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Educational Tours 2025: Join the Mongolian Archaeological Quest!

Educational Tours 2025: Join the Mongolian Archaeological Quest!

Odontuya Adiya
February 05, 2025

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Greetings from Ulaanbaatar, one of the coldest capital cities in the world! Let us share an interesting Mongolian tradition. Winter in Mongolia is divided into nine sets of nine days, totaling 81 days, starting on December 22nd and ending on March 12th. Each set marks a gradual shift in the weather:

- 35 degrees, Zavkhan province, Mongolia, 2024.

First Nine – Distilled cow’s milk vodka freezes 🥶
Second Nine – Distilled mare’s milk vodka freezes 🥶 🥶
Third Nine – The horn of a three-year-old cow freezes solid 🥶 🥶🥶
Fourth Nine – The horn of a four-year-old cow freezes solid 🥶 🥶 🥶 🥶
Fifth Nine – Rice left outside no longer freezes 🥶 🥶 🥶
Sixth Nine – Snow and ice begin to melt, revealing dirt roads 🥶 🥶
Seventh Nine – The peaks of hills turn brown as the snow melts 🥶
Eighth Nine – Snow and ice continue to melt, creating muddy terrain ☺️
Ninth Nine – Spring officially arrives ☺️ ☺️

This traditional counting system was developed by Mongolian herders through careful observation of nature and weather patterns. It helped them predict seasonal changes and survive the harsh winter. Currently, we are in the sixth nine, but it still feels very cold. Each year, our winters are getting warmer with less snow, while summers are becoming colder with more rain, a clear sign of climate change 😢

EXCITING UPDATES FOR OUR 2025 EDUCATIONAL TOUR

Mongolia Quest organizes archaeological digs, paleontological expeditions, Mongolian studies programs, and wildlife conservation projects in collaboration with scientists from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and esteemed professors from renowned universities worldwide, including the University of Pennsylvania, University of Wyoming, University of Indiana, University of New England, and the National University of Mongolia. Our experts actively share their knowledge and expertise with local communities, participants, and fellow researchers through these tours. Meanwhile, our tour participants—known as ‘citizen scientists’—play a vital role in contributing to meaningful scientific discoveries and advancements. Through our scientific programs, we directly support national research projects, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

This time, we invite you to join our expert-led archaeological expedition to uncover the mysteries of Mongolia’s ancient civilizations, Xiongnu, and Xiangbei.

MONGOLIAN ARCHEOLOGICAL QUEST
Date: June 15-28, 2025
Price starts from 5,100 USD

Our expedition at Umnugobi province, 2024

This exclusive research trip, guided by renowned Mongolian archaeologist Dr. Iderkhangai Tumur-Ochir, will take you to—one of the most significant archaeological sites discovered last year. Additionally, the tour offers participants the opportunity to learn archaeological practices from a expert in a real, working excavation as well as build their archaeological skillset. No previous experience is required!

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT…

Expert-Led Excavation
Unique Cultural and Historical Insights
Groundbreaking Discoveries
Stunning Natural Beauty.

WHO IS TRIP PERFECT FOR?

Archaeology Enthusiasts
History Buffs
Academics & Researchers
Adventurous Travelers
Cultural Heritage Advocates.

ABOUT THE LEADER

Dr. Iderkhangai Tumur-Ochir is a distinguished archaeologist who has led and participated in numerous international research projects since 2003. A graduate of the Russian Academy of Sciences with a PhD in 2017, he has made significant contributions to Mongolian archaeology, including the discovery of the ancient Xiongnu royal palace at Lunchen and uncovering a monumental inscription of the “Son of Heaven Shanyu,” a world-first find. His expertise in Bronze Age and Xiongnu cultures has earned him top honors in Mongolian archaeology, making him a leading figure in the field today.

MAP & ITINERARY

Day1/June 15: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar.
Day 2/June 16: Drive to the archeological site.
Day 3-4/June 17-18: Participate in archeological excavations.
Day 5/June 19: Drive to Lake Hovsgol.
Day 6-7/June 20-21: Explore Lake Hovsgol.
Day 8/June 22: Drive back to the excavation site.
Day 9-11/June 23-25: Continue archeological excavations.
Day 12/June 26: Drive back to Ulaanbaatar.
Day 13/June 27: Sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar .
Day 14/June 28: Departure.

📌 This tour is not limited to just one location. You will visit Lake Hovsgol, Mongolia’s largest freshwater lake, where you’ll have the opportunity to go horseback riding, visit a nomadic family, and enjoy breathtaking landscapes along the way. In addition, the tour includes sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar, a city rich in history and culture, featuring ancient temples, fascinating museums, stylish coffee shops, and diverse restaurants.

Lake Hovsgol, Photo credit goes to Mr. Bilge.

Throughout the expedition, you will stay in expedition-style tents, with toilets, showers, and sleeping bags provided. Our skilled chefs will prepare hearty meals to keep you energized in the field.

For those looking to extend their adventure, we can also arrange a customized itinerary tailored to your interests 🤙

EXPLORE OUR OTHER FEATURED EDUCATIONAL TOURS - 2025

Mongolia Quest takes pride in being able to work with some leading researchers and scholars in Mongolia and internationally. Our special interest and educational trips are lead and hosted by experts with years of experience in their respective fields. We have stories and expertise to share.

LOST DINOSAURS OF THE GOBI DESERT

September 10-24, 2025