The Golden Eagle Festival

The contrast between ancient traditions and a 21st century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar, where traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries sit side by side with modern high-rises. Upon arrival at the airport you are welcomed by your Mongolian guide and transferred to a centrally located hotel within walking distance of various museums and shops.

(Shangri-La Hotel - Deluxe Room)

Begin the day with a walk to Sukhbaatar Square named in honor of the revolutionary leader who commanded the Mongolian army to fight for the nation’s independence from Manchuria with the help of the Russian army in the 1920s.

Next, walk to the National Museum for an excellent overview of Mongolia’s history and culture. The newly remodeled museum displays traditional implements of daily nomadic life including Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, historical costumes of Mongolia’s minority tribes, sacred religious relics, and agricultural, fishing, and hunting equipment.

In the afternoon visit Chinggis Khan Museum, Mongolia’s newest and largest museum. The nine-story museum showcases over 10,000 cultural exhibits revealing 2000 years of history linked to Mongolia’s Great Khans, nobles, nomads, and their statehood from the Xiongnu Empire to the end of the 20th century.

In the evening, enjoy welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

(Shangri-La Hotel - Deluxe Room; B, L, D)

Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Ulgii (3.5 hours), capital of Bayan-Ulgii, Mongolia’s westernmost province. Ninety percent of the population here is Kazakh, Mongolia’s largest ethnic minority. The isolation of the Altai Mountains has preserved the language and traditions of the Kazakhs, who live amongst some of the most spectacular scenery in Mongolia.

On arrival, drive to crystal-clear Tolbo Lake (1 hour), which mirrors the dramatic Khunguin Mountains. This saline lake attracts numerous birds such as swans and gulls, and is home to over eight different types of fish. Spend the afternoon, trekking along the eastern shore of the lake, visiting Kazakh families along the way.

Next, drive to your temporary ger camp (1.5 hours). Enjoy dinner at the camp and overnight in gers.

(Temporary Ger Camp - Standard Ger; B, L, D)

The official opening ceremony commences with the participants parading in on horseback with their eagles. The competition begins with each Kazakh displaying his hunting outfit and accessories, the most elaborate and beautiful of which receive the highest points. In the afternoon, the judges will evaluate the golden eagles’ speed and agility. The eagles will be released from a cliff with their owners standing below, signaling for the eagles to land upon their arms as they do while hunting. Those with the fastest times and best technique will be awarded the highest scores.

During dinner, enjoy a special performance of traditional Kazakh dance, song, and music organized in honor of the competitors. Overnight in gers.

(Golden Eagle Festival Ger Camp - Standard Ger; B, L, D)

In today’s competition, the golden eagles are released from a cliff to attack fox skins dragged by their owners on horseback. The eagles will be judged on speed, gripping technique, and success in grabbing the fox. As the points for the competitions are tallied, the Kazakhs will compete in kukbar, a traditional game testing horse-riding skills, strength, and agility.

In the late afternoon, the winners of the festival will be announced at the awards ceremony. In the evening, enjoy a celebration dinner.

(Golden Eagle Festival Ger Camp - Standard Ger; B, L, D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight to Ulaanbaatar (2.5 hours).

On arrival in the afternoon, visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Woven through Mongolia’s nomadic culture is a rich Tibetan Buddhist tradition in which ancient shamanist practices are still evident. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece for government officials. However, in spite of the government’s efforts to suppress Buddhism and other religious beliefs, Mongolia’s spirituality persisted and a significant resurgence of Buddhism began in 1990 when Mongolia became a democracy. Monasteries across the country are again opening their doors to worshippers and the few lamas who survived the purges are training a new generation. Extensive reconstruction and renovation projects have been completed and priceless artifacts that were hidden for safekeeping by nomadic families are now being returned to monasteries.

Experience these exciting developments first-hand at Gandan Monastery. Strolling through the monastery grounds, hear the low tones of the horns used to call the lamas to the temple and observe their daily rituals, including the reading of sutras, the teachings of the Buddha. Also visit the recently renovated Chenrezi and Kalachakra Temples, as well as the magnificent statue of Migjid Janraisig, “the lord who looks in every direction.” This 82-foot high statue, gilded in pure gold and clothed in silk and precious stones, completely fills the largest of Gandan’s temples.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure or head out for some last minute shopping for Mongolian cashmere products or locally created arts and crafts.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

(Shangri-La Hotel - Deluxe Room; B, L, D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure.

(B)