAR | SIBERIA | SRI LANKA | INDIA

nomadicexpeditions.com800-998-6634

Day 3 FLY TO BAYAN ULGII | TOLBO LAKE

Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Ulgii (3.5 hours), capital of Bayan-Ulgii, Mongolia’s westernmost province. Ninety percent of the population here is Kazakh, Mongolia’s largest ethnic minority. The isolation of the Altai Mountains has preserved the language and traditions of the Kazakhs, who live amongst some

of the most spectacular scenery in Mongolia. Visit crystal-clear Tolbo Lake, which mirrors the dramatic Khunguin Mountains. This saline lake attracts numerous birds such as swans and gulls, and is home to over eight different types of fish. Spend the day trekking along the eastern shore of the lake, visiting Kazakh families along the way. Overnight in gers.

(Temporary Ger Camp; B, L, D

Day 4 OPENING CEREMONY | COMPETITION

The official opening ceremony commences with the participants parading in on horseback with their eagles. The competition begins with each Kazakh displaying his hunting outfit and accessories, the most elaborate and beautiful of which receive the highest points. In the afternoon, the judges will evaluate the golden eagles’ speed and agility. The eagles will be released from a cliff with their owners standing below, signaling for the eagles to land upon their arms as they do while hunting. Those

with the fastest times and best technique will be awarded the highest scores. After dinner, attend a special performance of traditional Kazakh dance, song, and music organized in honor of the competitors. Overnight in gers.

(Temporary Ger Camp; B, L, D)

Day 5 COMPETITION | AWARDS CEREMONY

In today’s competition, the golden eagles are released from a cliff to attack fox skins dragged by their owners on horseback. The eagles will be judged on speed, gripping technique, and success in grabbing the fox. As the points for the competitions are tallied, the Kazakhs will compete in kukbar, a traditional game testing horse-riding skills, strength, and agility.

In the late afternoon, the winners of the festival will be announced at the awards ceremony. In the evening, enjoy a celebration dinner.

(Temporary Ger Camp; B, L, D)

nomadicexpeditions.com800-998-6634

Day 6 BAYAN ULGII | ULAANBAATAR

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Bogd Gegen Palace, home of Mongolia’s last theocrat, Bogd Jebtzun Damba Hutagt VIII (Mongolia’s 8th Living Buddha), which displays elaborate ceremonial robes and other personal effects of the leader.

(Shangri-La Hotel; B, L, D)

Day 7 HUSTAIN NURUU NATIONAL PARK

In the morning, drive to Hustain Nuruu National Park, home to the last remaining species of wild horse, the takhi - commonly known as Przewalski’s horse. Twenty-five years after becoming extinct in the wild, the takhi was reintroduced to the Mongolian steppe from zoo populations by the Foundation for the Preservation and Protection of the Przewalski’s Horse. Sixteen horses were flown from the Netherlands to Mongolia in 1994, and nearly 400 now roam re-introduction sites in Mongolia and China. Learn about current conservation efforts and the status of the herds found within the reserve at the visitor’s center before trying to spot these beautiful horses in their natural habitat.

After lunch, stop at the Ongot stone complex near the Tuul River Basin—the largest grave complex in central Asia. These

mysterious stone figures depicting men date from the Turkic period (7th-9th centuries A.D.). They all face one direction and are behind one another, as if in a line. Some interpret this configuration as depicting a nobleman or general with his subjects or soldiers following behind. These stones are rare historical evidence of the culture that dominated the area at the time and are especially important to historians, as few written accounts have survived the burden of Mongolia’s nomadic lifestyle and turbulent battling periods.

In the evening enjoy a performance featuring traditional Mongolian dancers and khoomi throat singers, followed by dinner at a fine local restaurant.

(Shangri-La Hotel; B, L, D)

Day 8 DEPARTURE

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure. (B)

B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner

Nomadic Expeditions reserves the right to change the above itinerary if necessary.

MONGOLIA | BHUTAN | TIBET | NEPAL | CHINA | MYANMAR | SIBERIA | SRI LANKA | INDIA

LAND PRICE INCLUDES:

• Ground transportation in Mongolia as described in the itinerary

• Transfers on arrival and departure

• All accommodations (hotel rooms and gers) based on twin or double occupancy

• All meals in Mongolia including a camp cook while tenting

• All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary

• Extensive pre-departure notes, reading list, map, luggage tags, and travel tips

• Bilingual Nomadic Expeditions guide throughout your stay in Mongolia

LAND PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• International airfare

• Passport and visa fees

• Comprehensive medical and trip insurance

• Airport taxes

• Excess baggage charges

• Photography and video fees

• Tips to guides and drivers

• Food and beverages not included in the group meals

• Items of personal nature, including alcoholic beverages

• Laundry and telephone calls

• Other items not specifically mentioned as included.

We would love to share this exceptional adventure with you!

Our Expedition Specialists are available from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM EST, Monday thru Friday

Nomadic Expeditions Inc., | 1095 Cranbury-South River Road, Suite 20A | Monroe Twp., NJ 08831 USA

Phone: 800-998-6634 or 609-860-9008 | Fax: 609-860-9608 | Email: info@nomadicexpeditions.com

LAND PRICE2019 PRICING:2-5 passengers: $5,495 per person/double occupancy

6-14 passengers: $4,550 per person/double occupancy

Internal Airfare: $580 per person (subject to change by airlines)

Single supplement: $1,400

Airfare for international flight is not included.

Please contact us for details.

WHY TRAVEL WITH NOMADIC EXPEDITIONS?

Unrivaled ExpertiseNomadic Expeditions was founded in 1992. Nothing can compete with the experience we have attained over 25 years of designing luxury adventure travel to Asia. While each trip we design is slightly different than its predecessor, our breadth of knowledge, network of contacts, and experience in the field is unrivaled.

Our People We hire the best in the business to create and execute memorable journeys for our clients. From our Expedition Specialists in the United States, Ulaanbaatar, Lhasa, and Thimpu who turn wish lists into reality to our English-speaking, professionally trained guides who share their extensive knowledge of the culture and natural history of our destinations, our staff is what makes Nomadic Expeditions successful.

Passion for Travel While our journeys open your eyes to a whole new world of experiences, we understand that choosing to book a trip with us requires time spent away from friends, family, and work. Your time is precious and we take that to heart. It’s why we design journeys that go beyond a checklist of attractions. When you travel with us, we want you to remember drinking tea with a nomadic family or digging for fossils with a renowned paleontologist. We imbue our trips with encounters, whether it’s with a local resident, a high-ranking government official, or a renowned wildlife conservationist, so you take home more than a set of photographs to frame on your nightstand.

Our Philosophy Nomadic Expeditions was founded on the principle of treading lightly long before sustainable travel was a buzz phrase. Every expedition is undertaken with the greatest respect for the lands we explore and the local people we meet. Those who travel with us do so with the assurance that the preservation and protection of the ecosystems and cultures we visit is of the utmost importance to us, both as individuals and as a company. Respect for the places we travel to is at the heart of everything we do, but over our 25 years we have realized additional opportunities where we can lend a hand. We have gone beyond simply treading lightly and have wholeheartedly partnered with local communities and regions. Read more about our sustainable practices and philanthropic efforts here.

nomadicexpeditions.com | 800-998-6634