makhsatsaniyaz@gmail.com
On October 31, 2025
Your Mongolia Guide
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Overview
- Duration:18 hours 0 minutes
- Travelers:30 guests
- Tour Type:Daily tour
- Language:English, French, German, Italian
The Eagle Hunters’ Migration Photography Expedition is a rare cultural and photography-focused journey into western Mongolia, following Kazakh nomadic eagle hunters during their seasonal migration from winter to spring pastures.
Designed for photographers, filmmakers, and adventure travelers, this expedition offers intimate access to nomadic family life, dramatic landscapes of the Altai Mountains, and one of the world’s last living hunting traditions. Participants travel on horseback and on foot alongside the families, documenting authentic moments that few outsiders ever witness.
Designed for photographers, filmmakers, and adventure travelers, this expedition offers intimate access to nomadic family life, dramatic landscapes of the Altai Mountains, and one of the world’s last living hunting traditions. Participants travel on horseback and on foot alongside the families, documenting authentic moments that few outsiders ever witness.
Highlights
- Follow a real nomadic eagle hunter family during their seasonal migration
- Photograph golden eagles in action and traditional hunting techniques
- Horseback riding and hiking during migration days
- Stay in traditional nomadic yurts and winter wooden houses
- Mini Eagle Hunters Festival with 10–15 eagle hunters competing
- Cultural encounters with Urankhai archers
- Shamanic ritual experience with opportunities for discussion
- Spectacular Altai Mountain landscapes and remote pastures
- Authentic, non-staged photography opportunities
- Small-group, immersive expedition experience
Includes/Excludes
- All accommodation during the expedition in western Mongolia
- (nomadic yurts, winter wooden houses, local guesthouses)
- All meals during the expedition (western Mongolia)
- Domestic flights: Ulaanbaatar ↔ western Mongolia
- All ground transportation during the expedition
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Mongolia
- Local English-speaking guide
- Support from eagle hunter families and local communities
- Entry fees and arrangements for the Mini Eagle Hunters Festival
- Archery and shaman experience arrangements
- International flights
- Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar
- Meals in Ulaanbaatar
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, tips)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Photography equipment and personal gear
Cancellation policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar)
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital. Meet your expedition team and enjoy a welcome briefing. Overnight in the city.
Day 2 – Flight to Western Mongolia
Morning flight to western Mongolia (Ölgii region). Upon arrival, meet a nomadic eagle hunter family and travel to their winter camp. Settle into a traditional nomadic yurt or wooden winter house.
Day 3 – Migration Day 1: Into the Altai
Begin the seasonal migration with the eagle hunter family. Photograph daily nomadic life, loaded camels and horses, and hunting eagles in motion. Hiking and horseback riding during migration. Reach Kök Bastau winter pasture and stay in a nomadic yurt or winter wooden house.
Day 4 – Migration Day 2
Continue the migration across wide valleys and mountain passes. Capture intimate family moments, camp life, and powerful portraits of eagle hunters and their birds in dramatic landscapes.
Day 5 – Migration Day 3
A full day following the migration. Opportunities for action photography, environmental portraits, and storytelling images of one of the world’s most endangered cultures.
Day 6 – Migration Day 4: Spring Pasture
Final day of migration as the family reaches their spring pasture. Celebrate the journey with the nomads and document life at the new seasonal camp.
Day 7 – Mini Eagle Hunters Festival
Attend a special Mini Eagle Hunters Festival, featuring 10–15 eagle hunters competing and demonstrating traditional skills such as eagle calling, speed, agility, and hunter–eagle bonding. A rare and intimate photographic event.
Day 8 – Urankhai Archery & Shamanic Experience
Drive to meet an Urankhai archery family and witness a traditional archery demonstration. Later, meet a local shaman, observe a shamanic ritual, and have the opportunity to ask questions. Evening return to Ölgii town for dinner at traditional local restaurants.
Day 9 – Return to Ulaanbaatar
Early morning flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Visit the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex and explore key highlights of the capital city.
Day 10 – Departure
Transfer to the airport and depart Mongolia.
Tour maps
Frequently asked questions
Where does the eagle hunters’ migration take place?
The migration takes place in western Mongolia, in the Altai region within Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. This remote area is home to Kazakh nomadic eagle hunters and offers dramatic mountain landscapes ideal for photography.
When is the winter migration held?
The migration usually takes place between mid-February and April, depending on weather conditions and the nomadic families’ decisions. This period offers the best combination of snow-covered landscapes, active migration, and strong photographic opportunities
How long is the migration route?
The total migration distance is approximately 150 km from the starting point in western Mongolia to the family’s seasonal spring pasture.
What type of accommodation is provided during the migration?
Accommodation depends on group size:
Groups of more than 4 people:
We bring our own traditional ger (yurt). A dedicated crew travels with the expedition to set up, take down, and transport the ger daily by truck during the migration.
Small groups (4 people or fewer):
Guests stay in nomadic wooden winter houses, usually with separate private rooms, offering comfort and warmth in cold conditions.
Groups of more than 4 people:
We bring our own traditional ger (yurt). A dedicated crew travels with the expedition to set up, take down, and transport the ger daily by truck during the migration.
Small groups (4 people or fewer):
Guests stay in nomadic wooden winter houses, usually with separate private rooms, offering comfort and warmth in cold conditions.
Will it be cold at night?
Both wooden houses and yurts are well insulated and warm.
For yurt stays, our crew ensures proper heating throughout the night so guests remain comfortable, even in winter conditions.
For yurt stays, our crew ensures proper heating throughout the night so guests remain comfortable, even in winter conditions.
What about toilets and bathing?
We provide a portable outdoor toilet, which can be brought inside at night if needed.
For washing, each nomadic family has a sink that guests can use for basic hygiene.
For washing, each nomadic family has a sink that guests can use for basic hygiene.
Is there a support vehicle during the migration?
Yes. The migration follows existing car-accessible routes, and a support vehicle follows the herd throughout the journey.
If participants or photographers feel tired or need a break, they can rest in the vehicle at any time.
If participants or photographers feel tired or need a break, they can rest in the vehicle at any time.
What meals are provided during migration days?
Breakfast and dinner are prepared at camp
Lunch, snacks, and drinking water are served during the migration
Lunch is often enjoyed as a picnic with the nomadic herders, creating a unique cultural experience
Lunch, snacks, and drinking water are served during the migration
Lunch is often enjoyed as a picnic with the nomadic herders, creating a unique cultural experience
Who prepares the food?
An experienced expedition chef joins the tour, traveling with a kitchen van fully stocked with food and supplies.
The van also carries sleeping bags, mattresses, and essential expedition equipment.
The van also carries sleeping bags, mattresses, and essential expedition equipment.
Do I need horseback riding experience?
No prior horseback riding experience is required.
Horseback riding is optional, and guests can walk, ride, or use the support vehicle depending on comfort and energy levels.
Horseback riding is optional, and guests can walk, ride, or use the support vehicle depending on comfort and energy levels.
Is this tour suitable for photographers of all levels?
Yes. The expedition is designed for both professional and enthusiast photographers. The slow pace of migration allows ample time for photography, rest, and creative work.
Extra Services
Airport transfers
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$30.00/person
Childcare services
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$65.00/person
Photography
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$22.00/package
Souvenir package
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$30.00/package
Customer reviews
Good
makhsatsaniyaz@gmail.com
On May 26, 2025
Amazing tour
from /person
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