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Go Mongolia
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HOOMII TOUR: IN SEARCH OF MYTHICAL VOICES
2025-02-21
Location: Ulaanbaatar – Khovd – Chandmani – Jargalant Khairkhan – Khar Us Nuur Lake – Gurvan Senkher Cave
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Best Time to Visit: May – September
Tour Highlights
Travel to western Mongolia in search of Hoomii, the haunting throat-singing tradition born in the mountains and open steppe of Khovd. This journey follows the music to its source: Chandmani, local singer families, sacred mountains, Khar Us Nuur Lake, and the ancient paintings of Gurvan Senkher Cave.
Discover Hoomii (Throat Singing), Mongolia’s mystical vocal tradition.
Learn from Hoomii masters, meet local musicians, and experience their way of life.
Explore the stunning Altai Mountains, home to rich Mongolian culture.
Stay with nomadic families, immersing in their daily traditions.
Visit sacred sites, including Gurvan Senkher Cave and Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain.
Relax by the pristine Khar Us Nuur Lake, a hidden gem in western Mongolia.
Itineraries
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Day 1: Hoomii Workshop – Meet Mongolian Throat Singers
- • Meet a renowned Hoomii master and professor at the University of Arts and Culture, for an introductory workshop on Hoomii techniques and history.
- • Visit the Morin Khuur Ensemble, where traditional Mongolian instrumentalists and Hoomii singers perform.
- • Enjoy a live performance of Mongolian folk music, including Hoomii, Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle), and Urtiin Duu (long song).
- • Overnight at a hotel in Ulaanbaatar.
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Day 2: Fly to Khovd – Journey to Chandmani, the Land of Throat Singing
- • Fly to Khovd town, a cultural melting pot in western Mongolia.
- • Visit the Khovd Theatre, where many talented Hoomii singers have performed.
- • Travel to Chandmani soum, known as the birthplace of Hoomii, where throat singing is a natural part of daily life.
- • Meet local Hoomii masters, hear their incredible vocal techniques, and learn about the transmission of this ancient art to younger generations.
- • Overnight in a traditional ger with a throat singer’s family.
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Day 3: A Day with the Throat Singers of Chandmani
- • Observe how young children are trained in Hoomii at a local cultural center.
- • Learn about the different styles of throat singing, including:
- Kharkhiraa Hoomii (deep growling bass)
- Isgeree Hoomii (whistling melody)
- Baga Hoomii (mid-range throat singing)
- • Visit a nomadic herder’s family, experiencing Mongolian daily life and hearing songs traditionally sung while herding animals.
- • Overnight in a ger with a herder family.
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Day 4: Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain – The Sacred Mountain of Singers
- • Drive to Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain, a legendary place where many Hoomii singers go to practice and gain inspiration from nature.
- • Hike in the stunning rocky valleys and grasslands, with opportunities to see ibex and marmots.
- • Enjoy a mountainside Hoomii performance, where throat singers let their voices echo through the cliffs.
- • Stay overnight in a tented camp near Jargalant Khairkhan.
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Day 5: Gurvan Senkher Cave – Ancient Rock Paintings
- • Travel to Mankhan soum to visit the Gurvan Senkher Cave, one of Mongolia’s most important archaeological sites.
- • Explore the 40,000-year-old Paleolithic rock paintings, depicting now-extinct animals such as buffalo, ostriches, and elephants.
- • Enjoy a final throat-singing session in the cave, where the natural acoustics amplify the ancient sounds of Hoomii.
- • Overnight in a ger camp near the cave.
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Day 6: Return to Khovd – Fly Back to Ulaanbaatar
- • Transfer back to Khovd town, visiting the local market for unique Mongolian handicrafts.
- • Fly back to Ulaanbaatar, where the tour concludes.
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Why Choose This Tour?
- Authentic Hoomii Experience – Learn from Mongolia’s best throat singers in their homeland.
- Immersive Nomadic Life – Stay with local families, witnessing daily traditions and rituals.
- Breathtaking Landscapes – Explore Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain, Khar Nuur Lake, and Gurvan Senkher Cave.
- Exclusive Cultural Activities – Participate in Hoomii workshops, live performances, and historical explorations.
- Optional Add-Ons:
- Professional Recording Session – Record your own Hoomii performance with Mongolian musicians.
- Camel Trekking near Gurvan Senkher cave – Explore the steppes on Bactrian camels.
- Conservation & Cultural Support – Donate to local music schools and nomadic cultural preservation efforts.
- This Hoomii Tour: In Search of Mythical Voices is the ultimate journey into the world of Mongolian throat singing, combining cultural immersion, breathtaking scenery, and musical mastery.
What's in the package
What's Included:
- 24/7 In-country emergency support
- Detailed pre-departure summary & briefing
- Health & safety risk assessment
- All accommodation costs
- Full board meals for the entire trip
- All land transportation costs, airport pick-up & drop-off
- All activities listed in the itinerary
- English speaking local guides
What's Excluded:
- Mongolian Tourist visa.
- International flights.
- Meals not included in the itinerary and alcohol.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Expenses of a personal nature (e.g., mini bar, personal telecommunications, laundry, etc.).
- Any activities not included in the itinerary.