About this trip
Discover one of Mongolia’s most remarkable living traditions on this five-day winter journey into the remote Altai Mountains of Bayan-Ölgii, home to the Kazakh eagle hunters.
Unlike conventional sightseeing tours or festival visits, this experience offers a rare opportunity to spend three nights with a traditional eagle hunter’s family, sharing their daily life and gaining a deeper understanding of a centuries-old practice passed down through generations.
During your stay, learn how golden eagles are raised, trained, fed, and cared for, and discover the special relationship between the hunters and their birds. Rather than watching a staged performance, you will experience the authentic rhythm of a Kazakh household, from morning activities and preparing traditional meals to caring for animals and sharing stories around the family stove.
Weather and local conditions permitting, accompany an experienced eagle hunter into the surrounding winter hills to observe traditional hunting practices. These outings offer opportunities to understand the skills, patience, and knowledge required for hunting with golden eagles, although actual hunting and wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed.
The journey also offers excellent opportunities for cultural and landscape photography. Capture golden eagles, horsemen, traditional clothing, family life, and the magnificent snow-covered scenery of the Altai Mountains. Traveling in a small group of just two to six participants allows for a more personal experience, meaningful interaction with your hosts, and flexibility for photography.
Accommodation with the eagle hunter’s family is simple and traditional, offering genuine insight into winter life in western Mongolia. By staying with local hosts, your visit directly supports the families who continue to preserve this extraordinary cultural heritage.
Combining cultural immersion, winter adventure, photography, and authentic local hospitality, this journey is designed for travelers who want to experience the real Mongolia beyond the usual tourist routes.
Accommodation
Guests spend three nights with a Kazakh eagle hunter’s family in the countryside of Bayan-Ulgii. Accommodation is simple and traditional, with shared living spaces, basic washing facilities, and limited bathroom amenities. Heating is provided by traditional stoves. The final night is spent at a local hotel in Ulgii.
Weather & Clothing
Winter in western Mongolia can be extremely cold, with temperatures frequently dropping below −20°C and sometimes considerably lower. Warm insulated clothing, winter boots, gloves, and suitable cold-weather equipment are essential.
Eagle Hunting Experience
Traditional eagle hunting is a living cultural practice, not a scheduled performance. Activities depend on the hunter’s decisions, weather conditions, terrain, and the condition of the eagle. Hunting success and wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed. The welfare of the eagles and wild animals is respected throughout the journey.
Photography
The tour offers opportunities for wildlife, portrait, cultural, and landscape photography. Guests should always ask permission before photographing family members.
Domestic Flights
Domestic flight schedules and weather conditions may affect travel arrangements. We recommend allowing an additional buffer day before international departure.
