🦅 Golden Eagle Festival Tour – The Spirit of the Kazakh Eagle Hunters
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Overview
Step into the heart of the Altai Mountains and experience one of the world’s most unique cultural events — the Golden Eagle Festival in Bayan-Ulgii province. This annual celebration showcases the Kazakh eagle hunters (berkutchi), a Mongolian ethnic minority renowned for their centuries-old tradition of hunting with majestic golden eagles. Join local hunters as they display the powerful bond between man and bird, witness thrilling competitions, and immerse yourself in Kazakh culture surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Combined with scenic lakes, ancient history, and Mongolian hospitality — this journey is an unforgettable adventure into Mongolia’s wild west.
Day 1, Golden Eagles
<h3 dir="ltr">Day 1 – Arrival in Ulaanbaatar</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport and transfer to your hotel.<br>Enjoy a short city tour including:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Sukhbaatar Square and Chinggis Khaan Monument<br><br></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Gandan Monastery, the spiritual center of Mongolia<br><br></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Zaisan Hill for a panoramic view of the capital<br><br></p>
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<p dir="ltr">In the evening, experience a Mongolian traditional folklore concert followed by dinner.<br>Overnight at hotel.</p>
<p> </p> (B)
Day 2, Golden Eagle
<h3 dir="ltr">Day 2 – Fly to Ulgii, the Kazakh Capital</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Early morning flight to Ulgii town, Bayan-Ulgii province.<br>Visit:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Local Muslim cemetery<br><br></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Provincial Museum showcasing Kazakh culture<br><br></p>
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<p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-dd07659d-7fff-539a-ba51-8b12b6dc7edc">Bazaar (local market)<br>Overnight at local hotel.<br></strong></p> (B)
Day 3: Golden Eagle
<h3 dir="ltr">Day 3 – Drive to Tsengel Khairkhan Mountain</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Drive to Tsengel Khairkhan Mountain, a sacred peak for the Tuvan people.<br>On the way, admire the White River valley and glacial landscapes.<br>Overnight tent camping beneath the mountain.</p>
<p> </p> (B, L, D)
Day 4, Golden Eagle
<h3 dir="ltr">Day 4 – The Golden Eagle Festival (Day 1)</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Attend the opening ceremony of the Golden Eagle Festival in Bayan-Ulgii!<br>Enjoy competitions including:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Best-dressed eagle hunters and horses<br><br></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Display of traditional Kazakh costumes and equipment<br><br></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Horse races and early eagle-training events<br><br></p>
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<p dir="ltr">Overnight at local hotel.</p>
<p> </p> (B)
Day 5, Golden Eagle
<h3 dir="ltr">Day 5 – The Golden Eagle Festival (Day 2)</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Today features the main competitions:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Skills of trained golden eagles<br><br></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Live hunting demonstrations<br><br></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Awards and closing ceremony<br><br></p>
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<p dir="ltr">Capture incredible photos of this once-in-a-lifetime event!<br>Overnight at local hotel.</p>
<p> </p> (B, L, D)
Day 6, Golden Eagle
<h3 dir="ltr">Day 6 – Drive to Dayan Lake</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Travel to Dayan Lake, a pristine alpine lake formed by glaciers.<br>Explore the area’s ancient Turkic stone monuments and local legends, including the statue of Dayan the Pious.<br>Overnight tent camping.</p>
<p> </p> (B, L, D)
Day 7, Golden Eagle
<h3 dir="ltr">Day 7 – Drive to Khoton Lake</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Journey to Khoton Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and larch forests.<br>Enjoy optional trekking or relaxation by the lakeshore.<br>Overnight tent camping.</p>
<p> </p> (B, L, D)
Day 8, Golden Eagle
<h3 dir="ltr">Day 8 – Return to Ulgii</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Drive back to Ulgii town.<br>Visit a Kazakh family, learn about their lifestyle, and experience eagle hunting traditions firsthand.<br>Overnight at local hotel.</p>
<p> </p> (B, L, D)
Day 9, Golden Eagle
<h3 dir="ltr">Day 9 – Fly Back to Ulaanbaatar</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Morning flight to Ulaanbaatar.<br>Relax at your hotel or enjoy leisure time in the city.<br>Dinner and overnight at hotel.</p>
<p> </p> (B, L, D)
Day 10, Golden Eagle
<h3 dir="ltr">Day 10 – Ulaanbaatar City Tour</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Visit one of the following:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Natural History Museum<br><br></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">National History Museum<br><br></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum<br><br></p>
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<p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-0617f587-7fff-0d31-4f4a-47b13027e594">Afternoon free for shopping (cashmere, souvenirs, art).<br>Enjoy a farewell dinner and stay overnight at hotel.</strong></p> (B, L, D)
Day 11, Golden Eagle
<h3 dir="ltr">Day 11 – Departure</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Check out and transfer to the airport for your international departure.</p>
<p> </p> (B)
