TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE TOUR "B"
Dear Eclipse Chasers!
In order to cope with the low availability of both charter and scheduled local flights to Western Mongolia around the Eclipse time
(all 3 domestic airlines have cancelled their scheduled flights from 27July through 5 August for the sake of running charters only),
and to meet the undying interest on travellers' end we have created a "Solar Eclipse B tour".
The B tour is planned in a way that flights to and from Western Mongolia fall outside of the above "no scheduled flight" period. Although 16 days long, the program covers not only the Altai mountain region but the Zavkhan province, known for its complex geography and uniqueness of contrasting landscapes.
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An avid astronomer Andreas
Gada, a Past President of the North York Astronomical Association,
an astronomy club based in Toronto, Canada will share his vast knowledge
of eclipses and astronomy during this 12th Total Solar Eclipse of his
lifetime.
Dates: 23 July – 7 August, 2008.
Booking Status: OPEN
All inclusive price: From 2486 US$ per person.
Day 1: 23 July
Arrival to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to Bayangol Hotel. (D / Hotel)
Day 2: 24 July
Morning city sightseeing. Afternoon flight to Uliastai town, on the border of the Khangai Mt range and the Gobi desert.
Meet up with the support team of drivers and cooks and drive to Khar Lake, nestled among massive dunes. (B,L,D / Tent)
Day 3: 25 July
Day at the Khar Lake, visit local herder families. (B,L,D / Tent)
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Day 4: 26 July
Cross vast deserts to Ikh Khairkhan caves. (B,L,D / Tent)
Day 5: 27 July
Cross the Great Lakes depression to Durgun village, located at the northern edge of Khar Us lake, second largest in Mongolia.
There we visit the largest surviving Buddhist temple in Western Mongolia. (B,L,D / Tent)
Day 6: 28 July
Drive along the northern shore of Khar Us lake to Khovd town, located amidst arid semi-desert surrounded by rugged peaks. (B,L,D / Tent)
Day 7: 29 July
Drive to Tsambagarav - snow capped mountain at 4200m above sea level. Here we visit Khazak falconers who use Golden eagles for hunting for foxes, marmots and other small animals. (B,L,D / Tent)
Day 8: 30 July
Travel further north to Muslim province of Bayan Ulgy. Arriving in Ulgy town. Overnight in traditional felt tents called yurts. (B,L,D / Yurts)
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Day 9: 31 July
After breakfast we head west to our eclipse camp by the Twin lakes. The eclipse site is situated near one of the
lakes on a high plateau at 2800 m. The coordinates of the site are N 48º 38' 49.7" and E 88º 18' 41.6".
To reach it, we will be traveling across a wealth of human history with Neolithic and the Bronze Age rock carvings depicting numerous hunting scenes, and representations of wild and domestic animals.
In the afternoon arrive to the eclipse camp with full facilities and great food by our expedition chefs. You may go swimming in the lake or hike the surroundings accompanied by your guide.
After supper we begin our pre-eclipse preparation by taking a short walk to the eclipse viewing site to explore the area and pick out your observing spot for the "big event".
Pre Eclipse Presentation
After experiencing sunset over the mountains Andreas will give a twilight presentation describing what will occur the next day,
what people should look for during the various stages of the eclipse, and how to photograph the eclipse.
Following this presentation a short tour of the night sky will be conducted. Optionally, you will be able to set up and polar
align your telescope, observe and do astro-photography, from what should be a truly dark sky site. (B,L,D / Tent)
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Day 10: 1 Aug
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Eclipse Photography Workshop
Andreas will conduct a solar eclipse photography workshop at the viewing site. This will give participants an opportunity to get one-on-one hands-on help before the big event.
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Total Solar Eclipse Viewing
9:00 PM: Post Eclipse Presentation and Celebration
After experiencing one of nature's most awe-inspiring and emotionally draining events, it is time to unwind and celebrate. This evening, we return to the eclipse-viewing site to relive the excitement of the day. (B,L,D / Tent)
Day 11: 2 Aug
Today we drive to the glacial green Tsagaan river, that takes source from the icy peaks of Tavan Bogd Massif. Again landscapes change: this time route lies across huge dome shaped mountains with grassy meadows at foothill. The valley of Tsagaan river is home to Tuvan ethnic hunters. (B,L,D / Tent)
Day 12: 3 Aug
Hike to base camp of the Tavan Bogd. This gradual ascent takes you across a high mountain terrain of rocks and wetlands.
Not needing luck you will see some of the wildlife that inhabits the area including marmots, hares and a number of birds such us
Golden Eagles, Black Vultures and Falcons.
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Your entire luggage and camp will be transported by camels driven by Tuvan hunters. Upon completing two thirds of the way there open majestic perspectives of Potanin and Alexander glaciers backed by icy peaks of Khuiten (4374m), Nairamdal (4082m), Snowchurch (4071m), Malchin (4050m), and Cradle (4113m). This evening we camp at 2900m. (B,L,D / Tent)
Day 13: 4 Aug
Return trek to Tsagaan river valley. (B,L,D / Tent)
Day 14: 5 Aug
Drive to Ulgy town. Yurt overnight. (B,L,D / Tent)
Day 15: 6 Aug
Take a local flight to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to Bayangol hotel. Farewell dinner. (B,D / Hotel)
Day 16: 7 Aug
Departure transfer. (B)
