ICE FESTIVAL “KHUVSGUL”
Overview
Discover the highlights of Mongolia and its wonderful winter landscape. Breathtaking landscapes and the warm hospitality of the nomads will remain unforgettable. The journey begins with a natural spectacle: We drive to the third largest city "Erdenet", which was founded in 1974 in an area where large deposits of copper had been discovered in the 1950s. Then, we head towards the provincial capital "Murun" and the following day, we will be at the lake " Khuvsgul "to watch the ice festival. On the way back, we visit the ruins of Khar Balgas.
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Itinerary
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Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, it's recommended that you clear customs and check-in to the hotel. Then settle in your room and relax from your flight. In the afternoon, you will be picked up our guide and begin the walking tour at the "Sukhbaatar" square, the central point of Ulaanbaatar. Here, we can see the monument of Genghis Khan and the Parliament Building. In the afternoon, we have a Mongolian traditional show at Tumen Ekh: folkloric dances, contortion, and of course the Mongolian throat singing "Khuumii". (Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.)
Driving to "Erdenet"
At present, Erdenet is the third largest city in Mongolia and is one of the largest copper mining sites in the world. After we check-in to the hotel, we do a little bit of walking tour to explore the city. And finally, we conclude the day with a dinner. (Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)Driving to the "Murun" town
On the second day, we reach the "Murun" town and after having lunch in a hotel, we are driving to the deer-stone to visit "Uushgiin Uvur". In the evening, we go back to the local hotel. (Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)Ice festival on the lake "Khuvsgul".
Early morning drive to the national park "Khuvsgul".
Grand Opening Ceremony of the Ice Festival
• Skating Marathon
• Local handcraft's market in ice-ger.
• Sacrificing ceremony for the lake "Khuvsgul". (Accommodation: Ger-camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)Ice festival on the lake "Khuvsgul".
• Competition for driving skills on the ice.
• Wrestling competition on the ice
• Competition of short skating marathon
• Horse, sledge racing
• Closing ceremony and bonfire. (Accommodation: Ger-camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)From the lake "Khuvsgul" to spa "Baatar Van"
Today, we head towards the spa "Baatar Van". On the way, we visit the "Bi-bulan" ruin left from the Khitan dynasty in the 8th century. In the afternoon, you may relax in the hotel. (Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)Driving to the ruin of "Khar Balgas".
Today we begin our trip in the direction of the "Khar Bukhiin Balgas" ruins. This ruin is believed to have established during the Khitan period because of the roof tiles, containing the 9th-10th century’s Khitan inscription, found from the area. And it was the same as that of Chin Balgas. In the 17th century, a stone monastery was built on the site. This settlement had enclosed an area of 500m long each side and alongside the main road, there were building traces some of which were surrounded by a ditch. Here, we visit a small museum and explore the area even more. (Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.)Back to Ulaanbaatar
We head back to the capital. In the afternoon, you may need some time to relax and recover from the trip.
Finally, we have a last dinner together. (Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Lunch and Dinner.)You will be at leisure in your hotel and you may stroll around on your own until our guide escorts you to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight. Your driver will assist you with flight check-in and luggage, and see you off at the point of security check. (Breakfast)
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Inclusions
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All transfers for arrival/departure
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English speaking tour guide at all times (Other languages upon request)
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All transfer & Transportation + experienced drivers
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8 nights’ accommodation;
- Good 4* hotel in the city – 2 nights, based on double/twin.
- Good hotel in countryside – 4 nights, based on double/twin
- Ger camps in countryside trip – 2 nights on share
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All the meals as listed in the itinerary: Breakfast - 8, Lunch – 7, Dinner – 8
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“Wonders of Mongolian Art” performance with Tumen-Ekh ensemble
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Internal flights, free luggage allowance is 15kg
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All sightseeing and entrance fees are mentioned as program
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All service charge, local and Gov’t tax
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Road & toll fees
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Visa invitation letter if required
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Complementary drink water during the tour
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Camping equipments
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Museums and cultural performance
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Included all taxes
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Visa to Mongolia (Get in advance)
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International flights & Mongolia visa fees
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Hotel early check-in and late check-out
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Tipping and other personal expenses
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Other services not mentioned in the itinerary
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Excess luggage charges – 1.5$ per kg for internal flights
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Travel insurance
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Personal equipments
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Alcoholic drinks
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Sleeping bag
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Optional activity cost
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Single room supplement