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Altai Mountains

Golden Eagle Festival

Two days of eagle hunters, their birds and Kazakh horse games in Ölgii each October.

Length
8 days
Level
Moderate
Runs
October
Price per person
On request

Overview

Every autumn, Kazakh eagle hunters from across Bayan-Ölgii ride into Ölgii for the Golden Eagle Festival. You’ll watch the competitions up close and, before the festival, stay with a hunting family to see how they prepare their birds and horses.

  • A parade of hunters in fox-fur coats and embroidered saddles
  • Eagles called down from the cliffs to their hunter’s arm
  • Kazakh horseback games, including kokpar and picking up coins from the saddle
  • A home stay with an eagle-hunting family

The route

Starts and ends in Ulaanbaatar. Includes return flights between Ulaanbaatar and Ölgii.

UlaanbaatarÖlgii

Day by day

A sample itinerary. We adjust it to your dates, the weather and what you’d most like to do.

  1. 1

    Day 1

    Ulaanbaatar

    Arrival and a welcome dinner.

    Overnight:HotelMeals:Dinner

  2. 2

    Day 2

    Fly to Ölgii

    Fly west across the country and drive to your host family in the Sagsai valley.

    Overnight:Family gerMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  3. 3

    Day 3

    With the hunters

    See how the family readies its eagle and horses for the festival.

    Overnight:Family gerMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  4. 4

    Day 4

    Festival, day one

    The opening parade, then the eagle-calling contests as birds swoop down to their owners.

    Overnight:GuesthouseMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  5. 5

    Day 5

    Festival, day two

    The finals and the horseback games: kokpar, coin pick-up and kyz kuu.

    Overnight:GuesthouseMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  6. 6

    Day 6

    A quiet day in the Altai

    Out into the mountains around Ölgii after the crowds.

    Overnight:Family gerMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  7. 7

    Day 7

    Fly to Ulaanbaatar

    Fly back east, with a farewell dinner in the city.

    Overnight:HotelMeals:Breakfast, dinner

  8. 8

    Day 8

    Departure

    Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

    Meals:Breakfast

On the way

Eagle hunters riding out with their birds
Altai Mountains
An eagle hunter in a fox-fur coat holding his golden eagle
Ölgii
Kazakh riders racing in a game of kokpar
Altai Mountains
An eagle swoops toward a hunter on horseback
Altai Mountains
A white horse grazing below gers and snowy peaks
Bayan-Ölgii

Included

  • English-speaking guide, plus a local Kazakh guide in the west
  • Driver and 4×4 vehicle
  • Return flights Ulaanbaatar – Ölgii
  • Festival entry tickets
  • Accommodation as listed
  • Meals as listed

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa, if your passport needs one
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Tips for your guide and driver

Good to know

  • ModerateModerate. Some long drive days, hikes of a few hours, camel or horse rides, and basic facilities on some nights.
  • The festival is usually held on the first weekend of October. We confirm the exact dates each year.
  • October in the Altai is cold, often below freezing at night.
  • Flights to Ölgii fill up around festival time, so book early.

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