Mongolian ice festival tour – Khuvsgul lake

9 days tour

Mongolian ice festival tour – Khuvsgul lake

  • Duration: 8 days tour
  • Availability: Early March
  • Begin and end: Ulaanbaatar city
  • Tour type: Ice festival tour
  • Price: 1759$

Our highlights

  • Ice Festival: Participate in various ice festival activities, including ice skating races and ice sumo wrestling.
  • Winter Golden Eagle Festival: Watch eagle hunters participating in this traditional competition.
  • Ice Sculptures: Admire the intricate ice sculptures crafted by local teams.
  • Traditional Games: Engage in many traditional games such as tug of war and horse sled racing.
  • Reindeer People: Visit nomadic reindeer herders and experience their way of life.
  • Hot Springs: Relax in natural hot springs amidst the winter landscape.

Overview:

The Mongolian Ice Festival Tour offers an unparalleled winter adventure on the frozen expanse of Khuvsgul Lake, also known as the “Blue Pearl” of Mongolia. This festival tour combines the enchanting beauty of northern Mongolia with a series of exhilarating events and traditional games.

Visitors will witness the stunning ice sculptures, partake in ice skating races, and watch eagle hunters participating in the winter golden eagle festival. This fascinating event, set against the backdrop of the pristine frozen lake, provides an ideal venue for an unforgettable winter experience.

The Mongolian Ice Festival Tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of Mongolia while enjoying the beauty of the frozen Khuvsgul Lake.

From exhilarating ice skating races to the awe-inspiring winter golden eagle festival, this tour promises a great variety of activities and unforgettable experiences. Join us for this unique festival tour and create lasting memories in one of the world’s most beautiful winter destinations.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

  • Morning: Arrival in the capital Ulaanbaatar. Meet your tour guide and transfer to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Gandan Monastery, a prominent Buddhist site.
  • Evening: Welcome dinner and tour briefing at the hotel lobby. Stay overnight at a local hotel.

Day 2: Ulaanbaatar to Murun City

  • Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Murun City in Khuvsgul Province.
  • Afternoon: Arrival in Murun, transfer to your ger camp near Khuvsgul Lake.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at the ger camp and prepare for the upcoming festival days.

Day 3: Grand Opening Ceremony

  • Morning: Breakfast at the ger camp. Head to the lake for the grand opening ceremony of the ice festival.
  • Afternoon: Witness the spectacular ice sculptures and join the local communities in various traditional games.
  • Evening: Return to the ger camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Ice Festival Activities

  • Morning: Breakfast at the ger camp. Participate in ice skating races and watch the horse sled races.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy ice sumo wrestling and tug of war competitions with local teams.
  • Evening: Dinner at the ger camp, followed by a cultural performance by local residents.

Day 5: Eagle Hunters and Dog Sledding

  • Morning: Breakfast at the ger camp. Observe eagle hunters participating in the winter golden eagle festival.
  • Afternoon: Experience the thrill of dog sledding and horse sledding on the frozen lake.
  • Evening: Dinner at the ger camp, with time to relax and socialize.

Day 6: Reindeer People and Hot Springs

  • Morning: Breakfast at the ger camp. Visit nomadic reindeer herders and learn about their unique lifestyle.
  • Afternoon: Travel to local hot springs for a relaxing soak.
  • Evening: Return to the ger camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Return to Ulaanbaatar

  • Morning: Breakfast at the ger camp. Transfer to Murun City for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar.
  • Afternoon: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to your hotel.
  • Evening: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Departure

  • Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
  • The Mongolian Ice Festival Tour operates during the winter months, specifically in early March.
  • Ensure to bring warm clothing suitable for sub-zero temperatures.
  • The itinerary may be subject to change based on weather conditions.

Tour Price Includes

  • Accommodation: Stay in local hotels and ger camps.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the tour.
  • Transportation: All transfers, including domestic flights and ground transportation.
  • Activities: All festival activities, guided tours, and cultural performances.
  • Entrance Fees: Admission to all included sites and events.

Tour price excludes

  • International Flights: To and from Mongolia.
  • Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, beverages, and other personal costs.
  • Travel Insurance: Mandatory for all participants.

Tour details:

  • Comfortable and sturdy winter boots.
  • Warm winter clothing, including thermal layers, hats, gloves, and scarves.
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen for protection against snow glare.
  • Camera or smartphone for capturing the memorable moments.
  • Hotels: Modern and clean facilities.
  • Ger Camps: Shared facilities, usually well-maintained.
  • Providing a knowledgeable guide fluent in English.
  • Ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants.
  • Coordinating all logistics and activities.
  • Arriving on time for all scheduled activities.
  • Respecting local customs and traditions.
  • Maintaining personal safety and well-being.

Please check the weather forecast once you have chosen your tour date. And try to pack an extra jacket for the evenings.

Here is our cancellation policy that we recommend our clients follow.

Cancelling the tour within more than 2 months, 50% of your deposit payment will be reinbussed.

Cancelling the tour less than one month, the deposit payment will not be reinbussed.

  • Breakfast: Served daily at the hotel or ger camp.
  • Lunch: Typically a hearty meal featuring local cuisine, often enjoyed outdoors.
  • Dinner: Includes traditional Mongolian dishes and occasional cultural performances.
  • Local Hotel: Comfortable and centrally located in Ulaanbaatar and Murun City.
  • Ger Camps: Traditional Mongolian yurts providing a unique and cozy experience near Khuvsgul Lake.

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