🦅 Golden Eagle Festival & Altai Tavan Bogd National Park Tour – 9 Days
📍 Western Mongolia | Altai Mountains | Golden Eagle festival | Eagle Hunter Family | Altai Tavan Bogd national park
🦅 High Altai Adventure, Horse Trekking & Living Kazakh Eagle Hunting Culture
This 9-day journey is one of the most complete and immersive experiences in western Mongolia, combining high-mountain wilderness, horse-assisted trekking, and one of the world’s most authentic living cultural traditions — the Golden Eagle Festival.
The adventure begins in Ulgii, the heart of Mongolia’s Kazakh community, before traveling deep into the remote landscapes of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Here, towering snow-capped peaks, vast glaciers, alpine valleys, and pristine rivers define one of the wildest regions in Central Asia. You will trek on horseback along ancient nomadic trails to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the immense Potanin Glacier and Khuiten Peak, Mongolia’s highest mountain.
The journey continues through spectacular natural highlights including the turquoise waters of Khoton Lake, a scenic hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall, and visits to ancient Turkic stone monuments and prehistoric petroglyphs that reveal thousands of years of Altai nomadic history. Nights are spent in nomadic ger camps, tent camps, and remote countryside settings, offering a deep connection to nature far from modern infrastructure.
A key cultural highlight is an overnight stay with a real Kazakh eagle hunter family, where you will learn about golden eagle training, daily nomadic life, horse culture, and the powerful bond between hunter and bird. This is not a performance for tourists, but an authentic cultural exchange with families who still practice eagle hunting as part of their heritage.
The tour concludes with two full days at the Golden Eagle Festival near Ulgii. Here, the best eagle hunters from across the Altai compete in hunting skills, speed, and precision, while traditional nomadic sports, colorful Kazakh costumes, and ceremonial events create an unforgettable cultural spectacle.
Designed for adventurous travelers, photographers, and culture lovers, this tour offers exceptional photography opportunities, meaningful cultural encounters, and dramatic landscapes at the best time of year — early October. Flexible camping comfort options, including portable toilet and shower on request, ensure a balance between adventure and comfort.
This is not just a tour — it is a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the wild Altai Mountains and one of the world’s last remaining human–eagle hunting cultures.
⭐ Golden Eagle festival and Altai Tavan Bogd national park tour highlights:
- 🦅 Golden Eagle Festival (2 Full Days)
- Experience the world-famous Golden Eagle Festival in Ulgii, featuring real eagle hunters, powerful competitions, traditional games, and colorful Kazakh costumes.
- 🏔 Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
- Explore one of Mongolia’s wildest and most remote national parks, known for glaciers, snow-capped peaks, alpine valleys, and untouched landscapes.
- ❄️ Khuiten Peak & Potanin Glacier Views
- Witness Mongolia’s highest mountain and largest glacier during a scenic horse-assisted trek deep in the Altai Mountains.
- 🐎 Horse-Assisted Mountain Trekking
- Follow ancient nomadic trails on horseback to panoramic viewpoints inside Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
- 🌊 Khoton Lake
- Relax beside a stunning alpine lake surrounded by dramatic mountains, perfect for photography and quiet exploration.
- 💧 Baga Turgen Waterfall Hike
- Enjoy a scenic hike to one of the Altai’s hidden natural gems set in a peaceful forested valley.
- 🗿 Ancient Altai Heritage
- Discover Turkic stone statues, burial mounds, and prehistoric petroglyphs revealing thousands of years of nomadic history.
- 🦅 Eagle Hunter Family Stay
- Stay with a real Kazakh eagle hunter family, learn about golden eagle training, hunting traditions, and daily nomadic life.
- 📸 Outstanding Photography Opportunities
- Capture eagles in flight, hunters on horseback, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant cultural moments.
- 🏔 Remote & Authentic Western Mongolia
- Travel far from mass tourism into one of Mongolia’s least-visited regions for a truly genuine experience.
- ✨ Once-in-a-Lifetime Cultural & Nature Journey
- A rare combination of high-mountain adventure and one of the world’s last living human–eagle hunting traditions.
Itinerary:
- 🍽 Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- 🏕 Overnight: Nomadic Ger Camp / Yurt / Tent
- 🚗 Driving: ~200 km | ~5 hours
✈️ Upon arrival in Ulgii, your local guide and driver will welcome you at the airport.
After lunch in town, begin a scenic drive toward Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
🚙 The journey takes you deep into the wild Altai Mountains, passing wide valleys, rivers, and dramatic mountain landscapes untouched by modern development.
🏕 Arrive near the park gate and settle into a nomadic ger camp, yurt, or tent campsite surrounded by pristine alpine scenery.
- 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
- 🏕 Overnight: Nomadic Ger Camp / Yurt / Tent
- 🐎 Hiking: ~12 km | ~3 hours one way
🐎 This morning, begin a horse-assisted trek to a high-altitude viewpoint inside the park.
