On this exciting journey, you will be able to visit the western towring 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.
Trip Details
Tour Highlights
Witness the thrilling competitions where hunters showcase their eagles’ agility and hunting skills
Experience the rich traditions and customs of the Kazakh community
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Altai Mountains and the surrounding landscapes
Taste traditional Kazakh and Mongolian dishes
Capture stunning photos of the festival, eagles in action, and the picturesque scenery
What to expect
Travel Style: Cultural Immersion
Lodging: Basic
Transportation:
4x4 expeditions on epic roads
Physical Rating:
Excellent fitness level required and a good acclimatation
Thematics
Birdwatching
Photography
Wildlife
Itinerary
DAY 1
Ulaanbaatar
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.
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.
D
Hotel Bayangol (or similar)
DAY 2
Ulaanbaatar / Khovd/ Khar Us Lake Birding
Today, fly to the western most part of Mongolia. We will meet our local crew and after a quick stop at a local market, begin driving to the Altai mountains where our camp site is located. En route, stop for a birding loc...
Today, fly to the western most part of Mongolia. We will meet our local crew and after a quick stop at a local market, begin driving to the Altai mountains where our camp site is located. En route, stop for a birding location at Khar Us Lake, one of Mongolia’s most important wetland areas for rare and endangered species. Bird species such as Dalmatian Pelican, White-headed Duck, Swan Goose, Pallas’s Fish-eagle and kestrel species could be spotted. Arrive at the tent camp in the evening. Enjoy dinner and overnight in tents or gers.
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B, L, D
Field camp (or similar)
3 hours
DAY 3
Khovd mountains
We will set out each day to one of the frequently sited valleys in search of the elusive cat. Packed lunch will be provided and we will enjoy dinner at the base camp by a warm fire site. Overnight in tents or gers.
We will set out each day to one of the frequently sited valleys in search of the elusive cat. Packed lunch will be provided and we will enjoy dinner at the base camp by a warm fire site. Overnight in tents or gers.
B, L, D
Field camp (or similar)
DAY 4
Khovd mountains
We will set out each day to one of the frequently sited valleys in search of the elusive cat. Packed lunch will be provided and we will enjoy dinner at the base camp by a warm fire site. Overnight in tents or gers.
We will set out each day to one of the frequently sited valleys in search of the elusive cat. Packed lunch will be provided and we will enjoy dinner at the base camp by a warm fire site. Overnight in tents or gers.
B, L, D
Field camp (or similar)
DAY 5
Khovd mountains
We will set out each day to one of the frequently sited valleys in search of the elusive cat. Packed lunch will be provided and we will enjoy dinner at the base camp by a warm fire site. Overnight in tents or gers.
We will set out each day to one of the frequently sited valleys in search of the elusive cat. Packed lunch will be provided and we will enjoy dinner at the base camp by a warm fire site. Overnight in tents or gers.
B, L, D
Field camp (or similar)
DAY 6
Khovd mountains
We will set out each day to one of the frequently sited valleys in search of the elusive cat. Packed lunch will be provided and we will enjoy dinner at the base camp by a warm fire site. Overnight in tents or gers.
We will set out each day to one of the frequently sited valleys in search of the elusive cat. Packed lunch will be provided and we will enjoy dinner at the base camp by a warm fire site. Overnight in tents or gers.
B, L, D
Field camp (or similar)
DAY 7
Altai mountains
After an early morning breakfast travel to Ulgii, the provincial capital of Bayan-Ulgii province. Explore the city and visit its’ market with a chance to purchase renowned Kazakh hand made art crafts including felt rugs.
After an early morning breakfast travel to Ulgii, the provincial capital of Bayan-Ulgii province. Explore the city and visit its’ market with a chance to purchase renowned Kazakh hand made art crafts including felt rugs.
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B, L, D
Rustic Ger stay (or similar)
DAY 8
The Golden Eagle festival
Attend the two-day Golden Eagle Festival, beginning with a parade of eagle hunters showcasing their majestic birds. The eagles’ skills are tested as they are released from a cliff, racing to land on their owners’ arms. E...
Attend the two-day Golden Eagle Festival, beginning with a parade of eagle hunters showcasing their majestic birds. The eagles’ skills are tested as they are released from a cliff, racing to land on their owners’ arms. Enjoy traditional games like kukbar, tenge ilu, and kyzguar, all involving horseback riding and revived by the festival. A highlight is the archery contest featuring ethnic Uriankhai people, using traditional Mongolian bows that have remained unchanged since the 13th century. Established in 2000, the festival has become a major cultural event in western Mongolia, drawing 70-80 competitors from across Bayan Ulgii. Evenings offer traditional Kazakh meals and performances by Kazakh singers. Overnight in gers.
