Eagle Hunting Festival and Golden Gobi - 2027 Tour

12 days from $4440 Next Departure Date Sep.24th 2027

Discover Mongolia at its most dramatic and unforgettable, from the golden landscapes of the Gobi Desert to the eagle hunters of the Altai Mountains. Journey through ancient sea cliffs, deep desert valleys, towering sand dunes, and the legendary Flaming Cliffs, while meeting nomadic families who still live in harmony with the vast open land.

In Western Mongolia’s Bayan-Ulgii province, home to Mongolia’s Kazakh community, the journey continues with the centuries-old tradition of eagle hunting. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Altai Mountains, the Golden Eagle Festival brings together skilled hunters, magnificent golden eagles, traditional horsemanship, and colorful Kazakh culture in one extraordinary celebration. This journey is a powerful blend of adventure, culture, landscapes, and unforgettable encounters.

Highlights

  • Experience the Golden Eagle Festival in the Heart of the Altai Mountains
  • Discover the Majestic Landscapes of the Gobi Desert
  • Immerse Yourself in the Rich Traditions of Mongolian Nomadic Culture
  • Explore Unique Natural Wonders, from White Cliffs to Singing Sand Dunes
  • Meet Skilled Eagle Hunters and Learn Their Ancient Hunting Traditions

Key Info

Physical level: Easy Physical level: Easy
Overlanding & Discovering Overlanding & Discovering

Tour Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1.

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Meet our local team at the Chingis Khaan International Airport and transfer to the hotel for a brief refresh before enjoying lunch at the hotel restaurant.

Begin the afternoon with a half-day city tour, starting at Gandan Monastery, where you can observe local prayers, meet monks, and see the impressive indoor Buddha statue, one of the largest of its kind. Next, visit either the National Museum of Mongolia or the Chinggis Khaan Museum, each showcasing Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage. Conclude the tour at Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chingis Khaan Square), a central landmark of Ulaanbaatar. End the day with dinner in the city center before returning to the hotel.

Accommodation: 4-star Hotel. Meals: Lunch, Dinner

in the hotel

Day 2.

Heading to the Gobi desert

Today, we begin our journey to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, where the scenery shifts from open steppe to desert landscapes. Lunch on the way at Mandalgovi, the central town of Dundgovi province. Arrive at Tsagaan Suvarga, the remarkable white cliffs formed by ancient sea-bottom erosion, resembling stupas or a weathered city ruin from a distance. Enjoy a scenic hike around these enchanting cliffs, soaking in the boundless beauty of the vast steppes.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

in the camp

Day 3

Yol Valley in Gobi Gurvan Saikhan Mountain National Park

Discover the stunning Yoliin Am, or Yol Valley (Lammergeier Valley), a breathtaking gorge framed by towering rock walls and a glacier that remains frozen even during the hot summer months. This dramatic landscape is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots in Mongolia.

Explore the diverse wildlife of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, home to mountain sheep, ibex, leopards, black-tailed martens, lynx, wildcats, white gazelles, and more. Enjoy a scenic hike through the park’s rugged beauty, and visit the local natural history museum to learn more about the area’s unique flora and fauna.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

in the camp 3-4 hours

Day 4

Khongor Sand Dunes

Drive to the Khongor Sand Dunes, the largest and most impressive sand dunes in Mongolia, reaching heights of up to 800 meters, stretching 12 kilometers wide, and extending approximately 100 kilometers in length. The tallest dune, known as Duut Mankhan or the 'Singing Dunes,' creates a unique sound as the wind moves across the sands. Enjoy an unforgettable hike on these iconic Mongolian dunes. Visit a local camel-breeding family for a firsthand experience of traditional Mongolian nomadic life and a short camel ride. Overnight in a comfortable ger camp, a perfect way to experience authentic Mongolia travel.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

Day 5.

Bayanzag - Flaming Cliffs

Today we will drive to Bayanzag, (known as a Flaming Cliffs where the first nest of dinosaur eggs ever discovered was found in 1922.) a site famous for the remains of dinosaurs which lived here 60 million years ago. You can walk around where dinosaurs once roamed and see saksaul trees and other classic desert vegetation.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

in the camp 1-2 hours

Day 6.

