Travel Mongolia and enjoy Golden Eagle Festival with us! For the last few years, local Kazakh people who live in Bayan-Ulgii province, organize an important celebration for the benefits of next generation local community and international falconry. Eagle Hunting Festival, a colorful and picturesque event attracting the best hunters and birds in early October. The Golden Eagle Festival became one of the main events to captivate photographers, researchers, and travelers to Mongolia.
Ulaanbaatar, Sukhbaatar Square
3 Hours Before Flight Time
2 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
The highlight of the trip takes place near the capital of Bayan-Ulgii province in western Mongolia. Ninety percent of the population here is Kazakh, a group that is renowned for its hunter’s extraordinary skills in using golden eagles to hunt for small prey animals.
During these 2 days of Eagle Festival, you will attend the opening ceremony and many different competitions between Eagle hunters and their trained eagles, a special performance of Kazakh dance, and songs.
(Sep 27) Transfer to the hotel. Unpack and rest in the hotel. Short city tour with Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, which represents Mongolian Culture starting from Stone Age to the 21st century and Buddhism, and Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chingis Khaan Square). In Gandan you can take local prayers, monks, the biggest standing indoor Buddha statue and temples own figure. Prepare for the trip. (B/L/D)
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(Sep 28) Drive to Terelj National Park, one of the most beautiful destinations close to Ulaanbaatar. Travelers can take a horseback riding trip and visiting local nomads, view fascinating rock formations against a backdrop of pine-covered mountains and wander along the wooded banks of a mountain stream. The possibility to take hiking to Ariyabal temple on a beautiful rocky mountain and capturing Turtle Rock from that mountain is another angle. (B/L/D)
(Sep 29) Take a flight to Ulgii town, the center of Bayan-Ulgii province where 90% of population is Kazakhs who have their own language and unique culture. Meet the local team and have a visit to Kazakh family. This is a day of cultural exploration: local women decorate their gers in a dazzling array of colors hand crafted felt carpets line the floor and delicately-embroidered tapestries adorn the walls, with each design unique to a particular family. (B/L/D)
(Sep 30 – Oct 01) The Golden Eagle Festival starts with its parades and competitions for costuming and hunting techniques. This festival has been celebrated since 2000 and now attracts many travelers and photographers. Each year the number of eagle hunters participating in the festival is increasing which makes the festival more colorful and spectacular. Eagles chase fox skins dragged by their owners on horseback. Points are given for their speed and gripping ability. In 2 days you will capture plenty of portraits and competition photos, names Kokbar, Kizkhuar, etc. Festival winners are announced at the closing ceremony. (B/L/D)
(Oct 02) Take a flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Relaxing hours at the hotel. Option to go shopping for souvenirs and cashmere products. In the evening we will have farewell dinner together. (B/L/D)
(Oct 03) Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport or Train station and depart Mongolia. (B)
