Golden Gobi & Golden Eagle Hunting Festival
€3,490 per person
About Tour
An eight-day journey that pairs the iconic landscapes of the Golden Gobi with both days of the Golden Eagle Festival in Ulgii. You travel the South Gobi by car - the singing dunes, the Vulture Valley, and the flaming cliffs - then fly west to join the festival.
Each autumn, before the winter hunting season begins, eagle hunters from across Bayan-Ulgii gather in Ulgii to celebrate the tradition. Over two festival days you see the opening parade, eagle calling and hunting competitions, traditional dress judging, and horse games.
A short, intense, culturally rich journey guided throughout by Shaman Bulgan Windhorse. Open to travellers aged 16 and over.
Highlights
- Travel the Golden Gobi by car - dunes, gorges, and flaming cliffs
- Attend both days of the Golden Eagle Festival in Ulgii
- Witness traditional Kazakh eagle hunting and competitions
- Experience the culture of Western Mongolia's Kazakh community
- Meet eagle hunters and their birds in traditional settings
Itinerary
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Airport welcome, hotel check-in, and an evening briefing.
Flight to the South Gobi
Domestic flight to Dalanzadgad and drive by car to the desert camp. Sunset at the dunes.
Khongoryn Els dunes
The singing dunes - walking the sand, a desert ovoo offering, and an evening fire.
Yolyn Am & Bayanzag
Through the Vulture Valley gorge and the red flaming cliffs, then a flight to Ulgii.
Festival day one
The opening parade, eagle calling and hunting competitions, traditional dress judging, and horse games.
Festival day two
Final rounds of the competitions, camel racing, and afternoon visits with individual hunters and their eagles.
Altai foothills & return
A morning in the Altai foothills and a closing ceremony at sunset, then an evening flight to Ulaanbaatar.
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
- Domestic flights Ulaanbaatar - South Gobi - Ulgii - Ulaanbaatar are included; schedules are set by the airline and may shift.
- Group size maximum 8 travellers.
- Late September / early October in the Altai is cold - warm layers, hat, and gloves are essential.
- Minimum age 16.
- Festival dates are confirmed annually by local authorities; the itinerary follows the official programme.
Tour pictures
Got a question?
Talk to us directly about dates, flights, or anything else on your mind - or read our frequently asked questions.