The eagle festival
At the edge of the Altai Mountains, share the age-old art of golden eagle hunting with Kazakh nomads.
Duration
12 days
From
€2,290/pers.
Ideal seasons
Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
In the far west of Mongolie, in the province of Bayan-Ölgii, the Altaï mountains harbor the last Kazakh eagle masters. On the snow-capped heights of Tsambagarav, these nomads have perpetuated for centuries the art of training royal eagles to hunt foxes and wolves in glacial valleys. Their keen-eyed raptors, trained from a young age, embody a perfect symbiosis between man and wild animal.
The circuit takes you from Khovd to the traditional yurts of Tavan Belchir, where Kazakh and Uriankhais families welcome you into their pastoral daily life. Horse treks in the national park reveal ancient glaciers and high-altitude lakes with turquoise reflections. In Sagsaï, you participate in the events of the Eagle Festival, where falconers in embroidered costumes and riders compete in bushkashi competitions.
This hunting tradition dates back to the migrations of Turco-Mongol peoples across Central Asia. Passed down from father to son, it forges Kazakh identity in the face of Altaï's rigors. Between the cries of raptors and the gallop of horses across the frozen steppe, this journey reveals the nomadic soul of western Mongolie.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome and discoveries in Ulan Bator
Arrival in Ulan Bator, Mongolia's capital, where vast steppes gradually give way to an astounding city, blending Soviet heritage, nomadic traditions and emerging modernity. Welcome by your driver and transfer to the city center, your first glimpse of this fascinating destination with already breathtaking landscapes. Check-in at your hotel and rest (early check-in not included).
Meet at noon at your hotel, where your guide will greet you before accompanying you to a local restaurant for lunch. This first moment of exchange is an opportunity to get to know each other, discover the main highlights of your adventure and gradually immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Mongolie.
Dive into the heart of Mongolian history during a visit to the National History Museum. Spread over several floors, the museum traces the rich past of the country, from the first nomadic civilizations to the Soviet period, including the rise of the great empire founded by Genghis Khan. A fascinating visit to better understand the identity and culture of Mongolia.
A walk through the center of Ulaanbaatar to discover the famous Sukhbaatar Square, the heart of the capital dominated by the impressive statue of Genghis Khan. You will also observe the Mongolian Parliament and the hustle and bustle of this amazing city, between Soviet heritage and nomadic culture.
Around 6:00 PM, you attend a traditional Mongolian show at Tumen Ekh, famous for its performances combining folk dances, traditional music, contortion acts and khoomi, the fascinating Mongolian diphonic singing inscribed in intangible cultural heritage.
Flight to Mongolia's far west
We leave the bustling Mongolian capital to board our domestic flight to Khovd, capital of the province of the same name, located 1500 km from Ulaanbaatar.
Khovd was an important trading center located north of the Silk Road, which had forged links with Russia and China. In 1763, the Manchu administration had the Sangiin Kherem fortress built. Walls 3 meters high and 2 meters wide then enclosed the city, which covered 4 hectares. Today, Khovd province is home to 18 Mongolian ethnic groups.
Visit to the local market.
Excursion on the shores of the Khar lake southeast of the city.
In the Mountains of Altai
Khovd → Tsambagarav
You are joining the region of Tavan Belchir, whose name means "the five pastures". This valley is located 25km north of the Tsambagarav mountains, , whose snow-capped peaks reach an altitude of 4,195 meters. You arrive at the south of the massif at the end of the day.
Stay with a family from the region where we will spend 3 nights for a first experience of the lifestyle of Mongolie nomads.
Hiking in the Tsambagarav Mountains
To Tsambagarav
From Tavan Belchir, we set off for 2 days of hiking in the valleys of the Tsambagarav National Park. Meeting with Kazakh and Uriankhai nomadic families (ethnic groups of Mongolie living in the western part of the country). Meeting with a Kazakh eagle trainer who will not miss the opportunity to show us his eagle.
From the northwest of the Tsambagarav mountains, we get closer to the snow-capped peaks. View of the glacier.
Heading to Olgii and discovering Lake Tolbo
You continue your journey towards Far Western Mongolie, and Bayan Olgii province. On the way, we stop on the banks of the Tolbo Lake where we take a walk along its shores.
Arrival in Olgii, the capital of the westernmost province of Mongolie, which is also the most remote place in the world from the oceans. It is located 1636 km from Ulan Bator, at 1710 meters altitude. It is essentially populated by Kazakhs, and its atmosphere is heavily influenced by Central Asia: many signs written in Arabic, mosques pointing their domes towards the sky.
