🦅 Golden Eagle Festival, Altai Tavan Bogd national park 10-day Tour
📍 Western Mongolia | Altai Mountains | Golden Eagle festival | Eagle Hunter Family | Altai Tavan Bogd national park
🦅 Golden Eagle Festival & Altai Tavan Bogd National Park Tour 10-Day
This 10-day journey is one of the most complete and immersive experiences in western Mongolia, combining dramatic high-mountain landscapes, horse-assisted trekking, and the world’s most authentic celebration of eagle hunting culture — the Golden Eagle Festival.
Your adventure begins in Ulgii, the cultural heart of Mongolia’s Kazakh community. From here, you travel deep into the remote wilderness of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, one of Central Asia’s most spectacular and least-visited regions. Snow-capped peaks, vast glaciers, wide alpine valleys, and pristine rivers dominate the landscape, offering a true sense of exploration far from modern civilization.
During the Altai portion of the tour, you follow ancient nomadic routes on a horse-assisted trek to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the immense Potanin Glacier and Khuiten Peak, Mongolia’s highest mountain. You also explore the turquoise waters of Khoton Lake, hike to the scenic Baga Turgen Waterfall, and visit ancient Turkic stone monuments and prehistoric petroglyphs that reveal thousands of years of nomadic history in the Altai.
Cultural immersion is at the heart of this journey. You spend time with real Kazakh nomadic families, including an overnight stay with a Golden Eagle Festival champion family, learning about daily life, horse culture, and the deep bond between hunter and eagle. You will observe eagle training and, weather and wildlife permitting, witness a real eagle hunt on horseback using traditional methods passed down through generations.
The tour culminates with two full days at the Golden Eagle Festival, where the finest eagle hunters from across western Mongolia compete in hunting skills, speed, and precision. Alongside the competitions, you’ll enjoy traditional nomadic sports, colorful Kazakh costumes, ceremonies, and cultural performances—an event that remains genuine and community-driven rather than staged for tourism.
Designed for adventure travelers, culture lovers, and photographers, this tour offers exceptional opportunities to capture eagles in flight, hunters on horseback, dramatic mountain scenery, and intimate cultural moments. Taking place in early October, the journey benefits from crisp air, autumn colors, and the best overall conditions for both travel and photography.
With a balance of adventure and comfort—hotels in Ulgii, nomadic ger camps, tent camping, and optional portable toilet and shower on request—this tour delivers a rare and unforgettable insight into one of the world’s last living human–eagle hunting cultures.
This is not just a tour; it is a once-in-a-lifetime expedition into the wild Altai Mountains and the soul of Kazakh nomadic heritage.
⭐ Golden Eagle festival and Altai Tavan Bogd national park tour highlights:
- 🦅 Golden Eagle Festival – 2 Full Days
- Witness the world-famous Golden Eagle Festival in Ulgii, where real Kazakh eagle hunters compete using centuries-old traditions.
- 🏔 Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
- Explore Mongolia’s most dramatic mountain region, home to towering peaks, vast glaciers, alpine valleys, and pristine wilderness.
- ❄️ Khuiten Peak & Potanin Glacier
- Enjoy unforgettable views of Mongolia’s highest mountain and largest glacier during a horse-assisted trek deep inside the Altai.
- 🐎 Horse-Assisted Mountain Trekking
- Follow ancient nomadic trails on horseback and on foot through breathtaking high-altitude landscapes.
- 🌊 Khoton Lake
- Relax beside a stunning alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and untouched nature.
- 💧 Baga Turgen Waterfall Hike
- Hike to a beautiful hidden waterfall set within forested mountain valleys.
- 🗿 Ancient Altai Heritage
- Discover Turkic stone statues, burial mounds, and prehistoric petroglyphs dating back thousands of years.
- 🏡 Eagle Hunter & Champion Family Visits
- Stay with and visit real Kazakh eagle hunter families, including Golden Eagle Festival champions, and learn about eagle training and nomadic life.
- 🏹 Real Eagle Hunting Experience
- Observe and participate in a genuine eagle hunt on horseback (subject to conditions).
- 📸 Outstanding Photography Opportunities
- Capture eagles in flight, dramatic mountain scenery, nomadic life, and vibrant festival action.
- 🏕 Remote & Authentic Western Mongolia
- Travel far from mass tourism and experience one of the world’s last living eagle-hunting cultures in its natural environment.
- ✨ Once-in-a-Lifetime Cultural & Nature Journey
- A rare combination of high-mountain adventure and one of the most authentic cultural festivals on Earth.
