MONGOLIA

Golden Eagle Festival

TOUR DATE : September 30 - October 6, 2026

Experience the Golden Eagle Festival

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 based on the speed, agility, and accuracy of their magnificent hunting eagles. Historically, nomadic Kazakhs depended 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 the brink of 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 practicing the tradition. The art of golden eagle falconry earned global recognition as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010.

All proceeds from the festival’s ticket sales go to the Kazakh Falconry Association. This community-focused organization is dedicated to preserving cultural traditions, supporting the local community, and aiding eagle hunters.

DATES:

September 30 – October 6, 2026

6 – 14 TRAVELERS:

$6,295 Per Person

INTERNAL AIRFARE:

$700 Per Person

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:

$1,800 Per Person

INQUIRE

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.

Itinerary

DOWNLOAD FULL ITINERARY

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.

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.

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.

Days 6-7

Ulaanbaatar & Departure

Fly back to Ulaanbaatar and visit Gandan Monastery, learning about the resurgence of Buddhism in Mongolia after its suppression during Soviet rule. Spend the rest of the day shopping for local handicrafts before a farewell dinner. The next day, transfer to the airport for your departure flight after this incredible cultural experience.

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.

DAYS7

Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure.

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Potential Interest

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