Golden Eagle Festival Tour Mongolia

Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Please note that, due to international flight availability, you may need to arrive in Mongolia one or two days earlier. This will give you time to recover from jet lag and prepare for your exciting trip in Mongolia.

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will be met by your dedicated driver and guide for the scenic journey to Elsen Tasarkhai. This unique region, often referred to as the "Little Gobi," features a striking 80-kilometer stretch of sand dunes nestled surprisingly amidst rolling green hills and rocky mountains. Upon arrival at the tourist camp, you will check in and enjoy a satisfying lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring this remarkable landscape. You will have the opportunity to experience a classic Mongolian adventure: a camel ride across the serene, golden dunes. For those who prefer to explore on foot, the area offers exceptional hiking with panoramic views of the contrasting ecosystems.

Today, we journey to the legendary Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the 13th-century Mongol Empire. This site is of profound historical and cultural significance, once serving as the epicenter of the largest contiguous land empire in history under Chinggis Khan. Your exploration focuses on the magnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia's first Buddhist monastery. Founded in 1585, its hallowed grounds are enclosed by a massive wall featuring 108 stupas. You will have a guided tour of the complex, where you can admire the stunning blend of Mongolian, Tibetan, and Chinese architectural styles. Explore the main temples, each housing exquisite Buddhist iconography, intricate thangka paintings, and sacred statues that have withstood centuries. The atmosphere here is one of profound peace and spirituality, offering a poignant connection to Mongolia's rich religious heritage.

Prepare for a day of epic landscapes as we traverse the heart of Mongolia, leaving the ancient capital behind for the wide-open spaces of the Bayankhongor plain. Our road adventure includes a refreshing stop in the town of Arvaikheer, where we will enjoy a local lunch and a brief visit to the central square, offering a glimpse into daily life in a Mongolian provincial center. Further along the route, we will encounter one of Mongolia's most iconic tributes: the Great Horse Statue. This monumental complex celebrates the legendary status of the Mongolian horse. You will have the opportunity to walk the grounds and learn about the central role these revered animals have played in shaping the nation's identity. As the day draws to a close, we will arrive in Bayankhongor aimag, ready to rest and reflect on the journey.

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Bayankhongor, we embark on a scenic journey toward the captivating landscapes of Gobi-Altai Province. Today's route is designed to showcase the stunning contrast between Mongolia's pristine nature and its innovative spirit. Our first stop is the artificial tranquil Gegeen Lake, a hidden gem nestled within the vast steppe. This serene oasis is a haven for birdlife and the perfect place to immerse yourself in the peaceful scenery. Keep your camera ready for stunning reflections on the water and the possibility of spotting rare migratory birds. Next, we will visit the impressive Taishir Hydro Power Station. Witness how modern engineering harmonizes with the raw power of nature in this remote location. This facility is a testament to Mongolia's commitment to sustainable development and provides a fascinating glimpse into the infrastructure powering the region. This day offers a beautiful balance of serene natural beauty and compelling human achievement, ensuring a memorable and enriching travel experience.

On the drive to Khovd Province, your journey will be highlighted by an immersive visit to the Khar Us Lake National Park. This remarkable destination is part of a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, where you will experience a unique ecosystem of vast wetlands and sprawling reed beds against a backdrop of arid mountains. The area is a haven for birdwatchers and landscape photographers, offering exceptional opportunities to capture the serene beauty of water meeting the desert. You will have time to explore the lake's periphery, either on a guided walk to appreciate the unique flora and fauna or from strategic vantage points to photograph the stunning, wide-open landscapes. This stop provides a perfect blend of tranquility and natural spectacle.

