Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival

Our guide will meet you at airport upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar city/capital of Mongolia/ and take you to the hotel you stay. Free at leisure for the rest of the day. Prepare yourself; on the most of days of this tour, we'll spend a several hours on the road. Note: the camera with full battery, torch, and other stuffs/suitable clothing for horse/camel riding/.

In the early morning our experienced driver and guide will pick you up from the hotel you stay. Then we will head to Terelj National Park located 75 km on the side, on the way you will explore Ovoo-the pile of sacred stones, according to the local legend, espirit of nature dwells in the heaped Rocks which was set for god of nature and blue sky. Terelj National Park is Mongolian's best known national park for good reason, it was created in 1965, popular among the Mongolians for its magnificent granite rocky hills, rock formation especielly Turtle Rock and the green forests.On the way to park you will visit to Biggest Equestrian Statue in the world /Chingis Khaan/, and Meditation Monastery. Stay overnight in nomadic family experiencing nomads's everyday life, milk production and livestock in the pasture.

After breakfast at the ger camp in Terelj National Park, we will drive back to Ulaanbaatar (approximately 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax after the drive. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided city tour of Ulaanbaatar, beginning with a visit to Sukhbaatar Square, the central heart of the city surrounded by impressive government buildings and a statue of Genghis Khan. Continue to the nearby Choijin Lama Temple Museum, a beautifully preserved complex showcasing fine examples of Buddhist art, sculptures, and thangkas from the early 20th century. In the evening, attend a memorable Mongolian National Folklore Concert, featuring traditional throat singing, horse-head fiddle music, and folk dances that offer a deep insight into the country’s rich nomadic culture. After the concert, enjoy a dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants before returning to your hotel.

Early in the morning, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Bayan-Ölgii Province (approx. 3 hours). This remote region lies in the far western corner of Mongolia, about 1,700 km from Ulaanbaatar, and is home to the Kazakh ethnic minority, who have preserved their rich traditions, language, and the ancient art of eagle hunting. Upon arrival at Ölgii Airport, you will be greeted by your local Kazakh guide and driver. After a short transfer to your hotel, take some time to refresh before beginning your exploration of Ölgii town, the cultural heart of the Kazakh people in Mongolia. This afternoon, visit the Bayan-Ölgii Ethnographic Museum, which offers fascinating insights into Kazakh history, nomadic life, and traditional costumes. Then stroll through the local bazaar (market), where you can browse colorful handmade felt crafts, embroidered wall hangings, and traditional hats — all made by Kazakh artisans. If time permits, stop by the central mosque to learn about the Islamic influences in this unique region of Mongolia. The surrounding streets offer wonderful opportunities for photography, capturing local life against the backdrop of the majestic Altai Mountains. In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked Kazakh dinner or dine at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties such as lamb dishes and dairy products.

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will drive from Ölgii city to Sagsai soum (approximately 40 km, about 1 hour drive). The road follows the stunning landscapes of the Altai Mountains, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, rolling valleys, and scattered Kazakh nomadic settlements. Upon arrival in Sagsai, join the first day of the Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival — one of the most authentic and culturally rich events in Mongolia. This annual festival gathers Kazakh eagle hunters from across the Altai region to celebrate and showcase their centuries-old tradition of hunting with golden eagles. Witness the spectacular opening ceremony, where hunters parade proudly on horseback dressed in beautifully embroidered traditional costumes, each carrying a magnificent golden eagle perched on their arm. The atmosphere is alive with the sound of Kazakh music, colorful flags, and cheering crowds. Throughout the day, eagle hunters compete in various events to demonstrate their skills, coordination, and bond with their eagles. Competitions include calling the eagle from a distance to land on the hunter’s arm, chasing fox or hare skins dragged across the ground, and showing the eagle’s agility and accuracy in simulated hunts. In addition to the eagle competitions, there are horse games, archery contests, and performances of Kazakh folk songs and dances. The festival also highlights the artistry of traditional Kazakh embroidery, leatherwork, and jewelry, which are displayed at small stalls around the festival grounds. This is an excellent opportunity for photography, as you capture the vivid colors, expressions, and timeless traditions of the Kazakh nomads against the dramatic Altai landscape. After an exciting and full day, return to Ölgii or stay nearby tourist camp

Today we will visit a traditional Kazakh eagle hunter’s family to experience one of the world’s most remarkable and ancient traditions — the art of hunting with golden eagles. After breakfast, we drive across the sweeping valleys of the Altai Mountains to reach the home of an authentic eagle hunter (Burkitshi) and his family. As guests of the family, you will have the unique opportunity to observe their daily life, learn about their customs, and understand how this legendary tradition has been passed down through generations. With only around 400 traditional eagle hunters left in the world, this custom is a rare and sacred heritage among the Kazakh people. The skill is not taught in schools — it is inherited within families. Unless your father is an eagle hunter, you cannot become one. Boys begin learning as young as 13, enduring countless hours of horseback riding with a 7–9 kg golden eagle perched on their arm, often in the freezing winter winds of the Altai. During your visit, the eagle hunter will introduce you to his majestic golden eagle, sharing the story of how it was captured and trained. Each eagle is taken from the wild at a young age — either directly from the nest or after being taught basic hunting skills by its mother. The hunter spends years building a bond based on mutual trust and respect, training the eagle to respond to his voice, movements, and whistle. You’ll learn how hunters use special leather gloves (baldak) and hand-woven ropes to handle the powerful bird safely, and see how they care for it with great tenderness and discipline. The relationship between hunter and eagle is deeply spiritual — the eagle is considered both a hunting partner and a symbol of strength, freedom, and honor. When the eagle reaches about 10 years of age — half of its natural lifespan — it is released back into the wild to breed and live freely again. This cycle ensures the continuation of both the species and the cultural heritage of the Kazakh people. Interestingly, only female eagles are trained for hunting, as they are larger, stronger, and more determined when pursuing prey such as foxes, hares, and even wolves. You will also be invited to enjoy traditional Kazakh tea and homemade dairy products with the family, perhaps sampling baursak (fried bread), kurt (dried curds), and airan (fermented milk drink). This intimate experience offers a rare glimpse into the warmth, hospitality, and resilience of the Kazakh nomads who continue to live in harmony with nature and their animals. After this unforgettable day, return to your accommodation for dinner and rest.

After breakfast, we will drive to Bayan-Ölgii Airport for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar (approximately 2.5 hours). Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic aerial views of Mongolia’s vast and diverse landscapes — from the snowcapped Altai Mountains in the west to the endless steppe stretching toward the capital. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a short rest. The remainder of the day is flexible and can be customized depending on your interests and flight schedule. If time allows, you may choose from the following optional activities: Shopping for souvenirs and cashmere at State Department Store or Gobi Cashmere Factory Outlet, famous for world-class Mongolian cashmere and fine handicrafts. Visit Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art, sculptures, and traditional paintings. Walk around Peace Avenue and Sukhbaatar Square for some last-minute city exploration or coffee at one of Ulaanbaatar’s cozy cafés. Attend a Mongolian National Folklore Concert, featuring throat singing, horse-head fiddle (morin khuur), and traditional dance performances — a wonderful farewell to Mongolian culture. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and new friendships made during your journey

Thank you for traveling with us and for being part of this unforgettable journey through Mongolia. We truly hope the memories, landscapes, and experiences shared along the way will stay with you for many years to come. At the appropriate time, we will transfer you to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight. Before leaving the hotel, please make sure you have all of your personal belongings and travel documents with you. We wish you a safe journey home and many wonderful adventures ahead. We look forward to welcoming you back to Mongolia again in the future.