The trail follows ancient nomadic routes across alpine meadows and glacial valleys.
🏔 From the viewpoint, enjoy breathtaking views of Potanin Glacier and Khuiten Peak (4,374 m), Mongolia’s highest mountain.
🥪 Picnic lunch in the mountains, followed by a return hike back to camp in the afternoon.
📸 Excellent opportunities for mountain and landscape photography throughout the day.
- 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 🏕 Overnight: Nomadic Ger Camp / Yurt / Tent
- 🚗 Driving Distance: ~160 km
- ⏱ Driving Time: ~4 hours
🚗 After breakfast, continue your journey toward the stunning Khoton Lake, one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in western Mongolia.
🗿 Along the way, stop to explore ancient Turkic stone statues, burial mounds, and deer stones, some dating back more than 1,000 years—evidence of early nomadic civilizations in the Altai region.
🏞 Upon arrival at Khoton Lake, enjoy free time to walk along the lakeshore, relax, or photograph the turquoise water reflecting snow-covered peaks.
🌙 Overnight near the lake in a peaceful, remote setting.
- 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 🏕 Overnight: Nomadic Ger Camp / Yurt / Tent
- 🥾 Hiking Time: ~1.5 hours one way
🚗 Short morning drive to the trailhead of Baga Turgen Waterfall, hidden deep within forested valleys of the Altai.
🥾 Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour hike through alpine forest and mountain streams to reach the waterfall—one of the region’s most picturesque natural sites.
🍽 Lunch with a local Kazakh nomadic family, offering insight into daily herding life, traditions, and hospitality.
🗿 In the afternoon, visit nearby petroglyph sites, featuring prehistoric rock carvings of animals, hunters, and ancient rituals.
📸 Excellent opportunities for cultural and nature photography.
- 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 🏕 Overnight: Eagle Hunter Family
- 🚗 Driving Distance: ~60 km
- ⏱ Driving Time: ~2 hours
🚗 After breakfast, drive to a remote countryside area to visit a real Kazakh eagle hunter family.
🏡 Learn about the ancient art of golden eagle hunting, including:
- Eagle training and care
- Hunting techniques
- Traditional clothing and equipment
- The deep spiritual bond between hunter and eagle
📸 Enjoy extended photo sessions with the eagle hunter, golden eagle, horses, and traditional Kazakh dress in a completely authentic setting.
🥘 Dinner and overnight stay with the family, experiencing genuine nomadic hospitality.
- 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 🏨 Overnight: Hotel in Ulgii
- 🚗 Driving Distance: ~160 km
- ⏱ Driving Time: ~4 hours
🚗 Morning drive back to Ulgii, transitioning from wilderness back to town life.
🏙 In the afternoon, optional visits include:
- Local bazaar & souvenir markets
- Local museum showcasing Kazakh history and culture
🛏 Evening at leisure and overnight at hotel.
- 🍽 Meals: Breakfast
- 🏨 Overnight: Hotel in Ulgii
🚐 Transfer to the festival grounds after breakfast. Along the way, see eagle hunters riding on horseback toward the arena in full traditional dress.
🦅 Golden Eagle Festival – Day 1 Program
- Registration and credential verification of eagle hunters
- Opening ceremony of the Golden Eagle Festival
- Best Kazakh costume competition
- Best eagle equipment & horse harness competition
- Horse race
- Eagle adaptation competition
- Tenge Ily – traditional coin-grabbing game on horseback
- Uriankhai archery competition
- Best Kazakh costume competition for couples
- Evening folk concert in Ulgii
- 🍽 Meals: Breakfast
- 🏨 Overnight: Hotel in Ulgii
🚐 Return to the festival grounds for the most thrilling day.
🦅 Golden Eagle Festival – Day 2 Program
- Shyrga Tartu – eagle hunting speed & accuracy competition
- Camel race
- Kyz Kuar – traditional horseback chasing game
- Continuation of nomadic games
- Kokpar (Kukhbar) – horseback competition over a goat skin
- Award ceremony for festival champions
- Closing ceremony
📸 A powerful day for action, portrait, and storytelling photography.
- 🍽 Meals: Breakfast
🚐 After breakfast, transfer to Ulgii Airport.
✈️ Flight back to Ulaanbaatar.
👋 End of an unforgettable journey into the heart of Kazakh nomadic culture and the world’s most authentic eagle hunting tradition.
ℹ️ Tour Notes – Golden Eagle festival and Altai Tavan Bogd national park tour
- 📅 Early booking recommended – During the Golden Eagle Festival, flights and accommodation in Ulgii are limited and sell out months in advance.
- ✈️ Domestic flights – Flights between Ulaanbaatar and Ulgii are weather-dependent and schedules may change.
- 🏕 Accommodation – A mix of hotels, nomadic ger camps, tent camping, and an eagle hunter family homestay. Facilities in remote areas are basic but clean and authentic.
