Mongolia: The Golden Eagle Festival

Arrive in Mongolia’s capital, originally founded in 1639 as a nomadic Buddhist center. At the airport, you are met by your guide and transferred to your centrally located hotel. This afternoon, pay a visit to the National Museum of Mongolia for an overview of the country’s history and culture. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner inside a ger (yurt or large tent), an icon of Mongolia’s nomadic people.

This morning, transfer to airport fly to Ulgii, in the Bayan-Ulgii province, the westernmost region of Mongolia. Discover the unique culture of the Kazakhs, which make up the majority of the population in this province that borders Russia, China and Kazakhstan. Upon arrival in Ulgii, continue overland along the Sagsai River. Though their pastoral, nomadic lifestyle is similar to that of the Khalka Mongolian majority, the Kazakh-speaking nomads of Ulgii are predominantly Muslim. They are also famous for training eagles to hunt. As you drive, stop to meet eagle hunters, who ride horseback alongside you and their families en route to tomorrow’s Golden Eagle Festival. Kazakh women are renowned for their skills in embroidery and appliqué, and Kazakh gers — unique in design with no central poles — are decorated in colorful textiles. During your journey, you overnight in a traditional ger, alongside other Kazakh families, and gather around the dinner table with them to learn traditional songs, sip tea and chat.

This morning, meet your wranglers and horses, and join other Kazakhs on horseback on the journey toward the site where the Golden Eagle Festival is held. Kazakhs cut a striking profile as they ride, dressed in their traditional dark coats and scarlet hats, with eagles perched on their arms. The magnificent birds, which can weigh up to 15 pounds, are trained from a young age to respond to hand signals and return to their owners after capturing small game. Over the next five or six hours, ride horseback through a picturesque mountain path, marveling at the multi-colored valleys of the Altai Mountains. In the late afternoon, arrive at campsite and your overnight tent.

Today, drive to the base of Khatuu Mountain and start your challenging hike to the peak for a breathtaking view of this remote wilderness area. In the evening, return to the temporary ger camp, built specially for the Golden Eagle Festival.

Watch as the festival’s official opening ceremony begins, with participants dramatically parading in on horseback with their eagles perched on their forearms. The competition begins with each Kazakh displaying his traditional hunting outfit and custom-made accessories, the most elaborate and beautiful of which receive the highest scores. Then experience a breathtaking showcase of speed and agility as eagles are released from a cliff and commanded by their owners standing at the base to land on their forearms. Get swept up in the moment as you cheer for the very eagle hunters you rode in with a couple of days before. Later tonight, attend a Kazakh play that honors the hunters and their birds of prey.

The second day of the festival holds even more excitement, with the main competition showcasing the Kazakhs’ age-old falconry tradition. Watch as eagles are released from a cliff to attack a “fox” (fox skins dragged by their owners on horseback) far below them. Sharp-eyed judges give the eagles marks on speed, gripping technique, and success in grabbing the fox. Spend the afternoon seeing other competitions as well before the winner of the falconry competition is announced. Celebrate the victory along with hunters during dinner, as you swap stories and revel in the camaraderie with the few fellow travellers and local festival-goers.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Ulaan Baatar. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

The price of your land program INCLUDES:

ACCOMMODATIONS:
All accommodations as indicated in the itinerary.

MEALS AND BEVERAGES:
Meals as specified in the itinerary;
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.

TRANSFERS:
Arrival and departure transfers (regardless of arrival and departure days).

BAGGAGE HANDLING AND RESTRICTIONS:
Porterage of 2 piece(s) of baggage per person.

SIGHTSEEING/ACTIVITIES:
Fully guided sightseeing and activities as specified in the itinerary including entrance fees.

GUIDES/LECTURERS/STAFF:
An A&K professional guide will accompany the program throughout. If a minimum number of passengers is not reached, A&K may provide local guides in each location, in place of an A&K guide.

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES:
Departure dates are subject to a minimum number of passengers to operate (excepting only cases of force majeure, which could include any major world event that adversely affects international travel patterns and other circumstances beyond A&K's control). Should the minimum number of passengers not be met, A&K will offer one of the following options: modify the services of the original expedition to accommodate a smaller group or offer an alternative program. Should no alternative be suitable, A&K will offer a full refund of all monies received.