Itinerary:
- 🍽 Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- 🏕 Overnight: Nomadic Ger Camp / Yurt / Tent Camping
- 🚗 Distance: ~200 km | ⏱ ~5 hours
✈️ Upon arrival at Ulgii Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional local guide and driver. Ulgii is the cultural capital of Mongolia’s Kazakh population and the starting point for all Altai adventures.
🍽 After lunch in town, begin your journey toward Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.
🚙 The drive takes you deep into the Altai Mountains through wide river valleys, rolling steppe, and increasingly dramatic alpine scenery.
🏔 This region is home to snow leopards, ibex, argali sheep, wolves, and golden eagles, and remains one of the least populated areas in Mongolia.
🏕 Arrive near the national park gate and settle into a nomadic ger camp, yurt stay, or tent camp surrounded by vast wilderness.
🌌 Evening under a star-filled Altai sky.
- 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
- 🏕 Overnight: Nomadic Ger Camp / Yurt / Tent
- 🐎 Trekking Distance: ~12 km one way | ⏱ ~3 hours
🐎 Today is a highlight of the journey as you set out on a horse-assisted trek following ancient nomadic trails used for centuries by herders and traders.
🌄 Riding and walking through alpine meadows, moraine valleys, and glacial landscapes, you gradually ascend toward a spectacular viewpoint inside the national park.
🏔 From the viewpoint, witness unforgettable panoramas of Potanin Glacier and Khuiten Peak (4,374 m), Mongolia’s highest mountain and one of Central Asia’s most impressive summits.
🥪 Picnic lunch surrounded by towering peaks and absolute silence.
📸 This day offers exceptional opportunities for dramatic landscape and adventure photography.
🐎 Return to camp in the afternoon and relax after a full mountain day.
- 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 🏕 Overnight: Nomadic Ger Camp / Yurt / Tent
- 🚗 Distance: ~160 km | ⏱ ~4 hours
🚗 After breakfast, drive toward the breathtaking Khoton Lake, located at the foot of snow-covered Altai ranges.
🗿 Along the route, stop to explore ancient Turkic stone statues, burial mounds, and deer stones, some over 1,000 years old, offering insight into the deep spiritual and nomadic history of the Altai.
🏞 Upon arrival, enjoy free time along the lake shore — walk, relax, photograph reflections, or simply enjoy the peaceful alpine environment.
🌌 Overnight in a remote lakeside setting.
- 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 🏕 Overnight: Nomadic Ger Camp / Yurt / Tent
- 🥾 Hiking Time: ~1.5 hours one way
🚗 Short drive to the trailhead of Baga Turgen Waterfall.
🥾 Hike through forested valleys and mountain streams to reach the waterfall — one of the Altai’s hidden natural treasures.
🍽 Lunch with a local Kazakh nomadic family, where you experience traditional hospitality, dairy products, and daily herding life.
🗿 In the afternoon, visit prehistoric petroglyph sites around the Khoton Lake area, depicting animals, hunters, and ancient rituals carved into stone thousands of years ago.
📸 A perfect blend of nature, culture, and history.
- 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 🏨 Overnight: Hotel in Ulgii
- 🚗 Distance: ~180 km | ⏱ ~4 hours
🚗 Drive back to Ulgii city, leaving the wilderness behind and returning to civilization.
🏙 Optional afternoon activities:
- Visit the local bazaar and souvenir markets
- Explore the local museum highlighting Kazakh history, music, and traditional clothing
🛏 Evening at leisure and overnight at hotel to prepare for festival days.
- 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 🏨 Overnight: Hotel in Ulgii
🚐 Transfer to the festival grounds. Along the way, witness eagle hunters riding on horseback, dressed in magnificent traditional clothing.
🦅 Festival Day 1 Program
- Registration and credential verification of eagle hunters
- Grand opening ceremony of the Golden Eagle Festival
- Best Kazakh costume competition
- Best eagle equipment and horse harness
- Horse racing
- Eagle adaptation competition
- Tenge Ily – coin grabbing game on horseback
- Uriankhai archery competition
- Best dressed Kazakh couples
- Evening folk concert in Ulgii
- 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 🏨 Overnight: Hotel in Ulgii
🚐 Full day at the festival grounds.
🦅 Festival Day 2 Program
- Shyrga Tartu – eagle hunting speed and accuracy test
- Camel race
- Kyz Kuar – traditional horseback chasing game
- Nomadic game competitions
- Kokpar (Kukhbar) – horseback competition over a goat skin
- Award ceremony for festival champions
- Official closing ceremony
📸 One of the best days in the world for action, portrait, and cultural photography.
- 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 🏕 Overnight: Eagle Hunter Family
- 🚗 Travel: 2–4 hours (depending on location)
🚗 Drive into the countryside to visit a Golden Eagle Festival champion family.
🏡 Learn how championship eagles are raised, trained, and prepared for competition.
