Overview

Western regions of Mongolia is home to the real wilderness; nomadic Kazakh herders training their eagles for hunting, elusive snow leopards hovering through the majestic snow-capped mountains, a young nomadic man singing on a horseback and galloping through the shores of crystal blue lakes under the eternal blue sky of nomadic Mongolia.  This is a view you will see when you are travelling through the western regions of Mongolia, and it’s where the spectacular Golden Eagle Festival takes place. This stunning 6-day journey takes us from its bustling capital and deep into the heart of the breath-taking western wilderness.

For this 6-day short tour to the Golden Eagle festival 2024, firstly, we will traverse in the nomadic capital – Ulaanbaatar city and on next day, fly off to the Ulgiy where Golden Eagle Festival is held annually. Amongst the traditional tribal lands of the Kazakhs, we will discover a cherishing tradition of eagle trainers and a wealth of natural and cultural treasures that can trace their origins back millennia. Spending our nights in ger encampments, our adventure culminates with a two-day visit to the colourful Golden Eagle Hunters’ Festival, where we will experience one of the last great nomadic spectacles.

A journey to inspire and captivate, each day offers up a glimpse of a legacy and a landscape that is as timeless as it is transient.

Hunter eagles and eagle trainers Mongolia

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar city, our driver and English-speaking guide meet you at the airport and transfer you to city center. Today we explore some of famous places in Ulaanbaatar city including Chinggis Khaan Museum, Sukhbaatar Square – the main square of the city, Gandan Monastery, Bogd Khaan Palace, and if time permits, we will visit Zaisan Hill Memorial Statue. This hill provides a panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar. In the evening, we will attend a traditional art performance. Overnight in a hotel.

  • Transfer to Hotel from Ulaanbaatar New International Airport, about 35 km, and Ulaanbaatar City tour
  • Meal(s): Lunch + Dinner 
  • Accommodation: You will stay in a centrally located 4-star hotel – Khuvsgul Lake hotel or similar. The accommodation is twin-based. But if you prefer to stay alone just tell us before the tour, we will provide you with no extra single-supplement charge. Also, if you prefer a different type of accommodation, we have more options from a 5-star hotel to a home-stay.
Day 2: Fly to western Mongolia, where eagle trainers live

Today we take you to the airport for domestic flight to Ulgii, a provincial town in Western Mongolia. After you arrive in Ulgii, our local driver pick you up from the airport and drive out to the nomadic Kazakh family near Shiveet Khairkhan mountain, closer to the gate for Tavan Bogd  base camp. Once we reach the home of the nomadic family, you have an opportunity to learn about their lifestyle including how they train their Golden eagles for hunt a prey, how they take care of their herds in the vast pasture land, and also you will get a chance to try what nomadic people do in their daily life. Overnight in a traditional Kazakh ger with eagle trainers’ family.

  • Travel: We will take a domestic flight of 2-3 hours to the western province. Then head to local eagle trainer nomadic family approx 40-50 km on a dirt road from the town.
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner 
  • Accommodation: Stay in a Kazakh family’s ger. One ger for 3 or 4 travellers.
Day 3 & 4: Golden Eagle Festival
The festival begins with a parade of hunters holding their eagles marching with their horses. The competition for the best traditional costume and equipment is held followed by games to test the best communication techniques between the eagle and the hunter. The other main competition involves the fastest and most attractive descent of an eagle from the top of the mountain to the owner on the valley floor. Other authentic games are enjoyed by the Kazakhs such as kukbar (tug of war on horseback), archery and horse racing. Hunters put on their best costumes while decorating their eagles with the traditional “eagle costumes”
  • Travel time: Short drives to the valley where the Golden Eagle Festival will take place. Approx 20-30 km on a dirt road from the nomadic host family.
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner 
  • Accommodation: You will stay in the host eagle trainer family. 
Day 5: Fly back to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast at the eagle trainer family, we will transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Ulaanbaatar. We will arrive in the capital city in the afternoon, and you have time for visiting the world’s number one cashmere store and Mongolian souvenir shops or relax in your hotel until dinner. In the evening, our farewell dinner will take place in a restaurant. Overnight in a hotel.

  • Travel time: Approx 40 km on a dirt road to the airport to catch a flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival at UB, transfer to your hotel. 
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner 
  • Accommodation: You will stay in a centrally located 4-star hotel – Khuvsgul Lake hotel or similar. The accommodation is twin-based. But if you prefer to stay alone just tell us before the tour, we will provide you with no extra single-supplement charge. Also, if you prefer a different type of accommodation, we have more options from a 5-star hotel to a homestay.

 

Day 6: Departure

Today is the end of the Mongolia Golden Eagle Festival 2022 Short Tour. Our team will transfer you to the airport in time for your international flight. Have a nice trip back home and thank you for choosing Way To Nomads

  • Meal(s): Breakfast
  • Transport: Transfer to the airport from the hotel by vehicle.

 

Group size: minimum of 2 & maximum of 6.

  • 2 Guests: $1550 US per person.
  • 3-4 Guests: $1480 US per person.
  • 5-8 Guests: $1370 US per person.
  • Accommodations: 2 nights in centrally located good facility hotel in Ulaanbaatar, 1 nights in provincial hotel in Ulgii, 2 nights in eagle hunter family’s ger.

  • Domestic flight tickets between Ulaanbaatar and Ulgiy

  • Guiding and interpreting service

  • Meals mentioned in the itinerary

  • Transportation: 4×4 vehicle with fuel

  • Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks

  • Museums and cultural performance

  • Horse for rent: 1 day in Bayan-Ulgii

  • Camping tent as mentioned in the itinerary

  • Airport pick up and drop off

  • Drinking water for each day

  • International airfare(s) to/from Ulaanbaatar
  • Personal equipment
  • Optional activity cost
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Travel insurance

Personal Information (Lead Traveller)

Tour Information

2-12 years old
Under 2 years old
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