After breakfast we'll head out to Elsen Tasarkhai, also known as the "Little Gobi." This epic stretch of sand dunes spans 5 km wide and runs for 80 km—perfect for soaking in the desert vibes. 

Get ready to climb the dunes and experience the thrill of a camel ride (optional). Tonight we're spending the night in the desert, get ready for a sky full of stars before we set in for a night in ger tents.

We’ll journey back to Ulaanbaatar with a stop at Khustai National Park, renowned since the 1990s for its incredible success in reintroducing the wild Przewalski’s horse. 

Once native to the Central Asian steppes, these majestic creatures vanished from the wild in the 1960s but now roam free again. Enjoy a hearty lunch at a ger camp restaurant before we hit the road for the final stretch back to UB. 

Tonight it's back to the comforts of a hotel in the city before catching an early flight to the festival!

THE MAIN EVENT. A real bucket list day. We hop on a flight to waaaaaay West, to the extreme west of Mongolia, to Olgi. The country’s only Muslim and Kazakh-majority aimag, and just 40km from the Kazakhstan border

Here, we’ll dive into the heart of Mongolian culture with Day 1 of our 2 days at the November Eagle Festival. Our adventure begins with the awe-inspiring opening ceremony, featuring a procession of eagle hunters clad in their finest traditional Kazakh attire, setting the stage for what’s to come.

The first day is packed with competitions showcasing the hunters’ symbiotic relationship with their eagles, highlighting eagle calling and the artistry of hunting techniques against the backdrop of Mongolia’s stunning landscape.

The excitement builds on the second day, focusing on the eagles’ agility and speed, as they dive at incredible speeds to catch bait on command.

Between events, we’ll be deep in authentic Kazakh culture through folk music, dance performances, and storytelling sessions. We’ll hit up the nomadic ger tents for a glimpse into traditional living.

The festival concludes with a grand award ceremony, honoring the eagle hunters’ dedication and skill, leaving you with memories of Mongolia’s rich heritage and the majestic beauty of its eagles.

Catch a morning flight back to UB.  From there, we’ll head straight to the iconic Chinggis Khaan Statue, stopping for lunch along the way. 

After soaking in the sights, we’ll return to a comfy hotel in the city. In the evening, we’ll wrap up the day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Finally, we get to actually check out the big city and get some insight into the heartbeat of the country. Get ready to dive into the heart of UB! 

We’ll kick things off at the peaceful Gandan Monastery, soak up some history at the National History Museum, and take a stroll through the lively Main Square and maybe have a cheeky rooftop beer. 

 In the evening, get ready to be wowed by an energetic folklore concert before we wrap things up with final meal and then probably off to one of Ulaanbaatar 100's of karaoke bars.

That's all folks. Until the next time.... 

P.S Wanna come to Mauritania with me in December?