Visit to the Olgii Museum, which offers an exhibition on the region's fauna and flora. We immerse ourselves in Kazakh culture by discovering a collection of traditional costumes and visiting a reconstructed yurt inside the museum.
Festival of Eagles and Kazakh Traditions
The falconers of the region gather each year for the eagle festival, an event marking the opening of the hunting season. Each one presents their eagle and demonstrates their skill through various competitions. The raptors hunt prey such as foxes, rabbits or small wolves. Throughout the day, you attend skill competitions and buzkashi events, during which Kazakh horsemen compete around a sheep carcass. The first to cross the set line with it is declared the winner, while the others attempt to snatch it from him. You spend the day observing this spectacular competition.
Second Day of the Eagle Festival in Sagsai
You attend the second day of the Eagle Festival, during which competitions succeed one another before the award ceremony.
At the end of the day, you visit a Kazakh eagle hunter in the village of Sagsai, where you spend the night.
Traditional eagle hunting in the Kazakh mountains
For two days, you accompany your host for a hunting expedition. You follow the eagle hunter on horseback through the surrounding mountains. Once at altitude, the falconer removes his eagle's mask, and the bird scans the horizon with its piercing gaze. As soon as it spots prey — rabbit, fox, or sometimes wolf — it cries out to alert its master, who then releases the bird. This ancestral hunting technique requires patience and observation: the eagle does not always capture its prey, but the complicity between man and animal, passed down through centuries, remains one of the most memorable moments of a trip to Central Asia.
Return Flight and End of Stay
The domestic flight will be determined according to the airline's schedule and availability.
Arrival in town and check-in at your hotel where you can have a moment of relaxation.
Rest of the day is free. Accompanied by your guide, you explore the city's shops to make your last purchases.
Good return and see you next time!
Breakfast at the hotel. The driver will accompany you to Ulaanbaatar international airport. The return transfer will take place at the time of your choice, depending on your flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Transport
- Passport & Visa Fees
- Repatriation Insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Meals in Ulaanbaatar
- Phone Calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage supplement if you transport more than 15kg (checked baggage and carry-on baggage combined)
Included
- Airport / hotel / airport transfers
- Flights Ulan Bator / Khovd & Olgii / Ulan Bator
- 2 nights in a ** hotel in Ulaanbaatar, breakfast included
- Full board during the excursion
- Mineral water
- 2 nights in comfortable Kazakh yurt camp with hot shower
- 5 nights homestay, in host yurts
- 1 night in a provincial hotel in Khovd
- Travel by 4x4 or minibus + driver
- Essence
- English-speaking guide
- Assistant for groups > 8 participants
- 1 day on horseback during which you will follow the falconer on the hunt
- Local guides during hikes
- Eagle Festival entrance fee
- Entrance fees for parks and museums mentioned
- Traditional show
- Kitchen equipment (camping tables and chairs) and bedding (sleeping bag)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Entry requirements to Mongolia depend on your nationality. The information below provides general guidance for tourist stays. We recommend verifying the specific conditions applicable to your situation with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence, as well as with your own authorities, before your departure.
Passport
To enter Mongolia, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Some nationalities may benefit from visa exemptions for tourist stays, while others must obtain a visa before departure.
If a visa exemption applies to your nationality, the authorites may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
proof of accommodation or your travel itinerary.
For specific information regarding visa requirements and any exemptions applicable to your nationality, please contact the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveller staying in Mongolia for more than 30 days must register with the Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Affairs Office (GASI). For stays of 30 days or less, registration is generally handled by your hotel or accommodation provider.
It is recommended to keep a copy of this registration throughout your stay, as Mongolian authorities may request it during checks.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Mongolia. However, certain vaccinations are recommended as a preventive measure:
routine immunizations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles),
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
tick-borne encephalitis, particularly if planning trekking or staying in rural areas,
rabies, if there is a possible risk of contact with wild or stray animals.
It is advised to consult a doctor or international vaccination centre at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some cases, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. All travellers should verify the specific requirements applicable to them with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for assistance-repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly suggest subscribing to one of them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for reporting a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A stay in Mongolia is possible without a visa for a limited duration. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry is required. For a longer stay, a visa can be obtained from the Mongolian embassy. Entry conditions change regularly: check the rules applicable to your nationality with the Mongolian consular authorities before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 160 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation (yurts, lodges), meals, 4x4 with driver and English-speaking guide. International flights (800-1200 euros round trip) are additional. Mongolia offers a timeless nomadic immersion.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust together each detail until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Mongolian Altai
Horsewoman of the great Mongolian steppes, based in Oulan Bator
In Mongolia, you'll experience a rare sensation: the feeling of having space, time, and the impression that the horizon has no end.
— Emelyne
