Gobi desert | 12 days
Golden Eagle Festival | 12 days
Journey to the far west of Mongolia to witness the majestic Altai Mountains and the ancient tradition of Eagle Hunting. Stay with authentic Kazakh families, explore pristine lakes and waterfalls, and experience the thrill of the Sagsai Eagle Festival.
Tour overview
- Duration: 12 days
- Group size: max. 12 people
- Travel season for this trip: oktober
- Tour Type: journey
- Adventure type: moderate activity
Why travel with us?
- Airport pickup & drop-off included
- Private driver & local guide
- Authentic ger camp & nomadic stays
- Gobi Desert + Central Mongolia highlights
- Flexible meals (vegan / vegetarian / meat)
- Ideal for nature lovers, photographers & adventure travelers
Highlights
- Lake Dayan, Khuites valley
- Sagsai eagle festival
- Nomadic community
- Experience authentic nomadic life
Tour details:
Tour details:
Day 1
Welcome to the land of blue sky
Your tour begins upon arrival at Ulaanbaatar International Airport. We will transfer you to the hotel for an introductory meeting. In the afternoon, we visit the Gandan Monastery, Mongolia’s most important religious center, home to the massive golden statue of Migjid Janraisig. We may also catch the morning chanting ceremonies. Later, we visit the National History Museum for a deep dive into the country’s past. The evening concludes with a traditional music and dance performance by the Tumen Ekh Ensemble, followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 1
Welcome to the land of blue sky
Your tour begins upon arrival at Ulaanbaatar International Airport. We will transfer you to the hotel for an introductory meeting. In the afternoon, we visit the Gandan Monastery, Mongolia’s most important religious center, home to the massive golden statue of Migjid Janraisig. We may also catch the morning chanting ceremonies. Later, we visit the National History Museum for a deep dive into the country’s past. The evening concludes with a traditional music and dance performance by the Tumen Ekh Ensemble, followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Gateway to the west
We take a domestic flight to Ölgii, the capital of Bayan-Ölgii province. Upon arrival, we explore the local bazaar and the town museum. Ölgii is a unique town featuring a mix of Soviet style architecture and traditional clay brick dwellings. We will visit a supermarket to stock up on last minute provisions. In the evening, enjoy a private concert by traditional Kazakh Dombra players.
Day 2
Journey into the heart of the Gobi desert
Day 3
Meeting the eagle hunter
We drive south through the wild Altai landscape to reach Lake Dayan. Here, we will stay for two nights in a ger next to a local Eagle Hunter named Shokan and his family. Experience true Kazakh hospitality as you enter their colorful ger and sample milk tea, homemade curds, and milk vodka. The afternoon is free for a walk in the stunning countryside.
Day 4
The art of eagle hunting
Today, we delve into the ancient tradition of hunting with Golden Eagles. There are only about 250 eagle hunters left in the region. You will learn why hunters prefer female eagles (larger and more aggressive) and how they train them for 10 years before releasing them back into the wild. Join the family in their daily nomadic tasks: herding animals, milking goats, and corralling livestock.
Day 5
Nomadic community life
We spend the day visiting other nomadic families in the Lake Dayan area. This is a chance to witness the broader community life, experience distinct hospitality, and observe different styles of eagle training and hunting techniques used by various hunters.
Day 6
Lake Dayan, Khuites valley
We head northwest to a secluded forested valley where nomads set up their autumn encampments to shelter from the coming winter. We will stay in a private wilderness camp equipped with sleeping, dining, and kitchen gers. Upon arrival, we hike to a nearby viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama of the Altai Mountains, with Khoton and Khurgan lakes shimmering in the foreground.
Day 7
Exploring Khuites valley
A full day dedicated to exploring this stunning region. We will hike into the mountains overlooking the twin lakes (Khoton and Khurgan). Along the way, we visit local gers for refreshments. In the evening, we enjoy a feast of Beshparmak, the traditional Kazakh meat and noodle dish.
Day 8
Journey to the eagle festival, Turgen valley
Enjoy a relaxed morning or participate in optional activities around the camp. In the afternoon, we drive towards Altantsogts and continue into the nearby Turgen Valley, near the Hovd River, where our special festival camp is erected. In the evening, we will arrange an exclusive photo session with eagle hunters before the festival begins.
In the evening, settle into a ger camp where local performers share music and stories, celebrating the traditions of the Gobi.
- Activities: Scenic drive, Private photo session.
- Accommodation: Festival Ger Camp.
Day 9
Sagsai eagle festival – day 1, competition & skill
Today marks the start of the Sagsai Eagle Festival on the high desert steppes. We will witness the opening ceremonies and the first rounds of competition. Watch in awe as hunters call their eagles from the mountain tops to land on their arms. It is a day full of vibrant colors, traditional costumes, and the powerful bond between man and bird.
- Activities: Watching the festival, Photography.
- Accommodation: Festival Ger Camp.
Day 10
Sagsai eagle festival – day 2, the grand finale
We return to the festival grounds for the final day of festivities. The competition intensifies as eagles attack dragged bait (simulating hunting) to test their speed and agility. Beyond the eagles, you will see traditional Kazakh horse games such as Bushkashi (goat dragging). The day concludes with the awards ceremony for the best hunters.
- Activities: Advanced eagle challenges, Horse games, Awards ceremony.
- Accommodation: Festival Ger Camp.
Day 11
Turgen valley – Ölgii – Ulaanbaatar, wildlife of the Altai
In the morning, we have a chance to hike and spot the magnificent Argali (wild mountain sheep), which gather in the mountains at this time of year. If luck is on our side, we may see them up close. Alternatively, you can relax at the hotel. In the afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Ulaanbaatar.
Activities: Wildlife spotting (Argali),
Day 12
Departure, see you again
The tour concludes this morning. We will provide transfers to the airport to coincide with the suggested group flights.
What is included:
- English speaking guide
- Accommodation in the best available hotels (Ulaanbaatar )
- Transportation & private driver
- Full board meals
- Camel riding
- Traditional hospitality of the nomadic families
Not included:
- Flights
- Visas
- Alcoholic / soft drinks
- Gratuities
- Personal travel and equipment insurance
What is included:
- English speaking guide
- Accommodation in the best available hotels (Ulaanbaatar )
- Transportation & private driver
- Full board meals
- Camel riding
- Traditional hospitality of the nomadic families
Not included:
- Flights
- Visas
- Alcoholic / soft drinks
- Gratuities
- Personal travel and equipment insurance
Payment terms:
- Non refundable prepayment of 600 USD is required at the time of booking.
- 50% of the total cost will be paid 90 days prior to departure
- 100% of the total cost will be paid 60 days prior to departure
Cancellation terms:
- Up tp 91 days prior to departure 30% of the total tour cost is non refundable
- From 90 to 61 days prior to departure 60% of the total tour cost is non refundable
- From 60 days prior to departure 100% of the total tour cost is non refundable
Important information:
- Please note that the itinerary, route, locations, and schedule are subject to change based on weather conditions, terrain, and the discretion of the lead team.
- Please read our General Terms