All of Mongolians celebrate the Lunar New Year, which is called in Mongolia “Tsagaan Sar” or the “White Moon”. It is widely celebrated throughout the country around January or February according to the combination of Solar-Lunar calendar that Mongolians use. It is a celebration of passing long harsh winter and welcoming a spring as well as welcoming new year. Furthermore, Tsagaan Sar is a family celebration as all relatives gather at the elders’ home to greet and wish all the best to each other for the following year. The festival lasts for 3-14 days depending on the region. During this festive tour you will celebrate Tsagaan Sar like Mongolians, staying with locals in their Gers and it will give you the best cultural experience about Mongolians.
Tsagaan Sar celebration
Hustai National Park
Terelj National Park
Chinggis Khaan Statue
Nomadic homestay
Horse and camel riding
Our guide and driver will pick you up from your accommodation and start our tour driving to Hustai National Park, site of re-introduction scheme of Przewalski’s horse, by Mongolian’s called Tahki. It became extinct in the wild in the 1960’s, and since 1992 has been successfully re - introduced to Hustai and other parts of Mongolia, from zoos around the world. Arrive at the Hustai National Park, visit Takhi's small museum and leisure hiking in the surrounding mountains while you searching to see wild horse Tahki. There is chance to other wild animals such as deers, foxes etc… Tour will continue to our hosting family, which they live just outside of the National Park. Arrive at nomad family, meet the family members, and you will be welcomed traditional lunch and tea. Then rest of the day you will spend and learn traditions based on Tsagaan Sar celebration, which include cooking dishes with hostess and preparing tables etc.. Actual Tsagaan Sar Eve – Bituun will start at the evening, the main dish is buuz and meat loafs. Milk tea and airag are served to customers. The white color is important so that Tsagaan sar dishes are airag and dairy products.
Today is most important day and you will witness ancient Mongolian traditions and hospitality which served until today. The morning of Tsagaan Sar, the hostess offers the first cup of tea with milk to the gods, throwing out the content in all directions. Then they will have to go out in front of their house to perform the ritual prayers. These are published in the newspaper and are determined according to Chinese zodiac. It will be followed by greetings, which called Zolgokh : guests come one after the other near the householder. The Khadag (blue silk) on the arms, the guest puts his forearm on those of his host, while uttering the phrase “ Amar baina uu, Sar shindee saikhan shinelj baina uu”which means "do you live in peace ? Are you celebrating New Year in a good way ?". Mongolians attach great importance to the first day of the new year, because they think it affects the rest of the year. Thus, Mongolians have a religious ritual called “ Khiimorio sergeex” to call good fortune. During Tsagaan Sar, the Mongolians also follow the ritual of ovoo to thank gods and nature.
Explore Terelj National Park - you’ll take a tour to the Turtle rock and enjoy beautiful scenery of the surrounding area. Hiking tour to Ariyabal meditation temple - surrounded by scenic mountains with massive rock formations and sits at top of the mountain. From the top, you can enjoy the breathtaking overlooking view of Terelj NP. Camel riding through the snow-covered valley gives you unforgettable experience. After lunch at camp, continue travel to Chinngis Khaan Statue Monument and 40 m tall statue of Great king is highest equestrian statue in the world. You can visit there 13th century museum of Great Mongol Empire and Bronze Age Museum respectively. In the late afternoon drive back to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your accommodation. End of the tour.
1 Nights in 3-star hotel (twin share)
7 Nights in Tourist Ger camps (twin share)
Domestic flights
4 WD Vehicle in the countryside
Airport transfers for arrival / departure
Meals as listed (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
Sightseeing and Entrance fees according to the itinerary
English speaking guide
Daily water supply
Camel and Horse riding fees
Visa support invitation letter where applicable
International airfare / train tickets+ tax
Travel insurance / Visa fees
Items for personal use
Alcoholic drinks
Tips for staffs
Mongolian winter is the most incredible winter that one might experience and there is plenty to see and enjoy during a winter travel. Glittering white snow, clear fresh air, sun, and little chills are the image of Mongolian winter. Taking this fan...
All of Mongolians celebrate the Lunar New Year, which is called in Mongolia “Tsagaan Sar” or the “White Moon”. It is widely celebrated throughout the country around January or February according to the combination of Solar-...