Golden Eagle Festival 2021 dates and types:

The festival takes place in the Western Part of Mongolia in 3 different places. The local Golden Eagle Festival 2021 in the mid, end of September. While the main touristy festival at the beginning of October in Mongolia.

To clarify:

1. 15-16 September 2021 – Local Golden Eagle Festival

2. End of September 2021

3. October 2021 – Main touristy Golden Eagle Festival

For this specific tour, you will be a part of the 15-16 September 2021. This Festival has up to 35-40 Kazakh Eagle Master participants and their magnificent Golden eagles and will be organized in Altai town in Western parts of Mongolia.

Why a Local festival?

Among these three Golden Eagle Festivals, this “Nomadic Games” local Golden Eagle festival is the youngest but most enjoyed locally in Altai town (5 000 inhabitants), Mongolia. It is organized in collaboration with the local Eagle Hunters community and Nomadic Trails Adventure Travel company for the 5th time now in 2021.

This is the perfect tour for travelers who enjoy more local, smaller festivals with fewer tourists.

This festival is smaller in size than the other two festivals. On top of all the main tournaments of the Main Festival, it will also have unique, more equine games such as Horse archery, female horse rider competitions. These special tournaments are only held during this local festival.

A local Golden Eagle festival for sure will allow you a much more up-close experience and local feeling by walking in the crowds of locals than tourists with big cameras. Be a part of this colorful festival full of traditional handmade costumes of Kazakh and Mongolian tribes in the snow-capped mountainous scenery.

For more information about the Golden Eagle Hunters and festival, check out our travel blogs:

Overview

Itinerary

Inclusions, Exclusions

FAQs

Tour Map

Overview

Trip Highlights

Enjoy the epic scenery of Western Mongolia
Enjoy an evening with a traditional folk concert, with talented throat singers, skilled dancers and enchanting contortionist.
Exprience the hospitality of a local nomad family
Be a part of a local Golden Eagle Festival of the Great eagle Masters
Witness unique games such as Horse archery and female horse riders competitions.

Itinerary

Day 1

Ulaanbaatar City

This day is our international arrival day. Depending on your arrival time we can visit the National history museum with priceless treasures of Mongolian history. We will also visit and explore around the main square of Ulaanbaatar city called Sukhbaatar square located a short walking distance away from our hotel.

📍 Overnight Khuvsgul Lake Hotel

Day 2

Ulgii town-Altai town

After breakfast, we transfer to the local airport and take a flight to Ulgii town (please bear in mind, flight time is only an estimate). Have lunch at a local Turkish restaurant. We visit the Ulgii town open market and the local museum. Dinner at the camp.

📍 Overnight ger camp.

Day 3

Altai town

After breakfast, we drive through the mountains and arrive at Altay town. We ride a horse to Golden Eagle Hunters and do some photo shooting with them. All-day with Golden Eagle Masters. We head to our gers in the evening. Dinner with Golden Eagle masters.

/If anyone would like to ride a car, it is doable. Horse riding is not mandatory./

📍 Overnight ger stay.

Day 4

Golden Eagle Festival - Day 1

After breakfast, we drive to Altay Golden Eagle a festival.
The competition begins with a parade by eagle hunters with their hunting outfits and accessories. The most elaborate and beautiful adornments receive the highest marks. It’s followed by thrilling competitions. The Golden Eagles are evaluated for their speed, agility, and accuracy. The festival provides a unique opportunity to be up-close and be part of the festivity and to photograph.
This festival is continued for 2 days. We organize lunch at the festival area and dinner in Ulgii town.

📍 Overnight ger stay.

Day 5

Golden Eagle Festival - Day 2

Today, another day with more equine games such as mounted horse archery, woman horse competitions, and of course Eagle competitions.
Afterward, there will be award-giving ceremonies. With the closing ceremony, the Golden Eagle Festival will be concluded.

📍 Overnight ger stay.

Day 6

Ulgii town

After an early morning photo shooting with the Eagle hunters, we drive to Ulgii town. Do take some nature photographs on our way back as the mountainous scenery that we pass through is simply stunning. After lunch in the town, we have an opportunity to visit the local market.

📍 Overnight ger camp.

Day 7

Ulgii town - Ulaanbaatar city

This morning we take a flight back to Ulaanbaatar. After transferring to the hotel we have a free evening with some souvenir shopping.

📍 Overnight Khuvsgul Lake Hotel

Day 8

International departure

This day we transfer you to your international departure.

Our most asked questions and answers

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What is the baggage allowance for the local flight?

The baggage allowance for the local flight is 15kgs in total:
10kg for check-in luggage and 5kg for hand luggage.

How much do I have to pay for excess luggage weight?

For extra luggage, you pay 3000-5000 Tugriks (local currency) per extra kilogram.

What electrical adapter plug is used in Mongolia?

In Mongolia, electrical plug types vary. Most are Type C and Type E with 2 round holes. For this specific trip, you will be able to charge your phones in the car while we drive from one location to another or at a ger camp. For ger stays, you might not have many opportunities on charging your electronics, so please make sure to bring extra sets of batteries for your camera as well as power banks in your hand luggage.

Do we need to bring our own sleeping bags?

For your own comfort and usage, please make sure to bring sleeping bags. However, as the local flight baggage limit is only 15kg, you can rent a sleeping bag from us. Please make sure to check with us beforehand.

Will there be an opportunity to take private photos of the Eagle Hunters and their Eagles?

For day 3 of the trip, you will have several opportunities to take photos of and with the Eagle Masters.
As we will be staying right near the festival site, many Eagle hunters can also visit us for dinner as well as take photos.

Can I try holding an eagle of the Eagle hunters?

Yes. On each Nomadic Trails trip, we offer our clients the best experience possible. Our guides and Eagle Masters would give you instructions on how to hold an eagle properly.

Can I buy local handcrafts in Ulgii town/Altai town/Festival site?

Western Mongolia has a wide range of handicrafts or souvenirs made by Mongolians and Kazakhs. There are local souvenir shops are available in Ulgii town.
Not so much available at this specific Altai festival, so it is better to buy them in Ulgii town.

How long will be the photoshoots on day 3 in Altai town?

It is one of the amazing experiences working with 3-5, maybe more Eagle Hunters for photo shootings. Usually, we work 2-3 hours at most. If we think we may need more work, always available.

Do I need to pay the Eagle Hunters after I take their photos? If so, how much is advised?

Photo shooting after of before the festival is available. Normally it costs by hour or daily. It will be from 15 USD by hour 40 USD per day per Eagle Hunter.