Tolbo Lake Eagle Festival

This adventure will lead you to a destination few have explored—Mongolia’s remote western frontier, where the landscape is as captivating as the cultural fusion it holds.
Here, Muslim and Mongolian traditions intertwine, creating a unique tapestry of heritage and hospitality. Travelling through this rugged terrain promises a series of unforgettable encounters and an exhilarating journey of discovery.

Today, we fly to Olgii, the capital of Bayan-Olgii province. Unlike most of Mongolia, which is predominantly home to Khalkh Mongolians, Bayan-Olgii is largely inhabited by ethnic Kazakhs, the majority of whom practice Islam. The town even features its own modest mosque, a symbol of its distinct identity.

Upon arrival, our local team will warmly welcome you and accompany you westward into the heart of the National Park. Along the way, we’ll visit Kazakh families living in traditional Gers—larger than the typical Mongolian version and richly adorned with handmade carpets and vibrant textiles. Over a cup of tea, we’ll share delicious Kazakh dishes such as Kuz (salted and smoked horse meat) and Bisbarmak, engaging in heartfelt conversations that offer deeper insight into the customs and values of Kazakh life.

For more than 2,000 years, Kazakhs have forged a deep bond with nature through the ancient art of eagle hunting. These remarkable Golden Eagles—always females for their size and prowess—are taken from the nest as chicks and trained intensively for up to a year. They assist in subsistence hunting, capturing foxes and wolves that threaten livestock. After several years of loyal service, these majestic birds are released back into the wild—a testament to the mutual respect between hunter and eagle.

Activities:

• Flight: Depart Ulaanbaatar at 7:25 am, arrive in Ölgii at 8:40 am
• Drive for 2-3 hours
• Meet with a family that practices eagle hunting

Altai Tavan Bogd is a pristine wilderness spanning 636,161 hectares along the western edge of Bayan-Olgii province, stretching across the Ulaan Khus, Tsengel, Sagsai, and Altai soums (villages).
Tucked away in Mongolia’s far west, this national park is a dramatic landscape of snow-capped peaks, ancient glaciers, and vast, untouched valleys. At its heart stands Khuiten Uul, the tallest mountain in Mongolia, soaring to 4,374 meters above sea level. The park follows the sweeping arc of the Altai Mountain Range for over 200 kilometers, where Mongolia meets China, Russia, and Kazakhstan—a natural crossroads of cultures and frontiers.

Altai Tavan Bogd is not only rich in natural beauty but steeped in history. Hidden among its rocky surfaces are tens of thousands of ancient petroglyphs, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Scattered throughout the landscape are mysterious Turkic Stone Men and ancient burial mounds, silent sentinels of the region’s deep past.

Today, we’ll travel through the park’s stunning landscapes on a 5 to 6-hour journey that leads us to the Tsagaan River Valley by early afternoon. This valley is a cherished summer grazing ground for nomadic herders and a sacred space for the Tuvan people, who continue to practice their age-old Shamanistic traditions.

Activities:

• Enjoy a scenic 5–6 hours’ drive through breathtaking landscapes
• Visit and connect with a local Tuvan family

After breakfast, we’ll make our way back to Ölgii, a captivating town in western Mongolia and the capital of Bayan-Ölgii Province. Perched at 1,710 meters above sea level, Ölgii is celebrated for its vibrant Kazakh culture, breathtaking mountain scenery, and its role as the gateway to the majestic Altai Mountains. During our time in town, we’ll explore the Ölgii Museum to delve into the rich history, art, and traditions of the Kazakh people, followed by a visit to the bustling local market for a taste of daily life and local craftsmanship.

Activities:

• Explore Olgii town

Located at 45 km from Olgii town we have a beautiful fresh water Tolbo lake.
The lake is situated at an altitude of about 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) and is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, making it a popular spot for nature lovers, photographers, and travellers seeking to experience the tranquillity of the Mongolian wilderness. The lake is known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, rolling hills, and vast steppes. The crystal-clear waters of the lake reflect the surrounding peaks, offering a picturesque setting for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The surrounding area is also home to various wildlife, including migratory birds, which makes the lake a great spot for birdwatching.

Eagle hunters celebrate their heritage and compete to catch small animals such as foxes and hares with specially trained golden eagles, showing off the skills of both the birds and their trainers. (Nowadays hunting live animals is not practiced during festivals anymore, instead eagles chase fox skin dragged by its owner on horseback.). Prizes are awarded for speed, agility and accuracy. Festivities which incorporate an opening ceremony, impressive parade, cultural exhibitions, demonstrations and handcraft followed by sporting activities and competitions take place 3 km out towards the mountains. Dressed in full eagle hunting outfits and mounted on groomed decorated horses, the hunters compete for the different awards of best-looking eagle and owner, best eagle locating its owner from distance etc…Other sporting activities include camel racing, archery, “Kiz Kuar” century old woman chasing game, “Tinge Lu” the competition where horse riders snatch coins from ground and the highly entertaining traditional game “Kokbar”- goatskin tug war on horseback.

Activities:

• Festival activities

Today we will fly back to Ulaanbaatar. You are free to spend your afternoon as you wish. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful cultural performance, featuring talented contortionists, while you take in the vibrant and rhythmic dances of Mongolia.

Activities:

• Depart Ölgii at 9:20 AM, arrive in Ulaanbaatar at 12:20 PM
• Attend folklore show with throat singers
• Shop for souvenir or cashmere