Golden Eagle Festival 2024 - 3 Week Tour
About this tour
Are you looking for a unique tour that includes viewing all the sights of Mongolia. We invite you to join a 21 day tour all over Mongolia. This 21 days adventure tour will give you the opportunity to visit all the beautiful places in Mongolia and the main attractions like Gobi dessert, Lake Khovsgol and Altai Tavan Bogd National Park and visiting the Tsaatan reindeer herders in the north and experience other interesting activities such as horse riding, camel riding, reindeer riding, preparing the eagles for the festival and getting to know different cultures, traditions and a true nomadic way of life, and the highlight will be the popular Golden Eagle Hunter Festival. This tour includes overnight stays in tents and tourist camps, hotels, and various traditional houses of local residents. The tour does not include any difficult physical activity. The journey requires a long drive through changing landscapes and steppes with picturesque views. Let’s experience this crazy adventure tour with us!!!
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to White stupa, Ulziit, Mongolia
Day 1. Starting our tour from Ulaanbaatar, we will go to the Gobi desert. Driving about 455 km on an asphalt road, we will stop at a place called White Stupa (Tsagaan Suvarga) The multi-colored cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga are 60 meters long and 400 meters high. Millions of years ago, this rock was under water. After the sea, dried up due to wind and other natural forces, they eventually changed their shape and color. Different colored layers indicate different time periods if you look at it far from the fact that it looks more like an ancient ruined city. Closer to sunset photo shots. Overnight in tents. L.D.
Day 2: White stupa, Ulziit, Mongolia to Yolyn Am Valley, Bayandalai, Mongolia
Day 2. Today we visit the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, the Yolyn Am valley.(210 km). Yolyn-Am is a deep and narrow gorge in the Gurvan-Saykhan-Uul mountains of the Umnugobi aimag, in the south of Mongolia. The valley is named after the lammergeier; this is also why the pad is sometimes called the Valley of the Vultures or the Valley of the Eagles. Yolyn Am is also famous for the abundance of living creatures and "snow in the desert". In these places, due to the proximity to the Gobi Desert, there is very little rainfall. However, in the depths of the Yolyn Am tract, one can find ice and snow cover. The thickness of such an ice field reaches several meters, and even several kilometers by the end of winter. And the ice in summer remains until the end of June due to the shade from the high rocks. The Vulture nests and lives on the top of the cliff and is visible to visitors walking along the valley. The area is also a habitat for ibex and you can see them on the cliff tops. At the entrance to the valley, the Natural History Museum is open to everyone, showing the park's wild games, dinosaur fossils, and various types of vultures. The canyon can be reached by car. We park in a permitted area, go through a beautiful valley into the depths of a steep stone canyon, which almost does not receive the sun's rays, so it is always very cool in it. The hike lasts 2.5 to 3 hours on both sides. Overnight at the ger camp. B.L.D.
Day 3: Yolyn Am Valley, Bayandalai, Mongolia to Hongorïn Els, Mongolia
Day 3. Today we are go to the Khongor Sand Dunes. (130km) Khongoryn Els also called Duut Mankhan, commonly known as "The Singing Sands". It is located in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park in Mongolia. The sand dunes extend over an area of over 965 square kilometers. Khongor is the second largest sand dune in the country, which stretches along the northern part of the Sevrey and Zolun mountain ranges. Its width ranges from 5 to 10 km, its length is about 100 km, the ridges rise 80-300 m above the surrounding landscape. The booming sound made by masses of moving sand can be heard from afar, especially in the early morning hours before sunrise. Tourists, hearing the sound, think that it is the sound of a flying plane. Hence the locals called it Singing Sands. There is an oasis near the Khongor River on the northern edge of the dunes. When we travel to the Gobi Desert we meet a lot of camels, as this place is a habitat for camels. Therefore, we will have the chance to visit the camel herders family and get to know their daily life. We drive a short distance to the dunes and can climb to the top of the highest dune (about 300m) (it takes from 40 minutes to 1 hour). And closer to sunset, you can optionally ride a camel, or take a walk to the dunes and take amazing photos. Overnight at the ger camp. B.L.D.
Day 4: Hongorïn Els, Mongolia to Flaming Cliffs, Mongolia
Day 4. Today we will go to Bayanzag. About 150 km. Bayanzag, lit. "Rich in saxaul", or Ulaan Ereg - red rocks) - an area of the mountain range of the Gobi desert, in the Umnugovi aimag, Mongolia. Important fossil finds have been discovered here. This area is best known for finding dinosaur eggs. In English literature, the name Flaming Cliffs is common, derived from the bright orange rock of the rocks, and assigned by the American paleontologist Roy Andrews, who visited here in the 1920s during the expedition of the American Museum of Natural History. The Mongolian name refers to the saxaul that grows abundantly in these places. Sandy rocks, especially at sunset, are bright red or orange. Bayanzag, a saxaul forest and an area of red rocks "Bayanzag", which were formed from the erosion of sand and rock over many thousands of years. We will explore the area and takes stunning photos just before sunset. Overnight at a tourist camp with hot shower. B.L.D.
