people sitting on grass field during daytime

GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL & ALTAI MOUNTAINS ADVENTURE - PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR 2025

DURATION: 8N 9D

DISTANCE: 4,180 KM

The Golden Eagle Festival isn’t just one of Mongolia’s greatest cultural events — it’s one of Asia’s most unforgettable festivals. A once-in-a-lifetime experience that soars far beyond borders, this breathtaking celebration of tradition, skill, agility, and the bond between Kazakh eagle hunters and their majestic golden eagles is a MUST_SEE for any true traveler.

Held each year on the first weekend of October, the Golden Eagle Festival takes place in Mongolia’s Bayan-Olgii Province, deep in the heart of the Altai Mountains. While the festival itself began only recently, it honors an ancient and proud tradition that spans over two thousand years.

The Golden eagle hunting—known locally as "berkutchi"—is a unique form of falconry practiced by Kazakh nomads for generations. These skilled hunters train female golden eagles to catch prey such as foxes, hares and even wolves, using methods passed down from father to son. In the harsh mountain environment, this tradition was not just a sport—it was a way of life, requiring courage, patience, and a deep bond between hunter and eagle.

The Golden Eagle Festival was first launched in 1999 by a group of Kazakh hunters, with the support of the Kazakh Falconry Association. Their aim was clear:

Preserve the endangered tradition of eagle hunting,
Share it with younger generations,
Promote cultural pride and identity,
Attract international interest and eco-cultural tourism.

The festival grew in fame after the release of the 2016 documentary The Eagle Huntress, which told the inspiring story of Aisholpan Nurgaiv—a teenage girl who became the first female eagle hunter to compete in the festival. Her victory helped challenge gender norms and brought global attention to the event and the culture behind it. In 2010, eagle hunting was officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, reinforcing its importance to world culture.

Today, the Golden Eagle Festival brings together over 100 eagle hunters each year, along with thousands of local and international visitors. It has become more than just a competition—it’s a living showcase of nomadic Kazakh life, where ancient customs meet modern celebration. The festival continues to inspire, educate, and preserve one of the most unique cultural traditions in the world.

DATE: 03-11 OCTOBER, 2025

TOUR ITINERARY

Pick-Up from the hotel and drive to Chinggis Khaan International airport /at 11:00 am/
Domestic flight to Ulgii city, Western Mongolia /Flight time is 02:25 pm/
Land in Ulgii /03:40 pm – Local time/ and meet your guide
Check-In at the hotel
Visiting a museum
Dinner
Evening excursion to Nairamdal hill for a panoramic view of Ulgii city. It is a perfect spot for photography, especially at sunset

Meal: --/--/D

DAY 1 ULAANBAATAR CITY - ULGII CITY /3 OCT/

08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Drive to Bugat soum, the main venue of the famous Eagle Festival
09:00 – 10:00 Registration of Eagle Hunters
10:00 – 11:00 FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY – GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL 2025
11:00 – 13:00 Competition of Eagle hunters – Judging traditional costumes, Horse equipment, and Bond with their eagles.
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch break
14:00 – 17:00 The competition continues
14:00 – 15:00 Kazakh Traditional game “Tenge ilu” /Coin grabbing competition/
14:00 – 16:00 Uriankhai archery Competition – a traditional archery event showcasing the skills and heritage of the Uriankhai people
15:00 – 16:00 “Jamby atu” – Kazakh traditional Horseback archery competition where skilled riders shoot at targets while galloping at full speed – a thrilling display of precision and horsemanship
18:00 – 19:00 Concert at the Musical Drama Theatre – Enjoy a cultural evening
19:30 Back to Ulgii city
Dinner
Stay at the hotel

Note: The festival provides a perfect backdrop for stunning photographs

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 2 BUGAT SOUM, GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL /04 OCT/

08:00 Breakfast
09:30 Drive to Bugat soum, the main venue of the famous Eagle Festival
10:00 – 13:00 “Shyrga Tartu” – A traditional competition where eagle hunters demonstrate how well their eagles have been trained to hunt, showcasing the deep bond between hunter and eagle.
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch break
14:00 – 14:30 “Kara Jorga” – The famous Kazakh traditional circle dance, celebrated for its rhythm, unity, and lively movements.
14:30 – 15:30 “Kokpar” – The thrilling Kazakh traditional horseback game where teams of skilled riders compete to seize and carry a goat carcass to the goal – a test of strength, speed, and teamwork.
15:30 – 16:30 “Audaryspakh” – The Kazakh traditional horseback wrestling contest, where riders display strength and skill by attempting to unseat their opponent while on horseback – an exhilarating test of power and balance.
16:30 – 17:00 CLOSING CEREMONY AND AWARDING
17:30 Head back to Ulgii city
Dinner
Stay at the hotel

Note: The festival provides a perfect backdrop for stunning photographs

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 3 BUGAT SOUM, GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL /05 OCT/

Breakfast
Depart for Altai Tavan Bogd national park, Oigor /180km/
On the way, having lunch in Huh hutul /100km/
Visit Songinot pass – Marvel at the breathtaking scenery of the Altai Mountain range, featuring towering snow-capped peaks, pristine valleys, and crystal-clear rivers.
Arrive in Oigor and stay at the ger camp with Kazakh decorations.
Dinner

Note: The festival provides a perfect backdrop for stunning photographs

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 4 ULGII - ALTAI TAVAN NATIONAL PARK, OIGOR /06 OCT/

Breakfast
Depart for Altai Tavan Bogd tour for admiring the majestic peaks of the Mongol Altai mountains with your own eyes.

*Tourists may choose ONE of the following tours in Altai Tavan Bogd

- Horseback riding to the 1st border monument of Mongolia. Tour takes approximately 3-4 hours.

- Climbing to Malchin peak /4050 m/, one of the stunning peaks of Altai Tavan Bogd mountains. The tour begins on horseback riding across wide valleys. At the top, you are greeted with a panoramic view stretching across Mongolia and Russia. Tour takes approximately 5-6 hours.

- Horseback riding and Potanin Glacier hiking – Mongolia’s largest glacier, on a scenic hike lasting about 3-4 hours

Lunch break
Drive back to ger camp in Oigor
Dinner

Note: A photographers and adventurers paradise with breathtaking views.

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 5 ALTAI TAVAN BOGD NATIONAL PARK /07 OCT/

DAY 6 OIGOR - KHOTON & KHURGAN LAKES /08 OCT/

Breakfast
Depart for Khurgan and Khoton lakes. /200 kms/
- Stop at the bridge over the Tsagaan gol, also known as Suun gol (MILK RIVER) for photo opportunities. Because of its white color, the river is respectfully called “Suun gol” (Milk river) by the local people. It is originating from the Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain, spans 111 kilometers before merging into the Khovd River. Three significant glaciers, Alexander, Graneg, and Potanin, contribute to the river's flow.
Lunch break
Cross the canal linking Khurgan and Khoton lakes.
Stay at the ger camp near the lakes.
- KHURGAN and KHOTON LAKES, both freshwater located in Tsengel, Bayan-Ulgii province, are connected by a short 2-kilometer pipeline. Together, they nourish the Hovd River. These lakes, along with Dayan, are expansive glacial lakes situated within the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Notably, Khoton Lake was the site of the 1731 Battle of Khoton Lake, where the Zuungar triumphed. You'll learn more about this historical event during your visit.
Dinner

Note: Offers countless opportunities for photography.

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 7 KHOTON & KHURGAN LAKES, TSENGEL SOUM /09 OCT/

Breakfast
Depart for Baga Turgen Waterfall.
- Located amidst the Turgen mountains, BAGA TURGEN WATERFALL is the largest among several waterfalls in the area. It cascades down a steep cliff, boasting a total height of 36 meters. The waterfall forms in two steps, creating both a large and a small cascade. The surrounding landscape is adorned with natural beauty, making it a beloved destination for tourists. Tour lasts around 3-4 hours.

Back to ger camp and having lunch
Drive to Tsengel soum /120 km/
Lunch break in the shore of Khovd river – You’ll enjoy peaceful walks along the riverbanks, the chance to photograph pristine landscapes.
Visit a local family who harvest sea buckthorn in Tsengel soum
Stay at the hostel
Dinner

Note: Offers countless opportunities for photography.

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 8 TSENGEL - SAGSAI - ULGII CITY /10 OCT/

Breakfast
Depart for Sagsai soum to visit a Kazakh Eagle hunter’s family and gain firsthand experience in the ancient art of falconry. Learn how eagles are trained, cared for, and fed, and even witness traditional hunting practices passed down through generations
Lunch in Eagle hunter family
Back to Ulgii city
Stay at the hotel
Shopping for souvenirs
Dinner

Note: Rich in moments to capture on camera

Meal: B/L/D

Breakfast
Drive to Ulgii airport /08:00 am/
Domestic flight to Ulaanbaatar /09:20am/
Land in Chinggis Khaan International airport /12:20 pm/ and pick-up from airport
Drop-Off at the hotel

Meal: B/--/--

DAY 8 ULGII CITY - ULAANBAATAR CITY /11 OCT/

TOUR DETAILS

Certified

GUIDE & DRIVER

DISTANCE

TRANSPORTATION

Land LC /Russian Van

4,150 km

7N 8D

DURATION

GER CAMPING

HOTEL

3 Nights

5 Nights

Group size

5-6

Price

1,950 USD /Per pax/

LAND PRICE

Pick up and Drop-Off shuttle services
MIAT Airlines - Domestic flight /Round-trip/
Transportation during trip
- Russian van /Ulgii city & Altai mountains/
- Alphard MPV /UB city/
Experienced tour drivers
Professional local English/ Chinese-speaking tour guide
Accommodation:
- Hotel /4 nights/
- Ger camp /3 nights/
- Hostel /1 night/
Meals inclusive:
- Breakfast /8 times/
- Lunch /7 times/
- Dinner /8 times/
Ulgii Museum entrance ticket
"Golden Eagle Festival 2025" entrance ticket
Official permission from Border Military Unit
Protected Areas fee
Horseback riding tour
Local trekking/mountain guide
Visiting a Kazakh Eagle hunter family
Visiting a Sea buckthorn field
Outdoor cooking provisions
Field cook service /Chief/
High-energy snacks /nuts, dried fruits, protein bars/
Sleeping bag
Daily bottled water

INCLUSION

EXCLUSION

Travel Insurance
International flight ticket (Round-trip)
Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar city
Other meals that not mentioned
Other services that not mentioned
Tips and gratuities
Personal belongings

CHECKLIST AND REMINDERS

Passport
Cameras /for photography/
Backpack (Comfortable and lightweight)
Power bank (If needed)
Winter warm clothes /Hat, scarf, gloves, winter boots, winter coat, windproof/waterproof outer layer, thermal socks, sunglasses/goggles etc/
Vacuum flask for hot drinks
Personal ID & emergency contact details
Extra cash for shopping & emergencies
Respect nature & Local communities
Luggage advice: Avoid bringing oversized suitcases
Medication Reminder: If you have regular medications or suffer from high blood pressure, ensure you have them with you at all times.
Dietary Requirements: Please inform us in advance if you are a vegetarian.
Kindly note: Let us know in advance if you have any food allergies.