Mongolia – Eagle Hunters Festival

Meet at Athens or Thessaloniki airport and fly to Ulaanbaatar via a connecting airport.

Ulaanbaatar – Tsonjin Boldog: 55 km / 1.5 hours' drive
Morning arrival in Ulaanbaatar, where we are met at the airport and drive to Tsonjin Boldog.
The Genghis Khan statue is a 40-metre steel statue, the largest equestrian statue in the world. According to legend, Genghis Khan found a golden whip at this spot. The statue faces east, towards his birthplace.

Visitors can climb up through the horse's chest and neck to its head for a panoramic view.

The museum next to it shows everyday objects, sacred animals and exhibits from the era of the Great Khan (13th-14th century).

Tsonjin Boldog – Baga Gazriin Chuluu: 281 km / 6 hours' drive
Wonderful rocky landscapes, crystal caves where a Buddhist lama meditated for 20 years, a healing spring for the eyes and the ruins of a 17th-century temple.

416 km / 6 hours' drive
We drive to Dalanzadgad, capital of the South Gobi province, to visit the new Museum of Natural History (open since 2022, with more than 4,000 exhibits: fossils, tools and more).

After lunch and a short shopping stop we head to the Yol Valley (also known as Eagle Valley), a green valley with wild flowers and rocks where ice can last even into summer. We walk through the valley (about 2 hours in total), or you can go on horseback instead.

180 km / 5 hours' drive
We travel to the spectacular white dunes of Khongoryn Els, more than 180 km long and up to 300 m high (the best-known spot is Duut Mankhan, the "Singing Dune").

In the afternoon we visit a camel-herding family, learn about the nomadic way of life and ride two-humped Bactrian camels. Short exploration of the Seruun Bulag oasis and views of the sands from the top of the dunes.

160 km / 5 hours' drive
An area famous for its finds of fossilised dinosaur eggs and bones. The Flaming Cliffs are red hills shaped by wind and water erosion. In 1923, Roy Chapman Andrews' excavation uncovered the first dinosaur nests ever found.

Walk among the hills and the saxaul trees.

250 km / 6 hours' drive
We travel to the unique geological landscape of Tsagaan Suvarga, a huge natural "sculpture" 200 m high and 400 m long, a former seabed full of fossils shaped by erosion over 10 million years. Perfect for photos and hiking.

384 km / 6-7 hours' drive
Breakfast at the ger camp, a short rest and preparation for the drive back to Ulaanbaatar, with short stops for photos and comfort breaks.

Lunch: at a local restaurant on the way, with traditional dishes such as khuushuur (fried meat pastries) or tsuivan (noodles with meat).

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar: around 16:30 – 17:00

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and flight to Ölgii.

Location: Bayan-Ölgii – western Mongolia
In the morning we go to the festival grounds and take our places. More than 70 eagle hunters from all over western Mongolia take part, dressed in traditional Kazakh costume with their golden eagles on their arms.

The first day includes the parade of the eagle hunters, the greetings and the presentation of their equipment and dress. Then the first speed and obedience contests begin, with the eagles flying down from the mountain tops to their hunters' arms.

The second day has harder contests. The hunters show their communication and technique with their eagles and take part in traditional sports such as:

• Kokpar (a game on horseback)
• Tenge ilu (a contest of skill and agility on horseback)
• Wrestling and horse riding

The day ends with the award ceremony and a traditional celebration with music, songs and local food.

• Eagle hunting displays: we spend the day at the festival grounds watching the hunters show their eagles' skills in spectacular flights and dives.
• Meet the hunters: a chance to meet the hunters, who are happy to share their training methods and stories.
• Photography: capture unique moments of eagles in flight against the dramatic mountains.

• Exploring the area: time permitting, visit nearby places and enjoy the stunning views and nomadic culture.
• Local crafts: browse and buy traditional items such as felt goods, textiles or handmade jewellery.
• Farewell dinner: a traditional Kazakh dinner.
• Nomadic life: visit a Kazakh family and share their daily life in a traditional ger.

The White River (locally Tsagaan Gol) is one of the most impressive rivers in Mongolia. It crosses the Altai Mountains and flows into the Khovd River towards the Gobi. The area is famous for its unrivalled natural beauty and cultural importance.

• Natural beauty: the river runs through mountains, steppes and valleys, with snow-capped peaks and rich vegetation.
• Wildlife: ibex, marmots, foxes and eagles live here.
• Glaciers: the river rises from the glaciers of Tavan Bogd, a unique natural setting.

The Five Holy Peaks (Altai Tavan Bogd) are a sacred range near the borders with Kazakhstan and China. Sacred to Kazakh and Mongolian nomads, they are a top destination for nature lovers and cultural explorers.

• Landscape and spirituality: the peaks are known for their spiritual significance and stunning beauty.
• Activities: ideal for hiking, climbing and discovering traditional life.
• Overnight in a ger in the Tavan Bogd area

After breakfast the day is free to enjoy the last moments of the trip.

Breakfast and transfer to Ölgii airport for the flight back to Ulaanbaatar (about 3 hours). Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Free afternoon for a walk around the city or shopping (cashmere, handicrafts, souvenirs).

Breakfast and transfer to the airport for the return flight.