Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Type: Stargazing / Cultural Adventure / Wildlife Experience
Start Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
End Location: Ulgii, Western Mongolia
Languages: English-speaking astronomer & cultural guide
Group Size: 6–12 travelers

Sample Departure Dates (2025)

• June 10–17, 2025
• July 8–15, 2025
• August 5–12, 2025
• September 9–16, 2025

Private departures available upon request.

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN ULAANBAATAR & COSMIC INTRODUCTION

• Airport/train transfer and check-in at city hotel
• City orientation and visit to the Mongolian Astronomical Society
• Welcome dinner and night-sky orientation with an astronomer
• Overview of Gobi skies, Milky Way zones, and Kazakh eagle heritage

Accommodation: 4★ Hotel in Ulaanbaatar

Meals Included: Dinner

DAY 2 – JOURNEY TO STEPPE OBSERVATORY & STARGAZING CAMP

• Drive to a remote dark-sky location (approx. 4–5 hours west of UB)
• Settle into specially prepared astro-yurts with heating & telescope deck
• Astronomical lecture and equipment demonstration
• Guided stargazing session with deep-sky viewing of Milky Way, Jupiter, and Saturn

Accommodation: Stargazing Camp (Deluxe Ger)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3 – STEPPE EXPLORATION & NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

• Morning hike or horseback ride through grassland steppe
• Photography session with local herder family and livestock
• Afternoon workshop: astrophotography basics and camera setup
• Second night of stargazing with long-exposure photography and light painting

Accommodation: Stargazing Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 – FLY TO ULGII & MEET THE EAGLE HUNTERS

• Return to Ulaanbaatar in the morning
• Fly to Ulgii, capital of the Bayan-Ulgii province
• Check in at local ger camp or eagle hunter guesthouse
• Evening tea and stories with Kazakh falconer family
• Optional: Try on traditional fur coats and eagle gear

Accommodation: Ger Camp near Ulgii

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 – GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL: DAY 1

• Attend the opening ceremony with cultural performances and parades
• Watch eagle calling, mounted archery, and horse competitions
• Explore craft stalls, traditional Kazakh music, and local cuisine
• Private guided seating and photography assistance
• Sunset photo shoot with eagle hunters on horseback

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 – GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL: DAY 2 & CULTURAL IMMERSION

• Watch eagle diving contests, camel races, and traditional wrestling
• Visit a local Kazakh artisan to see felt-making or embroidery
• Award ceremony and farewell with eagle masters
• Optional visit to Ulgii museum for deeper context on Turkic tribes
• Final dinner with live Kazakh dombra music and throat singing

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

✅ INCLUDED

• Round-trip domestic flights: Ulaanbaatar – Ulgii
• All accommodations: 4★ hotel, stargazing ger camp, Ulgii ger camp
• English-speaking cultural and astro guide
• All listed meals and daily bottled water
• Private vehicle transportation and airport transfers
• Festival tickets and premium seating area
• All entrance fees, performances, and cultural workshops
• Stargazing equipment (shared telescope, laser pointer, red lights)

❌ NOT INCLUDED

• International airfare to/from Mongolia
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Personal snacks and alcoholic beverages
• Tips for guides, eagle hunters, or drivers (optional but appreciated)

📷 WHO THIS TOUR IS FOR

Perfect for:

• Astrophotographers and stargazing enthusiasts
• Cultural travelers looking for rare festivals
• Wildlife and ethnic tourism lovers
• Small groups, couples, or solo adventurers

🎒 WHAT TO PACK

• Warm layers: temperatures can drop below freezing at night
• Gloves, hat, and thermal socks
• Camera with tripod and remote shutter (for astro shots)
• Headlamp with red light mode
• Refillable water bottle and small daypack
• Personal medications and hand warmers