Train with an Eagle Hunter, Attend an Eagle Festival & Immerse in Nomadic Traditions
During this 10-day Eagle Hunter tour, live with one of the most famous Eagle Hunters in all of Mongolia. Under his guidance you’ll help him train and prepare his prized Golden Eagle for the Altantugts Eagle Festival, one of the smaller, more local, and fiercest competitions for Eagle Hunters in Mongolia. Dates for this small group tour are September 21 – 30, 2025. Book now – spots are limited!
Highlights of this Eagle Hunter tour and nomadic living experience include:
- Living with one of the most famous Eagle Hunters in Mongolia – he’s a 3x recognized Champion!
- Help train and prepare alongside the hunter for the Altantugts Eagle Festival.
- Accompany the Eagle Hunter on a hunt and see what these incredible Golden Eagles can do.
- Live in a traditional and comfortable nomadic ger (with beds!) and enjoy the quietness of the steppe.
- Meet talented artisans who create intricate textiles, embroidery, and felt crafts, keeping their ancestors’ traditions alive. Make your own handcrafted souvenir – a personal keepsake of this remarkable day.
- Sink into the sounds of a private folk concert at camp where musicians will perform traditional songs with instruments like the dombra.
- Take part in centuries-old Kazakh games, including Kokpar – an intense horseback game often compared to polo, played with a goat carcass!
Table of Contents
For anyone who has visit an Eagle Hunter family on their bucket list, this is the trip for you.
As part of this small group trip, you’ll travel to the farthest corner of Western Mongolia to live alongside, and learn from, one of the country’s most famous Eagle Hunters. With his guidance, you’ll learn everything about working with these incredible birds, and you’ll begin to understand this centuries-old tradition firsthand.
Come experience this unique way of living first-hand, from the real Eagle Hunters who still live this way. This isn’t just a show for tourists! This is your chance to be invited into their home like family.
Through their knowledge you’ll learn how to live a nomadic lifestyle while appreciating one of the most beautiful and untouched landscapes in the world.
This 10-day trip starts and ends in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital city. Roundtrip domestic tickets are included in this experience, along with everything on the ground during the trip dates, including tickets to the Altantugts Eagle Festival. Here, you’ll cheer your Eagle Hunter, a 3x respected champion, on!
The dates for this trip are September 21 – September 30, 2025. Book now – spots are limited!
The Itinerary for this 10-Day Eagle Hunter Tour
If you plan to join this trip you need to arrive in Ulaanbaatar on or before September 21, 2025. The only thing on the schedule for this day is a Welcome Dinner at night (7 pm).
Many travelers choose to arrive in Ulaanbaatar at least 1 – 2 days early to adjust to Mongolian time and shop for warm clothes. If you’d like to arrive a few days early, We are happy to help you make arrangements at the hotel, take you around the city, and help you make the most of this time in Ulaanbaatar.
Below you’ll find a day-by-day breakdown of this Eagle Hunter itinerary, and what it includes.
Meals included in this tour are indicated as Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), and Dinner (D).
Day 1 / Sunday, September 21: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
You will need to arrive in Ulaanbaatar on or before September 21 to join this itinerary.
During the day you are free to explore Ulaanbaatar, get settled into Mongolian time, exchange cash, and visit museums. We’ll have a Welcome Dinner in the evening.
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin or Similar
Accommodation Notes: A 4-star hotel located near the city’s most central point, Sukhbaatar Square. Bookmark this quick guide on what to know about staying in this area.
Meals: D
Day 2 / Monday, September 22: Domestic Flight to Ulgii & Meet the Eagle Family
Step into a world untouched by time as you arrive in the vast Kazakh steppe, where breathtaking landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see. A warm welcome awaits you from a local Eagle Hunting family, who have safeguarded this ancient tradition for generations.
Settle into their nomadic camp and savor a delicious homemade Kazakh feast, filled with rich flavors and heartfelt hospitality. As you sip on traditional tea, listen to captivating stories of Eagle Hunting, nomadic life, and the deep connection between hunters and their birds.
