Mongolia @GereltuvDashdoorov
Birdwatching | Photography | Wildlife

The Eagle Festival and Natural History of Altai Mountains

The Natural History of Mongolia Altai Mountains

Overview

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.
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 kms away. Join us on this epic journey to experience the best of Mongolian Panoramas! Before the Festival, fly to Khovd province, where you will visit the snow leopard habitat mountain for the best chance of sighting this elusive cat.

From 4.390 USD 14 Days / 13 Nights Departure: Sep 6th, 2025 Walking Grade:
  • Day 1: Ulaanbaatar
  • Day 2: Ulaanbaatar / Khovd/ Khar Us Lake Birding
  • Day 3: Khovd mountains
  • Day 4: Khovd mountains
  • Day 5: Khovd mountains
  • Day 6: Khovd mountains
  • Day 7: Altai mountains
  • Day 8: The Golden Eagle festival
  • Day 9: The Golden Eagle festival
  • Day 10: Visiting Kazakh families / Hiking
  • Day 11: Ulgii / Ulaanbaatar
  • Day 12: Ulaanbaatar / Altanbulag
  • Day 13: Ulaanbaatar / Altanbulag
  • Day 14: Ulaanbaatar / Departure

Trip Details


Country

  • Mongolia

Group Size

  • 8 Travelers Max

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

Tour Type

  • Scheduled
  • Shared

Departure

  • Sep 6th, 2025

Thematics

  • Birdwatching
  • Photography
  • Wildlife

Itinerary

Mongolia @GereltuvDashdoorov
DAY 1 - Saturday Sep 6th, 2025

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.

D Hotel Bayangol (or similar)
Mongolia @GereltuvDashdoorov
DAY 2 - Sunday Sep 7th, 2025

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...

B, L, D Field camp (or similar) 3 hours
Altai mountains Mongolia @GereltuvDashdoorov
DAY 3 - Monday Sep 8th, 2025

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.

B, L, D Field camp (or similar)
Mongolia @GereltuvDashdoorov
DAY 4 - Tuesday Sep 9th, 2025

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.

B, L, D Field camp (or similar)
Mongolia @GereltuvDashdoorov
DAY 5 - Wednesday Sep 10th, 2025

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.

B, L, D Field camp (or similar)
GER ()
DAY 6 - Thursday Sep 11th, 2025

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.

B, L, D Field camp (or similar)
Mongolia @GereltuvDashdoorov
DAY 7 - Friday Sep 12th, 2025

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.
...

B, L, D Rustic Ger stay (or similar)
Mongolia @GereltuvDashdoorov
DAY 8 - Saturday Sep 13th, 2025

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...

B, L, D Rustic ger camp (or similar)
Mongolia @GereltuvDashdoorov
DAY 9 - Sunday Sep 14th, 2025

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...

B, L, D Rustic ger camp (or similar)
Mongolia @GereltuvDashdoorov
DAY 10 - Monday Sep 15th, 2025

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...

B, L, D Tents with communal gers (or similar)
Mongolia @GereltuvDashdoorov
DAY 11 - Tuesday Sep 16th, 2025

Ulgii / 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. Meals are independent.

B, L, D Hotel Bayangol (or similar)
Mongolia @GereltuvDashdoorov
DAY 12 - Wednesday Sep 17th, 2025

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.

B, L, D Tent Camp; (or similar) 3 hours
Mongolia @GereltuvDashdoorov
DAY 13 - Thursday Sep 18th, 2025

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.

B, L, D Tent Camp (or similar) 3 hours
Mongolia @GereltuvDashdoorov
DAY 14 - Friday Sep 19th, 2025

Ulaanbaatar / Departure

In the morning, drive back to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the airport for departure.

B

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 Restaurant WiFi Bar SPA

Gallery

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.

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