Altai Mountains Horse Trekking & Golden Eagle Hunting Festival
€3,490 per person
About Tour
Twelve days in western Mongolia built around a horse trek through the Altai and an encounter with the Kazakh eagle-hunting tradition. You ride between high valleys and nomadic families, then meet eagle hunters and their birds at a local autumn gathering.
Eagle hunting has been practised by the Kazakh people of the Altai for thousands of years. Before the winter hunting season begins, hunters gather to celebrate the tradition - and you are there with them, away from the larger October crowds.
Shaman Bulgan Windhorse, who was born in the Gobi Altai, leads the journey and its ceremonies. Open to travellers aged 16 and over.
Highlights
- Horse trek through the high valleys of the Mongolian Altai
- Meet Kazakh eagle hunters and their golden eagles
- Attend a local eagle-hunting gathering in autumn
- Experience the culture of Western Mongolia's Kazakh community
- Explore the remote landscapes of Bayan-Ulgii and the Altai
Itinerary
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Airport welcome, hotel check-in, and an evening briefing with your guide.
Ulaanbaatar & opening ceremony
Museum visit and an opening ceremony with Shaman Bulgan.
Flight to Ulgii
Domestic flight west to Ulgii. Afternoon walk through the market and an evening with a Kazakh host family.
Into the Altai
Drive into the mountains and meet the horses. The horse trek begins along a glacial river valley.
Horse trek through the valleys
Two days riding between high pastures and nomadic families, with evening fire circles.
With the eagle hunters
Meet an eagle-hunting family and learn how the birds are caught, trained, and hunted.
Local eagle gathering
A local autumn gathering - eagle calling and hunting demonstrations, traditional dress, and horse games among a few hundred neighbours.
Petroglyphs & nomadic hospitality
Petroglyph viewing, a river picnic, and an afternoon with a herding family for tea and cheese-making.
Sacred mountain ceremony
Ascent to an ovoo on a sacred ridge for a mountain offering ceremony, followed by rest.
Return to Ulaanbaatar
Drive to Ulgii, hot showers, and a celebration dinner before the flight to the capital.
Departure
Closing circle and airport transfer.
Included
- All domestic transport in Mongolia (4WD vehicles and drivers)
- Accommodation in traditional gers, tented camps, and hotels in Ulaanbaatar
- All meals during the tour as described in the itinerary
- English-speaking guide and translator throughout
- Guidance and ceremonies led by Shaman Bulgan Windhorse
- National park, heritage site, and festival entrance fees
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Drinking water, tea, and snacks on travel days
Excluded
- International flights to and from Ulaanbaatar
- Mongolian visa fees, where applicable
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and alcoholic drinks
- Optional activities and extra nights in Ulaanbaatar
- Tips for guides, drivers, and local hosts
- Single supplement, if a private ger or room is requested
Additional information
- Comfortable with horses helpful but not required - riding instruction is given on Day 4.
- Group size maximum 8 travellers.
- September in the Altai is cold - warm layers, hat, and gloves are essential.
- Minimum age 16.
- Festival programme follows the local community's schedule; the itinerary adapts accordingly.
Tour pictures
Got a question?
Talk to us directly about dates, flights, or anything else on your mind - or read our frequently asked questions.