NOMAD LIFE AND EAGLE FESTIVAL TOUR 2026 MONGOLIA /Special/

Explore Mongolia at the crossroads of Russia, China, and Kazakhstan, to experience the timeless beauty of the Mongolian Kazakh people and their way of life. We journey into magnificent and dramatic landscapes where for thousands of years these valleys have been home to a nomadic people whose livelihoods rely on hunting and herding. The trip is carefully designed to provide cultural immersion into all aspects of Kazakh nomadic experience, especially its 2,000-year-old tradition of hunting with Golden Eagles. In one of the planet’s remotest corners, the warmhearted Kazakhs will embrace you with authentic life-changing experiences. Join our Nomad life and Eagle festival tour 2026 Mongolia /Special/ !!!

Guests must arrive in Ulaanbaatar on 9^th Sept 2026.   Upon arrival at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport, our staff will meet you for the transfer to BEST WESTERN TUUSHIN HOTEL. Note that our staff will be holding a Kazakh Tour signboard. Driving time from airport to Hotel is approx. 90 mins.

NOTE: Please note that accommodation on 9th Sept is not covered by tour, but we can book your stay for the 9th Sept for you.

DETAILED ITINERARY

9 SEP – DAY 0 - ARRIVE TO ULAANBAATAR 

Our Kazakh tour staff will greet you at Chinggis Khan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar and facilitate your transfer to the hotel.    *Please note that accommodation for the 9th of September is not included in our tour package; however, we would be happy to assist you with reservations and book the hotel for you. No meals are served on this day.

10 SEP – DAY 1 - ULAANBAATAR CITY TOUR 

We will gather in the hotel lobby at 8:30am and we will drive to Gandantegchilen Khiid, also known as "the Great Place of Complete Joy." This is Mongolia's largest Buddhist monastery, established in 1838. Although it faced significant challenges during the purges of 1937, the monastery survived and functioned as a “show monastery” until the revival of full religious
ceremonies in 1990. After exploring Gandantegchilen Khiid, we will head to the National Museum of Mongolia for a guided tour. Following the museum visit, you’ll have some free time to shop and explore. At 3:30 PM, we will reconvene in the hotel lobby and will have orientation session. After that proceed to a captivating national folk performance, then we’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B-D-  Breakfast and Dinner, Lunch is on your own)

 11 SEP - DAY 2: WESTERN MONGOLIA

Today, our adventure takes us to the sacred Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain, home to Tuvan nomads and majestic mountain ibex. We’ll begin our journey with a pickup from the hotel and drive to Chinggis Khan Airport for our flight to Ulgii, the provincial capital of Bayan Ulgii province in western Mongolia. After enjoying breakfast in town, we’ll hop into 4WD Land Cruisers and set off toward the remote Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain, nestled within Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Much of our drive will follow the scenic Tsagaan Gol, also known
as the Yak Milk River Valley. While the journey may be long, it will be filled with breathtaking views, and we’ll stop along the way to soak in the dramatic landscapes and capture memorable photographs. Our campsite is situated in a stunningly beautiful location, ensuring a remarkable experience in nature. (BLD)

12 SEP - DAY 3: SACRED MOUNTAIN

After breakfast we have a short trek to the largest Petroglyphs site in Central Asia. The Petroglyphs date back starting from the Neolithic period (11,000 BC) to the Bronze Age (6,000 BC). Located in a mountain valley carved out by Pleistocene (Ice Age) glaciers, the site is protected by the relative inaccessibility due to both terrain and weather. Exploring the rock carving
provides exceptional documentation of the prehistoric and early historic communities, and reflects the development of human culture over the period of thousands of years in the Altai Mountains. If we are lucky, we will have ibex sightings up close. Shiveet Khairkhan is home to a little over 300 mountain ibex. After lunch at our camp, we drive a little further to a stunning spot to view the magnificent Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain peaks followed by a visit to animist Tuvan nomad families, the smallest ethnic minority within Mongolia. Over tea, we’ll discuss about their culture and way of life. Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain is considered sacred by Tuvans. (BLD)

