Altaï Eagle Festival

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.

We ride up to Eagle Hunters and shoot with them. All day with Eagle Masters. We head for our gers in the evening. 
 

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 family holiday in Altai can be an unforgettable adventure, full of impressions and bright moments. The region offers a variety of outdoor activities and family-friendly activities, including eagle encounters, scenic walks and visits to waterfalls such as the Baga-Turgen Falls.

Meeting with eagles is one of the most unique and impressive events in Altai. You and your family can visit specialized farms or centers where you can observe the life and behavior of these majestic birds, learn interesting facts about them, and even take part in demonstration performances.

In addition to meeting eagles, Altai offers excellent opportunities for walking and hiking. One of these walks can be directed to the Baga-Turgen waterfall. This waterfall amazes with its beauty and power. The path to it leads through picturesque forests and mountain trails, offering amazing views and photo opportunities.

A walk to the Baga-Turgen waterfall will be an excellent option for a family holiday. Children and adults will be able to enjoy the beauty of nature, fresh air and amazing scenery. On the way to the waterfall, you can have a picnic, enjoying nature and delicious food in the fresh air.

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.

This morning we will have an exciting adventure in the capital of Mongolia - Ulaanbaatar. After arriving in UB, our route runs in the direction of the “Little Gobi” - an amazing and picturesque corner of nature that amazes with its diversity and beauty.

The Elsentasarhay sand dunes are a true natural wonder, located at the junction of four regions. Stretching for more than 80 km, they create an impressive and majestic landscape, attracting travelers with their beauty and uniqueness.

One of the amazing features of Elsentasarhay is the presence of fertile soil thanks to the groundwater that enriches the region. This creates a unique contrast between sand dunes and green oases where willows, elms and dogwoods thrive. This amazing landscape allows travelers to enjoy the diversity of nature, walking along hiking trails and enjoying the unique views of this region.

Your journey continues as the next stop on your great Mongolian adventure is meeting the Davaasuren camel breeding family. This is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the life and culture of real camel breeders in Mongolia. You can ride a camel and feel like a real traveler through the deserts and steppes of Mongolia.

Continuing your journey, you will take a short walk to the Uvgun-Khiid Monastery. This ancient monastery is one of the historical and cultural symbols of Mongolia. As you approach the monastery, you will feel the spirit of the past and see majestic temples and Buddhist stupas surrounded by beautiful nature.

After this, your path lies to Karakorum, the former capital of the Great Mongol Empire. Here you will visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery - a unique and historically significant place, which is the first monastery in Mongolia built “from stone”. This monastery was founded in 1585 and is a magnificent example of Mongolian architecture and religious art.

It is important to note that the monastery's 62 temples, as well as its surrounding wall and stupas, were saved during the communist purge in 1939. After years of being banned from operation, today the monastery is once again a functioning place of worship and cultural heritage in Mongolia.

A visit to Erdene Zuu Monastery will allow you to delve into the history and culture of the Mongol Empire, understand its significance for the people of Mongolia and feel the spirit of ancient times. This unique place leaves an unforgettable impression and allows you to see the historical heritage of Mongolia in all its beauty and grandeur.

A day of relaxation in the hot springs is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the natural wonders of Mongolia. One of the most famous and popular hot springs in the country is the Tsenkher Spring. The water temperature here reaches 70 degrees Celsius when it comes to the surface, making this spring not only pleasant for swimming, but also has significant therapeutic properties.

Immersion in the hot mineral baths of the Tsenkher spring will help relax muscles, improve blood circulation and overall well-being. The water from the source is rich in minerals that have a beneficial effect on the body, helping to recover from fatigue and stress.

After relaxing in the hot spring, you can take a walk through the picturesque forest around Lake Khangai. A walk through this beautiful forest will provide you with the opportunity to enjoy nature, feel the fresh air and enjoy the peaceful landscape.

Returning to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, will be a great time to end your trip and do some final shopping. This is also a great time to capture memories of your adventure in the city and outdoors of Mongolia by taking some more photos of city landmarks and street scenes.

In your free time, you can visit local markets, souvenir shops or boutiques where you can buy national Mongolian products such as woolen products, jewelry, leather goods and much more. This is a great way to bring a part of Mongolia with you and share it with family and friends.

In the early evening, a special event awaits you - a visit to the famous traditional arts show "Tumen Ekh". This unique show is a veritable gallery of Mongolian culture and art, with each room reflecting the richness and diversity of Mongolian tradition.

At the Tumen Ekh show you can discover Mongolia through its traditional dances, diaphonic singing, instrumental music, songs and acrobatic performances. Professional artists and musicians will show you the true art of Mongolian culture, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of traditions, history and beauty of Mongolia.

A visit to the Tumen Ekh show will be the perfect ending to your trip, allowing you to savor your last moments in Mongolia, enjoy a unique performance and retain vivid memories of your stay in this amazing country.

A day with a family of eagles is a unique and exciting adventure in the heart of nature.
After this, you will go for a walk to the Baga-Turgen waterfall. This waterfall is located in a picturesque gorge surrounded by mountains and forests. A walk to the waterfall provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Mongolia, listen to the sound of water and birds, enjoy fresh air and peace

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.