TOUR DATE : OCTOBER 1-7 , 2025
- OVERVIEW
- ITINERARY
- MAP
- BLOG
- GALLERY
- INQUIRE
Join us for the Annual Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia’s Bayan-Ulgii Province! Each year, Kazakh hunters from near and far attend the festival for competitions showcasing the speed, agility, and accuracy of their magnificent hunting eagles. Historically, nomadic Kazakhs have relied on golden eagles for hunting.
Jalsa Urubshurow, Founder and CEO of Nomadic Expeditions, co-founded the Golden Eagle Festival to safeguard this extraordinary cultural heritage from extinction and foster its revival within the local community. Over the past two decades, this unique tradition has experienced a remarkable resurgence, with over 300 eagle hunters now actively practicing the art of golden eagle falconry. In 2010, UNESCO recognized golden eagle falconry as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
All proceeds from the festival’s ticket sales support the Kazakh Falconry Association, a community-focused organization dedicated to preserving cultural traditions, supporting the local community, and assisting eagle hunters.
( 7 Days)
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Land Prices Include:
- Ground transportation in Mongolia as described in the itinerary;
- Transfers upon arrival and departure;
- All accommodations (hotel rooms and gers) based on twin or double occupancy;
- All meals in Mongolia including a camp cook while tenting;
- Bottled/filtered water throughout the trip and soft drinks during meals;
- All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary;
- Extensive pre-departure notes, reading list, and travel tips;
- Bilingual Nomadic Expeditions guide throughout your stay.
Land Price Does Not Include:
- International airfare; internal airfare is quoted separately and subject to change by airlines;
- Passport and visa fees;
- Comprehensive medical and trip insurance;
- Airport taxes or excess baggage charges;
- Photography and video fees;
- Tips to guides/drivers;
- Food and beverages not included in the group meals;
- Items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages;
- Laundry and telephone calls;
- Other items not specifically mentioned as included.
![Golden Eagle Festival](https://www.nomadicexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/golden-eagle-1-945x1024.jpg)
Itinerary
![](https://www.nomadicexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2024-06-26-at-10.47.10 AM.png)
Days 1-2
Ancient and Modern Ulaanbaatar
Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you’ll be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your centrally located hotel. On day 2, visit Sukhbaatar Square, named for the revolutionary leader who fought for Mongolia’s independence. Afterwards, explore the impressive Chinggis Khan Museum, housing over 10,000 artifacts related to Mongolia’s history. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner.
![](https://www.nomadicexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Day-3-MN-Bayan-Ulgii-Tolbo-Lake-1-1.jpeg)
Day 3
Journey to Bayan-Ulgii and Tolbo Lake
Fly to Bayan-Ulgii province, home to the Kazakh ethnic minority, and drive to crystal-clear Tolbo Lake, mirroring the dramatic Khunguin Mountains. Trek along the eastern shore, visiting local Kazakh families, before settling into your temporary ger camp for the night.
![](https://www.nomadicexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Day-6-Eagle-Festoval-last-day-1-1.jpeg)
DAYS 4-5
The Golden Eagle Festival Events
Experience the exciting Golden Eagle Festival, beginning with the opening ceremony parade of Kazakh eagle hunters on horseback. Watch as they showcase their hunting outfits and majestic golden eagles, which will be judged on speed, agility, and technique in competitions like fox skin hunting and cliff attacks. Enjoy traditional Kazakh performances and games like kukbar during breaks. The festival culminates with an awards ceremony honoring the winners.
![](https://www.nomadicexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ulaanbaatar-gandan-monastery-1.jpg)
Days 6-7
Ulaanbaatar & Departure
![Nomadic Expeditions - Golden Eagle Festival + Gobi - Mongolia Group Journey Itinerary](https://www.nomadicexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ge-05.jpg)
DAYS 6
Bayan Ulgii | Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, take a 2.5-hour return flight to Ulaanbaatar. In the afternoon, explore the spiritual resurgence at Gandan Monastery, witnessing daily rituals and visiting renovated temples. Marvel at the 82-foot-high gilded statue of Migjid Janraisig. Enjoy leisure time or shop for Mongolian cashmere and local crafts. Conclude the day with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
![Golden Eagle Festival](https://www.nomadicexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/test-01.jpg)
DAYS7
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure.
(B)
Mongolia: A Travel Agent’s Perspective
Travel Agent Irene Pelled Traveled with Nomadic Expeditions to Mongolia. She shares her unique insights in a guest blog.
Protecting Golden Eagles: A Progress Update
We at Nomadic Expeditions are pleased to update our community of individuals invested in raptor conservation and sustainable travel on the progress of our Golden Eagle Conservation Project in partnership with the Wildlife Science and Conservation Center of Mongolia (WSCC) which studies the golden eagle population in western Mongolia and contributes
![](https://www.nomadicexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/the-golden-eagle-festival-791x1024.jpg)