Altai Eagle Festival of Western Mongolia
Overview
The Altai Eagle Festival offers an intimate look at one of Mongolia’s most authentic cultural traditions. Unlike larger festivals, this community-led celebration focuses on preserving the art of eagle hunting and passing it to the next generation. Set amid the remote valleys of the Altai Mountains, the festival brings together local families, hunters, and apprentices in a spirit of pride and mentorship.
During your stay, you’ll meet eagle hunters in their homes, learn about their lives and craftsmanship, and witness the close bond between hunter and eagle, not as a performance, but as a way of life that continues to thrive in Western Mongolia’s highlands.
Trip Map & Itinerary
Upon your arrival you will be transferred from the airport to Ulaanbaatar. Today is independent, you may use the time for some personal sightseeing and shopping.(Overnight in Hotel Bayangol)
In the morning, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for our flight to Ulgii, the cultural heart of Mongolia’s Kazakh minority. Upon arrival, we will enjoy some local refreshments. Ulgii is a vibrant city and the only place in Mongolia where the majority of the population is Muslim. We will explore the city, taking in the sights and visiting local markets. In the afternoon, we will transfer to Altai Soum. Upon arrival, enjoy Kazakh hospitality with milk tea as you settle in. Dinner and overnight in (Gers, B, L, D) Approx. 4-5 hours of driving
After breakfast, we will be formally introduced to our host and have an exclusive photo shoot with the eagle hunter and his golden eagle against the majestic backdrop of the Altai. This is one of the highlights of this trip. We will learn how the eagles are trained, fed, and cared for. Observing the hunter’s deep bond with his bird passed down through generations.
After lunch, if you would like, you can join your host eagle hunter in a scenic horse ride in the local valley, where the eagle hunter will demonstrate traditional hunting techniques passed down through generations. In the evening, we will be invited into the home of the Eagle hunter and enjoy a traditional Kazakh meal. (Gers, B, L, D)
Spend a relaxing day experiencing authentic nomadic life. Join your hosts in their daily tasks such as herding yaks and milking livestock. In the afternoon you may continue to explore the surrounding area and observe the natural rhythms of nomadic life, from animal husbandry to traditional crafts. (Gers, B, L, D)
Attend the first day of the Altai Eagle Festival, a thrilling cultural event that celebrates Kazakh heritage and the skill of eagle hunters. Watch the colorful opening ceremony, featuring riders in ornate traditional dress carrying their eagles proudly on horseback.
Enjoy the contests that test the hunter’s precision and the eagles’ agility. Explore the festival grounds, where artisans sell handmade crafts, sample local delicacies, and join in the festivities. In the evening, return to your camp for a hearty dinner and share the stories from the day with your hosts and fellow travelers. (Gers, B, L, D)
Continue enjoying the festival as it enters its second day. Today, the festival concludes with an awards ceremony honoring the best eagle and hunter of the year. Meet and photograph the champion eagle hunters, gaining deeper insights into how these competitions help preserve Kazakh cultural identity. Celebrate alongside the local community as music and laughter fill the valley. (Gers, B, L, D)
After breakfast, bid farewell to your host family and drive back to Ulgii city. Upon arrival, check into your local hotel, and you may spend the rest of the afternoon on last-minute sightseeing and shopping. In the evening, enjoy dinner in a fine local restaurant, followed by a traditional Kazakh performance. (Local Hotel, B, L, D) Approx. 4-5 hours of driving.
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to UB. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is independent for last-minute shopping and sightseeing. (Hotel Bayangol, B)
Today, transfer to the airport for your departure flight from Mongolia. (B)
Trip Highlights
- Attend the Altai Eagle Festival, a vibrant celebration of Kazakh heritage
- Meet and stay with local eagle hunter families in the Altai Mountains
- Learn about eagle training, care, and the deep bond between hunter and bird
- Experience authentic nomadic life and Kazakh hospitality
- Capture striking photographs of golden eagles and stunning mountain scenery
Pricing
- Land transportation as indicated in the itinerary based on using cruiser jeeps 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 are as indicated in the itinerary.
- English-speaking national guide throughout your stay.
- Bottled water per person per day and an unlimited supply of boiled water.
- 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 in museums and any other item not mentioned as included.
