Mongolia Golden Eagle Festival

17 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
In Mongolia, rolling steppe makes way to stark desert. Across this vast landscape, nomadic ger camps are peppered, camels and goats are herded on horseback, fermented mare’s milk is the tipple of choice, dunes sing and the first intact dinosaur eggs were found. Genghis Khan went forth from here to conquer the biggest land empire in history and, to this day, B...
$10,328
From$7,650
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Attend the Eagle Festival in the remote Altai Mountains
    • Explore the vast wilderness of the steppe and Gobi Desert
    • Experience traditional nomadic culture

What's this trip about?

    In Mongolia, rolling steppe makes way to stark desert. Across this vast landscape, nomadic ger camps are peppered, camels and goats are herded on horseback, fermented mare’s milk is the tipple of choice, dunes sing and the first intact dinosaur eggs were found. Genghis Khan went forth from here to conquer the biggest land empire in history and, to this day, Buddhist and Animist traditions mix. Join this trip and travel through steppe, mountain and the Gobi Desert to explore the nature and culture of this fascinating, yet little known, country. We also head to its far-western reaches to attend the Eagle Festival, celebrating the fascinating pastime of hunting with eagles and the strong connection the Mongolian people have with their animals and land. For an alternative Eagle Festival itinerary starting in Ulaanbaatar on 22 September 2024, please click here.Discover the nomad culture of Mongolia and eagle hunting in the Altai Mountains

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityUlaanbaatar
End CityUlaanbaatar

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • National Parks
  • Festivals & Special Events

Destinations

Attractions

  • Beijing
  • Ulaanbaatar

Activities

  • Culture
  • Festivals & Special Events
  • Nature

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, 14 lunches and 15 dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport, including 4x4s
    • Activities as listed in the itinerary
    • All internal flights
    • Tour leader throughout

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Ulaanbaatar

The adventure begins in Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia. We have a trip briefing with our tour leader this evening followed by a welcome dinner. But if you arrive early and wish to explore, perhaps visit some of the city landmarks, including Sukhbaatar Square (the main square), the National Museum and the State Department Store. Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Drive to Terelj National Park via the Genghis Khan statue

After breakfast, we transfer to Terelj National Park (approximately a two-hour drive), home to fascinating rock formations and green meadows carpeted with wildflowers. On the way, we visit the Genghis Khan statue. Standing 130ft (40m) tall and made of stainless steel,...

Day 3 Fly to Dalanzadgad; travel through rocky plains of Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park

We have an early morning flight to Dalanzadgad, the capital of the South Gobi province, then proceed to the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. Gobi Gurvansaikhan means ‘Three Beauties of the Gobi’ and this range marks the eastern end of the Gobi Altai mountain range. T...

Day 4 Hiking around the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag

Today we drive 45mi (70km) to Bayanzag, popularly known as the Flaming Cliffs, and hike among colourful sands of red, yellow and orange. Bayanzag is a renowned dinosaur fossil exploration site, discovered in the 1920s by Mongolian and American palaeontologists. We are...

Day 5 Visit the Singing Dunes, the largest dunes in Mongolia

We have a five-hour drive (125mi/200km) to the Khongoryn Els dunes, which stretch for 125mi (200km) and are as high as 985ft (300m) in places. They are known as the Singing Dunes, because of the beautiful sound that resonates through them on a windy day. Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 6 Explore the Singing Dunes and visit a nomadic camel-breeding family

We have a full day to explore the dunes and surrounding area. We have the opportunity to visit a camel-breeding family and learn about the life of the local nomadic herders. Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 7 Explore the region of Bayan Gobi and the Bichigt Khad petroglyphs

Our journey continues through classic Gobi Desert scenery of flat stony plains with small rocky outcrops and patches of sand across the Khatan Suudal Steppe. We stop for a picnic lunch and then continue our drive to the Bayan mountains to view the Bichigt Khad petrogl...

Day 8 Transfer to Arvaikheer via Ikh Bogd mountain

First, we drive to Tsagaan Agui (White Cave), then pass over Taats River, from where the majestic Ikh Bogd mountain (the highest mountain in the Gobi Altai range) should be visible in the distance. We stop for a picnic lunch and then skirt the eastern edge of Ikh Bogd...

Day 9 Visit Arvaikheer Museum; to Kharkhorin via Shankh Monastery

This morning, we visit Arvaikheer local market and the museum, which contains nature collections, stone figures and Turkic scripts. After lunch, we set off for Kharkhorin, stopping en route to visit Shankh Monastery, once the home of the great Mongolian theorist Zanab...

Day 10 Visit Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery; drive to the Little Gobi Desert

This morning, we visit the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. It was established by Ogedei Khan and remained the Mongol power base until Kublai Khan established Beijing as the capital. Erdene Zuu (Hundred Treasures) Monastery was the largest monastery in Mongo...

Day 11 Transfer to Khustain Nuruu National Park trek to see wild horses

In the morning, we drive for three hours (125mi/200km) to Khustain Nuruu National Park, famous for the re-introduction of Mongolia’s wild horse. The Przewalski’s horse (or takhi horse) almost became extinct, but thanks to the efforts of several Mongolian and internati...

Day 12 Drive to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, we drive back to Ulaanbaatar city. You have the afternoon free to relax or explore the city. In the evening, we have the option to see a live performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance. Performed by the Tumen Ekh dance troupe, we see throat s...

