Golden Eagle festival tour /12 days/

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Amid the communist era in Kazakhstan, many Kazakhs sought refuge in Mongolia, establishing themselves in Bayan Ulgii, a region designated for the Kazakhs of Mongolia today. The Altaic Kazakhs, or Altai-Kazakhs, residing in Mongolia's Bayan-Ölgii Province, continue the age-old tradition of eagle hunting. This distinctive falconry practice, known as 'horse-riding eagle falconry,' is characterized by the use of trained Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos daphanea) mounted on horseback. The primary targets of their hunts are Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) or Corsac Fox (Vulpes corsac). Annually, in the first week of October, around 70 eagle hunters converge for the prestigious Golden Eagle Festival of Mongolia. The festival serves as a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Event, drawing participants from across the region. The events include eagle and hunter displays, showcasing the eagles' remarkable talents. Competitions involve eagles catching fox skins dragged behind horses, returning to their owners on command. Additional festivities include camel races and traditional Kazakh games such as Tiyn Teru (horseback coin retrieval race), Kyz Kuar ('girl chase,' a horseback race with a woman whipping a man), and Kokpar (horseback tug of war over a goat carcass). The festival also features an evening concert of traditional Kazakh music, enhancing the cultural richness of this celebrated event.

• Category: Event and Festival tours
• Available: October
• Duration: 12 days, 11 nights
• Destination: Western Mongolia

ESSENTIALS

GUIDE
A Chinese, English, or Russian-speaking Mongolian guide will accompany the group throughout the trip. The guide, a native Mongolian with extensive local knowledge, will cater to any requests, ensuring your holiday becomes an unforgettable experience.
TRANSPORT
For this trip, you have two options. The first is a high-level, latest model, air-conditioned private 4WD vehicle for maximum comfort during your touring days. The second option is a Russian 4x4 Van, operated by a driver with 20 years of experience.
MEALS
In Mongolia, dining will take place at fine American, European, and Asian cuisine restaurants. The Mongolian diet primarily consists of mutton, beef, rice, and noodles, forming the basis of your meals. Trail rations may include vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, cheese, and occasionally yak! Some days will feature lunchboxes prepared by our cook.

TOUR PACKAGE PRICE

TOUR ITINERARY