Eagle Hunting In Western Mongolia – 8 Nights

DAY 1 – ARRIVE TO ULAANBAATAR

Upon arrival at the airport, we will meet our driver. The driver will bring you to the hotel, to settle in. After lunch is time to discover the Mongolian history in the wonderful National History Museum. The museum has three floors about Mongolia’s rich, glorious, violent and noble past, from the creation of the great Mongolian Empire by Genghis Khan till the time under Soviet Union and Modern era. We will then explore the centre of Ulaanbaatar. For instance, Genghis Khan Square and the House of Parliament.

Accommodation at Platinum Hotel or similar

(B)

DAY 2 – FLY TO OLGII

Today we will fly to the capital of the Bayn-Ulgii province, Olgii. The flight takes 3 and a half hours. Olgii province is located at 1636 km (1,02 mile) from Ulaanbaatar, at 1710 meters (1,06 mile) above sea level. Olgii is home to the Kazakh people who live here. The weather is very similar to Central Asia. Many street signs are written in Arabic, and you will find mosques in most towns.

Upon arrival, we will visit the Museum of Bayan-Olgii, and wander around town visiting local craftsmen.

Accommodation – Traditional Family Ger Stay

(B, L, D)

DAY 3 – EAGLE FESTIVAL

Every year, Kazakh falconers living in the area get together for the annual Eagles Hunting Festival that symbolises the opening of the hunting season. The hunters come with their golden eagles and show its skill. Eagles prey are foxes, rabbits, or small wolves. Skill tournaments are held all day long, but also Buzkashi tournaments are held (horse mounted rugby with a goat carcass). You will attend the festivities all day long.

Accommodation – Traditional Family Ger Stay

(B, L, D)

DAY 4, 5 – HUNTING WITH EAGLES

Today we will attend the second day of the Eagle Hunting Festival. At the end of the day, we will follow a falconer to his home, in the village of Sagsai, where we will spend the night.

On day five we will go with our host during three days for a hunting journey with their eagles. On horseback, we follow the falconer in the neighbouring mountains. Once upright, the falconer removes the eye cover from its eagle and the eagle scans the horizon with its sharp eyes. When the eagle sees a prey (rabbit, fox, wolf), it lets out a small cry to tell its master it saw something; so the latter releases the animal that goes swooping on its prey. For this ancestral hunting technique, patience is key as the falcon does not catch game each time, but seeing this proud animal united with man in this hundred of years-old practice is indisputably the main moment of any travel in Central Asia.

Accommodation – Traditional Family Ger Stay

(B, L, D)

DAY 6, 7, 8 – TREKKING IN TSAMBAGARAV

After saying goodbye to our Eagle Hunting host family, we drive to Tavan Belchir Mountains. The mountains are located North from Tsambagarav. Snow-covered peaks culminate at 4195 meters (2,61 miles) above the sea level. Many minorities live in this area, such as Uriankhai and Kazakhs.

From Tavan Belchir, we will start 2-day trek through the valleys of Tsambagarav National Park. We’ll meet Kazakh and Uriankhai nomads (Mongolian ethnic living in West of the country).

From Northwest of Tsambagarav mountains, we will get closer to the snow-covered summits for a stunning view surrounded by glaciers.

Accommodation – West Mongolia tourist camp

(B, L, D)

DAY 9 – JOURNEY BACK TO ULAANBAATAR

Today we will head to Khovd city and embark on our flight back to Ulaanbaatar. After checking into the hotel, you will have the rest of the day free in Ulaanbaatar to explore. Check out the markets and end the day at a pub or resting in the hotel.

Accommodation at Platinum Hotel or similar

(B, L, D)

DAY 10 – FAREWELL

After breakfast enjoy your last moments in Mongolia as the day is yours until we transfer you to the airport for your scheduled.

(B)

Itinerary is subject to change at any time 

PACKING LIST

Note: pack light

• Trekking shoes
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lots of layers
• Headlamp for the dark starry nights
• Sleeping bag
• Light rain jacket
• Personal medicine
• Shower shoes
• Small daypack

VISAS

• Some nationalities do not require a visa to enter Mongolia. However if you require a visa, we will supply an invitation letter for visa on arrival.