Day 13 Fly to Olgii; visit a nomadic Kazakh village

In the morning, we fly to Olgii in western Mongolia, from where we drive offroad for about an hour to Sagsai village. Here, we visit a Kazakh family home. We spend the day seeing how they go about daily life, taking care of and milking the cows, goats and sheep. We ca...

Day 14 Eagle Festival

Today we attend the Eagle Festival. For the first day of the festival, we see the competition for the best Kazakh costume, horse racing and archery. In the evening, we enjoy a cultural performance in the local theatre. Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 15 Another day at the Eagle Festival

Today we have another chance to witness the competitions and events of the Eagle Festival. We can see a demonstration from the eagles and their hunters, a camel race and the lively sport of kukhbar (in which two horseback riders wrestle over the possession of a goat skin). After enjoying the festivities, we return to camp for dinner. Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 16 Fly to Ulaanbaatar; free time in the city

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for a mid-morning flight to Ulaanbaatar, arriving midday. We transfer to the hotel and freshen up before a light lunch. This afternoon is free for last-minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping around UB – cashmere, leather go...

Day 17 End in Ulaanbaatar

The tour ends after breakfast today and we begin our return journeys home, full of tales and magnificent photos to share.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,650
Price per day$450
Last Updated: 4/25/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
21 Sep 2025
07 Oct 2025
$7,800
$8,805
7 spots left

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,502
Great
3,265
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
190
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Not for the faint-hearted

A fabulous trip to a very interesting country. Thoroughly recommended, but please note the reservations about travelling discomforts, below. Probably climbing the s...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Mongolia: Steppes, Deserts and Nomads - Nadaam Festival

An amazing trip to an amazing country. The tour programme was well-planned and interesting and I enjoyed the variety and contrast of the experiences from the busy N...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

A world apart

The nothingness of the desert was full of life. We just needed to be shown it. Talking with three ladies in their own gir was such a good explanation of a lifest...

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

Mongolia, Nadaam, Gobi. Great experience

Fantastic trip. Huge statues, more goats, sheep, horses and cows than you can imagine. A vastness that boggles the mind. The Gobi desert is to be experienced just ...

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

MONGOLIAN ADVENTURE

Mongolia is a country well worth a visit.   The scenery, the people, the customs and traditions combine well to make it a truly fascinating country. I enjoyed ...

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Sheila Bissell

Apr 2025

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Excellent service

Excellent service

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Apr 2025

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Roger

They were very helpful, polite and knowledgeable

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Gill Barber

Apr 2025

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Quick invoice receipt sent...prompt

Quick invoice receipt sent...prompt, good service

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation
    • Visas

Accommodation

Travel by 4WD, bus and internal flights Normally 4 to 16, plus local leader, Min age 16 yrs 4 nights hotels, all en suite and 12 nights ger camp with shared facilities All meals included
We use hotels in Ulaanbaatar and Arvaikheer and ger camps elsewhere. Gers are similar to yurts. This traditional accommodation is airy and usually contains a central wood-burning stove (in the summer the stoves are not normally needed). The bathrooms are shared and all have hot water (due to the remoteness of the camps this can be erratic at times). Many of the ger camps now have 24-hour electricity in the ger itself for charging batteries. If there is no charging facility inside the ger then there are charging facilities in the common area (though this may only be when the generator is turned on during limited periods of the day). at the Eagle Festival is four people per ger. For the rest of the camps, it is two people per ger and hotels are on a twin-share basis too. Due to the remoteness of Olgii, there is a limited choice of accommodation and the ger camps here are more basic than elsewhere. There may also be rare occasions when a single cannot be guaranteed in a particular ger camp.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Adventure Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

Period before departure in which you notify us

From the date your Booking Confirmation is issued up to, and including, 90 days prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.

  • 89 to 52 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 51 to 31 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 30 days or less prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation, or after the booking has started

Cancellation charge

Deposit can be transferred to a new booking which must be made within 3 months of the date the original booking was cancelled, and depart within 12 months of the new booking date. If a new booking is not made within this period then the deposit will be forfeited. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.

  • 50% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 75% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 100% of the total holiday cost.

For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made:

Cancellation period (before departure) - Cancellation Fee (per person)

Outside of 180 days - No fee if cancelled within 15 days of booking date. US $1,250 cancellation fee if cancelled 16 days or more of booking date.

179 to 120 days - Loss of deposit.

119 to 90 days prior to departure - 50% of the holiday cost.

89 to 60 days prior to departure - 75% of the holiday cost. 

59 to 0 days prior to departure - 100% of the holiday cost.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of Exodus Adventure Travels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, 14 lunches and 15 dinners are included. Traditional Mongolian diets are very meat and dairy heavy. While there are opportunities to try some of these products, such as dry curd and fermented mare’s milk, the meals provided in the ger camps are generally Western meals, at times with an Asian influence. There is normally some form of soup and salad plus a main course and desert. Vegetarians are generally well catered for; if you are vegetarian or have other dietary requirements, please inform us in advance. Breakfasts can vary from place to place, some are buffets while others are set, normally cereal, bread and possibly a hot dish. On some days, a pack lunch is provided, this is often still a proper meal (though without the soup). Water is provided and is generally from large water containers, so make sure to bring a refillable water bottle. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer, vodka and (most of the time) wine are available to buy at the ger camps. There is the opportunity to buy snacks in Ulaanbaatar and on a couple of other occasions along the way when we drive through towns or villages.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
exodus-ACK

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