This journey combines Mongolia’s most important cultural celebration — the Naadam Festival — with an immersive adventure in Western Mongolia’s Altai Mountains. Experience life with Kazakh eagle hunters, explore the wild landscapes of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, travel on horseback to alpine lakes and glaciers, and conclude the journey at the vibrant Naadam Festival in Ölgii.
Highlights
- Attend the Naadam Festival in Ölgii (opening ceremony & competitions)
- Stay with Kazakh eagle hunter families
- Horseback riding in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
- Visit Turgen Valley & Waterfall
- Camp by Khoton Lake
- Explore Altai glaciers and ancient burial sites
- Nomadic yurt stays and riverside camping
This regional Naadam celebration in Ölgii is separate from Mongolia’s national Naadam Festival (July 11–13) — exact dates vary by year and will be confirmed closer to booking.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Day 2: Fly to Western Mongolia & eagle hunter family
Day 3: Eagle hunter experience & Turgen Valley
Day 4: Horseback ride to Khoton Lake
Day 5: Altai glaciers & ancient burial sites
Day 6: Glacier viewpoint & Ulaankhus summer pasture
Day 7: Drive to Ölgii & Naadam opening ceremony
Day 8: Naadam Festival (Ölgii)
Day 9: Fly to Ulaanbaatar
Day 10: Explore Ulaanbaatar
Day 11: Departure
Trip details
Activities
The Naadam Festival (wrestling, horse racing, archery), an eagle hunting demonstration, and horseback riding to Turgen Valley and Khoton Lake.
Accommodation
Nomadic yurts and riverside camping outside Ulaanbaatar; a local guesthouse or hotel in Ölgii; Ulaanbaatar accommodation is not included.
Transportation
Domestic flights (Ulaanbaatar – Ölgii – Ulaanbaatar) and private 4WD transportation.
Meals
All meals included during the tour (except in Ulaanbaatar).
What’s included
Included
- Domestic flights (Ulaanbaatar – Ölgii – Ulaanbaatar)
- All accommodation outside Ulaanbaatar
- All meals during the tour (except in Ulaanbaatar)
- Private transportation (4WD vehicle, fuel)
- Horse rental and local horse guides
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Local drivers and support staff
- National park permits
Not included
- International flights
- Accommodation and meals in Ulaanbaatar
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips (optional)
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
What does the Naadam Festival include?
Naadam features Mongolia’s “three manly games”: wrestling, horse racing, and archery, all part of this tour’s included activities.
Will I see eagle hunting on this trip?
Yes. The itinerary includes an eagle hunting demonstration and a visit with an eagle hunter family, alongside the Naadam celebrations.
Where will I stay during the tour?
Accommodation is a mix of nomadic yurts and riverside camping outside Ulaanbaatar, plus a local guesthouse or hotel in Ölgii. Ulaanbaatar accommodation is not included.
What horseback riding is included?
The tour includes horseback riding to Turgen Valley and Khoton Lake.
Are domestic flights included?
Yes, domestic flights between Ulaanbaatar and Ölgii are included. International flights are not.
How physically demanding is this tour?
This tour is rated Moderate difficulty over 11 days.
What should I pack for the changing weather?
Western Mongolia has a strongly continental climate with large temperature swings between day and night, so warm layers are recommended even in warmer months.
Home of the Kazakh eagle hunters and the world-famous Golden Eagle Festival.
