Mongolia Altai Mountains Eagle-Hunting Festival Tour

Mongolia Altai Mountains Eagle-Hunting Festival Tour

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Mongolia Altai Mountains Eagle-Hunting Festival Tour

13 Days Starting and ending in ULAANBAATAR

Visiting: Ulaanbaatar, Ulgii, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Khoton Lake, Khurgan Lake, Altai Mountains, Altai

Tour operator:

Wild Frontiers

Tour code:

EAG

Recommended For:

Couples, Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Low, Low / Moderate

Age range:

1-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Private Available:

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Tour Overview

Blessed with a gentle nomadic hospitality and vast, open vistas, Mongolia remains one of the most fascinating destinations in Asia. And each year, beneath its expansive skies and before the towering peaks of the majestic Altai Mountains, it plays host to the spectacular Golden Eagle Festival. This stunning 13-day journey takes us from its bustling capital and deep into the heart of the breath-taking western wilderness.Here, amongst the traditional tribal lands of the Kazakhs, we will discover a wealth of natural and cultural treasures that can trace their origins back millennia. We’ll visit the stunning ancient rock art of Tavan Bogd National Park and glory in the beauty of alpine lakes and dazzling glaciers. We’ll have a chance to hike and ride Mongolian horses across the endless steppes. Spending our nights in ger encampments, our adventure culminates with a two-day visit to the colourful Altai Nomad Games Eagle Festival, where we will experience one of the last great nomadic spectacles.A journey to inspire and captivate, each day offers up a glimpse of a legacy and a landscape that is as timeless as it is transient.

Highlights

  • Witness remarkable agility and hunting skills at the Golden Eagle Festival

  • Explore the beautiful Lakes Region of western Mongolia, in the shadow of the Altai Mountains

  • Experience the hospitality of local Kazakh families in ger camp and guest ger accommodations

  • Discover the ancient petroglyphs and stunning landscapes of Tavan Bogd National Park

  • Enjoy an evening of traditional Mongolian folk music and dance in Ulaanbaatar

  • Ride Mongolian horses to a remote glacier for stunning views

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Dtour Starts In Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bayangol or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner,

Starting mid-morning, we’ll have an introductory meeting and then take a walk to the city square and visit the Winter Palace Museum, the residence of the last king of Mongolia, Bogd Khaan which now houses an eccentric collection of animals, curios and artefacts. There are great views of Ulaanbaatar city from Zaisan Hill, and we’ll take a stroll here before our welcome dinner and an evening of traditional Mongolian folk concert and dance.

Day 2 : Ulaanbaatar - Ölgii
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Ulgii
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Ölgii Ger or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Departing Ulaanbaatar this morning we take a 3½ hour flight across the vast steppe to the town of Ölgii, located near the country’s extreme western frontier. The heart of the predominantly Kazakh region of the country, Ölgii lies sandwiched between the waters of the Khovd River and the craggy peaks of the Altai Mountains, some 1,000 miles from the Mongolian capital. On arrival we will have an opportunity to visit the local museum and open-air market, before continuing by road on to our ger camp.

Day 3 : Ölgii - Tavan Bogd National Park
Location: Ulgii, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Accommodation: Guest Ger in Tavan Bogd National Park or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

After breakfast this morning we take a rugged drive through the Mongolian countryside towards the spectacular beauty of the Tavan Bogd National Park. A vast mountainous landscape that provides a breath-taking natural border between Mongolia and neighbouring China and Russia, the park is home to the five ‘saintly’ peaks that give it its name including the snow-capped heights of Kuiten Uul, the highest of Mongolia’s mountain peaks at 4,374m. En route we will pay a visit to a 3000-year-old rock painting that forms part of the extensive Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai. This evening we overnight in a guest ger camp.

Day 4 : Tavan Bogd National Park
Location: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Accommodation: Guest Ger in Tavan Bogd National Park or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Following breakfast we will pay a visit to a local family in the area to hear from them about their day to day life, before continuing on to our horse ride to a local glacier. Today you will have the option to ride Mongolian horses out to a stunning glacier to enjoy the views and get some priceless photos. This is a four hour ride and a challenging trek, so those not wishing to partake can do some walking in the region.

Day 5 : Tavan Bogd National Park - Khoton & Khurgan Lakes
Location: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Khoton Lake
Accommodation: Guest Ger Khotan & Khurgan Lakes or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Setting out after breakfast, we follow a trail of dirt roads across the park today towards our next destination. A long, but ultimately engrossing journey, our drive takes us across a landscape hemmed in by towering snow-capped mountains and beautiful alpine lakes, where we will stop for a picnic lunch and to take in the breathtaking views.

