GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL TOUR 2025
Join us for the fantastic Golden Eagle Festival, a cultural photography tour taking place in Western Mongolia's Altai Mountains, one of the longest mountain ranges in Central Asia. In Bayan Ulgii province, approximately 250 eagle hunters reside, and every year around 100 of them participate in this prestigious Eagle Festival with their specially trained Golden Eagles.
Spectacular events at the festival include competitions that showcase the speed, agility, and accuracy of these magnificent birds. Additionally, traditional Kazakh games such as Kokbar, archery, and horse racing are organized during the festival days.
This amazing Eagle Festival, which celebrates the honored Golden Eagle of the Kazakh people, is also a celebration of their traditional heritage. A highlight of this trip is the opportunity to interact with Kazakhs and other ethnic groups, living alongside them for several days as you participate in eagle training and hunting, camel riding, and learn about the unique Kazakh culture.
Mongolia offers an excellent blend of landscape and cultural sightseeing, providing you the chance to visit nomadic families and capturing endless photography opportunities.
Per person fee
2750$ USD
Includes below:
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All meals in Western Mongolia
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Domestic flight ticket
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Van and SUV's, driver
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Fuel
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English speaking guide
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Cook
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Wranglers
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Camels and Horses
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All Accommodations in Western Mongolia
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Border area permits and Festival taxes
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All camping and cooking equipment
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Drinks and toilet papers ( Water, juice etc)
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Eagle hunter’s entertainment fees ( wearing traditional clothes and holding eagles on arms taking photos etc)
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We can also gather for vegetarians and gluten free if required at no additional charges.
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Other administrative costs
Excludes:​
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International airfare
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Airport departure taxes
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​Any meals not specified in full itinerary
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Optional tipping or gratuities to camp crew and leader
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Any additional hotel/ ger camp nights that may be necessary due to domestic airline schedule changes or other factors
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Transport costs that may be necessary due to domestic airline schedule changes
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Pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations, visa fees, travel insurance, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc)
DAY 1: Arrive to Ulaanbaatar
Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, the lively capital of Mongolia! Upon your arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, our friendly driver will greet you and take you to a centrally located hotel for your comfort.
At 6:00 PM, our guide will meet you in the lobby to provide a tour briefing, followed by dinner at a renowned local restaurant. Get ready for an exciting journey to the Golden Eagle Festival tomorrow!
DAY 2: Fly to Western MONGOLIA, to BAYAN ULGII province
Begin your journey from Ulaanbaatar early in the morning with MIAT Airlines, flying over Mongolia’s expansive landscapes and arriving in Ulgii in just 2 hours. Upon your arrival, our SUVs will be ready to transport you to your hotel for a seamless check-in.
Depending on your arrival time, we can explore Ulgii’s local museum before lunch, giving you insight the region's rich history. After lunch, head to Nairamdal peak(friendship peak) where you can stunning panoramic views of Ulgii and its beautiful surroundings.
Next, immerse yourself in the genuine Kazakh nomadic lifestyle with a visit to a local family, where you can learn about their traditions and daily life. In the late afternoon, we'll take to your hotel for a peaceful evening, concluding with a delightful dinner a popular Turkish restaurant in town. This day marks the start of an extraordinary adventure in Western Mongolia.
Are you prepared for an unforgettable adventure Today, we embark on a journey to meet a legendary eagle hunter, a true master of this ancient craft deep within the stunning Mongolian countryside. Our path will lead us through breathtaking mountain landscapes, with the pristine Tolbo Lake providing a beautiful backdrop. Along the way, we’ll take moments to capture stunning scenery and immerse ourselves in the profound beauty of nature.
Our first stop will be to meet a renowned shaman throat singer, offering an exclusive into this ancient tradition. We’ll also explore the heart of Tolbo village before heading to the eagle hunter’s remote home. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a scenic spot by Tolbo Lake, allowing to relax in the tranquil environment.
Upon reaching the eagle hunter’s family, you'll enter the essence of nomadic culture. Witness the remarkable connection between the hunter his eagle, gaining valuable insights into the centuries-old practice of eagle hunting. This visit is a chance to engage with one of the last true practitioners of art. You'll have the opportunity to snap breathtaking photos of the eagle hunter against the majestic backdrop of Sair Mountain,
As the day concludes, we’ll return to our exclusive ger camp, set up just for your group at the base of the 4,000-meter-high Sair Mountain. After a delightful dinner, we’ll come together for an impactful shaman ceremony, offering a truly unique. With endless photo opportunities and a deep connection to Kazakh culture, this promises to create lasting memories. You'll spend the night under the stars our traditional ger camp, embraced by Mongolia’s untamed wilderness.
DAY 3: Experiencing Nomadic culture and True life HUNTING with EAGLEs!
DAY 4: True life Hunting with EAGLE
Exciting activities await you! After a hearty western-style breakfast in our ger restaurant, we will embark on an eagle hunting adventure. Similar to a safari, we will use cars to reach the mountains and, at times, hike the eagle hunters. Approximately six eagle hunters will join us, and our eagles may catch foxes, rabbits, or other small animals, though it's rare for them to catch wolves. You'll have the opportunity to engage with the hunters and ask questions about their craft. As we follow the hunters, we can capture stunning photographs of the breathtaking landscape. After the hunt, we will return to Ulgii city, which is a two-hour drive away. We will spend three nights at a hotel in preparation for the upcoming eagle festival.
DAY 5-6: Golden Eagle festival
Get ready for an exhilarating two days! After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll head to Hunter’s Hill at 10:15 AM for the Eagle Festival. At this location you’ll receive a printed itinerary and information about the festival right before breakfast. Please note that there will only be one or two guides depending amount of the group, and an interpreter won't be available at all times. However, you can always visit our gers at the festival site to call for assistance via walkie-talkie. We have gers (nomadic tents) available for you to rest, warm up, and enjoy tea or coffee. Lunch will be served these gers, while dinners will be at a local restaurant.
DAY 7:Drive from Bayan Ulgii province to Khovd province
After breakfast at hotel, we'll set off for Khovd province. Our journey will take us through Tsambagarav National Park, where we’ll visit a nomadic Mongol family. For lunch, we'll enjoy a unique Mongolian hospitality dishes, Vegetarian options will also be available for those who prefer them. Following this delightful meal, we’ll continue to Khovd explore a fascinating attractions not mentioned here. Later, we'll check in to our hotel for the night, and after dinner, you'll have extra time to prepare for your flight to the next day.
DAY 8: Fly from Khovd province to Ulaanbaatar city
In the morning, we will leave Khovd and reach Ulaanbaatar by midday. Upon your arrival at UB airport, you will transferred to hotel. Then you will have the entire afternoon to explore the city or enjoy some shopping, as Mongolian cashmere are quite popular. Our farewell dinner will be at 20:00.
You would get transferred to airport for your international flight. Hotel check out time is 13:00.
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DAY 9: Get transferred to international airport of Ulaanbaatar