Golden Eagle Festival Mongolia Photo Tour 2025
This Mongolian Photographic Expedition to the Golden Eagle Festival is dedicated to photographers, who need more private sessions for capturing unique images of Golden Eagles, Eagle hunters, and their real life. The Eagle Festival is held during the first weekend in October. Before the festival, we will capture snow-capped Altai Mountains of Mongolia, magnificent lake Tolbo and ethnic diversity.
Highlights
- Take portraits of Kazakh Eagle Hunters
- Golden Eagle Festival and hunter eagles, traditions, culture, and competitions
- Experience of staying in the traditional dwelling of Kazakh family
Tour Itinerary
Day 1.
(01 Oct) Transfer to the hotel. Unpack and rest in the hotel. Short city tour with Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, which represents Mongolian Culture starting from the Stone Age to the 21st century and Buddhism, and Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chingis Khaan Square). In Gandan you can take local prayers, monks, the biggest standing indoor Buddha statue, and the temple's own figure. Prepare for the trip. (B/L/D)
Day 2.
(02 Oct) Take a flight to Khovd. Meet your driver at the local airport. Taking short sightseeing in the town is optional. Have dinner and stay in a local hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 3.
(03 Oct) Drive to Tolbo lake and visit the eagle hunter family to experience and capture their lifestyle. Then having a photography session at Tolbo lake. In the late afternoon drive to Ulgii town and have dinner. Stay overnight in a local hotel or tourist ger camp. (B/L/D)
Day 4.
(04 Oct) Drive 35 km on earth road to the Sagsai where most eagle hunters live. Visit the host family near the mountains and have photographic sessions. Return to Ulgii. Stay overnight in a local hotel or tourist ger camp. (B/L/D)
Days 5-6.
(05-06 Oct) The Golden Eagle Festival starts with its parades and competitions for costuming and hunting techniques. Each year the number of eagle hunters participating in the festival is increasing which makes the festival more colorful and spectacular. Eagles chase fox skins dragged by their owners on horseback. Points are given for their speed and gripping ability. In 2 days you will capture plenty of portraits and competition photos, names Kokbar, Kizkhuar, etc. Festival winners are announced at the closing ceremony. (B/L/D)
Day 7.
(07 Oct) Take a flight back to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel. Option to go shopping for souvenirs and cashmere products. Farewell dinner together. (B/L/D)
Day 8.
(08 Oct) Transfer to the airport for the departure. (B)
Prices & Inclusions
Group size | Price/Per person |
2 PAX | 2940$ |
3-5 pax | 2750$ |
6-8 PAX | 2540$ |
Includes
Accommodation: Hotel****, local hotel or ger camp
Photography guiding and interpreting service
Private photographic sessions
Full board meals
Transport: 4x4 vehicle
Domestic round-trip flights
Festival tax
Museums and cultural performance
Not Includes
International airfare
Personal equipment
Optional activity cost
Excess baggage charges
Single room supplement
Alcoholic drinks
Travel Insurance
Tip for a tour guide, driver, eagle hunter etc