Today is our project day. We’ll be taken care of by our partner NGO today, where we’ll visit the community where we’re funding the new running water and toilets for.

We’ll have a tour of the real side of Mongolia, that tourists don’t get to visit. 

And we’ll witness the amazing work our partner NGO is doing here. As well as, of course, seeing the actual projects we’ve funded. Responsible tourism in action. Thank you everyone.

Depending on the flight time to Western Mongolia, we may have time for a quick morning tour to UlaaN Bataar. 

We’ll try start with the majestic Gandantegchinlen Monastery, soak in history at the National Museum of Mongolia, and marvel at the grandeur of Sukhbaatar Square. Then we fly to Olgii.

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.

A morning flight back to UB should bring us back to the Capital for lunch. We’ll drop our bags, have a GLORIOUS shower after 4 days in the outback. We have factored in another half-day in Ulaan Bataar in case we didn’t have a chance to visit the city when we first arrived.

It’s a fascinating place, where we’ll hear of the conquests of Gengis Khan, and also explore the more recent history of the former Soviet Union.

Drive to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, a stunning nature reserve located just a short distance from Ulaanbaatar. The park is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, featuring lush valleys, rugged mountains, and unique rock formations. One of the park’s most famous landmarks is Turtle Rock, a natural rock formation that resembles a giant turtle.

As part of the day trip, we will visit the imposing Genghis Khan Statue, a massive equestrian statue of the legendary Mongolian leader. Standing at 40 meters tall, this statue is the largest of its kind in the world. From the observation deck atop the horse’s head, we can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.

After exploring the statue complex, we will continue our journey to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Here, we can hike through scenic trails, visit the Ariyabal Meditation Temple, and experience the tranquil beauty of the Mongolian wilderness. The park is also home to traditional nomadic families, offering a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle.

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

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