With the golden hues of sunset painting the steppe, enjoy a relaxed evening under a star-studded sky – a perfect start to your unforgettable journey.
Accommodation: Eagle Hunter’s Fall Camp
Accommodation Notes: Private sleeping gers with beds are set up for this experience. No running water or electricity will be available and toilets are outhouse-style.
Meals: L/D
Day 3 / Tuesday, September 23: The Art of Eagle Training & Traditional Handcrafts
Wake up to the crisp air of the steppe and prepare for an extraordinary hands-on experience! Today, you’ll witness the ancient art of training golden eagles, a skill passed down through countless generations.
Watch as a skilled eagle hunter demonstrates the precise techniques used to build an unbreakable bond with their majestic bird. Then, under the expert’s guidance, you’ll get the chance to interact with a trained eagle, feeling the power and grace of these legendary hunters up close. If you dare, try holding one on your arm and experience the thrill of forging your own connection with the bird!
Later, step into the world of Kazakh craftsmanship. Meet talented artisans who create intricate textiles, embroidery, and felt crafts, keeping their ancestors’ traditions alive. Try your hand at making your own handcrafted souvenir – a personal keepsake of this remarkable day.
Accommodation: Eagle Hunter’s Fall Camp
Meals: B/L/D
Day 4 / Wednesday, September 24: Set Out on a Real Eagle Hunt and Witness the Thrill of the Chase
Today, adventure calls! Accompany a seasoned eagle hunter as they set out on a real eagle hunting expedition across the wild terrain.
Feel the rush as the hunter releases their eagle into the vast expanse, watching as it soars high, eyes locked on its prey. Hold your breath as the eagle dives with astonishing speed, executing a perfect hunt – a true testament to the bond between hunter and bird.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the ancient Kazakh way of life in action, where skill, patience, and respect for nature come together in perfect harmony.
Accommodation: Eagle Hunter’s Fall Camp
Meals: B/L/D
Day 5 / Thursday, September 25: Meet the Urankhai People & Try Traditional Archery
It’s time to journey deeper into Kazakh’s diverse cultural landscape with a visit to an Urankhai family, an ethnic group with their own distinct traditions.
Step inside their house, hear their stories, and get a glimpse into their nomadic way of life, where survival in the vast steppe relies on skill, community, and deep respect for nature.
One of their most treasured traditions is archery, an ancient skill that has played a crucial role in their history. Under the guidance of expert archers, you’ll have the chance to try shooting with a traditional bow, just as warriors and hunters did centuries ago. Will you have the precision and strength to hit the target?
Enjoy a peaceful afternoon sharing tea, laughter, and conversation with your Urankhai hosts before returning to camp.
Accommodation: Eagle Hunter’s Fall CampMeals: B/L/D
Day 6 / Friday, September 26: Kazakh Games & Traditional Concert Under the Open Sky
Step back in time as you take part in centuries-old Kazakh games, designed to test strength, strategy, and horsemanship. You’ll visit a local family that specializes in these ancient sports, where you can watch (and even participate in) games like:
- Kokpar – an intense horseback game often compared to polo, played with a goat carcass!
- Togyz Kumalak – an intellectual strategy board game, sometimes called the “Kazakh Chess.”
And more exciting traditional competitions!
In the evening, gather around for a special Kazakh concert, where musicians will perform traditional songs with instruments like the dombra. Let the hauntingly beautiful melodies transport you to a time when nomads roamed these lands freely.
Accommodation: Eagle Hunter’s Fall CampMeals: B/L/D
Day 7 – 8 / Saturday – Sunday, September 27 – 28: Cheer on Your Eagle Hunter at the Altantugts Eagle Festival
Immerse yourself in the thrilling world of Eagle Hunting at the renowned Altantugts Eagle Festival!
For two days, you’ll be surrounded by skilled eagle hunters from all over the region, dressed in their finest traditional attire, as they and their birds compete for glory.
Marvel at their breathtaking skills as they:
- Test their eagle’s speed and accuracy in hunting challenges.
- Showcase the bond between hunter and eagle in obedience trials.
