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
Day 2-3: Golden Eagle Festival
Day 4-5: Eagle hunter family homestay
Day 6: Steppe day trip & Ölgii market
Day 7: Depart
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
Frequently asked questions
When does the Golden Eagle Festival take place?
Timing varies by year: the Sagsai Festival typically runs in mid-September, and the main Golden Eagle Festival in early October.
Do I need experience with horses or trekking?
No. This tour is rated Easy, making it accessible to travelers without prior riding or trekking experience.
Will I get to see eagle training up close?
Yes. During the homestay with a local eagle hunter’s family, you’ll learn how they train and care for their eagles, with an optional hands-on eagle-training session.
Where will I stay during the tour?
Accommodation is provided outside Ulaanbaatar for the full duration of the tour, including a stay with an eagle hunter’s family away from the festival crowds.
Are flights included?
Domestic flights between Ulaanbaatar and Ölgii are included. International flights are not.
What’s the weather like in Bayan-Ölgii in autumn?
Western Mongolia has a strongly continental climate with large temperature swings between day and night, so warm layers are recommended even during the day.
Will I get free time to explore Ölgii itself?
Yes — the itinerary includes a day for a steppe day trip and a visit to the local market in Ölgii.
Home of the Kazakh eagle hunters and the world-famous Golden Eagle Festival.