Day 5: Flaming Cliffs, Mongolia to Ongi Monastery, Saikhan-Ovoo, Mongolia
Day 5. Today we are go to the Ongiin Khiid monastery.(180 km). Ongiin Khiid - is a Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, in the Saykhan-Ovoo village of the Dundgov aimag. It is currently in ruins. The only functioning temple of the monastery was restored in 2004. The monastery is located on the slope of Mount Saykhan-Ovoo on the banks of the Ongiin-Gol River. It was built in the period from 1760 to 1810 under the leadership of the hutukhta Ishlhundev and his student Bragri Lama Damtsagdorj. During this period, over a thousand lamas lived in the monastery, there were 28 temples in it. the monastery was completely destroyed in 1939. About 200 monks who remained with him were killed, and the rest were arrested, forcibly removed from monastic dignity and drafted into the army. Get to know this historic monastery, visit the temple and the small historical museum. Overnight in tents. B.L.D
Day 6: Ongi Monastery, Saikhan-Ovoo, Mongolia to Kharkhorin, Mongolia
Day 6. Today we will go to the city Kharhorin.(280 km) Kharkhorin is located at the lower end of the upper valley of the Orkhon River which is included within UNESCO's World Heritage Site Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. The location marks the easternmost foothills of the Khangai Mountains, where they meet the rolling steppe of central Mongolia. Nearby are the ruins of the ancient town of Karakorum which, for a short time, served as the capital of the Mongol Empire under Ogedei Khan. Another Kharkhorin landmark is Erdene Zuu monastery and its famous phallic rock. The important Paleolithic archaeological site of Moiltyn-am is located near the bridge over the Orkhon River, just west of the settlement. A modern resort is south of Kharkhorin at Khujirt on the Orkhon River. We will visit Erdene Zuu monastery. Overnight in the Guesthouse.( with hot shower) B.L.D.
Day 7: Kharkhorin, Mongolia to Terhiyn Tsagaan Nuur, Mongolia
Day 7. Today, after breakfast, we will go to the Khorogo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, drive about 295 km by an asphalt road, on the way we will stop through the center of the city of Tsetserleg, Arkhangai aimag. By lunchtime, we will stop at a place called Taykhar Chuluu, one of the attractions of the Arkhangai aimag. On the territory of the park, there is the Terhiin Tsagaan Nuur lake and the extinct Khorgo volcano (130 m above the surrounding terrain) and volcanic lava fields in which there are crevices and caves. The width of the main crater of the Khorgo volcano is about 330 m, the depth is about 70 m. We climb to the top of the crater and see the features of this place. Visit a local family. Overnight at the ger camp.( with hot shower)B.L.D.
Day 8: Terhiyn Tsagaan Nuur, Mongolia to Murun, Mongolia
Day 8. Today we will go to the city Murun, the capital of Khovsgol province. After a long drive (about 300 km) we will stay at a hotel with free Wi-Fi and hot showers. B.L.D.
Day 9: Murun, Mongolia to Ulaan-Uul - Renchinlkhumbe Road, Rinchinlhümbe, Mongolia
Day 9. Today, after breakfast, we shop, buy the necessary foods and continue our adventure. (280 km). We will go to the place where our horseman lives, who will bring us on horseback to the reindeer herders. Overnight in the ger camp. B.L.D.
Day 10: Ulaan-Uul - Renchinlkhumbe Road, Rinchinlhümbe, Mongolia
Day 10. Today, after breakfast, we will pack our things on horses and go to the reindeer herders on horseback. A horse ride through a beautiful mountain pine forest lasts about 4-5 hours, 20 km. We will get acquainted with the life and traditions of the Tsaatans. Tsaatan is a small Tuvan Turkic community of reindeer herders living in the northern region of Khovsgul Aimag. The name Tsaatan, which in Mongolian means “those who have deer”, were originally Tuvan reindeer herders. According to official information from the government of Mongolia, as of September 2013, there are 343 Tsaatans (93 families) and 1430 deer. The custom and traditions of the Tsaatans differ from all the traditions of the peoples inhabiting Mongolia. The lifestyle of the Tsaatan nomads is entirely dependent on the reindeer. Reindeer - for them, and a means of transportation through the rugged mountain taiga, a friend and helper in everything, in addition, reindeer milk is one of the main food products of Tsaatans. They still continue to lead a nomadic lifestyle and live in the taiga in traditional dwellings - urts. Overnight in the urts. B.L.D
Day 11: Ulaan-Uul - Renchinlkhumbe Road, Rinchinlhümbe, Mongolia
Day 11. Today we will spend the whole day with the reindeer herders. We will get to know and experience the daily life of reindeer herders. We can ride the reindeer. Overnight in urts. B.L.D
Day 12: Ulaan-Uul - Renchinlkhumbe Road, Rinchinlhümbe, Mongolia
Day 12. Today we will go back to our horsemans home. Horse riding day. Overnight in thee ger camp. B.L.D
Day 13: Ulaan-Uul - Renchinlkhumbe Road, Rinchinlhümbe, Mongolia to Murun, Mongolia
Day 13. After breakfast we drive back to Murun city. Taking hot shower and relaxing. Overnight at the hotel. Free Wi- Fi and hot shower. B.L.D.
