Elite Traveler March-April 2016

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elite traveler MAR/APR 2016 136

Flight of fancy

Ride with eagle hunters in the wilds of Mongolia

Getting the adrenaline pumping takes on a whole new meaning with this once-in-a-lifetime trip to ride with (or to be more accurate, gallop with) the famous Kazakh eagle hunters through the sublime wilderness of Mongolia. To begin, guests are flown to a ger in rural Mongolia that has been designed specifically for them, with bespoke portraits on the walls depicting them riding with the eagle hunters, the work of a famous painter whose patrons include Queen Elizabeth ll and the royal families of the Gulf States. From there guests are flown by helicopter, accompanied by a personal guide and an award-winning filmmaker (who will document the trip), to join the Kazakh eagle hunters on their pursuits, which take place mainly on horseback, although some ride in 4x4s. Guests learn how to handle the eagles before recreating the opulent hunting trips of Kublai Khan in the 13th century. Falconry passports permitting, guests can also take along their own personal falcons for the trip. From $2m per person for a 16-day customized trip, including accommodation, private butler, chef, tour guides and filmmaker. To make a reservation, contact Hajar Ali, founder of Urbane Nomads, on +65 6728 8614 or email him at hajar@urbanenomads.com

Words: Laura Powell. Illustration: Tina Berning