13 SEP - DAY 4: SNAKE VALLEY

We depart and drive following the Tsagaan Gol (White River), through sandy terrain and on to rocky high passes. You would notice that terrain changes by hours. We will see more trees on our drive. On the way through the Mogoit Valley (Snake valley) we will stop by an old cemetery that marks the first Kazakh migration from northern Xinjiang in Western China. We
continue our drive and take a short walk to the Turkic Balbal (human) rock and then onwards to our campsite nearby the Mogoit river, close to some local families, either nomad or sedentary. (BLD)

14 SEP - DAY 5: DAYAN HIGH PASS CAMP

Today is going to be a short drive. Post breakfast, leisurely visit local families close to camp. Learn about their daily life, do some photography. We drive southeast along the Khovd River, then to Black Lake and Dayan Lake. The Khovd River is the longest river in western Mongolia. At Black Lake, we will have the view of Khoton and Khurgan Lakes, located in the far west following the Altai Mountain range, bordering China. In the afternoon we might have chance to visit some local nomad families close to our camp. (BLD)

15-16 SEP - DAY 6-7: - TWO-DAY HORSE TREK EXPEDITION TO KARA TAS  

Join skilled Kazakh horsemen on a remarkable two-day horse-riding journey through the pristine valleys and scenic mountain passes of the Altai. Brush up on your riding skills, saddle your horse, and enjoy gentle rides across wild, untouched landscapes where every turn reveals a new vista. The 4WD Land Cruiser team will take a roundabout route to set up your next camp, ensuring comfort and readiness when you arrive. Guests who wish can try fly-fishing for graylings in the crystal-clear waters of Black Lake near Altai Village — a peaceful
moment surrounded by breathtaking alpine beauty. Horse Riding: We will ride horses at a Walk, for most parts of the trail. It will be very gentle and relaxed riding. The approximate distance of each day will be a 10 mile ride; approximately six to seven hours ride including lunch break and stops in-between. (BLD)

17 SEP - DAY 8: MUGALIM'S AUTUMN CAMP

Today, we embark on a short drive through a breathtaking valley, leading us to our campsite near an eagle hunter family in Altay village. As we journey, we'll stop in the heart of Altai, where we might have the unique opportunity to visit a local school and witness firsthand how the education system operates in these remote areas. This glimpse into daily life will
deepen your appreciation for the resilience of these communities. After enjoying a hearty lunch at our camp, we’ll immerse ourselves in the captivating world of eagle hunting. We’ll visit local eagle hunter families, where we can warm ourselves with piping hot Kazakh tea and delve into the rich history of this ancient tradition that has been practiced for thousands of years. You’ll gain invaluable insights into their daily lives, stories of perseverance, and the bond between the hunters and their majestic eagles. As the afternoon unfolds, we’ll have the rare chance to witness a hands-on demonstration by an eagle hunter, showcasing the intricate techniques used to train these incredible birds. If time allows, we’ll continue our exploration by visiting a few more eagle hunters, each with their own tales to tell. As the sun begins to set, we’ll return to our camp to savor a traditional Kazakh dinner, sharing a meal with an eagle hunter family. This experience promises to be a remarkable blend of culture, adventure, and connection, leaving you inspired by the resilience and traditions of the people who call this breathtaking land home.  (BLD)

18 SEP - DAY 9: TRUE LIFE EAGLE HUNTING EXPEDITION

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll gather at 10 AM to meet the legendary eagle hunters of the region. Prepare for an exhilarating adventure as we ride alongside these skilled mountain nomads on a hunting expedition that will last approximately five hours. We’ll invite all of the eagle hunters in the area, and we’re expecting at least ten to join us for this unique experience. Today, you’ll have the chance to witness the art of eagle hunting up close, whether it leads us to pursue foxes or, perhaps, we might not encounter any prey at all. Regardless, the experience promises stunning opportunities for photography and a deeper understanding of this remarkable tradition. We’ll return to camp by mid-afternoon, allowing time to unwind and refresh after the morning’s excitement. As the day winds down, we’ll gather around a warm bonfire in the late afternoon, where local herders will share enchanting folk songs that resonate with the rich cultural heritage of this area. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with stories, music, and the spirit of the wilderness. (BLD)

