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Golden Eagle Festival Mongolia Photo Tour 2025
This Mongolia's photography-focused journey is designed for photographers of all levels, offering a mix of action, portrait, and cultural photography in stunning natural settings. The Golden Eagle Festival Mongolia, held on the first weekend of October, is a rare chance to capture a large gathering of eagle hunters in one place, competing in thrilling events that showcase their eagles’ speed and hunting skills. Over these festival days, photographers can take dynamic action shots of eagle hunting demonstrations, traditional horseback games, and colorful Kazakh costumes.
Before and after the festival, we take you to the exclusive private photo sessions in Tolbo Lake and Sagsai village, where we can create more intimate and artistic images. Here, you’ll have the chance to photograph eagle hunters on horseback with breathtaking mountain and lake backdrops, as well as up-close portraits inside their gers (yurts), capturing their authentic lifestyle in a more controlled setting. These sessions allow for high-quality portraits, storytelling images, and unique compositions that go beyond the festival atmosphere.
Highlights
- Golden Eagle Festival – Capture thrilling action shots of eagle hunting and horseback games.
- Eagle Hunter Photography – Private sessions with hunters in traditional attire.
- Scenic Landscapes – Photograph the Altai Mountains, Tolbo Lake, and Sagsai village.
- Cultural Experience – Stay with a Kazakh family and enjoy their hospitality.
- Expert Guidance – Our tour guide will assist in every photography session.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1.
(2 Oct) Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your hotel to rest after your journey. In the afternoon, take a short city tour to explore Mongolia’s culture and history. Visit Gandan Monastery, the country’s largest Buddhist center, where you can see monks in prayer and the impressive 26-meter-tall Buddha statue. Continue to the National Museum of Mongolia, which showcases the country’s history from ancient times to today. Then, walk around Sukhbaatar Square, the city’s central landmark, surrounded by important buildings. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and get ready for your upcoming adventure. Stay in a comfortable four-star hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 2.
(03 Oct) Take a morning flight to Khovd, where your driver will meet you at the airport. From there, drive to Tolbo Lake, a beautiful high-altitude lake with stunning scenery. Visit a local eagle hunter’s family to learn about their unique way of life and their deep connection with their eagles. Enjoy a special photography session, capturing portraits of the hunter, their eagle, and the breathtaking landscape. Later, drive to Ulgii town for dinner and relax at Pamuk Resort. (B/L/D)
Days 3-4.
(04-05 Oct) Experience the excitement of the Golden Eagle Festival, where Kazakh eagle hunters gather to compete in traditional skills. Watch the grand opening parade as hunters proudly display their eagles and beautiful costumes. Over the next two days, enjoy thrilling competitions where eagles fly down from the mountains to catch moving targets, testing their speed and hunting skills. The festival also includes traditional Kazakh games such as Kokbar, a horseback tug-of-war, and Kiz Khuar, an exciting horse race. These two days offer amazing opportunities for photography, from dramatic action shots to stunning portraits. The festival ends with an award ceremony for the best hunters. Stay at Pamuk Resort. (B/L/D)
Day 5.
(06 Oct) Drive to Sagsai village, a well-known area for eagle hunters. Visit a local family near the mountains and enjoy a special photography session, capturing their daily life and the majestic eagles up close. After the session, drive to Khovd town, a place rich in Mongolian and Kazakh traditions. Stay overnight in a local hotel in Khovd. (B/L/D)
Day 6.
(07 Oct) Fly back to Ulaanbaatar in the morning and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you can go shopping for Mongolian souvenirs and high-quality cashmere products or simply relax. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner together, sharing your best moments from the trip. Stay in a comfortable four-star hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 7.
(08 Oct) Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your flight home. Farewell and safe travels! (B)
Prices & Inclusions
| Group size | Price/Per person |
| 2 PAX | 2850$ |
| 3-5 pax | 2700$ |
| 6-8 PAX | 2450$ |
Includes
Accommodation: Hotel****, local hotel or ger camp
Photography guiding and interpreting service
Private photographic sessions
Full board meals
Transport: 4x4 vehicle
Domestic round-trip flights
Festival tax
Museums and cultural performance
Not Includes
International airfare
Personal equipment
Optional activity cost
Excess baggage charges
Single room supplement
Alcoholic drinks
Travel Insurance
Tip for a tour guide, driver, eagle hunter etc
Map & Destinations
