Altaï Eagle Festival
3–17 September 2024

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, we will pick you up at the airport (interpreter and driver) and we will bring you to your accommodation. We will visit the Gandan monastery that houses the great golden statue of the patron god Mejgidjanraisig. You can enjoy your time in the gardens of the monastery, meet the two Tudevee Odgerel and llamas, which you can ask questions and learn a lot about Buddhism. Lunch in a Mongolian restaurant. Walking on the Sukhbaatar square and visit the National History Museum and the Museum of Natural History as you wish. Overnight at hotel.

After a hearty breakfast, we make our way to the domestic airport for a scenic flight from Ulaanbaatar to the captivating city of Ölgii, the bustling capital of Bayan Ölgii province. Upon touching down, we relish a lunch at a local Turkish restaurant, tantalizing our taste buds with regional flavors. Our journey continues with visits to the museum and the lively open-air market, where we immerse ourselves in the rich culture and atmosphere of Ölgii. As the day winds down, we settle in for a peaceful overnight stay, eager to embark on further adventures in this charming city.

Arriving at the shores of Tolboo Lake, nestled 45 kilometers south of Ulgii, we discover a vast expanse of water stretching from the southeast to the northwest, formed by a depression of tectonic origin and fed by glacial springs. With an area of 185 square kilometers, this majestic lake, surrounded by the Altai Mountains, reaches an altitude of 2,080 meters. The legendary Soum Tolbo stands at its southern end. He is also the witness of a striking history, the Battle of Tolbo Lake, where 160 Mongol-Soviet soldiers bravely confronted a disproportionate force of 2,400 white Russian soldiers during the People's Revolution of 1921. This day offers us a peaceful walk along its banks, punctuated by a visit to a Kazakh family, for an authentic immersion in the local culture. Overnight in yurt.

After a hearty breakfast, we drive to the Altai Eagle Hunters Festival. The show begins with a parade of eagle hunters, accompanied by their magnificent birds of prey perched on their arms and dressed in their traditional outfits. The most remarkable ornaments are awarded the highest distinctions, adding to the impressive spectacle. The competitions that follow test the speed, agility and precision of the eagles, providing two days of excitement. We plan to have lunch on the festival site and dinner in the village of Altai, with meals and nights spent in the family yurt.
 

The Altai Eagle Festival is a unique and exciting event held in the Altai Republic, in southwestern Siberia. One of the highlights of this festival is the parade of eagle hunters in traditional hunting attire.

The competition begins with a parade where hunters show off their outfits, including costumes decorated with national patterns and decorative elements. These costumes reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Altai people and the traditions of hunting with eagles.

The Altai Eagle Festival is not only an opportunity to see magnificent eagles in action and enjoy the beauty of Altai nature, but also to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Altai culture, learn more about its unique traditions and the skills of hunting with eagles preserved by many generations.

The second day of the festival. Many events take place within the framework of the festival. One of the days is dedicated to equestrian games, including archery on horseback. This ancient tradition allows hunters to demonstrate their skills by shooting at targets with a bow while galloping at a specially prepared range.

The festival program also includes women's equestrian competitions. Participants demonstrate their horse handling skills, speed and agility in the saddle, and also participate in various competitions and challenges that reflect the cultural and traditional aspects of the Altai people. Particular attention at the festival is paid to eagle competitions. Eagles and their hunters demonstrate their skills in hunting prey such as hares or foxes. These performances capture the imagination of the audience and allow them to see the magnificence and skill of these majestic birds in action.

The festival ends with a closing ceremony called "Golden Eagle". This is a special event at which the winners of the competition are announced, awards are presented and a festive concert is held with the participation of national artists and groups.

Overall, the festival is a unique combination of sports, culture and traditions of the Altai people. It allows you not only to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of Altai nature, but also to immerse yourself in the world of amazing traditions and cultural heritage of this region.

After a morning photo session with eagle hunters, Lake Dayan will be the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. You can take a walk along the shore of the lake and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Lake Dayan is a picturesque natural lake located in a picturesque corner of the Altai Republic in Russia. This lake attracts tourists with its beauty and peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by mountains, forests and the clean air of Altai nature.

Lake Dayan is known for its crystal clear water and amazing purity. Its waters change hue depending on the time of year and weather, creating different shades of blue and green, making it even more impressive.

The surrounding landscape of Lake Dayan is striking in its diversity. The high mountains covered with pine trees and deciduous forests create a stunning panorama, while the clear and clear waters of the lake reflect the clouds and mountain peaks, adding to the beauty of the place.

Lake Dayan is a popular destination for recreation and tourism. Here you can spend time in nature, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and immerse yourself in the beauty of Altai nature. Many tourists come here for hiking, fishing, or just to relax and enjoy nature.

The path to Lake Khurgan-Nuur takes about three hours and passes through the picturesque places of the Altai Republic. Along the way, you will be able to see various natural landscapes, from desert landscapes to green forests lining your path.

Lake Khurgan-Nur is divided between sandy desert, which makes it even more unique and interesting to explore. This creates an amazing contrast between the mountain landscapes, desert plains and crystal clear waters of the lake.

Lake Khurgan Nuur is a high mountain lake located in the heart of the natural park. This lake has crystal clear water that changes color depending on the time of day and weather conditions, creating stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains and sky on the surface of the water.

The Sirgali Valley and Lake Khurgan Nuur are among the most impressive and beautiful natural sites in the Altai Republic. These places amaze with their unique beauty and diversity of natural landscapes.