19 SEP - DAY 10: FELT MAKING AND TOLBO LAKE

Before heading to Tolbo, you’ll have a memorable cultural experience at our camp — learning the traditional art of felting with local Kazakh women. Using freshly washed sheep’s wool, you’ll take part in every step of this age-old process, shaping and pressing the fibers into a small felt piece of your own. This hands-on experience is more than a simple craft — it’s a living tradition that reflects the creativity, hospitality, and enduring spirit of Kazakh nomadic life. Later in the afternoon, we’ll continue our journey to Tolbo Lake, where our temporary ger camp will be set near Kizilbast Mountain in a beautiful and peaceful location. This camp will be our home for the next three nights, ideally positioned close. to the Golden Eagle Festival grounds. Here, you can unwind, enjoy the stunning lake views, and prepare for the exciting adventures that await. (BLD)

20 SEP - DAY 11: THROAT SINGER - CULTURAL CENTER – ULGII – SHAMAN RITUAL

After breakfast, we’ll settle into our SUVs and drive to meet one of the last throat singers of the province. Bold, a nomadic herder from the Mongol Uriankhai tribe, learned the ancient art of throat singing as a child. At his ger, you’ll have the chance to experience this mesmerizing vocal tradition and observe how Mongol tribes differ from the Kazakhs in lifestyle, culture,
and daily customs. Following this fascinating performance, we’ll continue our journey to Ulgii town, where we’ll visit the Eagle Hunters’ Cultural Center, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the local market — a perfect opportunity to experience everyday life, interact with locals, and shop for authentic crafts and souvenirs.
As the day winds down, we’ll return to our beautiful Tolbo Lake camp. Yet the experiences are not over — tonight, you’ll witness a traditional shaman ritual held right at our camp. This rare and powerful ceremony offers a profound glimpse into ancient Mongolian spiritual traditions — an experience found nowhere else in the world but here in Mongolia. (BLD)

21 SEP - DAY 12  FASCINATING GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL 

After breakfast at our camp we would drive to eagle festival site that is 15 minutes away from our camp. Eagle festival starts at around 10:00am in the morning. We would enjoy ONE DAY of this Golden eagle festival, and we would have great opportunity to photograph all the interesting activities and competitions.

Opening Ceremonies | Competition
Witness a local eagle festival featuring about 60-80 eagle hunters. The competition begins with a parade by the hunters wearing hunting outfits and accessories. The most elaborate and beautiful adornments receive the highest marks. It is followed by thrilling competitions. The golden eagles are evaluated for their speed and agility. Interesting Kazak traditional games such as Kokbar (buzkashi) and Kazak archery will also take place at the eagle festival. Winners are selected in each event. The festival provides a great opportunity to  Photograph. There would be some other competitions that the tourists can participate, such as lifting sheep, or Kiz kuar game (Woman chasing man) You would be impressed by these great games and activities. There would be a large open air area for the local handicraft makers to sell their hand made beautiful handicraft, rugs, felts, tradtional hats and more and more. A traditional Kazakh ger is set up for us at the eagle festival site, offering us a place to relax, get warmed up if the weather is not warm, and to have lunch, tea and coffee during the day. (BLD)

22 SEP - DAY 13  FLIGHT TO ULAANBAATAR

Today we will drive to Ulgii city that would take us about 1 hour on paved road to catch our flight to Ulaanbaatar. Along the way enjoy scenic beautiful drive and views of snow caped mountains. Once we arrive to Ulaanbaatar we would get transferred to Best Western Tuushin hotel. We would have farewell dinner in on of the well known restaurants in downtown Ulaanbaatar. (B-D) *Lunch is not included.

23 SEP - DAY 14: DEPARTURE 

Depart Ulaanbaatar today after breakfast. You would get transferred to airport  (B-Breakfast)