Golden Eagle Festival and Altai Mountain Tour 2027

Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for a domestic flight to Khovd town in western Mongolia. Upon arrival, 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.

Upon arrival in Ulgii, check in at your tourist ger camp and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, begin exploring the town. Visit the local museum to learn about the history and culture of the region, then stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Ulgii town, the Khovd River, and the surrounding Altai Mountains. You may also visit the local market and explore the town at your leisure.

Accommodation: Ger at Pamuk Resort. Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Today we head to the Altai Mountains and enter the high-mountain area at 2500-3000 meters. Stop at Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain to discover the UNESCO Heritage Site with over 10,000 petroglyphs and ancient statues. Uncover the transition from ancient hunters to nomadic societies through vivid rock art expressions. Arrive at the entrance gate of the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park and visit a Kazakh family to explore their lives, and rent horses for our further trip. Prepare our luggage for the next trek to the Altai peaks.

Accommodation: Ger/yurt at the entrance gate 
Meals: Full board  

Today we explore the spectacular Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains, home to Mongolia’s highest snow-capped peaks rising up to 4374 meters. Leaving the vehicles behind, we begin our adventure on horseback and on foot through the rugged mountain landscapes of Western Mongolia. /12 km/

Our journey takes us to the sacred “President Ovoo,” one of the best viewpoints overlooking the holy Altai peaks. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery before continuing toward the impressive Potanin Glacier, the largest glacier in Mongolia.

After exploring the glacier area, we descend back to the entrance gate and drive to Tsagaan Gol (White River), known for its milky glacial waters flowing from the Altai Mountains. Along the way, enjoy opportunities to photograph the dramatic landscapes and experience the nomadic culture of the region.

Depending on weather conditions, overnight stay will be with a local nomadic family or at a ger camp near the entrance area. During early autumn, some nomadic families may move to lower winter pastures because of snow and colder temperatures.

Trekking & riding: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Host family ger or Ger/yurt at the entrance gate 
Meals: Full board

Today we drive to Sagsai, home to the most traditional Kazakh eagle hunters of the Altai Mountains. 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 unique photo opportunity. Share tea and a traditional meal with the host family and experience the warm hospitality of the Kazakh people.

Accommodation: Ger next to the host family Meals: Full board

Enjoy a relaxed morning with the eagle hunter family, taking time to experience the peaceful rhythm of Kazakh nomadic life. Spend your final hours with the family, sharing tea, observing their daily activities, and enjoying their warm hospitality. After lunch, say goodbye to your hosts and drive back to Ulgii town. Upon arrival, check in at your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax and unwind after your memorable experience with the eagle hunter family.

Accommodation: Ger at Pamuk Resort. Meals: Full board

The first day of the Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival is to experience the culture and lifestyle of nomadic eagle hunters. Kazakh eagle hunters in Mongolia have been living in both pastoral and eagle falconer ways. Pastoral living is summertime, and eagle falconry is living in the wintertime. This lifestyle makes them true nomadic eagle falconers and heritage keepers in this modern world. Today, we will learn all about their life and culture. The procedure of assembly of the Kazak Ger (yurt) and the Migration of nomadic families will be the highlights of the first day of the festival.

Accommodation: Pamuk Resort
Meals: Full board

The second day of the Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival starts with its opening parades and competitions for costuming and hunting techniques. This is the day of eagle hunting competitions. The eagle hunters try to land their eagles on their hands; eagles are released from the top of the mountain, and points are given for their speed and gripping ability. The eagle chases fox skins dragged by their masters on horseback. Other events, such as Tenge-Ilu (Coin grabbing while riding a horse), the best costume competition, Kokbar (Thug of War), and Kizkhuar (Traditional Kazakh Couples Game), take place. Festival winners are announced at the closing ceremony. 

Accommodation: Pamuk Resort
Meals: Full board

Transfer to Ulgii airport for your domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Your journey concludes with wonderful memories of Western Mongolia.

Meals: Breakfast