We will depart early from Khovd City for the scenic drive to Bayan-Olgii Province, home to the world-renowned Golden Eagle Festival. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, ensuring we arrive in good time for the day's events. This spectacular two-day festival is a deep dive into the ancient culture of the Kazakh eagle hunters. You will witness thrilling competitions that demonstrate the incredible bond between the hunters and their majestic eagles, alongside other traditional games and displays of skill. It is a photographer's paradise and a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant living tradition. On the second day of the Eagle Festival, we will depart for Khovd in the afternoon following the event's climax. This strategic timing allows us to miss the concluding administrative ceremonies, maximizing your experience of the festival's vibrant core activities while ensuring a relaxed return journey. About Kazakh Eagle hunters: For over a thousand years, the majestic tradition of eagle hunting has been passed down through generations. It is said that even Genghis Khan himself practiced this noble art. The Kazakh people inherited the skill from their Turkic and Mongol ancestors and have carried it proudly since the 15th century. Eagle hunting is primarily a winter pursuit, focused not on food but on fur. The golden eagles—usually powerful females—hunt red and corsac foxes, hares, wildcats, and sometimes wolves. Each eagle is captured young, trained with patience and respect, and forms a deep bond with her master. After serving faithfully for several years, she is released back into the wild to breed, ensuring the circle of life continues. Recognized by UNESCO in 2011 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Kazakh eagle hunting remains a living expression of human harmony with nature. As one hunter told National Geographic, “When Kazakhs came into the world, they were eagle hunters.” During midday, when the sunlight outside is too strong, we’ll move inside the Kazakh family’s traditional ger to photograph them in their exquisite attire. The soft light streaming through the doorway creates stunning portraits — simple, natural, and timeless. For those who dare, you’ll have the unforgettable opportunity to stand face to face with a golden eagle and feel its power on your arm. Evenings are spent sharing traditional Kazakh dishes, stories, and heartfelt hospitality — with the rhythms of epic music, dance, and song bringing the steppe to life.

After an early breakfast in Khovd, we will begin our scenic overland drive north to Ulaangom, the capital of Uvs Province. This journey offers a captivating transition through western Mongolia's diverse landscapes. Upon arrival in Ulaangom, we will check into our local hotel and have a brief respite. In the afternoon, we will embark on an excursion to the renowned Uvs Lake Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is not merely a lake but a vast, pristine ecosystem and one of the best-preserved natural steppe landscapes on Earth. We will spend the latter part of the day on the shores of Uvs Lake itself, the largest lake in Mongolia. This immense, saline body of water creates a stunning contrast with the surrounding semi-arid plains and mountains, providing a spectacular backdrop for photography. The area is a critical habitat for numerous bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. We will return to Ulaangom in the evening after experiencing the serene sunset over the lake.

Following a hearty breakfast at our hotel in Ulaangom, we commence our epic overland journey southeast. Today's drive is one of Mongolia's most rewarding, offering a profound sense of scale and untouched wilderness. Our first major stop is the breathtaking Khyargas Lake National Park. Here, we will encounter the stunning Khyargas Nuur, a massive saline lake whose crystal-clear, turquoise waters create a mesmerizing contrast against the surrounding semi-desert steppe. The area is a critical habitat for numerous bird species; this is a prime opportunity to observe graceful swans, flocks of migratory waterfowl, and perhaps even a soaring steppe eagle. We continue our adventure across the vast, open landscapes to the remote and captivating Telmen Lake. This beautiful saline lake, nestled in a secluded basin, offers an even more intimate wilderness experience. The stark, serene beauty of its shimmering surface, fringed by white salt deposits and endless grasslands, is a photographer's dream. The profound silence here is broken only by the wind and the calls of local wildlife, which may include Mongolian gazelles and various small steppe mammals. A delicious picnic lunch will be served amidst this awe-inspiring scenery, allowing you to fully absorb the tranquility and raw beauty of the Mongolian outback. In the late afternoon, we resume our drive, witnessing the dramatic shift in landscape as we approach the foothills of the Khangai Mountains. The dry steppe gradually gives way to greener, rolling hills—a clear sign of our arrival in a new ecological zone. We will reach Tosontsengel town, by evening. After checking into our local hotel, you will have time to refresh before we gather for a satisfying dinner, reflecting on the day's remarkable journey through the heart of Mongolia's wild west.

