The Golden Eagle Festival & Hustai National Park Adventure
Overview
Celebrate one of Mongolia’s most extraordinary cultural events — the Golden Eagle Festival, while exploring the country’s wild beauty and heritage.
Begin in Ulaanbaatar, then journey west to Bayan Ulgii, home of Mongolia’s Kazakh community. Witness the dazzling pageantry of the festival, where eagle hunters demonstrate their ancient skill and pride. Spend time with a Kazakh family to learn the art of eagle hunting firsthand, before returning east to explore Hustai National Park, home of the world’s last wild horses.
This balanced journey combines vibrant tradition, natural wonder, and authentic encounters for a truly memorable Mongolian experience.
Trip Map & Itinerary
Upon arrival you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to UB. If time permits, we will visit the Chinggis Khan Museum. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner in a fine local restaurant. (Hotel Bayangol, D)
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. Enjoy dinner in a fine local restaurant. (Local Hotel B, L, D)
This morning, you will attend the opening ceremony of the Golden Eagle Festival. Held just outside Ulgii city. Watch as eagle hunters parade proudly in their finest traditional clothing, displaying their eagles on horseback before the crowd. Enjoy the competitions that test the hunter’s skill and the eagle’s accuracy. Between events, mingle with the local spectators, and visit stalls offering handmade Kazakh crafts and local foods. In the evening, return to town for dinner and a warm night’s rest. (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 overnight stay. (Local Hotel B, L, D)
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to UB. Upon arrival, we will transfer to Hustai National Park home of the Przewalski horse, the last truly wild horse in the world. Settle into your ger camp, after lunch we will have some time to rest. In the late afternoon we will go for an overland safari in our jeeps to get a chance to see the horses in their natural habitat. Come back for dinner and rest for the remainder of the evening. (Hustai Ger Camp B, L, D) Approx. 2-3 hours of Driving.
In the morning, we will drive back to Ulaanbaatar and check into our hotel. Lunch is independent today, and the remainder of the afternoon is for last minute sightseeing and shopping. In the evening you will see a cultural performance followed by your farewell dinner in a fine local restaurant. (Hotel Bayangol, B, L, D) (Approx. 2-3 hours of Driving.)
Today, transfer to the airport for your departure flight from Mongolia. (B)
Trip Highlights
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Attend the world-famous Golden Eagle Festival in Bayan Ulgii
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Meet Kazakh eagle hunters and experience ancient falconry up close
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Stay with local families and learn about nomadic Kazakh traditions
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Explore Ulaanbaatar and the stunning Altai Mountains
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Visit Hustai National Park, home to the wild Przewalski horse
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Enjoy traditional Kazakh music, cuisine, and warm steppe 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.
