Golden Eagle Festival

Join us for the 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. This festival celebrating the Kazakhs’ honored golden eagle is also a celebration of Kazakh traditional heritage and is organized by the local Kazakh community and the Berkut Association.

Historically, nomadic Kazakhs depended on golden eagles for hunting. Jalsa Urubshurow, Founder and CEO of Nomadic Expeditions, founded the Berkut Association and the Golden Eagle Festival as a means of promoting conservation of the golden eagle and preservation of the Kazakhs’ traditional culture. All proceeds from the festival’s ticket sales go to the Berkut Association, a community-based association comprised of local Kazakhs. The Association utilizes these funds to further the goals of the organization and to support the annual Golden Eagle Festival.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1-2 | Ulaanbaatar

Begin touring Mongolia by exploring Ulaanbaatar at the Zaisan Memorial, located on a hill overlooking the city. Visit the Gandan Monastery, the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, and National History Museum the following day.

Day 3 | Bayan-Ulgii & Tolbo Lake

Fly to Bayan-Ulgii in western Mongolia and visit crystal-clear Tolbo Lake. Spend the day trekking along the eastern shore of the lake, visiting Kazakh families along the way. Overnight in gers.

Days 4-5 | Golden Eagle Festival

Enjoy the festivities and competition of the Golden Eagle Festival. After dinner, attend a special performance of traditional Kazakh dance, song, and music organized in honor of the competitors. Overnight in gers.

Day 6 | Return to Ulaanbaatar

Fly to Ulaanbaatar and visit the Bogd Gegen Palace, home of Mongolia’s last theocrat. Overnight in hotel.

Day 7 | Departure