Today, we will drive to Khorgo and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. Khorgo is an extinct volcano with a dramatic crater and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Nearby, Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, also known as the Great White Lake, offers beautiful waters framed by mountains and open steppe, perfect for exploring and taking in the natural beauty of this area. Khorgo is an extinct volcano with a dramatic crater, believed to have last erupted over 8,000 years ago. Its lava flows helped create the stunning Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, also known as the Great White Lake. This lake has long been a significant natural landmark for nomadic herders and is surrounded by ancient volcanic rock formations. The area’s landscape is rich with legends and has been a central part of local history, adding depth to its natural beauty. After short exploring the lake and Khorgo mountain we will drive to Tsetserleg city.

Today's Highlights: Stand before the very words of a forgotten empire, decipher the legacy of great khans at the Orkhon Inscriptions, and trace the entire story at a dedicated museum before retiring to the comforts of Mongolia's ancient capital. Detailed Itinerary: After breakfast, we embark on a profound journey into Mongolia's deep history, traveling back to the 8th century and the era of the Gokturk Khaganate. Our first stop is the hallowed ground of the Orkhon Inscriptions. Here, under the vast Mongolian sky, you will stand in the presence of history itself. We will see the Kül Tigin and Bilge Qaghan Monuments, magnificent stone stelae erected to commemorate two of the most powerful brothers and leaders of the Turkic Empire. These are not mere stones; they are the original voice of a steppe empire, with runic inscriptions that tell of glory, counsel, war, and statecraft. Your expert guide will help you decipher their meaning, bringing to life the triumphs and tribulations of these legendary figures. To fully contextualize this remarkable site, we will visit the nearby Gokturk Museum. This modern museum is dedicated to preserving and explaining the rich material culture of the Gokturk period. Through a superb collection of artifacts, detailed replicas, and informative displays, you will gain a deeper understanding of the people who created the inscriptions, from their sophisticated metallurgy and artistry to their spiritual beliefs and social structure. Following this immersive historical experience, we begin our scenic drive to Kharkhorin, the site of the legendary 13th-century capital of Genghis Khan's Mongol Empire. As we travel, the landscape itself tells a story of empires past and present. Upon arrival in Kharkhorin, we will check into our comfortable hotel or ger camp, specifically chosen for its enhanced amenities to ensure a relaxing stay. After a day of connecting with ancient history, you can unwind, refresh, and perhaps enjoy a hot shower. We will gather for a well-deserved dinner, where the conversations will surely be rich with reflections on the enduring legacy of the great steppe empires.

Today's Highlights: A scenic journey back to the capital, followed by curated shopping for authentic Mongolian crafts and a celebratory farewell dinner to reflect on an unforgettable journey. Detailed Itinerary: We begin our day with an early morning departure from the serene Mongolian countryside, embarking on our comfortable drive back to the vibrant heart of the nation, Ulaanbaatar. The approximately 4-5 hour journey offers a final opportunity to absorb the ever-changing landscape of the steppe, a poignant farewell to the vast, open spaces that have defined your adventure. Upon our arrival in the city, we will transition from explorers to connoisseurs of Mongolian craftsmanship. Our first stop is a premier cashmere boutique, where you will have the opportunity to browse and acquire the world's finest cashmere. Known for its exceptional softness, warmth, and quality, Mongolian cashmere makes for a luxurious and practical memento of your travels. Following this, we will visit a curated souvenir and craft shop, a treasure trove of authentic Mongolian artifacts. Here, you can find the perfect gifts, from traditional handmade deels (robes) and intricate silverwork to locally produced artisanal foods and felt products, allowing you to bring a tangible piece of Mongolian culture home with you. As the afternoon wanes, we will check into our hotel, providing you with time to refresh and relax after the journey. In the evening, we will reconvene for a special farewell dinner at a renowned local restaurant. This is a time to celebrate the incredible experiences shared, from the depths of the Gobi Desert to the heights of the Altai Mountains. It's an occasion to reminisce about the landscapes traversed, the cultures encountered, and the friendships forged, all while enjoying a final toast to the spirit of Mongolia.

Our driver will take you to the airport. Safe skies!