5 - Day Golden Eagle Festival
Overview
Join Mongolia’s most spectacular cultural celebration, the annual Golden Eagle Festival in Bayan Ulgii. Witness Kazakh eagle hunters in traditional dress showcase their centuries-old bond with golden eagles through skillful competitions and pageantry. Beyond the festival, visit local families, experience nomadic life, and ride through the striking landscapes of the Altai Mountains. This five-day adventure blends culture, photography, and heartfelt connection with Mongolia’s westernmost community.
Trip Map & Itinerary
In the morning your guide will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for our flight to Ulgii, the capital of Bayan Ulgii province.
Upon arrival we will enjoy some local refreshments before touring the city of Ulgii. Ulgii is a vibrant city and the only place in Mongolia where majority of the population are Muslim, we will explore the city taking in the sights and visiting local markets. In the afternoon we will transfer to Sagsai soum and meet our host eagle hunter family. Dinner and overnight in (Gers, B, L, D) Approx. 1-2 hours of driving
Continue enjoying the second day of the festival, featuring the final rounds of competition. Experience the closing ceremony and award presentation, where the best eagle and hunter are crowned. The atmosphere is festive, filled with music and pride. Capture your last photos with eagle hunters and local families. In the evening enjoy your final dinner in Ulgii followed by a traditional Kazakh performance. (Local Hotel B, L, D)
Continue enjoying the second day of the festival, featuring the final rounds of competition. Experience the closing ceremony and award presentation, where the best eagle and hunter are crowned. The atmosphere is festive, filled with music and pride. Capture your last photos with eagle hunters and local families. In the evening enjoy your final dinner in Ulgii followed by a traditional Kazakh performance. (Local Hotel B, L, D)
After breakfast, drive into the surrounding countryside (1 hour) to meet a local Kazakh eagle hunter and his family. You will enjoy an exclusive photo shoot with the eagle hunter and learn about the art of eagle hunting. You will learn how eagle are trained, cared for, and bonded with their human partners.
Afterwards you can enjoy an authentic horseback ride with the hunter through the open steppe or follow him in your car depending on how you choose. You will gain an insight into the terrain where these hunters practice their craft and of course capture stunning photographs. Return to Ulgii for dinner and preparation for tomorrow’s flight back home. (Local Hotel B, L, D)
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to UB. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your requested drop of point. (B)
Trip Highlights
- Attend the world-famous Golden Eagle Festival in Bayan Ulgii
- Meet Kazakh eagle hunters and witness ancient falconry traditions
- Explore the unique culture, music, and cuisine of Mongolia’s Kazakh minority
- Enjoy a private visit and horseback ride with a local eagle hunter family
- Experience the stunning scenery of the Altai Mountains and nomadic hospitality
Pricing
- All ground transfers are required in the itinerary based on using Land Cruiser seating 3 passengers each;
- Accommodations in standard gers in the countryside where needed or tented camps throughout the journey, based on a twin occupancy.
- Airport arrival and departure transfers;
- All meals indicated as B, L or D;
- All eagle hunter fees as indicated in the itinerary.
- All horse and Camel riding Fees
- English speaking national guide throughout your stay.
- Bottled water per person per day and unlimited supply of boiled waters.
- International and domestic airfare;
- Personal items required for this ttrip;
- Personal laundry;
- Drinks not mentioned in the itinerary;
- Travel insurance and Medical evacuation costs;
- Excess baggage charges, Visa fees;
- Gratuities;
- Photography and video fees and any other item not mentioned as included.
