Sep 15–28, 2025
Join us in Mongolia, mesmerizing country that offers an unparalleled adventure into a land of vast steppes, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. We begin in Ulaanbaatar, the bustling capital, exploring the dynamic cityscape, which combines modernity with traditional Mongolian culture.
We then fly west to Bayan-Ölgii, a province (aimag) in Mongolia, located in the westernmost part of the country. It is notable for having a majority population of ethnic Kazakhs. Here we attend The Golden Eagle Festival, held annually. It celebrates the ancient Kazakh tradition of eagle hunting, where skilled hunters demonstrate their prowess with trained golden eagles. The event features various competitions, including eagle hunting, horse racing, and traditional archery, providing a vivid showcase of Kazakh culture and heritage.
The journey continues into the vast expanses of the Gobi Desert, home to the stunning sand dunes of Moltsog Els. Here, we will enjoy the stark beauty of the desert. Moltsog Els features expansive sand dunes that can reach impressive heights. The golden sands create stunning, ever-changing patterns shaped by the wind, offering a quintessential desert landscape.
The Gobi Desert is home to nomadic herders. A visit to a local nomadic family offers a deep dive into Mongolia’s traditional way of life, providing a firsthand experience of their hospitality and customs. Our accommodations will be in a luxury Ger (yurt)!
Mongolia – an adventure of a lifetime!
Countries Visited:
Mongolia
Starts/Ends:
Ulaanbaatar (UBN) / Ulaanbaatar (UBN)
Duration:
14 days / 12 nights
Activity Level:
Moderate
Accommodation:
Deluxe 5★ & First Class 4★
International Air Route:
USA/Ulaanbaatar (UBN)...Ulaanbaatar (UBN)/USA
Group Size:
Min 4, Max 12
Experiences:
Culture, History, Natural History
Experience the Golden Eagle Festival in the Bayan-Ölgii province, where Kazakh hunters demonstrate their skills with trained golden eagles. This unique cultural event includes eagle hunting competitions, traditional games, and performances.
Explore the stunning landscapes of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, known for its dramatic rock formations, picturesque valleys, and diverse wildlife. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, and visiting the famous Turtle Rock and Aryabal Monastery.
Visit Bayan-Ölgii, a distinct and culturally rich region of Mongolia, offering a fascinating blend of Kazakh and Mongolian influences.
Discover the vast and varied landscapes of the Gobi Desert, from the towering sand dunes of Khongoryn Els to the dramatic Flaming Cliffs, where dinosaur fossils have been found. Camel trekking and camping under the stars are unforgettable experiences.
Aryabal Monastery is an active place of worship where monks practice meditation and perform rituals.
Moltsog Els features expansive sand dunes that can reach impressive heights. The golden sands create stunning, ever-changing patterns shaped by the wind, offering a quintessential desert landscape.
Immerse yourself in Mongolian nomadic culture by staying in a luxury traditional-style ger (yurt). Experience the daily life of herders, including milking yaks, making dairy products, and learning about their customs and traditions.
Explore the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, where modernity meets tradition. Key attractions include Gandan Monastery, Sukhbaatar Square, the National Museum of Mongolia, and the impressive Zaisan Memorial.
Mongolia's Golden Eagle Festival
September 15, 2025
September 28, 2025
$11,895
$14,395
$1,200
A deposit of $750 is required to hold a reservation. This may be charged to a credit card. Final payment is due 60 days prior to Start Date of the tour. Final payment may be made by personal check or wire transfer. Credit card payments are assessed a 4% fee.
• Single Occupancy rates can be avoided if you wish to be matched with another single traveler who also wishes to share. If no share is available, the single rate will apply.
• Rates are based on current rates and currency exchange rates at the time of publishing the tour online.
• Rates are subject to change until final payment has been made. Rates are based on a minimum participation and if the minimum participation is not met rates may need to be revised.
CODA can help design a tailor made tour to suit you!
Depart on any regularly scheduled flight from the USA to Ulaanbataar (UBN).
Cross the International Date Line.
A Coda representative will meet and transfer you to your hotel. After your long flight(s), the rest of your day will be at leisure.
The contrast between ancient traditions and a 21st-century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar, where traditional gers (Mongolian round tents covered with skins and felt) and Buddhist monasteries sit alongside modern high-rises.
Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel ★★★★★
Room: Deluxe
Meals: On your own[/b]
After breakfast, visit the newly built Chinggis Khan Museum, Mongolia's newest and largest museum.
Next, a paleontologist will meet us at the Paleontology Laboratory for a behind-the-scenes tour showing the latest dinosaurs and other rare fossils that are not displayed for public viewing. 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.