The Sirgali Valley is a secluded gorge that attracts nature lovers with its wild and untouched views. Here you can enjoy the beauty of mountain landscapes covered with green forests and panoramas of high mountains surrounded by impenetrable forests and rocks.

A trip to the sacred mountain Shivet-Khairkhan is a journey into the very heart of Altai nature and culture. This mountain has special significance for local residents and is considered a sacred place with powerful energy and spiritual strength.

When visiting Mount Shivet-Khairkhan, you will be able to see a unique gallery of rock paintings dating back to the Bronze Age. These ancient arts are evidence of ancient cultures and their lives, reflecting the worldview and way of life of the ancient peoples of Altai.

The Tavan-Bogd National Park, where the sacred Mount Shivet-Khairkhan is located, offers excellent trails for walking and hiking. Along these trails you will be able to explore the richness of Altai nature, enjoying the views of Siberian dwarf pines and bloody dogwoods, which create an amazing and impressive landscape.

Traveling along the park's trails provides a unique opportunity to encounter the region's diverse fauna. You may be able to see rare and endangered species such as argali, mountain goat, snow leopard or Altai tetra. These animals are symbols of Altai wildlife and are of great value for the conservation of the region's biodiversity.

Traveling to the edge of Mongolia, into the heart of the Mongolian Altai, is an amazing and exciting adventure. This region surprises with its pristine nature, wild and unexplored landscapes and majestic mountain peaks. Here, towering above the surrounding landscapes, is the highest mountain of the Mongolian Altai - Tavan-Bogd, which means “Mountain of Five Saints”.

Tavan-Bogd consists of five mountain peaks, the highest of which, Mount Khuiten, reaches an altitude of 4374 meters. This mountain is not only the highest point of the Mongolian Altai, but is also of great interest to experienced climbers. For those who are brave and lucky enough to reach its top, it offers a stunning view of three nearby countries - Russia, Mongolia and China. This incredible sight makes travelers feel the greatness of nature and its splendor.

The landscapes surrounding Tavan-Bogd amaze with their beauty and diversity. Here you will find virgin forests, mountain rivers, glaciers and high deserts. This region is a unique biological reserve, home to many rare and endangered species of plants and animals.

A trip to the city of Ölgii (Ulgii) is an amazing journey into the cultural and historical heart of the Mongolian Altai. Ölgii is the administrative center of Bayan-Olgii aimag and the cultural center of the Kazakh people living in this region.

After arriving in Ölgii, you can visit the open market, where real masterpieces of Kazakh craft are presented. Here you will find unique hand-embroidered carpets and decorated with traditional patterns, as well as warm hats and jackets made from natural materials and reflecting the national style of Kazakh clothing.

Enjoy a traditional Kazakh concert and farewell dinner.

Departure by domestic flight from Ulgii at 13:20, arriving in Ulaanbaatar at 16:10. On arrival in Ulaanbaatar, head for Khustai National Park (2 hrs drive), where you can admire the famous Prjevalski horses. Reintroduced to the wild in Mongolia in the 1990s after being captured for zoos, these horses were driven to extinction in their natural habitat. Walk in Khustai National Park to observe the ancestors of Mongolian horses.
Overnight in a yurt in a nomadic family camp.

After enjoying breakfast, we embark on a journey to the "Little Gobi" and for a camel ride in this stunning and picturesque natural region, renowned for its breathtaking sand dunes and lush green oases. Stretching over 80 kilometers and situated at the convergence of four regions, the Elsentasarhay dunes offer awe-inspiring vistas. Following this, we meet with the Davaasuren camel breeding family to gain insight into the unique lifestyle and rich culture of camel breeders in Mongolia. Our exploration then takes us to the historic Uvgun-Khiid Monastery, a revered symbol of Mongolia's rich heritage, and onwards to Karakorum, the former capital of the illustrious Great Mongol Empire. Here, we visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery, the country's first stone monastery established in 1585, and delve into its profound historical and cultural significance. As night falls, we retreat to the comfort of an Urguu tourist camp yurt, where we savor a hearty family breakfast and share delightful meals with our local hosts under the sheltering embrace of the yurt.

Returning from Karakorum to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, offers an opportune moment to explore the city's landmarks and outdoor attractions, capturing lasting memories of your adventure through photos of iconic monuments and bustling street scenes. During your leisure time, delve into local markets and souvenir shops to purchase authentic Mongolian goods such as wool, jewelry, leather crafts, and more, allowing you to take a piece of Mongolia home with you and share its beauty with loved ones. In the early evening, embark on a special excursion to the renowned traditional arts show, "Tumen Ekh." This captivating exhibition showcases Mongolia's rich culture and artistic heritage, with each room offering a glimpse into the country's diverse traditions. Experience Mongolia through traditional dances, melodic songs, instrumental music, and mesmerizing acrobatic performances, presented by skilled artists and musicians. Immerse yourself in Mongolia's history, traditions, and beauty as you witness the artistry of its culture unfold before your eyes. A visit to the Tumen Ekh show provides a fitting cultural experience, allowing you to cherish vivid memories of your time in this remarkable country. Enjoy a comfortable night's stay at the Aurora or Dream hotel.

In the morning, transfer from the city center of Ulaanbaatar to the new international airport, Chinggis Khan, located south of the capital. Bid farewell and receive thanks from the Mongolian people as you depart.