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B, L, D
Rustic ger camp (or similar)
DAY 9
The Golden Eagle festival
Attend the two-day Golden Eagle Festival, beginning with a parade of eagle hunters showcasing their majestic birds. The eagles’ skills are tested as they are released from a cliff, racing to land on their owners’ arms. E...
Attend the two-day Golden Eagle Festival, beginning with a parade of eagle hunters showcasing their majestic birds. The eagles’ skills are tested as they are released from a cliff, racing to land on their owners’ arms. Enjoy traditional games like kukbar, tenge ilu, and kyzguar, all involving horseback riding and revived by the festival. A highlight is the archery contest featuring ethnic Uriankhai people, using traditional Mongolian bows that have remained unchanged since the 13th century. Established in 2000, the festival has become a major cultural event in western Mongolia, drawing 70-80 competitors from across Bayan Ulgii. Evenings offer traditional Kazakh meals and performances by Kazakh singers. Overnight in gers.
Read More
B, L, D
Rustic ger camp (or similar)
DAY 10
Visiting Kazakh families / Hiking
Today, spend a full day at the host Kazakh family observing their daily rituals from milking their yaks to making traditional dishes. Colourful Kazakh gers in the picturesque summer camping landscape offer excellent phot...
Today, spend a full day at the host Kazakh family observing their daily rituals from milking their yaks to making traditional dishes. Colourful Kazakh gers in the picturesque summer camping landscape offer excellent photographing opportunity. Each ger is decorated with tapestries woven by Kazakh women and each tapestry is decorated with unique patterns designed by the family. Kazakh women are renowned for their handcraft and tapestry skills and Kazakh men train Golden Eagles for hunting, an age-old tradition that has survived amongst the Mongolian Kazakh population during the 20th century. Learn about daily chores of Kazakh herders looking after their yaks and sheep. Spend this day for short hiking and also fishing at a local river for Mongolian graylings (if you have brought your own equipment). Overnight in tents.
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B, L, D
Tents with communal gers (or similar)
DAY 11
Ulgii / Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, drive back to Ulgii for our return flight to Ulaanbaatar.
After breakfast, drive back to Ulgii for our return flight to Ulaanbaatar.
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B, L, D
Hotel Bayangol (or similar)
DAY 12
Ulaanbaatar / Altanbulag
Today, drive a short distance south west of UB for about 3 hours to reach a site for possible Pallas cat sighting. Several known individual dens are known to exist in the area. Overnight in tents.
Today, drive a short distance south west of UB for about 3 hours to reach a site for possible Pallas cat sighting. Several known individual dens are known to exist in the area. Overnight in tents.
B, L, D
Tent Camp; (or similar)
3 hours
DAY 13
Ulaanbaatar / Altanbulag
Today, drive a short distance south west of UB for about 3 hours to reach a site for possible Pallas cat sighting. Several known individual dens are known to exist in the area. Overnight in tents.
Today, drive a short distance south west of UB for about 3 hours to reach a site for possible Pallas cat sighting. Several known individual dens are known to exist in the area. Overnight in tents.
B, L, D
Tent Camp (or similar)
3 hours
DAY 14
Ulaanbaatar / Departure
In the morning, drive back to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the airport for departure.
In the morning, drive back to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the airport for departure.
Hotels
Hotel Bayangol
Located in the city center within walking distance to all major businesses, government organizations, shopping malls, theatres and cultural sights.
Air Conditioning
WiFi
SPA
Price Details
Included
All meals indicated as B, L or D
All accommodations in Double Twin occupancy
Homestay or hut accommodation
Expedition style tents, sleeping bags and mats
A Tour Leader English speaking guide
Local Guides specialized in the region
All entrance fees indicated in the itinerary
Cruiser jeeps with 3 seating places for passengers
Airport arrival and departure transfers
Domestic flights
Daily supply of one bottle of water per person
Daily supply of boiled and purified water
Assistance support during all your trip
Not Included
International flights
Personal expenses
Additional drinks and meals
Tips
Laundry
Travel Insurance (mandatory)
Medical evacuation costs
Visa fees (if required)
Optional activities
Other items not mentioned as included
Minimum Deposit
30% (The last payment must be completed 45 days prior to the start of the trip.)
Price Base
Price for 2 people:
5.690 USD
Price from 3 to 4 people:
5.090 USD
Price from 5 to 6 people:
4.390 USD
Price from 7 to 8 people:
4.088 USD
* Price is indicated per person
Terms & Conditions
The terms of sale may differ based on the nature of your trip and how close your departure date is. Please review our conditions here for more information .