Enjoy welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant with a guest speaker who will speak to us about Mongolia's current affairs including the economic and political situation.
Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel ★★★★★
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ninety percent of the population of Bayan-Ulgii 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.
Today our guide will accompany us on our onward flight to Ulgii, where we will check in before lunch.
Then our afternoon tour will include Ulgii’s History Museum, showcasing horse and eagle hunting accessories, hand-woven carpets, and other arts and crafts. To round out your introduction to the history and culture of the people of the Altai Mountain region, we will also visit a local mosque and explore the main square area.
Dinner tonight will be at the hotel.
Hotel: Mediana Hotel ★★★★ (NOTE: The Mediana Hotel is a modest hotel.)
Room: Standard Room
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we will take a 1-hour drive overland to the Sagsai Village where we will view the amazing Golden Eagle Festival opening procession.
The Kazakh hunter parade in on horseback with their golden eagles, competing for the honor of most elaborate and beautiful hunting outfit and accessories.
In the afternoon, the eagles will be released from a cliff while their owners stand below, signaling for them to land upon their arms, as they do while hunting. Those with the greatest speed, agility and technique will be awarded the highest scores.
After dinner and before returning to our hotel, we will witness a performance of traditional Kazakh dance, song, and music especially created for the Festival.
Hotel: Mediana Hotel ★★★★
Room: Standard Room
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In today’s competition, the golden eagles will be released from a cliff to attack fox skins dragged by their owners on horseback, merited by speed, gripping technique, and success in grabbing the fox.
Then the Kazakh hunters will compete in a kukbar, a tug-of-war on horseback that tests horse-riding skills, strength, and agility. There will also be displays of various traditional horseback Kazakh games, including Tenge Ilu, which involves picking money up from the ground at a full gallop.
After the awards ceremony, we will enjoy a festive celebration dinner and return to our hotel
Hotel: Mediana Hotel ★★★★
Room: Standard Room
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will return to Ulaanbaatar and enjoy a private lunch before returning to our hotel.
Your afternoon is at leisure to shop, explore Ulaanbaatar on your own, or lounge by the pool.
In the evening, dinner will be at a fine local restaurant.
Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel ★★★★★
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, after breakfast we venture in our private vehicle to the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park which is home to a variety of bird and plant life, along with endangered musk deer and moose, brown bear, roe, elk, wolf, fox, and badger. Explore the surrounding area on foot or horseback.
We will embark on a hike towards the Aryabal Monastery, crossing a wooden suspended bridge called "The Bridge That Leads to Wisdom”. The path to this Buddhist temple is lined with signboards displaying Buddha's teachings and is known for its spectacular views of the surrounding green valley and includes 108 steps along the way.
After lunch we visit the breathtakingly massive Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue, made of 250 tons of gleaming stainless steel. Inside is a replica of his legendary golden whip. Take an elevator to a deck on the horse’s head and marvel at the views overlooking the beautiful Mongolian steppes.
Following this day of exploration, we return to the hotel. Dinner tonight is on your own.
(If any activities or portions of activities appear to be too strenuous, alternate accommodations will always be made for those who do not wish to participate.)
Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel ★★★★★
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, our guide will accompany us on our flight to the Gobi Desert, where we’ll board our luxury motorcoach. To many of us, the word desert suggests a vast “sameness”, but the Gobi is a fascinating and diverse region: home to Bactrian camels, Argali mountain sheep, goitered gazelle, golden eagles, saker falcons, jerboas (similar to kangaroo rats), and many endemic reptiles. Some of the Northern Hemisphere’s most rare and elusive mammals, such as the dhole, snow leopard, and Gobi bear, also reside here.
On to the Yol Valley National Park. Though still in the Gobi and the foothills of the Altai Mountains, this surprisingly green valley has remnant streams that create ice formations at their base that may persist as late as July. Next, drive to the award-winning Three Camel Lodge.
Hotel: Three Camel Lodge ★★★★
Room: Deluxe Ger
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we visit a local nomadic family to learn more about their way of life and sustaining themselves. Travelers often compare Mongolia with traveling back in time to experience a way of life that has not changed for centuries
Spend the afternoon at leisure at the lodge or choose one of these optional activities:
• Hands-on Cooking Class – Prepare multiple local dishes, conducted by our Three Camel Lodge chef.
• Ger Building – Join our Lodge staff for this fun and immersive way to soak up the local culture.
Hotel: Three Camel Lodge ★★★★
Room: Deluxe Ger
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we drive to Moltsog Els, one of the few regions of the Gobi covered by sand dunes
Later this afternoon, continue driving to the legendary Flaming Cliffs, where in 1923 a team from the American Museum of Natural History found the first nest of dinosaur eggs the world had ever seen.
