Tolbo Lake Eagle Festival
and the Gobi Desert
TOUR DATES : September 18 - 28, 2026
- OVERVIEW
- ITINERARY
- BLOG
- GALLERY
- INQUIRE
Following the festival, your journey continues across Mongolia’s legendary landscapes from the vibrant cultural heart of Ulaanbaatar to the vast, otherworldly expanse of the Gobi Desert. Explore the iconic Moltsog Els dunes, visit a camel-herding family, and drive across desert terrain toward the historic Flaming Cliffs, where paleontological discoveries forever changed our understanding of the ancient world. With luxurious stays at the Shangri-La Hotel and the award-winning Three Camel Lodge, this itinerary blends cultural immersion, adventure, and exceptional comfort—offering an unforgettable passage through Mongolia’s diverse traditions, dramatic scenery, and deeply rooted nomadic heritage.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Land Prices Include:
- Ground transportation as described in the itinerary;
- Transfers on arrival and departure;
- All accommodations based on double or twin occupancy (hotel rooms and gers);
- Meals as noted in itinerary;
- Bottled/filtered water throughout the trip and soft drinks during meals;
- Camel riding as noted in the itinerary;
- All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary;
- Extensive pre-departure Travel Guide, reading list, important information about your trip;
- 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;
- Tips to guides/drivers;
- Passport and visa fees;
- Comprehensive medical and trip insurance;
- Airport taxes;
- Excess baggage charges;
- Photography and video fees;
- 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
Days 1-2
Welcome to Ulaanbaatar
Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, where ancient traditions meet a vibrant modern capital, you are welcomed by your Mongolian guide and transferred to the Shangri-La Hotel. The following day, explore the cultural heart of the city beginning at Sükhbaatar Square before visiting the impressive Chinggis Khan Museum, home to over 10,000 artifacts tracing Mongolia’s 2,000-year history. Continue to the Dinosaur Museum to view remarkable fossils discovered in the Gobi Desert. In the evening, enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian dance and khoomi throat singing, followed by a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant.
Day 3
Fly to Bayan Ulgii | Shar Nuur Lake
DAYS 4
Opening Ceremony | Competition
In the afternoon, the golden eagles will be evaluated for their speed and agility. The eagles will be released from a cliff while their owners stand below, signaling for them to land upon their arms, as they do while hunting. Those with the fastest times and best technique will be awarded the highest scores. Overnight in gers.
Days 5
Competition | Awards Ceremony
DAYS 6,7
Bayan Ulgii to Ulaanbaatar & Terelj National Park
DAYS 8
Fly to Gobi Desert | Yol Valley National Park
Days 9
Moltsog Els Sand Dunes / Camel Trek to Flaming Cliffs
DAYS 10
Havsgait Valley / Fly to Ulaanbaatar
DAYS 11
Departure
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