Altai Eagle Festival Tour

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Altai Nomad Games eagle festival

If you’re looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path eagle festival experience, our Altai Eagle Festival Tour is perfect for you. Unlike the large, crowded festival in Ulgii, this smaller, more intimate celebration offers a rare glimpse into the heart of Mongolian culture and tradition, away from the tourist masses.
eld every year in mid-September in Altai Village, the festival is rapidly gaining popularity for its authentic and immersive experience, thanks to the meticulous attention to detail of its organizers. In addition to the main event—the thrilling contest between eagle hunters to showcase whose bird is in prime condition for the upcoming hunting season— you will witness the excitement of traditional games and competitions such as cross country horse races, archery, tug of war, and the impressive coin pick.
This festival is a perfect choice as well for those who prefer milder weather.

After the festival, immerse yourself in the fascinating world of golden eagle falconry by staying with a real eagle hunter family. Spend time learning about their ancient techniques, handling majestic eagles, and experiencing the rich cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations.

Join us on this unforgettable adventure and experience the true spirit of eagle hunters of Mongolia, far from the crowds and in the company of local traditions that are as ancient as the land itself.

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Theme: Eagle festival

Available: September

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

future eagle hunters of western Mongolia

Itinerary

Fly from Ulaanbaatar and land in Ulgii town. We will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to one of the best hotels in Ulgii. After some rest, go town exploration which includes visiting a museum, bazaar and a memorial on a hill top on the edge of the town providing a panoramic view of Ulgii.
#Accommodation: Hotel
#Meals: L+D

In the morning your journey starts with a scenic drive over desert mountain landscapes to Altai Tavan Bogd NP. The destination is the beautiful Tsagaan Gol (Milk River) valley, the gateway to the Tavan Bogd mountains. Resided by the nomad Tuvan (ethinc group) herder people, the valley gives you the true picture of the nomadic life. Overnight is at this valley.

#Accommodation: Yurt (felt tent)
#Meals: B+L+D
#Driving time: 6-7 hour

After hearty breakfast go horseback hike to view the roof of Mongolia, Tavan Bogd peaks and Potanin glacier. After 2-3 hour horseback hike up mountain you will be rewarded with high Alpine mountain panorama. Enjoy and photograph the landscape. Return to the camp. Enjoy a walk by Milk River.
#Accommodation: Yurt
#Meals: B+L+D

Drive back to Ulgii town. Check in your hotel. Hot shower and good rest. Dinner at a restaurant. Take a leisurely walk in the town center.
#Accommodation: Hotel
#Meals: B+L+D

You will drive into the mountains to meet a true eagle hunter and his family. The family lives in the mountains close to a village called Altai (110km). Surrounded by mountains that are full of foxes and hares, the area is a perfect place for hunting with a golden eagle. You will be staying at this humble, hospitable nomad family during our falconry trip tasting their hospitality. The family will be living in their egg like white yurts in their Autumn camp.
#Accommodation: Yurt
#Meals: B+L+D

Drive to the falconry hill where the eagle contest will be held. Opportunity to mix with the local people and eagle hunters gathered from nearby mountains. Enjoy the festival and traditional games and contests such as horse race, wrestling, tug of war etc. 15min drive. In the late afternoon drive back to the family for overnight.
#Accommodation: Yurt
#Meals: B+L+D

In the mornings we will mount on our small Mongolian horses and go to nearby mountain tops to experience this amazing hunting activity, an old tradition of the steppe people. Hunting real animals will require days sometimes. Return in the late afternoon. Enjoy the evenings with the family sitting at their expansive dinner table along with local music (throat singing included). While staying with this family you will have the opportunity to observe the daily lifestyle of mountain nomad people.

In the afternoon of day 9 you will drive back to Ulgii town. Check in your hotel. You can go souvenir shopping for colorfully hand embroidered Kazakh hand crafts. We will gather for farewell dinner.
#Accommodation: Hotel
#Meals: B+L+D

We will transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar. End of the tour.
#Driving time: 15min

Tour Price Includes:

English speaking tour guide
Russian 4×4 van(s) + gasoline
All airport transfers
Tour cook
Meals (B+L+D) + snacks
Hotel stay ( 3 overnights)
Yurt stays ( 6 overnights )
Festival tax
Camping and cooking equipment (tent, kitchen tent, table, chairs, mattress etc.)
Eagle hunters’ fee
Horses
Wrangler
Entry fee (national park)
Border area permit
Drinking water