GRATUITIES/TAXES/SERVICE CHARGES:
Hotel taxes and service charges for all services specified in the itinerary. Gratuities to drivers, local guides and restaurant staff for included meals. (Gratuity to the A&K guide is not included and is left to your discretion.)

AIR TRANSPORTATION:
Airfares are not included in the land program price. ABERCROMBIE & KENT USA, LLC has special agreements with many carriers and can offer quotations from any gateway. Please ask your Tour Consultant about our special fares.

All international and domestic air quotes are subject to change and can carry penalties and surcharges until final payment has been received by A&K. Flight confirmation is based on availability. PLEASE NOTE THAT CERTAIN AIRFARES ARE SUBJECT TO A SERVICE FEE. Air reservations cannot be confirmed until a passport copy has been received by A&K.

INTERNAL AIR:
Ulaan Baatar / Ulgi
Bayan Ulgii / Ulaan Baatar

ACTIVE ELEMENT:
Extreme Adventure programs have active elements incorporated into the itinerary. To enjoy the program as intended, a minimum level of fitness is required. A&K will require notice if any participant has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to him or herself, or other members of the program.

This program is categorized as DEMANDING - takes place in remote locations and offers activities such as camping, 5 to 6 hour horseback riding and hiking with some steep ascents, descents and uneven trails. Participants should be in good physical condition and able to "rough it" to enjoy this adventure.

A&K reserves the right to decline to accept anyone that it considers unsuitable due to fitness level. A&K also reserves the right to remove from the program, at participant's own expense, anyone whose condition is such that it could create hazard to him or herself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of the other members. SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED ANY CLARIFICATION ABOUT A SPECIFIC PROGRAM PLEASE ASK FOR DETAILS.

ITINERARIES:
Accommodation (hotel or vessel), arranged sightseeing and activities are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond A&K's control. Every effort will be made to operate the programs as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued. A&K also reserves the right to withdraw a program or any part of it, to make such alterations to the itinerary or program inclusions as it deems necessary or desirable, and to pass on to program members any expenditures or losses caused by delays or events beyond its control.

SPECIAL REQUESTS:
Special requests should be advised at time of booking, such as adjacent or connecting rooms, bedding requests, smoking or non-smoking rooms and special dietary requests. Please note that every effort will be made to secure a special request; however it cannot be guaranteed.

OTHER:
Please read the Field Notes for a list of clothing and gear recommended for this Extreme Adventure.

The price of your program DOES NOT INCLUDE:

PERSONAL EXPENSES:
A&K's Passenger Travel Protection plan; international or internal airfares unless otherwise noted; cost of obtaining passports or entry visas; airport departure taxes unless otherwise noted; excess baggage charges; gratuities to your A&K guide, local guide(s) and driver(s), meals, beverages and sightseeing not included in the itinerary; room service charges unless indicated in the itinerary; personal expenses such as laundry, communication charges and optional activities (which are subject to availability).

INSURANCE:
A&K's Passenger Travel Protection Plan which provides cancellation coverage, medical coverage and protection against lost or damaged luggage, is strongly recommended. Due to the remote location of A&K's Extreme Adventure programs, A&K requires proof of a minimum of $50,000 per person in Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation insurance. This minimum amount is included in A&K's Travel Protection Plan. Upgrades can be purchased for higher coverage. If you do not purchase the A&K Protection Plan, we will require proof of alternate coverage.

Additional expenses incurred due to delay or loss of luggage or a change, delay or cancellation of any flight will be the responsibility of the passenger. If this occurs, ABERCROMBIE & KENT USA, LLC's correspondent company will do all possible to assist passengers in boarding or finding alternative arrangements. It must be stressed that this is done as a courtesy to clients and ABERCROMBIE & KENT USA, LLC cannot be held responsible for denied boarding, nor for the additional costs thus incurred, nor for monies not recovered for missed land arrangements due to airline delays.

BOOKING CONDITIONS:

PAYMENT:
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
If your reservation is made within 90 days prior to departure, the entire program price must be paid at time of confirmation.

CANCELLATION:
Main Program:
In the event of written cancellation, the following forfeiture of program price will be assessed based on the number of days prior to the program departure the cancellation was received.
90 days or more….. 10% of the program price
89-45 days….. 50% of the program price
44 days or less….. 100% of the program price

INTERNAL AIR:
100% cancellation charge if cancellation is received 90 days or less prior to departure.

