This morning I made it a point to wake up early. Had the chance to witness the most stunning sunrise – sky turning from a pink hue to a fiery glow, punctuated by streaks of clouds, all against the iconic Mongolian gers. It’s as perfect as I could ever imagine, and beyond! The Eco Family Resort is a huge compound with several gers as well as containers, with attached toilets. The common toilet has modern shower and shower facilities
After breakfast we booked a driver who would bring us to Turtle Rock and back. This would be the second time I’m going to the Rock this trip. To me a visit to Terejl is not complete without going to The Rock! In one of my later trips to Mongolia, we stayed with a nomad’s family at Terejl, and hiked to the Rock. Shall include all the details about Turtle Rock there. For now, here’s a few picures taken from here
After lunch, our friends arrived, and we headed back to the festival for more. First stop for deel, their traditional costume
The guys enjoying their drinks as the ladies were trying their deel. Shimin arkhi, aka tricky water, is a milk vodka distilled from cow’s milk. The story goes – once a group of geologists visited a nomad’s family and were offered Shimiin. They were so thirsty they drank up the water in a gulp and continued for a few more rounds. Before they knew it, they were completely knocked out! Once sober, they ask which well the water came from? After all, it looked like water, tasted like water, but have lovely after effects unlike water! The alcohol content could be as high as 20%, be careful of the sudden kick!
Horse show next, the story of Temujin! Understand that this will be their last one this season!
That night we settled down in another ger resort near the horse camp. Similar concept – one ger with 5 beds surrounding, with a table and fireplace in the centre.
