An Overview
This bespoke journey has been designed to comfortably showcase one of the most spectacular landscapes to be found anywhere in Asia; the Altai mountains of western Mongolia. Still relatively untouched, their wild and boundless beauty offer a unique opportunity to unplug from day-to-day life, and to re-connect with our more natural self. The huge horizons and big blue skies are also home to eagle hunters, who to this day seem to encapsulate this primordial desire for a deeper connection with our world with their nomadic ways, and close relationship between man and raptor.
Hosted by Anita (yogini in chief) and Adrian (chief exploration officer), this adventure will be about new discoveries, and pushing beyond the boundaries of the familiar; about journeying through remote terrains, engaging with nomadic cultures, immersing ourselves in the natural environment, and of course sun salutations! All this, while delivering a good level of comfort, so that we can actively engage with the untamed surroundings with a sense of curiosity as active yoginis (and of course the odd yogi).
THE PLAN
With seven days in the region, the plan is to set up private ger-camps in two separate and spectacular sites, and spend three nights in each spot. The exact locations will need to be determined closer to the time (depending on the movements of the nomads), but in both cases we will be living alongside two extended nomadic eagle hunting families (with whom we have strong personal relationships), and using custom-assembled camps as our base. Opportunities abound in each potential location for exploratory day hikes, scenic horse rides (you can even participate in the daily round up of the family livestock), the gathering of wild herbs and berries (such as wild sea buckthorn), wild swimming, and exploring the ancient petroglyph sites that are dotted around.
Last but not least, returning to raptors, in late August we will also be able to witness authentic flying sessions with the eagle hunters as they prepare their birds of prey for the winter hunts, as well as experiencing a community festival (likely at our second location) where local nomads will also showcase their horsemanship, archery skills (we can also have a go), and with a bit of luck, a game of buzkashi.
Our Private ger camps
While we will be based in fairly rugged and remote locations (all of which are well-known to Whistling Arrow), over the years Adrian has personally arranged multiple trips to the region, often using local gers to assemble private camps that ensure guests enjoy as comfortable an experience as possible. So you can expect spacious, warm, and traditionally decorated sleeping gers (with two people sharing each ger), comfortable beds, clean sheets, as well as a commodious shower and toilet ger. We also serve fresh, tasty food (not forgetting good coffee and vodka) prepared by our cook, and served in a separate and roomy dining ger. So think of it more as glamping, with as many creature comforts as we can reasonably provide (including provisioning for a few decent bottles of wine).
.
Yoga Anyone?
The daily routines will be fairly flexible, but we will start mornings at camp with a structured yoga and meditation session led by our yogini-in-chief, as well as no doubt enjoying some additional, impromptu sunset salutations, a few fireside chats, and generally embracing the natural spiritualty of Mother Earth when experienced in her comparatively untamed state.
Day To Day
August 22: Fly to Ulan Bator (IATA: UBN). Daily direct flights from Hong Kong take about 4.5 hours. We will be picked up from the airport, and transferred to our hotel. Depending on the flight arrival time, we will then enjoy a welcome dinner.
August 23: The domestic flight to Ulgii takes about 90 minutes, and typically departs early in the morning. We will arrive in Ulgii in time for lunch, before visiting the local market to procure some gifts for the families, and setting off on the scenic drive to our first location (this should take approximately 90 minutes). Arrive at the first location, meet the family and settle into our camp. Overnight.
August 24/25: Spend the next two days at our first location practicing yoga, meditation, hiking, horse-riding and generally exploring our surroundings. There will be plenty of opportunities to interact with the local nomads and their children, as well as potentially visiting a local glacier. We will also experience our first interaction with the golden eagles, and witness a number of demonstration flights with the hunters perched on horseback. Overnight for a total of 3 nights at the first camp.
August 26: Today we will drive to our second custom-built private ger-camp located alongside our second family. This is likely to take approximately 2 hours. Again, upon arrival we will be greeted by the nomads, and settle into our new surroundings. This afternoon there will be time for any combination of activities already mentioned. Overnight.
August 27/28: Spend the next two days exploring our surroundings, practicing yoga, hiking, horse riding and gathering wild berries. For those brave enough there should also be the chance for a wild swim! Once again we will also witness the eagle hunters in action, as well as a local community festival to demonstrate horsemanship, archery, and traditional wrestling. Overnight for a total of 3 nights at our second camp.
August 29: After lunch we will drive back to Ulgii to stay at Adrian's friend's hotel. The accommodation is clean and comfortable, the food is good, and the beer is cold. There will also be some time for a spot of shopping at the local arts and crafts market to pick up one or two souvenirs. Overnight in Ulgii.
August 30: After breakfast we will transfer to Ulgii airport and fly back to Ulan Bator. We will then spoil ourselves with a little welcome comfort at our hotel, before squeezing in a little sightseeing, some shopping for the fabulous local cashmere products, and enjoying a final group dinner at Adrian's favourite terrace restaurant overlooking the Chojin Lama temple. There is also a great little jazz club downstairs for one or two nightcaps! Overnight in Ulan Bator.
August 31: After breakfast, transfer back to the airport, and fly back to Hong Kong. Big hugs all around, and see you back in class!
.
The Nitty Gritty
The group, including Anita and Adrian, will be limited to 12 people, and the fixed dates are August 22 to 31, 2025 (please note that it is not possible to join for just part of the trip). Please note that accommodation at the ger camps will involve two people sharing each ger. At the hotel accommodations (in Ulan Bator and Ulgii), single guests can have enjoy their own room.
The cost of the trip (assuming 10 guests) will be USD 5980 (or the HKD equivalent) per person excluding international flights. So, pretty much everything else (including domestic flights) is included except alcohol, shopping for souvenirs, and tips for the local camp crew (we will likely have a team of 6 including a cook, a cook's assistant, two camp assistants, and 2 drivers). To confirm bookings, a 30% deposit will be required, with the balance payable 30 days before the departure date.
Finally please note that the cost per person may need to be revised incrementally should there be less than 10 guests in total. Bookings will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis, and the booking deadline is November 22, 2024.