The Golden Eagle Festival is an annual event celebrating the ancient tradition of eagle hunting in Western Mongolia. This festival provides a one-of-a-kind and memorable experience, allowing visitors to witness a lifestyle that has endured for centuries.
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Akhjol K. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
I’m Akhjol, but you can call me Aka. I was born and raised in Ulgii, and during my childhood I had the privilege of living with my nomadic grandparents in the Altai mountains. This upbringing had a profound influence on me, sparking my passion for working in tourism in Mongolia and allowing me to connect with people from all walks of life, sharing our unique lifestyle and culture.
I pursued my education in Thailand, where I graduated with a degree. In 2014, I began my career in tourism as an English-speaking guide. With fluency in Mongolian, Kazakh, English and Japanese, I’ve been able to effectively communicate and connect with travelers from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they have a memorable and fulfilling travel experience in Mongolia.
Tour highlights
Cultural Immersion
Witness the captivating Golden Eagle Festival, where skilled eagle hunters showcase their remarkable hunting techniques
Breathtaking Landscapes
Journey through the stunning landscapes of Western Mongolia, including the majestic Altai Mountains and vast steppe
Adventure Activities
Participate in thrilling activities that go beyond the festival, such as horseback riding, hiking, and exploring the traditional nomadic lifestyle
Route details
Day 1
Arrival in Ulgii
Fly from Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii (approximately a 2-hour flight). Once you arrive in Ulgii, our team will greet you at the airport. Next, join a brief introduction to the town to familiarize yourself with the local culture and surroundings.
Later explore local bazaar and souvenir shops, spend some time browsing the lively markets and discover authentic handicrafts.
As the day draws to an end, join a Kazakh traditional concert, delight in a special performance featuring throat singing, a distinctive art form of the Kazakh people. Stay for the night at a hotel in Ulgii.
Day 2
Join Golden Eagle Festival
Day 3
Join the 2nd Day of Golden Eagle Festival
Day 4
Journey to Tolbo Village: Encounter the Eagle Hunters
Day 5
Participate in Eagle Hunting Activities
Day 6
Continue Eagle Hunting and Journey Back to Ulgii
Day 7
Back to Ulaanbaatar
Difficulty
Moderate
Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity
Tour provider's comments
This tour is of a moderate difficulty level.Â
There are no special requirements, however, participants should be in good physical shape.
Accommodation
Comfort
Basic+
Upscale
Hotel
4 nights
Guest House
2 nights
You will spend 4 nights at the hotel in Ulgii and 2 nights in the accommodations of the nomadic family.Â
4 nights
Hotel in Ulgii
2 nights
Accommodations of the nomadic family
Tickets to group meeting place
Group meeting place
Bayan-Olgiy Province, Ulgii Airport
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Partnered with
Weather during the tour
Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
- the forecasts for this season
- the statistics from previous years’ trips
Tour conditions
Included
- Round-trip tickets between Ulaanbaatar and Ă–lgii;Â
- All meals indicated in the itinerary;Â
- 4Ă—4 van with driver;Â
- Fuel;
- English-speaking guide;
- Cook;
- Wranglers;
- Pack horses;
- Accommodation during the tour;Â
- Border area permits and National Park fees;
- Drinks and toiletries (water, juice, toilet paper, etc); Â
- Eagle hunter’s entertainment fees (including wearing traditional clothes, holding eagles for photos, etc);Â
- Vegetarian and gluten-free meal options;Â
- Other administrative costs.Â
Extras
- International airfare;
- Travel insurance;
- Excess baggage fee on domestic air travel;
- Drinks & alcohol;
- Meals not indicated;
- Emergency and personal expenses;
- Tips, gratuities and personal expenses;Â
- All expenses in Ulaanbaatar.Â
Group size
From 2 to 20 tourists
Duration
7 days
6 nights
It's important to know
Personal equipment you need for the tour
Essential Packing List for Your Trek
Documents:
- Passport – We require a copy of your passport before your arrival in Mongolia. This is necessary for obtaining border area permits, which we prepare in advance, and for booking domestic flights.
Sleeping Gear:
- Sleeping bag – You will need a warm, four-season sleeping bag rated for at least -10°C (15°F) or below. This temperature rating is a guideline, as warmth depends on individual sensitivity to cold;
- Sleeping mat – Roll mats are provided on the trek. However, for greater comfort and warmth, we recommend bringing a Therm-a-Rest-style mattress. Please let us know if you will bring your own, otherwise, we can provide one if needed.
Footwear:
- Waterproof, well-worn-in walking boots – Comfortable, high-quality footwear is essential. Ensure your boots are well broken-in and lightweight;
- Ankle support and waterproof material are recommended, but if you already have comfortable boots with good grip on rocks, you don’t need to buy new ones.
Clothing:
- Waterproof clothing – A plastic poncho or any kind of waterproof jacket and trousers are recommended. A poncho is usually sufficient if it covers your bag, body, and most of your legs;
- Warm clothing for nighttime – Fleece, long pants, woolen hat, gloves;
- Layered clothing for walking – Zip-off trousers, fleece, T-shirts.
Other Essentials:
- Plastic bags – To keep your belongings and clothes dry. Wrap everything in plastic bags;
- Small towel and basic personal toiletries – There will be opportunities for cold showers at the campsite. Bring travel-size shampoo and shower gel if you’d like, and wet wipes for the rest of the trek (these can also be purchased in Ölgii);
- Water bottle – Bring one large (1.5L) bottle or two to three small bottles that can be refilled with boiled water, which will be supplied every morning at the campsite;
- Personal medication and basic first aid kit – Bandaids, Imodium, Panadol, rehydration sachets. (Note: our trek leader will carry a first aid kit);
- Snacks – Chocolates, chips, biscuits, energy bars. Snacks are provided during the trek, but you may want to bring some extras;
- Torch (flashlight) and spare batteries – Very important;
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sunhat;
- Mosquito repellent;
- Antiseptic hand gel.Â
What is the best time to join this tour?
What meal options will be provided during the tour? Will there be vegetarian meals?
Is there any "What to bring" list?
Cancellation of booking
Reviews
- MMartaabout provider21 Aug, 2024We had an incredible time! The guides were generous, intelligent, and their knowledge of the area's history made our trip even more special. We've stayed connected with some of them and will hopefully return again later!
- DDungaabout provider10 Jul, 2024My adventure was seamless. The guides were so knowledgeable, kind, and welcoming. It felt like we were traveling with friends, and we still chat with some of them!
- HHalilabout provider26 Oct, 2023My Mongolian experience was absolutely great. I would like to thank Aka and his team. They helped us a lot both before and during the tour. I would recommend it to everyone!
Dates and Prices
- 3 – 9 Oct7 days 6 nights
- 2 – 8 Oct, 20267 days 6 nights
