Mongolia Golden Eagle Festival

Mongolia Golden Eagle Festival

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17 Days From

$7800

Mongolia Golden Eagle Festival

17 Days Starting and ending in Ulaanbaatar

Visiting: Ulaanbaatar, Terelj National Park, Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, Bayanzag, Khongoryn Els, Khongoryn Els, Gobi Desert, Bayan Gobi, Arvaikheer, Kharkhorin, Karakorum, Khustain Nuruu National Park, Olgii, Ölgii

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

ACK

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Easy & Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

From: $7800

NB: Prices correct on 21-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

In Mongolia, rolling steppe makes way to stark desert. Across this vast landscape, nomadic ger camps are peppered, camels and goats are herded on horseback, fermented mare’s milk is the tipple of choice, dunes sing and the first intact dinosaur eggs were found. Genghis Khan went forth from here to conquer the biggest land empire in history and, to this day, Buddhist and Animist traditions mix. Join this trip and travel through steppe, mountain and the Gobi Desert to explore the nature and culture of this fascinating, yet little known, country. We also head to its far-western reaches to attend the Eagle Festival, celebrating the fascinating pastime of hunting with eagles and the strong connection the Mongolian people have with their animals and land.



For an alternative Eagle Festival itinerary starting in Ulaanbaatar on 22 September 2024, please click here.

Highlights

  • Attend the Eagle Festival in the remote Altai Mountains

  • Explore the vast wilderness of the steppe and Gobi Desert

  • Experience traditional nomadic culture

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive In Ulaanbaatar

Location: Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation Name: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

The adventure begins in Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia. We have a trip briefing with our tour leader this evening followed by a welcome dinner. But if you arrive early and wish to explore, perhaps visit some of the city landmarks, including Sukhbaatar Square (the main square), the National Museum and the State Department Store.



Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 : Drive To Terelj National Park Via The Genghis Khan Statue

Location: Terelj National Park

Accommodation Name: Ger camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we transfer to Terelj National Park (approximately a two-hour drive), home to fascinating rock formations and green meadows carpeted with wildflowers. On the way, we visit the Genghis Khan statue. Standing 130ft (40m) tall and made of stainless steel, it’s the tallest equestrian statue in the world and quite a sight. We spend the day exploring these and visit the Aryabal Meditation Temple, which offers great views over the park. After lunch at our camp, we make a short trip to visit a local nomadic family to see how they live and hear about the nomadic way of life. Here, we also enjoy a tasting experience of homemade dairy products, such as yoghurt, cheese, curds and traditional salty milk tea.



Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 3 : Fly To Dalanzadgad; Travel Through Rocky Plains Of Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park

Location: Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park

Accommodation Name: Ger camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have an early morning flight to Dalanzadgad, the capital of the South Gobi province, then proceed to the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. Gobi Gurvansaikhan means ‘Three Beauties of the Gobi’ and this range marks the eastern end of the Gobi Altai mountain range. The park landscape is extremely varied, with rocky and sandy desert plains, precipitous cliffs, ravines, saltpans and oases. We visit a spectacular natural sight of this region: Yolyn Am, which is approximately 31mi (50km) or 1hr 30min drive each way. Yolyn Am means Vulture’s Mouth and is a canyon so deep and narrow that winter ice can remain on the valley floor even in the height of summer. This region is also renowned for the diversity of its wildlife and many endangered species roam here, including Mongolian wild asses, ibex, argali sheep and snow leopards. We explore the canyon before transferring to a nearby ger camp for dinner and our overnight stay.



Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 4 : Hiking Around The Flaming Cliffs Of Bayanzag

Location: Bayanzag

Accommodation Name: Ger camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we drive 45mi (70km) to Bayanzag, popularly known as the Flaming Cliffs, and hike among colourful sands of red, yellow and orange. Bayanzag is a renowned dinosaur fossil exploration site, discovered in the 1920s by Mongolian and American palaeontologists. We are free to explore the region and may even be lucky enough to spot dinosaur fossils. After a picnic lunch, we head to our camp for the afternoon.



Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 5 : Visit The Singing Dunes, The Largest Dunes In Mongolia

Location: Khongoryn Els

Accommodation Name: Ger camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have a five-hour drive (125mi/200km) to the Khongoryn Els dunes, which stretch for 125mi (200km) and are as high as 985ft (300m) in places. They are known as the Singing Dunes, because of the beautiful sound that resonates through them on a windy day.



Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 6 : Explore The Singing Dunes And Visit A Nomadic Camel-Breeding Family

Location: Khongoryn Els, Gobi Desert

Accommodation Name: Ger camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have a full day to explore the dunes and surrounding area. We have the opportunity to visit a camel-breeding family and learn about the life of the local nomadic herders.



Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 7 : Explore The Region Of Bayan Gobi And The Bichigt Khad Petroglyphs

Location: Bayan Gobi

Accommodation Name: Ger camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our journey continues through classic Gobi Desert scenery of flat stony plains with small rocky outcrops and patches of sand across the Khatan Suudal Steppe. We stop for a picnic lunch and then continue our drive to the Bayan mountains to view the Bichigt Khad petroglyphs. The rock inscriptions and pictures here date to 3000 BCE; we see paintings including depictions of ibex, argali and men riding horses. It is possible to see some of these from the vehicles (better with binoculars) but, for those who wish, it is also possible to hike up to the cliffs for a closer inspection of these Bronze Age works of art (the main cliff is a steep climb for 195ft/60m and walking poles are required so we usually visit the smaller cliff, which is more accessible).



We are in the vehicles almost all day today and cover approximately 240mi (385km).



Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 8 : Transfer To Arvaikheer Via Ikh Bogd Mountain

Location: Arvaikheer

Accommodation Name: Standard hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

First, we drive to Tsagaan Agui (White Cave), then pass over Taats River, from where the majestic Ikh Bogd mountain (the highest mountain in the Gobi Altai range) should be visible in the distance. We stop for a picnic lunch and then skirt the eastern edge of Ikh Bogd. We then drive to Arvaikheer, the capital of Ovorkhangai Aimag, on the northern edge of the Gobi.



We cover around 260mi (415km) today – expect to be on the go for approximately 11 hours.



Accommodation: Hotel

Day 9 : Visit Arvaikheer Museum; To Kharkhorin Via Shankh Monastery

Location: Kharkhorin

Accommodation Name: Ger camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we visit Arvaikheer local market and the museum, which contains nature collections, stone figures and Turkic scripts. After lunch, we set off for Kharkhorin, stopping en route to visit Shankh Monastery, once the home of the great Mongolian theorist Zanabazar.



We arrive to camp in the evening in time for dinner.



Total driving: approximately 93mi (150km), four hours



Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 10 : Visit Karakorum And Erdene Zuu Monastery; Drive To The Little Gobi Desert

Location: Karakorum

Accommodation Name: Ger camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we visit the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. It was established by Ogedei Khan and remained the Mongol power base until Kublai Khan established Beijing as the capital. Erdene Zuu (Hundred Treasures) Monastery was the largest monastery in Mongolia, built in 1586 under the direction of Abtai Khan on the ruins of the ancient capital. Much of the monastery was destroyed during Stalin’s purges of the 1930s, but an impressive wall with 108 stupas and several temples remain.



After lunch, we drive (for about two hours) to the Mongol Els, or Little Gobi Desert as it is known, a unique belt of dunes in the steppe. We check into a nearby ger camp and head out to explore the region. It is an incredible sight to witness the bactrian camels wandering the desert dunes while horses graze on the green steppe nearby. We also visit Khogno Khan mountain, a small temple at its base. This region is also renowned for its birdlife, including steppe eagles.



Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 11 : Transfer To Khustain Nuruu National Park Trek To See Wild Horses

Location: Khustain Nuruu National Park

Accommodation Name: Ger camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we drive for three hours (125mi/200km) to Khustain Nuruu National Park, famous for the re-introduction of Mongolia’s wild horse. The Przewalski’s horse (or takhi horse) almost became extinct, but thanks to the efforts of several Mongolian and international organisations, these magnificent wild horses now roam the steppes of the park. We visit the Project Information Centre and take a guided hike to see the wild horses.



Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 12 : Drive To Ulaanbaatar

Location: Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation Name: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we drive back to Ulaanbaatar city. You have the afternoon free to relax or explore the city. In the evening, we have the option to see a live performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance. Performed by the Tumen Ekh dance troupe, we see throat singers, contortionists and Tsam dancers.



Total driving: Approximately 130mi (210km), four hours



Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 : Fly To Olgii; Visit A Nomadic Kazakh Village

Location: Olgii

Accommodation Name: Ger camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we fly to Olgii in western Mongolia, from where we drive offroad for about an hour to Sagsai village. Here, we visit a Kazakh family home. We spend the day seeing how they go about daily life, taking care of and milking the cows, goats and sheep. We can also sample their traditional food and taste homemade yak cheese and yogurt. This is a great opportunity to understand the life of a nomadic family and to experience their friendliness and hospitality. In the afternoon, we return to Olgii and stay overnight at a ger camp.



Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 14 : Eagle Festival

Location: Ölgii

Accommodation Name: Ger camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we attend the Eagle Festival. For the first day of the festival, we see the competition for the best Kazakh costume, horse racing and archery. In the evening, we enjoy a cultural performance in the local theatre.



Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 15 : Another Day At The Eagle Festival

Location: Ölgii

Accommodation Name: Ger camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have another chance to witness the competitions and events of the Eagle Festival. We can see a demonstration from the eagles and their hunters, a camel race and the lively sport of kukhbar (in which two horseback riders wrestle over the possession of a goat skin). After enjoying the festivities, we return to camp for dinner.



Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 16 : Fly To Ulaanbaatar; Free Time In The City

Location: Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation Name: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for a mid-morning flight to Ulaanbaatar, arriving midday. We transfer to the hotel and freshen up before a light lunch. This afternoon is free for last-minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping around UB – cashmere, leather goods and traditional handicrafts are all good options and the guide can recommend the best places to go for these. Night owls may want to sample the Ulaanbaatar nightlife!



Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)

Day 17 : End In Ulaanbaatar

Location: Ulaanbaatar

Meals Included: Breakfast

The tour ends after breakfast today and we begin our return journeys home, full of tales and magnificent photos to share.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, 14 lunches and 15 dinners

  • All accommodation

  • All transport, including 4x4s

  • Activities as listed in the itinerary

  • All internal flights

  • Tour leader throughout

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation

  • Visas

Accommodation

We use hotels in Ulaanbaatar and Arvaikheer and ger camps elsewhere. Gers are similar to yurts. This traditional accommodation is airy and usually contains a central wood-burning stove (in the summer the stoves are not normally needed). The bathrooms are shared and all have hot water (due to the remoteness of the camps this can be erratic at times). Many of the ger camps now have 24-hour electricity in the ger itself for charging batteries. If there is no charging facility inside the ger then there are charging facilities in the common area (though this may only be when the generator is turned on during limited periods of the day). Accommodation at the Eagle Festival is four people per ger. For the rest of the camps, it is two people per ger and hotels are on a twin-share basis too. Due to the remoteness of Olgii, there is a limited choice of accommodation and the ger camps here are more basic than elsewhere. There may also be rare occasions when a single cannot be guaranteed in a particular ger camp.

Food

All breakfasts, 14 lunches and 15 dinners are included.



Traditional Mongolian diets are very meat and dairy heavy. While there are opportunities to try some of these products, such as dry curd and fermented mare’s milk, the meals provided in the ger camps are generally Western meals, at times with an Asian influence. There is normally some form of soup and salad plus a main course and desert. Vegetarians are generally well catered for; if you are vegetarian or have other dietary requirements, please inform us in advance.



Breakfasts can vary from place to place, some are buffets while others are set, normally cereal, bread and possibly a hot dish. On some days, a pack lunch is provided, this is often still a proper meal (though without the soup). Water is provided and is generally from large water containers, so make sure to bring a refillable water bottle. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer, vodka and (most of the time) wine are available to buy at the ger camps. There is the opportunity to buy snacks in Ulaanbaatar and on a couple of other occasions along the way when we drive through towns or villages.

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Check out our Q&As

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Enthralling Adventure

Fantastic trip. We travelled (admittedly some long drives) through the flat landscapes, dodging large herds of goats and sheep as well as horses and camels. Four visits to various nomad families gave us insights into their ways of life, and we sampled fermented cows', mares', and camels' milk. We watched one family milk the mares, and rode camels near the sand dunes. Visits to Buddhist temples and museums gave us additional insights. The bronze age petroglyphs were a highlight, particularly those of tigers. The best bit was at the end of the trip, when we attended the Golden Eagle Festival. Watching men and women interact with their eagles was amazing, as were the other events, such as the tug-of-war with a goat skin.

Excellent trip.

Just returned from.this Mongolia trip. It was a wonderful holiday. Mongolia is vast and fascinating. The holiday was made more enjoyable and informative by our guide MG. The Eagle Festival was unbelievable. 120 eagle hunters with their beautiful Golden Eagles.

Eagle Festival

Advice given by Exodus regarding the transfer in Beijing was inadequate. Much more detail is needed. Many lost souls were wandering the airport for some time. Perhaps a step-by-step description ? Chinese airport personnel were generaly rude, and less than helpful. The whole trip was generally fine. Exodus were advisied that one of us was gluten-free, but this information was not given to the tour guide beforehand, which Exodus stated it had been. Probably did not make a huge difference in the end as Gluten free food is largely unknown in Mongolia (not entirely unexpected).

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Sunday - Tuesday

Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025
$7800

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