Trip Summary

On this exciting journey, you will be able to visit the western towering Altai Mountains where the new annual Golden Eagle Festival has been held. The trip begins first with a visit to Lake Hovsgol, considered one of the most beautiful areas of Mongolia, and a headwater to Lake Baikal.

The Golden Eagle Festival is one of the most anticipated cultural events of local Kazakhs. Every year, both the eagle and the hunter prepare for not only the hunting season but to compete in the annual festival. Winning the games is a prestigious and milestone event in the life of an eagle hunter. Some of the participants come from as far as 250 km away. Join us on this epic journey to experience the best of Mongolian Panoramas!

Trip Highlights

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day 1, Sep 1- Arrival in Ulaanbaatar city

Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to the centrally located hotel in downtown Ulaanbaatar. In the evening, we will provide your pre-trip briefing and then host a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant. (Hotel Bayangol or similar;D)

Day 2, Sep 2- Ulaanbaatar city tour

Explore the vibrant capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, with a private blessing by a Buddhist monk at Gandan Monastery. Marvel at the imposing 90-foot statue of Megjid Janraisag, symbolizing Mongolia’s independence. Visit Zanabazar’s Fine Arts Museum, showcasing the country’s rich artistic heritage. The day concludes with a captivating performance of traditional Mongolian music and dance, featuring Khoomii, and a delightful dinner at a local restaurant. (Hotel Bayangol or similar; B, L)

Day 3, Sep 3- Fly to Hovsgol province
After breakfast, we will fly north to Lake Hovsgol, also known as the “Dark Blue Pearl.” This stunning lake, one of the most scenic regions in Mongolia, is located at the foothills of the Horidal Saridag Mountains to the west and Siberia to the north. Lake Hovsgol contains 70% of Mongolia’s potable water and is entirely within national park boundaries, preserving its pristine condition. Upon arrival in Murun, you will transfer to your ger camp on the lake’s shore. Gers, traditional Mongolian tents, are made of a circular latticed wood structure covered with thick felt, heated by a wood-burning stove, and furnished with painted furniture. These accommodations, based on double occupancy, offer an authentic and memorable taste of Mongolian culture and access to remote areas. (Ger camp; B, L, D)
Day 4-5, Sep 4-5- Trekking and exploring Lake Hovsgol
Spend these two days enjoying the beautiful Lake Hovsgol by having short treks and driving tours along the shore. There will also be an opportunity to enjoy a boat tour of the lake.  Each night come back to the ger camp for dinner and overnight.  (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
Day 6, Sep 6- Drive to Murun city

Today we drive to Murun, provincial center of Hovsgol to fly back to Ulaanbaatar. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight at hotel. (Hotel Bayangol or similar; D)

Day 7, Sep 7- Fly to Ulgii City of Bayan-Ulgii province

Fly to Ulgii, the capital of Bayan-Ulgii aimag(province) in western Mongolia, inhabited by Kazakhs and various ethnic groups. Despite the pastoral-nomadic lifestyle shared with Mongolians, the Kazakhs are predominantly Muslim. Explore the city, visit the local market to acquire Kazakh handmade crafts like felt rugs, and possibly visit a museum showcasing cultural and natural exhibits. In the evening, retreat to Hovd River on the city’s eastern side, offering an opportunity for evening trout fishing. Overnight in gers at a Rustic Ger Camp. (B, L, D)

Day 8-9, Sep 8-9- Attend Golden Eagle Festival

Experience the exhilarating Golden Eagle Festival for two days. Witness a grand parade of eagle hunters showcasing their impressive hunter eagles and testing their skills. Enjoy competitions like the traditional tug of war game “kukbar,” as well as tenge ilu and kyzguar, featuring horseback riding. Be captivated by the archery contest with ethnic Uriankhai people using traditional Mongolian arrows and bows from the 13th century. Established in 2000, the festival draws 70-80 competitors from local villages, making it a highly anticipated event in Bayan Ulgii. Evenings feature a traditional Kazakh meal and performances by Kazakh singers. Overnight in gers at a Rustic Ger Camp. (B, L, D)

Day 10, Sep 10- Visit Kazakh families / Hiking and fishing

Spend a day immersed in the daily life of a Kazakh family. Witness traditional rituals, including milking yaks and preparing authentic dishes. Explore colorful Kazakh gers, adorned with unique tapestries, in a picturesque summer camp—ideal for photography. Engage in short hikes and fishing for Mongolian graylings at a local river. Overnight in tents with communal gers. (B, L, D)

Day 11, Sep 11- Drive back to Ulgii, Fly to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, drive back to Ulgii for our return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, spend the rest of the afternoon for shopping and individual sightseeing. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (Hotel Bayangol or similar; B, L, D)

Day 12, Sep 12- Drive east to Gun Galuut Nature Reserve

Drive east to the Kherlen River near Gun Galuut, a nature reserve protecting the Argali wild sheep and White-Naped cranes. En-route, stop at the Chinggis Khan Equestrian statue, the world’s largest. Afternoon visit to a nomadic family for a private lunch, offering insights into their traditions. Optionally, try fishing for Mongolia’s grayling. Overnight in a comfortable tent with dinner. (Approx. 2 hours driving; Tent Camp; B, L, D)

Day 13-14, Sep 13-14- Drive Back to Ulaanbaatar/ Departure

Drive back to Ulaanbaatar in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the city for last-minute sightseeing and shopping. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening at a fine local restaurant. (Hotel Bayangol or similar; B, L, D) After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure. (B)

Pricing

2 travelers; standard twin occupancy;
$4,950 per person
Domestic flight: $440 per person
Optional single supplement: $480 per person
3-5 travelers; standard twin occupancy;
$4,250 per person
Domestic flight: $440 per person
Optional single supplement: $480 per person
6-9 travelers; standard twin occupancy;
$3,650 per person
Domestic flight: $440 per person
Optional single supplement: $480 per person
10+ travelers; standard twin occupancy;
$3,200 per person
Domestic flight: $440 per person
Optional single supplement: $480 per person
INCLUSIONS
  • Cruiser jeeps seating 3 passengers each;
  • Accommodations in a standard room at hotels and gers in the countryside based on double occupancy;
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers;
  • Sleeping bags, expedition style tents, and mats;
  • All meals indicated as B, L or D;
  • All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary including for the Golden Eagle Festival;
  • Optional horse riding;
  • English speaking national guide throughout your stay;
  • A bottle of water per person per day and unlimited supply of boiled water.
EXCLUSIONS
  • Domestic and international airfare;
  • Personal laundry;
  • Drinks not mentioned in the itinerary;
  • Travel insurance;
  • Medical evacuation costs;
  • Excess baggage charges;
  • Visa fees;
  • Gratuities;
  • Photography and video fees
  • Any other item not mentioned as included.

Photos & Review

I’m a 74 year old grandmother, who along with my 10 year old grandson, just returned from the Gobi to the Golden Eagle Festival tour. Every day was a new adventure. We explored temples, sand dunes in the Gobi desert, rode camels, were welcomed into ger homes and much more. Our ger accommodations could not have been better. Much attention and planning made for a trip of a lifetime. And the food was first rate. Everything about the tour was first rate. Our driver was excellent. He always anticipated when to stop for photos. Herds of camels, horses or sheep and goats made for great photos. I need to especially thank our guide. He was a constant source of information. All of which added to the adventure. He accompanied my grandson up and down everywhere. He pointed out animals, birds, insects, fossils, petrified wood. I wholeheartedly recommend Mongolia Quest. Can’t go wrong with this company.

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