Naadam Festival & Eagle Trainers Journey
About this tour
This combination of the Naadam festival and the Eagle Hunters adventure tour allows you to explore the most beautiful landscapes of western Mongolia, learn the authentic nomadic culture of the Mongols, and have a chance to see one of the world’s most beautiful festivals. Get participate in the nomadic Naadam Festival, spend your time with nomadic eagle trainers in the western regions of Mongolia, home to the real wilderness; nomadic Kazakh herders training their eagles for hunting, elusive snow leopards hovering through the majestic snow-capped mountains, a young nomadic man singing and galloping through the shores of crystal blue lakes under the eternal blue sky of nomadic Mongolia.
In this small-group tour, we smoothly begin with exploring the nomadic modern-day capital - Ulaanbaatar city, then fly off to the Ulgiy town, a place where you will experience Kazakh culture – wild camping and homestays alongside eagle hunters; trekking on foot and on horseback through Tavanbogd National Park – including a non-technical climb/hike of Mt. Malchin, Potanii Glacier, Shiveet Khairkhan petroglyphs and Lake Khoton. Amongst the traditional tribal lands of the Kazakhs, we will discover a cherishing tradition of eagle trainers and a wealth of natural and cultural treasures that can trace their origins back millennia.
A journey to inspire and captivate, each day offers up a glimpse of a legacy and a landscape that is as timeless as it is transient. Book now this Mongolian Naadam Festival & Eagle Trainers Adventure small group tour to western Mongolia.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar city, our driver and English-speaking guide will pick you up from the airport and be transferred to your hotel in downtown. After you settled in, we will start a sightseeing tour including a visit to Sukhbaatar’s square. The Square is in the centre of Ulaanbaatar, in front of the Mongolian Parliament House. Across from the central square, we will visit the National Museum of Mongolia, the biggest museum with over 54000 exhibitions from the prehistoric period till the 21st century. Our next stop will be Zaisan Hill Memorial. This hill provides a panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar. In the afternoon, will enjoy the Deeltei Mongol Naadam, the traditional costume parade. You will see all different types of ethnic clothes and see every local in their traditional costumes.
Day 2: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Ulgii, Mongolia
After breakfast at the hotel, our team will pick you up from your hotel, and afford you to the airport for a domestic flight to Ulgii, a provincial town of Western Mongolia. After your arrival in Ulgii, our local driver will pick you up from Ulgii airport with his guaranteed 4WD vehicle and drive to the nomadic Kazakh family in Sagsai soum of Bayan-Ulgii province. Once we reach the home of the nomadic Kazakh family, you have an opportunity to learn about their lifestyle including how they train their Golden eagles for hunting, how they take care of their herds in the vast pasture land, and also you will get a chance to try what nomadic people do in their daily life. Overnight in a ger with a nomadic Kazakh family.
Day 3: Ulgii, Mongolia to Shiveet khairkhan uul, Altay Prefecture, Mongolia
We’ll wake up at the same time with the eagle trainers’ nomadic family, and be involved in their daily morning routes including milking their cows and producing dairy products. After having breakfast with the eagle trainer’s family, we will pack up and drive to a snow-capped sacred mountain Shiveet Khairkhan. The mountain has an altitude of 3000m and is surrounded by archaeological monuments extending in time from the Bronze Age through the Turkic Period (sixth to ninth centuries CE). The mountain is the closest place to Altai Tavan Bogd peaks reachable by car. Once we arrive in the foot of Shiveet Khairkhan mountain, we will set up our tent, and you have time to explore the mountain until dinner. In the evening, we will prepare our luggage for the next 2 days of trekking to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Overnight in a tent.
Day 4: Shiveet khairkhan uul, Altay Prefecture, Mongolia to Altai Mountains, Mongolia
After having breakfast at the foot of the sumptuous snow-capped mountain, we will load our luggage on horseback, leave our vehicle and trek toward Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. After approximately 3 to 4 hours of horseback riding, we will reach the base camp of Tavan Bogd peaks. The name Tavan Bogd Mountains means the ‘5 Saints” makes sense when you stand by the five tallest peaks in the park. Starting with Kuiten Uul at 14,350 ft (4374 m), Nairamdal at 13,714 feet (4,180 meters), Malchin at 13,287 feet (4,050 meters), Bürged at 13,346 feet (4,068 meters) and Ölgii at 13,287 feet ( 4,050 meters) constitute the other giant mountains. Once we arrive at the base camp of the National Park, we will set up our tent camp just off the glacier’s edge, then have lunch and saunter around the largest glacier in Mongolia named “Potanin glacier” between the Tavan Bogd peaks. Overnight in a tent.
