The Kazakh people in Mongolia have been training these majestic golden eagles for hunting foxes, rabbits, marmots, and, if you believe the stories, even wolves. Experiencing the Golden Eagle Festival is a once in a lifetime experience that will have you in awe watching these massive birds show off their skills. This ancient tradition, which takes place in the far west Province of Bayan Ulgii, is celebrated in October where the hunters will participate in games with their eagles to determine which one is the best trained. You will have the awesome experience of meeting these Eagle hunters and participating in the 2-day festival.
We will start our expedition by taking an early flight out to western Mongolia, and meet with a local Kazakh family that hunts with Golden Eagles. We will have our own private gers (yurts) set up right next to their home. In the next two days we will spend time with the family and learn their ways of life while participating in their Eagle training. We will accompany the family to the eagle festival where we will stay in local ger camp while we participate in the festivities over the next 2 days. Once the festival is over, we will fly back to the capital and visit Khustai national park, to see the wild Przewalski horses (takhi in Mongolian). These stocky wild horses are said to be the ancestors of all modern horses and roam free in the national park.
*Early October doesn’t work for you? Ask us about the smaller September Golden Eagle festival*
**This expedition goes well with extensions to the Gobi Desert or Terelj National Park**
Tour Highlights:
- Stay with a nomadic eagle hunter family and learn from them
- Attend the Golden Eagle Festival and see the competition
- See the wild Przewalski horses (Takhi)
- Private 4x4 vehicle with a driver and guide.
- Experience the Mongolian Gers (yurts) in comfortable lodges and with a homestay.
Big Mongolia Travel Tours are All-inclusive and completely customizable.