Day 6 : Khoton & Khurgan Lakes
Location: Khoton Lake, Khurgan Lake
Accommodation: Guest Ger Khotan & Khurgan Lakes or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Lying at the northern end of the Altai Mountain Range, the Lakes Region presents us with some of the most spectacular scenery of the journey. We begin the morning with a drive out to the site of the Baga Turgen Waterfall, a 36-metre high cascade that lies at the end of a lovely, and easily accessible walk through a larch forest. Then it is on to Biluut Tolgoi, whose Bronze Age petroglyphs lies along the eastern shores of the lakes. Please note that this walk is weather dependent

Day 7 : Khoton & Khurgan Lakes - Ölgii
Location: Khoton Lake, Khurgan Lake, Ulgii
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mahsum or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Departing this morning we cross the vast Mongolian steppes once more and head on towards the squat Kazakh homesteads of Sagsai Village. Lying some 27 kilometres to the west of Ölgii, the village provides us with an opportunity to spend the day with the family of one of the local Golden Eagle Masters. After watching the preparations and training for the coming festival, we then complete the journey to Ölgii to our ger camp for the evening.

Day 8 : Ölgii - Altai
Location: Ulgii, Altai Mountains
Accommodation: Altai Guest Ger or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

After breakfast we will drive to Altai town, the home of the Altay Nomad Games Eagle Festival. We will visit a local eagle hunter's place and enjoy lunch with them ahead of arriving into Altai. As it is pre-festival day everyone in the town will be preparing for the festival tomorrow so there will be a lively atmosphere to experience.

Day 9 : Altai - Altay Nomad Games Eagle Festival - Altai
Location: Altai
Accommodation: Altai Guest Ger or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

This morning provides us with the first opportunity to experience the remarkable colour and pageantry of the Altay Nomad Games Eagle Festival. Altai's more intimate celebrations provide a chance to enjoy the splendour and spectacle of the festival without the crowds. Today's events include the opening ceremony with a parade of the eagle hunters, competitions to test the agility and mastery of bird and hunter and equestrian games that include horse archery.

Day 10 : Altai - Altay Nomad Games Eagle Festival - Altai
Location: Altai
Accommodation: Altai Guest Ger or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

A second day of festivities provides more games and ceremonies on the high desert steppes. Returning to the festival this morning we will enjoy more spectacular photo opportunities as we take in another day of competition and colour. Today’s offerings provide more chances to watch the eagles put through their paces, as they are called by the hunters to land on their arms or attack dragged bait and also include a women's equine competition.

Day 11 : Altai - Ölgii
Location: Altai, Ulgii
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Ölgii Ger or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Before departing the region this morning we will pay a visit to a local Golden Eagle Master's family and enjoy lunch with them. We will then drive back to Ölgii town later in the afternoon and transfer to our ger camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 12 : Ölgii - Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulgii, Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bayangol or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Depending on flight times we’ll have the morning to relax and explore the rest of this town before our three hour flight eastwards back to Ulaanbaatar for our farewell dinner.

Day 13 : Tour Ends In Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Meals Included: Breakfast

The tour finishes this morning at the hotel.

What's Included

  • TRANSPORT

    On this tour we will use minibuses, domestic flights and 4WD vehicles.

  • MEALS

    12 x Breakfasts, 12 x Lunches, 12 x Dinners

  • GROUP SIZE

    Maximum: 12

  • CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS

    Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings

  • EXPERT TEAM

    The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate

  • ACCOMMODATION

    All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary

  • ENTRANCE FEES

    All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary

  • FITNESS RATING

    Low / Moderate

What's Not Included

We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs

Visas

Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com  For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Mongolia. Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.

Key Aspects to Consider

Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as all the walks are optional.  Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety may be very limited, therefore we recommend packing a few extra bits to fill the gaps! There are some long drives to be taken but that is part of the Mongolian experience, and there will always be time for walks, photos and local encounters.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Mongolia. Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    12

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2002

  • Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?

    In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Catherine Wilkinson  

Catherine Wilkinson

My first Wild Frontiers trip blew my expectations away - I'm not sure I'll be able to cope travelling with other companies now!

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.

    Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise

    You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
    We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
    If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**


    We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:

    There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
    Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
    No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
    Tourist visas (if required) are available.
    There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
    Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****




    ** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
    ***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
    **** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
    *****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.

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