- 🚿 Portable Toilet & Shower (On Request)
- Portable toilet and portable shower facilities can be arranged upon request, especially for camping nights in remote areas. Please inform us in advance so we can prepare the necessary equipment.
- 🌦 Weather – Early October is cool to cold, especially in the mountains. Wind is common and light snow is possible. Warm layered clothing is essential.
- 🚗 Travel conditions – Several long driving days on mostly unpaved mountain roads. Travel times may vary due to weather and road conditions.
- 🐎 Trekking & activities – Includes horse-assisted trekking and moderate hiking; suitable for travelers with average fitness.
- 🦅 Eagle hunting & wildlife – Hunting demonstrations depend on weather and wildlife movement and cannot be guaranteed.
- 📸 Photography – Excellent opportunities throughout the tour; protect equipment from dust, wind, and cold.
- 🤝 Cultural respect – Always follow your guide’s advice and ask permission before photographing local people, especially during family visits.
🌍 Why Choose the Golden Eagle Festival and Altai Tavan Bogd national park tour?
- 🦅 Authentic, Not Staged – Experience real Kazakh eagle hunters and the world-famous Golden Eagle Festival, where every participant is a true hunter.
- 🏔 Altai’s Greatest Landscapes – Explore glaciers, high peaks, alpine lakes, and untouched wilderness in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
- 🐎 Adventure with Comfort – Horse-assisted trekking, scenic hikes, and off-road journeys balanced with flexible pacing and support.
- 🏡 Deep Cultural Immersion – Stay with a real eagle hunter family and experience genuine Kazakh nomadic life.
- 📸 Exceptional Photography – Eagles in flight, hunters on horseback, dramatic mountains, lakes, and festival scenes.
- 🏕 Flexible Camping Comfort – Nomadic ger camps and camping, with portable toilet and shower available on request.
- 🌍 Remote & Unspoiled – Travel far from mass tourism into one of Mongolia’s least-visited regions.
- ✨ Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey – A rare combination of high-mountain adventure and one of the world’s last living eagle-hunting traditions.
🎒 What to Bring for Golden Eagle festival and Altai Tavan Bogd national park tour
- 🧥 Warm layered clothing – Thermal base layers, fleece, down or insulated jacket
- 💨 Windproof / waterproof jacket & pants – Essential for mountains and open steppe
- 🧢 Cold-weather accessories – Warm hat, gloves, scarf / neck gaiter
- 👟 Footwear – Sturdy hiking boots or shoes (water-resistant recommended)
- 🧦 Extra socks – Wool or thermal socks for cold nights
- 🎒 Daypack – For trekking, hikes, and daily excursions
- 🐎 Riding-friendly clothing – Comfortable pants suitable for horse riding
- 📸 Camera & accessories – Extra batteries, memory cards, lens protection (cold drains batteries fast)
- 🔌 Electronics – Power bank, charging cables, travel adapter
- 🧴 Personal items – Toiletries, sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer, wet wipes
- 💊 Medications – Personal medicine and a small first-aid kit
- 🧢 Sun & eye protection – Sunglasses, sun hat (UV is strong at altitude)
- 📄 Documents – Passport, visa (if required), travel insurance copy
- 💵 Cash – Limited ATMs outside Ulgii
- 🧼 Optional camping comfort items – Quick-dry towel, flip-flops, biodegradable toiletries
❓ FAQs – Golden Eagle Festival and Altai Tavan Bogd national park tour
- 🦅 What is the Golden Eagle Festival?
- An annual cultural festival where real Kazakh eagle hunters compete using trained golden eagles, preserving an ancient nomadic tradition.
- 📍 Where does the tour take place?
- In western Mongolia around Ulgii and Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
- 📅 When is the best time to join this tour?
- Early October, when the Golden Eagle Festival takes place and mountain scenery is at its best.
- ✈️ How do we get to Ulgii?
- By domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar. Flights are limited and weather-dependent.
- 🏕 What accommodation is included?
- A mix of hotels, nomadic ger camps, tent camping, and a stay with a real eagle hunter family.
- 🚿 Are toilets and showers available?
- In remote areas facilities are basic. Portable toilet and shower can be arranged on request for camping nights.
- 🧭 How physically demanding is the tour?
- Moderate. Includes horse-assisted trekking, a waterfall hike, and long off-road drives. Suitable for travelers with average fitness.
- 🦅 Is eagle hunting guaranteed?
- Eagle hunting demonstrations depend on weather and wildlife movement and cannot be guaranteed.
- 📸 Is this tour good for photography?
- Yes. It offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife, culture, festivals, and dramatic mountain landscapes.
- 🌦 What is the weather like in early October?
- Cool to cold. Daytime temperatures are mild; nights can be below freezing. Wind and light snow are possible in the mountains.
- 💰 When should I book?
- As early as possible. Flights and accommodation sell out quickly during festival season.