 
Sat – 26
July, 2008: Arrive Ulaan Bataar, Mongolia
After
settling into our hotel you experience Mongolia’s capital in a way where
ancient traditions and modern life are clearly contrasted. Overnight at
the Ulaan Bataar Hotel (bed & breakfast).
Sun-Mon 27-28 July:
Fly to Khovd – Drive to Khuch Bulang
We
have chartered our own plane to Hovd, which will take us there in mid
morning, arriving two hours later in time for lunch.
A 3-4-hour drive northwest through the beautiful
mountainous country finds us traveling up a magnificent valley to a place
called Khuch Bulang. Camp will already set up for us. Our stay in this
spectacular river valley allows us to meet the local nomads, and get our
first introduction to their very unusual lifestyle. The nomads live in
Gers (a type of tent), and move 4 times a year. We’ll also explore the
valley on hikes and horseback.
We enjoy an age-old custom, the ‘KhorKhog’ – a real Mongolian barbeque.
Afterwards, the Khovd Cultural Ensemble will entertain us with traditional
Mongolian dances and songs.
Overnight at Tusker tented camp – all meals.
Tue 29 July:
Drive to Lake Tugurik (Eclipse Site)
A slow
informative drive takes us about 5-6 hours south to Lake Tugurik, only 11
miles from the border with China. We have arranged a number of fun and
exciting activities at the site. Overnight at Tusker tented camp, on the
shore of the lake – all meals.
Wed – 30 July:
Lake Tugurik
In the morning we boat and kayak around the lake, which is 1.5 miles long.
We have invited a cultural group from Duut Soum to join us after lunch.
They demonstrate the ancient Aranghai tradition of song and dance from the
Aranghai region, which comprises about 10,000 people in southwest
Mongolia. The performance includes Khoomei “throat” singing; the skilled
use of the Limbp (flute); Eekhil (cello) and Tovshur (guitar). Ghengis
Khan built his Mongolian empire on t he
expertise of his archers, now an age-old sport in Mongolia. Famous archers
originate from this region. We will be
treated to a
display of excellent marksmanship by the archers from Duluun.
Overnight at
Tusker tented camp – all meals.
Thu – 31 July:
Lake Tugurik
After breakfast we break up into small groups and take a hike to visit the
Ger camps of another nomadic people of the region – the Kazakhs. Their
language is completely different from Mongolian, as are a lot of their
traditions. During the visit, we taste a typical Kazakh lunch. Our
afternoon is spent in the shade back at camp. We learn about the rich
Mongolian culture and history from our guides. Also, Dr. Laurance Doyle
will enthrall us with his knowledge of astronomy and eclipses.
Overnight at Tusker tented camp – all meals.
Fri
– 1 August: Lake Tugurik – ECLIPSE!
After breakfast, we assemble in small groups to learn more than 5
different types of cultural games, played with “anklebones” of sheep,
known as “shagai”. During this time, with the
permission of the local military authorities Eddie Frank will scout
further west to locate a viewing site closer to the Chinese border, as
this will gain us a couple
seconds more of totality.
After
lunch we start prepping for the eclipse.
First contact starts at 16:59.26.(Just before 5 pm).
Totality starts at 17:59.52 (Just before 6 pm) and lasts for 2.00.4
minutes.
Overnight at Tusker tented camp – all meals.
Sat
– 2 August: Mount Tsambgarav
A full day drive takes us through the small dusty Kazakh town (soum) of
Duluun toward Mt. Tsamgarav. We arrive at camp, beautifully situated in
the foothills of one of the highest mountains of Mongolia (13,340 ft.),
surrounded by Mongolian Gers. Overnight at Tusker tented camp – all meals.
Sun
– 3 August: Mount Tsambgarav
We split the group up and spend the day exploring the foothills on hikes
and horse rides, meeting our “neighbors”, the Mongolian nomads. Tonight’s
your chance to sample life as a nomad. We have arranged for you to spend
the night with a local Mongolian family, sleeping as their guest in their
Ger. You will split up into small groups of 3-4, and we will drive you to
your ger for the night, picking you up in time for breakfast the next
morning. Dinner at Tusker Camp. Overnight with a Mongolian family at
their Ger.
Mon
– 4 August: Mount Tsambgarav
Today’s a
big day for us as well as our hosts. We pick you up from your family and
bring you back to camp for a western breakfast. You will notice hundreds
of people starting to assemble at a site, not far from our camp.
They’re coming for our own “Naadam”, the traditional Mongolian festival
which involves the
 “three
manly games” - wrestling, archery and horse racing.
Naadam is
the most widely watched festival in the country, occurring throughout the
land, and is believed to
have existed for centuries in one fashion or another. Originally it was a
religious festival but now it formally commemorates the 1921 revolution
when Mongolia declared itself a free country.
It’s a spectacle not to be missed – by you or the locals.
Overnight
at Tusker tented camp – all meals.
Tue – 5 August:
Drive to Khovd – Fly to Ulaan Bataar
We get up early today, and take a 4-5 hour drive to Khovd, where we board
our charter plane back to the capital, “UB”. Farewell dinner and overnight
at Ulaan Bataar
Hotel. |
and experiences. A short walk from the lodge takes you to
ancient petroglyphs, found on the rock
outcrop behind the camp, which
depict Argali (wild sheep), ibex (wild goat), wolves, and antelope. The
area around the camp attracts various desert wildlife and you may spot
hares, desert wheatears, long-eared hedgehogs, or even the rare
Henderson’s Ground Jay. Many passing nomads bring their livestock to the
well near the camp for watering and you may visit with families and
experience the daily life of desert nomads. Or you may choose to relax and
watch the magnificent night sky and observe spectacular star
constellations