- Race on horseback in fast-paced traditional games.
Beyond the competitions, the festival is a celebration of Kazakh culture, with vibrant folk music, dance performances, and artisan markets. Sample local delicacies, shop for beautifully handcrafted souvenirs, and take in the electric energy of this once-in-a-lifetime event!
Following the end of the festival on Sunday, you’ll make the drive back to Ulgii. Enjoy a farewell dinner together before calling it a night for your early morning flight back to Ulaanbaatar.
Accommodation: Eagle Hunter’s Fall CampMeals: B/L/D
Day 9 / Monday, September 29: Domestic Flight to Ulaanbaatar
As your journey to Western Mongolia comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had – from standing alongside Eagle Hunters to immersing yourself in nomadic traditions.
You’ll be transferred to the Ulgii airport early in the morning, carrying with you not just souvenirs, but unforgettable stories, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for the resilience and beauty of the Kazakh steppe. Until you meet your hosts again—Sapar zhol bolsyn! (Safe travels!)
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin or Similar
Meals: B
Day 10 / Tuesday, September 30: Depart Mongolia
We will arrange an airport transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your flight home. Unless you want to extend your stay, of course!
Meals: B
What's Included
- All airport transfers (including your international arrival/departure and transfers for your domestic flight).
- All accommodation and transportation during the trip dates.
- Two local guides – one Mongolian guide who will meet and travel with you from Ulaanbaatar as well as one local Mongolian/Kazakh guide in Western Mongolia.
- All activities listed on the itinerary, including tickets to the Altantugts Eagle Festival.
- Meals* (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as outlined on the trip itinerary.
*Please let me know of any dietary restrictions before booking.
What's Not Included
- International airfare.
- Excess baggage fees on the domestic flight to/from western Mongolia. There is a 15 kg limit on checked bags and 5 kg limit on handbags. Overages are subject to additional fees.
- Visa costs and fees.
- Travel Insurance that covers medical evacuation and cost of participation (required).
- Personal expenses such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, telephone calls, optional activities, and meals which are not included in the trip itinerary.
- Tips and additional gratuities.
Visit our tour cancellation policy page if you have any additional questions.
Book Now
The price to book this 10-Day Eagle Hunter Tour is $4,500 USD per person.
- Authentic Cultural Immersion – Live among eagle hunters and nomadic families, experiencing their way of life firsthand.
- Thrilling Adventures – Participate in real eagle hunting, horseback games, and traditional archery.
- Exclusive Access – Witness the Altansug Eagle Festival, a rare event showcasing ancient Kazakh traditions.
- Hands-on Experiences – Train an eagle, create your own crafts, and try your hand at traditional sports.
This once in a lifetime experience happens September 21 – 30, 2025. Book now – spots are limited!
To book your spot, please complete the Google form linked below. Once received, I will reach out with everything you’ll need to complete your booking.
About Aagie, Your Local Mongolian Guide & Trip Leader
Hi everyone! I’m Aagie, the Head Guide at Meanwhile in Mongolia.
As a certified and licensed Mongolian tour guide, I’ve been leading tours for three years and I’m excited to welcome you to my country.
While I’ve lived and studied abroad, Mongolia will always be home and I hope you enjoy exploring it as much as I do.
Is this trip right for me?
There are a few important things to know about this trip.
- Accommodations will be shared and that means we all sleep together in the same ger (yurt). This is typical in Mongolia and is part of the experience. No single supplements are available once we leave Ulaanbaatar.
- The temperature in September in Western Mongolia can get very cold. We will do our best to keep you as warm and comfortable as possible, but please keep in mind that we will be spending a lot of time outside. If you need help deciding what to pack, shop some of my favorite winter clothing and gear.
- You will be living off-grid. That means running water, regular electricity, showers, and reliable data and cellular service will not be available. This is your chance to disconnect from the outside world!
- We will be driving off-road. It’s not easy to get to these remote corners of Mongolia, but the journey is always worth it. I promise! Please let me know in advance if you get car sick. If you do, I recommend purchasing these motion sickness glasses.
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