EXTRA SERVICES:
Cancellation charges for extra services are also based on the number of days prior to the service that the cancellation was received:
31 days or more…. full refund
30-15 days…. 50% of the price
14 days or less…. 100% of the price

INSURANCE
A&K's Passenger Travel Protection Plan which provides cancellation coverage, medical coverage and protection against lost or damaged luggage, is strongly recommended.

PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS:
Quoted program prices include planning, handling and operational charges, and are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of July 2010. A&K reserves the right to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes, received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. A&K is under no obligation to give a breakdown of costs involved with any Extreme Adventure escorted or tailor-made program.

ABERCROMBIE & KENT, INC. also reserves the right to withdraw a program or any part of it, to make such alterations in the itinerary, sightseeing, hotel or cruise accommodations, as is deemed necessary or desirable, to refuse to accept or to retain as a member of the program any person at any time, and to pass on to program members any expenditures or losses caused by delays or events beyond its control.

PHOTOGRAPHY DURING TRAVEL:
Abercrombie & Kent reserves the right to take photographs during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them for promotional purposes. By booking an Extreme Adventure program with A&K, program members agree to all their images being used in such photographs. Program members who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to their A &K guide at the beginning of their program.

LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT'S RESPONSIBILITY:
Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, its employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents and assigns (collectively A&K), does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your program. It purchases transportation (by aircraft, coach, train, vessel or otherwise), hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurant, ground handling and other services from various independent suppliers (including from time to time other affiliated Abercrombie & Kent companies). All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result A&K is not liable for any negligent or willful act of any such person or entity or of any third person.

In addition and without limitation, A&K is not responsible for any injury, financial or physical loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force majeure, illness, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning, mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time.

There are many inherent risks in adventure travel of the type involved here, which can lead to illness, injury, or even death. These risks are increased by the fact that these programs take place in remote locations, far from medical facilities. Passenger assumes all such risks associated with participating in this program.

Travel Advisories and Warnings: It is the responsibility of The Traveller to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U. S. State Department's travel website at www.travel.state.gov/ or by phone at 1-888-407- 4747. In the event of an active State Department Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination location(s) of the program, should The Traveler still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, The Traveler assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.

Arbitration Agreement: Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions, to the Limits on Abercrombie & Kent's Responsibility clause, to the brochure, to any information relating in any way to the program, to the program itself, or to any products or services related to the program, shall be settled solely and exclusively by binding arbitration in Chicago, Illinois in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, except that (a) in lieu of a personal appearance at arbitration, the arbitration may be conducted by telephonic means, (b) arbitration is the exclusive forum for dispute resolution (no court actions), and (c) except as otherwise provided by statute, each party shall bear its own costs and expenses and an equal share of the arbitrator and administrative fees.

Travellers Representations: The traveller represents that neither he nor she nor anyone traveling with him or her has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to him or herself or other members of the program. A&K reserves the right to decline to accept anyone on a program and to remove from the program, at his or her sole expense, anyone whose condition is such that he or she could create a hazard to himself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other passengers on the program.

ANY PAYMENT TO ABERCROMBIE & KENT CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN AND IN MORE SPECIFIC PRE-DEPARTURE PASSENGER DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING THE PERSONAL INFORMATION FORM.

Abercrombie & Kent accepts all major credit cards.

© 2010 Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC. ABERCROMBIE & KENT, A&K, ADVENTURE CREW, DESIGN YOUR DAY, GUARDIAN ANGEL, INSPIRING EXPERIENCES, MARCO POLO CLUB, PRIVATE JOURNEYS, SIGNATURE SERIES, SIMPLY THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL, TRAVELLING BELL BOY and the ampersand design are service marks owned by Abercrombie & Kent Group of Companies. S.A. The service marks and trademarks of airlines appearing in this brochure or on abercrombiekent.com are owned by the respective companies mentioned.

Complimentary Passenger Travel Protection Insurance

Complimentary Passenger Travel Protection Insurance on Select Egypt Journeys

Reserve select 2011 and 2012 Egypt journeys and receive complimentary Passenger Travel Protection insurance, a value of up to $500. Call for details. Egypt journeys include:

• Egypt Unveiled
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• Jordan and Egypt: Sands of Time
  October 7, 2011 and all January - April 2012 departures
• Images of Egypt & Kenya
  February 28, 2012
• Pharaohs and Pyramids
  All January - March 2012 departures
• Splendors of the Nile
  March 19, 2012

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