In recent years, the Bayan-Olgii Kazakhs have hosted the Golden Eagle Festival in September and October. This colourful and picturesque gathering draws together the region’s most skilled hunters and their magnificent birds, serving as both a competition and a significant celebration for the local community.
Eagle hunting stands as one of the most noble and awe-inspiring partnerships between human and animal. This tour offers a rare opportunity to gain an insider’s perspective on this truly ancient and remarkable practice. In the western regions of Mongolia, the Kazakh minority continues to uphold the tradition of hunting with Golden Eagles—a custom that has endured for generations.
Each October, Western Mongolia becomes the stage for the Eagle Festival, a vibrant and spectacular two-day event. During your 3-day journey, you will have the chance to observe these incredible birds in action, witnessing moments such as eagles swooping down to land on their master’s arm while he rides a horse at full speed, along with a range of other thrilling competitions. Throughout the tour, guests will also stay with a Kazakh Eagle Hunter, immersing themselves in the daily life and customs of this unique community. We invite you to join us on this extraordinary adventure and be part of one of the world’s most unique festivals.
Please note that the planned itinerary may be subject to change depending on flight availability and scheduling.
Traditional Ger Camps & Nomadic Family stay
As a Mongolian company we prefer to support Nomadic families financially and help support their livelihoods. We are sure this resonates with our travellers who enjoy engaging with their culture on The Steppe.
When guests stay with these families, their contributions go directly to the well-being of local herders. This immersive experience offers travellers the unique chance to observe and participate in the daily lives and longstanding traditions of the region, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Mongolian culture.
Most meals throughout the duration of the tour are included in the overall tour price. Meals are thoughtfully prepared using fresh, locally sourced produce to ensure quality and support the communities visited. The majority of food shopping is completed prior to the tour’s departure, with additional fresh ingredients such as meats, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products purchased along the way from supermarkets, local shops, and markets.
Breakfasts typically feature bread and cereal, alongside a warm cooked option to start the day. Many lunches are enjoyed while travelling and consist of lighter fare, such as sandwiches and/or salads, or are taken at local restaurants when possible. Each evening, guests can expect a freshly prepared hot meal, which will include a variety of both continental and local dishes, offering a taste of the region’s cuisine.
Meal preparation and organisation are overseen by the dedicated cook/guide, who ensures all meals are prepared efficiently and to a high standard. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements can be catered for but need to be specified prior to arrival.
October in Bayan-Ulgii is marked by crisp, cool weather as autumn settles over the Altai region. Days are generally sunny but can turn brisk, especially in the evenings and early mornings, with temperatures often dipping below freezing overnight.
Travellers in October should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions—sunshine, wind, and even occasional early snow showers are all possible. So be prepared for all weather conditions.
Sleeping bag (we can provide sleeping bag, if your luggage is full), sleeping bag liner, sunscreen, lip balm, a hat, long underwear, shorts, comfortable footwear, hand wipes, sunglasses, prescription medications (if needed), winter warm clothes, flashlight, gloves.