Hotel: Three Camel Lodge ★★★★
Room: Deluxe Ger
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, our group and guide will back to Ulaanbataar to explore the National Museum for an excellent overview of Mongolia’s history and culture.
Enjoy lunch at a fine local restaurant.
Your afternoon is at leisure. You can lounge by the pool, take advantage of the spa or other amenities, or dash out for some last-minute shopping.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy a performance by traditional Mongolian dancers and amazing khoomi throat singers, followed by our farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant.
Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel ★★★★★
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals: Breakfast
5 nights at the 5★ Shangri-La Hotel; 3 nights at the 4★ Mediana Hotel; 3 nights at the 4★ Three Camel Lodge (Note: the remote Three Camel Lodge has no cell or with WiFi)
American breakfast daily, 10 lunches, 9 dinners, as listed in the itinerary
Group transfers airport/hotel for arrival/departure; One designated group transfer per tour.
All tours and excursions as per the itinerary, with professional English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites and museums as per itinerary
Coda Tours Representative with minimum participation
All local taxes and service charges
Pre-departure assistance
Comprehensive Pre-Departure Portfolio from Coda Tours
International airfare including seat assignments & baggage fees
Intra-tour flights quoted separately and issued by Coda Tours
Private arrival/departure transfers (outside designated group transfer)
Passport or visa fees (if applicable)
Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Drinks with meals unless indicated
Trip cancellation and Interruption insurance (highly recommended)
Gratuites to guides, drivers, Coda Tour Manager
Items of a personal nature (laundry, phone calls, etc.)
Korean Air/Delta, Asiana, Cathay Pacific, Mongolian Air, Turkish Air, Air China are among airlines that can be used to book international airfare for this tour. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to use Frequent Flyer Miles. Coda Tours can assist you with your international air booking in Business or Coach class (First Class is rare nowadays on international flights, but if available, we can quote it.) Please ask us to quote for you as we often have favorable rates. There is a minimum $65 per ticket fee for this service.
Intra-tour flights are booked and issued by Coda Tours and are quoted separately in the Rate Table. Flights are booked in coach class. Please inquire if you prefer Business Class, if available.
American passport holders do not need a visa if visiting for fewer than 90 days, but your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival. And you must have sufficient empty pages/space in your passport for entry & exit stamps.
HEALTH
With few exceptions, Mongolian hospitals do not meet Western standards. Although most doctors and emergency responders are dedicated professionals, their training and equipment are sub-standard. Most modern medical facilities are in Ulaanbaatar, though some public and private hospitals in larger provincial cities offer medical services on par with those in the capital. Medical services may be completely unavailable in remote areas. Mongolia does not have helicopter medical evacuation and those who require medical assistance in remote areas must drive to the nearest major town. Medical evacuation to Ulaanbaatar is conducted by commercial air carriers. Some pharmacies in Ulaanbaatar carry European or U.S. pharmaceuticals, but quantity and variety is limited. Most pharmaceuticals are made in China or Russia, and lack English labels.
Medical Insurance:Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. We highly recommend Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance. Please ask Coda Tours for a quote.
Water Quality:The quality of drinking water varies throughout Mongolia, and it is likely not up to U.S. standards for potability. Most Mongolians do not drink tap water and instead prefer to consume bottled water for their domestic use.
Coda trips are casual at all times. There is no need for a jacket or tie. Pack for a variety of weather. Bring a warm jacket (down or fleece) and sweaters. Jeans, khakis and shorts (when the weather allows for them), hats, scarves and even gloves. Comfortable shoes are a must. All hotels offer laundry service, but it can be expensive.
Ulaanbataar ( Low Temperature - 34) | (High Temperature - 61)
AlUla ( Low Temperature - 37) | (High Temperature - 63)
All departures are guaranteed with a minimum number of participants. A Coda Tour Manager will accompany a tour also based on a minimum number of participants. This tour can be operated as a Private Tour, can be customized and repriced based on a final itinerary. Rates are based on a minimum participation, if the minimum is not met, rates may need to be revised.
A complete portfolio of pre-departure information will be mailed to you approximately 3 weeks before departure.
Korean Air/Delta, Asiana, Cathay Pacific, Mongolian Air, Turkish Air, Air China are among airlines that can be used to book international airfare for this tour. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to use Frequent Flyer Miles. Coda Tours can assist you with your international air booking in Business or Coach class (First Class is rare nowadays on international flights, but if available, we can quote it.) Please ask us to quote for you as we often have favorable rates. There is a minimum $65 per ticket fee for this service.
