Every October, Kazakh eagle hunters gather in Ölgii to compete in speed, accuracy, and horsemanship with their golden eagles. We combine festival days with visits to hunting families and the surrounding steppe.
Highlights
- Two full days at the Golden Eagle Festival — eagle calling, hunting displays, traditional games and cultural performances
- Stay with a local eagle hunter’s family away from the festival crowds
- Learn how eagle hunters train and care for their golden eagles, with an optional hands-on training session
- Photograph eagle hunters and their eagles against the dramatic Altai Mountains
- A steppe day trip and visit to the local market in Ölgii
- Authentic access to Western Mongolia’s Kazakh nomadic culture and heritage
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ölgii
Fly in from Ulaanbaatar, meet your guide, and settle in ahead of the festival.
Day 2-3: Golden Eagle Festival
Two full days at the festival — dates vary by year, with the Sagsai Festival typically in mid-September and the main Golden Eagle Festival in early October: eagle calling, hunting displays, traditional games, and cultural performances.
Day 4-5: Eagle hunter family homestay
Stay with a local eagle hunter’s family away from the festival crowds. Learn how they train and care for their eagles, with an optional hands-on eagle-training session.
Day 6: Steppe day trip & Ölgii market
Visit nearby valleys and the local market in Ölgii.
Day 7: Depart
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Trip details
Activities
Attending the Golden Eagle Festival, an eagle hunter family homestay with an optional hands-on eagle-training session, and a steppe day trip to the Ölgii market.
Accommodation
Accommodation outside Ulaanbaatar for the duration of the tour.
Transportation
Domestic flights (Ulaanbaatar – Ölgii – Ulaanbaatar) and private 4×4 transportation.
Meals
All meals included during the tour (except in Ulaanbaatar).
What’s included
Included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Domestic flights (Ulaanbaatar – Ölgii – Ulaanbaatar)
- All accommodation outside Ulaanbaatar
- All meals during the tour (except in Ulaanbaatar)
- Private transportation (4×4 vehicle, fuel)
- Local drivers and support staff
Not included
- Accommodation and meals in Ulaanbaatar
- International flights
- Mongolia visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal gear and tips
Gallery
Explore Bayan-Ölgii Province →
Home of the Kazakh eagle hunters and the world-famous Golden Eagle Festival.