Day 5: Altai Mountains, Mongolia to Potanin Glacier, Mongolia
After having a peaceful breakfast next to the glacier’s edge, you have a full day to explore the Tavan Bogd National Park. The national park is, however, more than the high peaks and circa 34 glaciers. Indeed, the park includes the beautiful flat area of the Lakes region. Composed of three freshwater lakes, Khurgan Nuur and Khoton Nuur, are linked by a small river, and the smaller Dayan Nuur is south of the two lakes. After the exploration through the national park, you will enjoy the alpine-like scene next to your tent. Overnight in a tent.
Day 6: Altai Mountains, Mongolia to Khoton Lake, Mongolia
On these three days, we will trek around Tsagaan Gol River, Khoton & Khurgan Lakes and its surrounding area. The Tsagaan Gol river is sourced by the biggest glaciers in the Altai mountains including Alexandra, Grene, and Potanin glaciers. When the glaciers melt, the river becomes white coloured as well as milk, the suspended powder of rock eroded by the high glaciers. The system of these lakes, connected by a wide channel, is the source of the Hovd River which drains the whole Mongolian Altai. Khoton Lake is located in an intermountain tectonic depression in the northern portion of the Mongolian Altai. Overnight in a tent.
Day 7: Khoton Lake, Mongolia to Khurgan Lake, Mongolia
On these three days, we will trek around Tsagaan Gol River, Khoton & Khurgan Lakes and its surrounding area. The Tsagaan Gol river is sourced by the biggest glaciers in the Altai mountains including Alexandra, Grene, and Potanin glaciers. When the glaciers melt, the river becomes white coloured as well as milk, the suspended powder of rock eroded by the high glaciers. The system of these lakes, connected by a wide channel, is the source of the Hovd River which drains the whole Mongolian Altai. Khoton Lake is located in an intermountain tectonic depression in the northern portion of the Mongolian Altai. Overnight in a tent.
Day 8: Khurgan Lake, Mongolia to Tsagaan Salaa, Mongolia
On these three days, we will trek around Tsagaan Gol River, Khoton & Khurgan Lakes and its surrounding area. The Tsagaan Gol river is sourced by the biggest glaciers in the Altai mountains including Alexandra, Grene, and Potanin glaciers. When the glaciers melt, the river becomes white coloured as well as milk, the suspended powder of rock eroded by the high glaciers. The system of these lakes, connected by a wide channel, is the source of the Hovd River which drains the whole Mongolian Altai. Khoton Lake is located in an intermountain tectonic depression in the northern portion of the Mongolian Altai. Overnight in a tent.
Day 9: Tsagaan Salaa, Mongolia to Uujim, Mongolia
After having a peaceful breakfast next to the beautiful lakes, we will pack up and head to the eagle trainers' family and our vehicle. After 4 to 5 hours of horse hacking, we will meet our vehicle and a nomadic family, and our camp will be pitched next to the nomadic family’s ger. Overnight in a tent.
Day 10: Uujim, Mongolia to Ulgii, Mongolia
It’s time to say goodbye to our nomadic Kazakh friends. Today we will drive back to Ulgii town. After approximately 5 hours of backseat driving, we will reach Ulgii town. Once we arrive there, you have time to relax in the hotel until dinner and refill your energy. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 11: Ulgii, Mongolia
Today is the first day of the Naadam Festival in Bayan-Ulgii province. In the morning, we will go to Ulgiy town's stadium to see the Naadam Festival. Naadam events draw a large number of Mongolian families creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere. You’ll mix with the locals from the small town centre as well as with traditional Mongolian herders from outside the area. Don’t expect anything to operate on time and be prepared for plenty of waiting around as well – although there are always plenty of side stalls to explore and enjoy. The most important thing to remember is to experience Naadam from a Mongolian perspective.
Day 12: Ulgii, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Today we will have breakfast at the hotel, and catch a domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar city. We will arrive in the capital city in the afternoon, and you have time for visiting the world’s number one cashmere store and Mongolian souvenir shops or relax in your hotel until dinner. In the evening, our farewell dinner will take place in a restaurant. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 13: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Chinggis Khaan International Airport, Sergelen, Mongolia
Today is the end of the Naadam Festival & Eagle Hunters adventure tour. Our team will transfer you to the airport in time for your international flight. Have a nice trip back home and thank you for choosing Way To Nomads.
What's included
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia