Golden Eagle Festival and Mongol Altai Mountains Photographic Expedition 2022 Tour

Transfer to the hotel. Unpack and rest in the hotel. Short city tour with Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, which represents Mongolian Culture starting from Stone Age to the 21st century and Buddhism, and Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chingis Khaan Square). In Gandan you can take local prayers, monks, the biggest standing indoor Buddha statue and temples own figure. Prepare for the trip. (B/L/D)

Take a flight to Ulgii - the central town of Bayan-Ulgii province where 90% of the population is Kazakhs who have their own language and unique culture. Kazakhs are famous for their Eagle hunting game tradition. Meet our vehicle and the local team. Visit the local museum to know more about Bayan-Ulgii province and its majority ethnic group - Kazakhs. Drive to Sagsay River to meet eagle hunter's family. In the evening, we come back to Ulgii town to stay overnight in a local hotel or ger camp (B/L/D)

Today we head to the Altai Mountain area and arrive at Shiveet Khairkhan mountain- the closest place to the Altai peaks reachable by car. We are traveling at the altitude of 2500-3000 m. We will visit a local Kazakh family to explore their lives as well as rent horses for our further trip. Here you can meet the local people and take portraits and the daily life of Kazakhs. They have a bigger Ger dwelling than the Khalkha majority group and they are characteristic. Prepare our luggage for the next 3 day-trekking trips to Altai peaks. (B/L/D)

Leave our vehicle and load our luggage to the horses and trek toward the Altai Tavan Bogd peaks of 4100-4374m. You can take photos of a horse or camel caravan which suites the Western Mongolian landscape, rocky and show-capped mountains. Arrive at the foot of the high peaks. (B/L/D)

Start our trekking towards Potanin Glacier and Mount Altai Tavan Bogd. The Tavan Bogd (means Holy Five Peaks) highest peaks in Mongolia - Khuiten Uul- 4374m, Peak Malchin, Peak Naran, Peak Burged, and Peak Olgii. Meaning the 5 Kings it comprises of five neighboring peaks. While trekking we will cross glaciers that connect those five peaks. You will capture all those 5 peaks including the Potanin glacier. Arrive at the base camp to spend an overnight. (B/L/D)

Head to Tsagaan Gol to change our horses or relax if you trek. Tsagaan Gol, or White river, owes its color to glacial milk, the suspended powder of rock eroded by the high glaciers. Here you have a chance to photograph both landscape and people. Tent near nomad family. Talking with nomads and sharing our experiences. (B/L/D)

Drive back to Ulgii town for the Golden Eagle Festival. On the way, we will take plenty of Landscape photos and families. During this time most of the Kazakh people moved to the winter house. Arrive in Ulgii and stay overnight at a local hotel or ger camp. (B/L/D)

The Golden Eagle Festival starts with its parades and competitions for costuming and hunting techniques. This festival has been celebrated since 2000 and now attracts many travelers. Each year the number of eagle hunters participating in the festival is increasing which makes the festival more colorful and spectacular. Eagles chase fox skins dragged by their owners on horseback. Points are given for their speed and gripping ability. In 2 days you will capture plenty of portraits and competition photos, names Kokbar, Kizkhuar, etc. Festival winners are announced at the closing ceremony. (B/L/D)

Take a flight back to Ulaanbaatar and relax at the hotel. Option to go shopping for souvenirs and cashmere products. Farewell dinner together. (B/L/D)

Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport or Train station and depart Mongolia. (B)