PAX 2 | 1880US$ |
PAX 3-4 | 1775US$ |
PAX 5-12 | 1480US$ |
The traditional method of domesticating and hunting birds of prey is a tradition practiced by the nomad Kazakh tribe who reside around the Altai Mountains of Mongolia.Eagle hunting is one of the forms of bird heritage registered in 2010 on UNESCO`s Representative List of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The Kazakh nation is one of the few nations in the world that has experience in traditional rituals and methods of raising birds and hunting with them. The biggest Eagle Festival is held during the first weekend in October for 2 days, run by the Mongolian Eagle Hunter's Association. In this Golden Eagle Festival, many Eagle hunters and Kazakh nomads participate to showcase their traditional culture.It is a sport that challenges the talents of three; an experienced hunter, a good horse, a brave eagle.If you are interested in this festival, you will need to travel to Ulgii town, Western Mongolia because only Kazakh nomad people do eagle hunting and they live in the far western corner of Mongolia. The October Golden Eagle Festival attracts large number of tourists and photographers. There is a limited capacity for domestic flights and local accommodation. Therefore, we suggest you arrange and book the tour as early as possible if you are planning to participate in the October eagle festival.Enjoy your time away
We will pick you up at your desired locations and transfer to Chinggis Khaan airport. Take a domestic flight to Ulgii town.Ulgii is a center of Bayan Ulgii province where 90% of Kazakh ethnic group live.They have their own language and unique culture. Meet local driver with vehicles at airport . After lunch visit local museum to know about history and culture of Kazakh population. Climp the hill named Nairamdal to view Ulgii.Overnight stay in a ger camp. (L,D)
Drive to Sagsai town to visit Eagle hunter`s family. The families have kept their origin for hundreds of years. Among their traditions, eagle training and eagle hunting are the most fascinating and attractive things.
Eagle hunter shows you his magnificent golden eagle and give some information about very old eagle hunting traditions of Kazakh population in western part of Mongolia. Then return to Ulgii. Overnight stay in ger camp. (B,L,D)
First day of the festival. Drive to golden eagle festival site. The attractive and impressive Golden Eagle festival starts with a parade of eagle hunters dressed in traditional hunting clothes, riding horses with their trained eagles sitting on their arms. Competition of how eagle adapted to the owner. The hunter would call for the eagle to come and sit on arm while the eagles were perched high on the mountain side. Watch Tenge ilu competition (traditional coin grabbing game while riding a horse), uriankhai archery competition and competition of the best kazakh costume of couples. Overnight stay in ger camp. (B,L,D)
Second day of the festival. Golden Eagle Festival gives visitors the chance to watch on as hunters and eagles compete in three categories: speed, agility, and accuracy. The eagles are required to perform a variety of tasks, such as flying to their handler from a distance, landing on their handler`s arm, and attacking a lure. Competition on how golden eagles adapted to hunters ‘’’Shyrga Tartu’ (the eagles are qualified how fast and smoothly catch a lure that made of fox or hare skin).Traditional horseback riding fun game for youth , boys whipped by girls if they touched by them.Traditional horseback riding fun game foe youth named “Kyz kuar”, boys whipped by girls if they reached by them. Traditional horseback riding game fight over the goat skin named “Kukhbar’’. Award and closing ceremony of the festival. Overnight stay in ger camp. (B,L,D)
Drive to local airport after breakfast and return to Ulaanbaatar.We transfer you and drop off at your accommodation .(B)
1. Flight tickets to and from Ulgii
2. Airport pick up and drop off in Ulgii and Ulaanbaatar
3. Local guide and interpreting
4. land transportation
5. Accommodation
6. Eagle festival fees
7. Meals as indicated in the itinerary
8. Complementary drink water
9. National park and museum entrance fee.
1. Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar
2. International airfare
3. Travel insurance
4. Sleeping bag
5. Excess baggage charge
6. Passport and visa fees
7. Optional additional activity cost
8. Personal expenses
9. Special order in cafes and restaurant
10. Alcoholic drinks
11. Gratitude