Day 14: Murun, Mongolia to Songina, Mongolia
Day 14. Today we will have a long trip to Western Mongolia. (400 km). After a long drive, we will stop for the night on village Songino, Zavhan province. Overnight in the ger camp. B.L.D.
Day 15: Songino, Mongolia to Ulgii, Mongolia
Day 15. Today we will continue our trip to Western Mongolia. (440 km). On the way we will see a lot of beautiful lakes. After a long adventure trip we will arrive in the city Ulgii, Bayan- Ulgii province, where live Kazakhs. Overnight at the hotel. Free Wi- Fi and hot shower. B.L.D.
Day 16: Ulgii, Mongolia to Алтай таван богд цагаан голын пост, Mongolia
Day 16. Today, after breakfast, we will go to Altai Tavan Bogd national park. (about 200 km). We drive by car to a high place, near Mount Shivet Khairkhan and see a beautiful view of the snow covered peaks of Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain from afar. Shivet Khairkhan is a sacred mountain of the Tuvan people. Mountain is famous for its rich wildlife, specifically Siberian ibex. Explore the area, see the Petroglyphs. We will visit the Tuvan family and get acquainted with their daily life and traditions. Overnight in the Tuvan family. B.L.D.
Day 17: Алтай таван богд цагаан голын пост, Mongolia to Khoton Lake, Mongolia
Day 17. Today we will go to big lakes Khoton and Khurgan, another site of the Altai Tavan Bogd national park, Sirgali valley. On the way, you can see stone mans of the Turkic age and large burial grounds, Khirgisuurs and modern graves of the Kazakh people of various types. Sirgali valley is a summer pastures of Kazakh nomads. Not far from the shore of the lake, 20 km, there is a beautiful waterfall, and behind the beautiful snowy mountains is the border of China. We go to the parking place by car, and then walk to the waterfall. Overnight in the Kazakh ger. B.L.D.
Day 18: Khoton Lake, Mongolia to Uujim, Mongolia
Day 18. Today we will go to Sagsay village. Sagsay is the birthplace of famous eagle hunters We will visit the hunter's family. We will get acquainted with the life and traditions of the Kazakh people, especially with the unique art of hunting with golden eagles and eat the traditional kazakh food “Besbarmak”, “Khazy or smoked horse meat" Overnight in the hunters family. B.L.D.
Day 19: Uujim, Mongolia
Day 19. At the beginning of October every year, there will be a festival among hunters. Our hunter will participate in this festival. Today we will see how the hunter trains his golden eagle and we will be participating in a real hunt. After breakfast, we and the hunter on horseback go to the hunting site. The eagle hunters will ride up to high peak overlooking a wild valley. Out in the Altai Mountains, you really can see for many ,many miles from these peaks. All day you will see how the process of hunting with golden eagles takes place. Horse riding. Overnight in the hunters family. B.L.D.
Day 20: Uujim, Mongolia to Ulgii, Mongolia
Day 20. Today after early breakfast we will go to Ulgii to see Golden Eagle festival. Overnight at the hotel. B.L.D.
Day 21: Ulgii, Mongolia to Buga, Mongolia
Day 21. 2nd day of the Golden Eagle festival. After the festival there is a concert with Kazakh traditional musical instruments. The final dinner of our adventure tour. Overnight at the hotel. B.L.D.
What's included
• Camping and kitchen equipments (tents, sleeping bags, matts, folding beds, toilet and shower tent); • Overnights at the ger camp for 5 nights; • Overnights with local families for 6 nights; • Overnights at the tourist camp for 3 nights; • Overnights at the hotel for 5 nights • Eagle Hunters; • Horse riding; • Reindeer riding; • Festival fee; • Border and national park permits; • Toilet paper and antibacterial hand cleanser, masks;
• International and domestic flights; • Visa, extra hotel charges; • Excess baggage costs; • Alcohol drinks; • Personal needs.
What to know
What to bring: • Waterproof hiking boots; • Waterproof clothes; • Warm clothes (fleece, long pants, woolen hat, gloves) • Walking clothes; • Personal medication; • Solar powered light; • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat; • Bug spray; • Zip lock bags;
Route & locations
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to White stupa, Ulziit, Mongolia