🥘 Lunch with the family featuring Besbarmak, the most famous Kazakh traditional dish.
📸 Extended photo sessions with eagles, horses, and traditional clothing.
- 🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 🏨 Overnight: Hotel in Ulgii
🐎 Experience a real eagle hunt on horseback using traditional techniques (subject to weather and wildlife).
🦅 Observe how eagles are released, pursue prey, and return to the hunter.
📸 Rare action photography opportunities.
🚗 Afternoon return drive to Ulgii city.
- 🍽 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 is essential – During the Golden Eagle Festival, flights and accommodation in Ulgii are very limited and often sell out months in advance.
- ✈️ Domestic flights – Flights between Ulaanbaatar and Ulgii are subject to weather conditions and schedule changes, especially in early October.
- 🏕 Accommodation style – A combination of hotels, nomadic ger camps, tent camping, and eagle hunter family homestays. Facilities in remote areas are basic but clean and authentic.
- 🚿 Portable toilet & shower – Can be arranged on request for camping nights. Please inform us in advance (additional cost may apply).
- 🌦 Weather conditions – Early October brings cool to cold temperatures. Mornings and evenings can be below freezing in the mountains; wind and light snow are possible.
- 🚗 Road & travel conditions – Long drives on unpaved mountain roads are part of the adventure. Travel times may vary depending on weather and terrain.
- 🐎 Physical activity level – Includes horse-assisted trekking, hiking, and outdoor activities. Suitable for travelers with average fitness.
- 🦅 Eagle hunting activities – Real eagle hunting demonstrations depend on weather, wildlife movement, and seasonal conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
- 📸 Photography – Excellent photography opportunities throughout the tour. Guests should protect camera equipment from dust, cold, and wind.
- 🤝 Cultural respect – Please follow your guide’s advice and always ask permission before photographing local people, especially during family visits.
🌍 Why Choose the Golden Eagle Festival and Altai Tavan Bogd national park tour?
- 🦅 Authentic Golden Eagle Festival – Real Kazakh eagle hunters, not staged performances.
- 🏔 Altai Tavan Bogd Wilderness – Glaciers, high peaks, alpine lakes, and untouched nature.
- 🐎 Horse Trekking & Real Eagle Hunting – Traditional nomadic experiences (conditions permitting).
- 🏡 Eagle Hunter Family Encounters – Genuine cultural immersion with champion families.
- 📸 Outstanding Photography – Eagles in flight, festivals, and dramatic mountain scenery.
- 🏕 Adventure with Comfort – Ger camps, hotels, and portable toilet & shower on request.
🎒 What to Bring for Golden Eagle festival and Altai Tavan Bogd national park tour
- 🧥 Warm layered clothing – Thermal layers, fleece, insulated jacket
- 💨 Windproof / waterproof jacket & pants – Essential for mountain weather
- 🧢 Cold-weather accessories – Warm hat, gloves, scarf / neck gaiter
- 👟 Footwear – Sturdy hiking boots or shoes (water-resistant)
- 🧦 Warm socks – Wool or thermal recommended
- 🎒 Daypack – For trekking, hiking, and daily outings
- 🐎 Comfortable pants – Suitable for horse riding
- 📸 Camera & accessories – Extra batteries, memory cards (cold drains batteries)
- 🔌 Electronics – Power bank, charging cables, travel adapter
- 🧴 Personal items – Toiletries, sunscreen, lip balm, wet wipes
- 💊 Medications – Personal medicine & basic first-aid kit
- 📄 Documents – Passport, visa (if required), travel insurance copy
- 💵 Cash – Limited ATMs outside Ulgii
❓ FAQs – Golden Eagle Festival and Altai Tavan Bogd national park tour
- 🦅 What is the Golden Eagle Festival?
- A world-famous cultural event 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.
- ✈️ How do we get to Ulgii?
- By domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar. Flights are limited and weather-dependent.
- 🏕 What accommodation is included?
- Hotels in Ulgii, nomadic ger camps, tent camping, and eagle hunter family homestays.
- 🚿 Are toilets and showers available?
- Facilities are basic in remote areas. Portable toilet and shower can be arranged on request.
- 🧭 How physically demanding is the tour?
- Moderate. Includes horse trekking, hiking, and off-road travel. Suitable for travelers with average fitness.
- 🦅 Is eagle hunting guaranteed?
- No. Hunting depends on weather and wildlife conditions.
- 📸 Is this tour good for photography?
- Yes. Excellent opportunities for wildlife, culture, and landscape photography.
- 🌦 What is the weather like?
- Cool to cold, especially mornings and evenings; wind and light snow are possible.
- 💰 When should I book?
- As early as possible due to limited flights and accommodation during festival season.