Baga Gazriin Chuluu Mountain Area

Today, we will head north to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, with lunch on the way in Mandalgovi, the central town of Dundgovi province. Baga Gazriin Chuluu is an impressive granite rock formation rising from the middle of the open steppe, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding plains. The area is known for its unusual rock formations, peaceful scenery, and wide views across the steppe.

The highest peak in the area reaches 1,768 meters and is located about 5 km away. If you wish, you can enjoy an optional one-hour hike around Baga Gazriin Uul to take in the surrounding scenery and explore the rocky landscape.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

in the camp

Day 7.

Return to Ulaanbaatar

Drive back to Ulaanbaatar and check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax, refresh, and prepare for your upcoming adventure in Western Mongolia.

Accommodation: 4-star Hotel. Meals: Full board

in the hotel

Day 8.

Fly to Western Mongolia

Transfer you to the airport for a domestic flight to Khovd town in western Mongolia. Upon arrival, meet with your travel team and enjoy a scenic drive to Ulgii town, the center of Bayan-Ulgii province and home to Mongolia’s Kazakh community, known for its unique culture and centuries-old eagle hunting traditions.

On the way, we will visit a local eagle hunter family and spend the day experiencing their nomadic lifestyle. Learn directly from the hunter about the centuries-old tradition of eagle hunting and observe how he works with his golden eagle. You can also have the opportunity to hold the eagle on your arm under the hunter’s guidance, offering a memorable close interaction and a unique photo opportunity. Share tea and a traditional meal with the host family and experience the warm hospitality of the Kazakh people before heading to Ulgii town in the evening.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

Eagle hunting in Mongolia Eagle hunter family Golden eagle experience
in the camp

Day 9-10.

The Golden Eagle Festival Day

Welcome to the Golden Eagle Festival, a unique cultural celebration that brings together Mongolia’s skilled eagle hunters to showcase their ancient hunting techniques in thrilling competitions. The main highlight of the festival is the display of time-honored traditions, as hunters and their eagles perform in a series of exhilarating events designed to test their skill and precision.

During the hunting demonstrations, eagles soar into action, pursuing fox skins dragged by their owners on horseback, captivating the audience with their incredible speed, accuracy, and strength. Points are awarded for the eagle’s agility and ability to grip its target, with the best performances honored at the festival’s closing ceremony.

For travelers, this festival offers a rare opportunity to witness one of the world’s most extraordinary cultural traditions in an awe-inspiring setting.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

Golden Eagle festival mongolia

eagle festival competition

in the camp

Day 11.

Fly Back to Ulaanbaatar

Fly back to Ulaanbaatar in the morning and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you can go shopping for Mongolian souvenirs and high-quality cashmere products or simply relax. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner together, sharing your best moments from the trip.

Accommodation: 4-star Hotel. Meals: Full board

in the hotel

Day 12.

Departure Day

Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your flight home. Farewell and safe travels.

Meal: Breakfast
 

Prices & Inclusions

Prices & Inclusions
Group size Price/Per person
2 PAX 5290$
3-4 pax 4890$
5-8 PAX 4440$

Includes

Accommodation: 

  • 4-star Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
  • Ger camps in the countryside

Guiding and interpreting service
Full board meals
Transport: 

  • 4x4 vehicle or minivan

Domestic round-trip flights

  • Ulaanbaatar - Khovd
  • Ulgii - Ulaanbaatar

Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks
Museums and cultural performance
Golden Eagle Festival tax
Camel riding
1 liter bottle of water per day

Not Includes

International airfare 
Early check-in cost at a hotel in UB
Optional activity cost 
Excess baggage charges
Single room supplement 
Alcoholic drinks 
Travel Insurance
The extra cost for photography in museums
Tip for a tour guide, driver, etc

arrow_upward

6 Reasons to choose Ayan Travel

Initial tour operator
Initial tour operator
Experience in Adventure and Discovery Tours
Advisors and specialist
Advisors and specialist
In Photography and Workshops
Our Tours
Our Tours
We arrange Flexible and Fixed trips
Responsible for
Responsible for
Clients- Locals- Nature
During your trip
During your trip
Assistance for 24 hours a day
Service quality
Service quality
Well planning and excellent