Sagsai Eagle Festival

Day 01 — Ulaanbaatar – Ölgii – Tavan Bogd Ranger Station (September 12)

Fly from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii, the capital of Bayan-Ölgii Province.

Flights are NOT included in the tour. We can help you book your flights. See this guide for domestic flights.

Upon arrival at Ölgii Airport, you will be met by our local team and enjoy brunch in Ölgii before beginning the drive toward Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.

Continue through the spectacular landscapes of Western Mongolia to the Tavan Bogd Ranger Station. Upon arrival, settle into your traditional ger and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings.

Accommodation: Traditional ger

Meals: Brunch, Lunch & Dinner

Day 02 — Horse Riding to Tavan Bogd Base Camp – Potanin Glacier (September 13)

After breakfast, begin an unforgettable horse-riding journey toward Tavan Bogd Base Camp. Ride through the magnificent Altai mountain landscape toward the area of Potanin Glacier.

Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and glaciers.

Take time to appreciate the dramatic scenery before returning to the ranger station on horseback in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Traditional ger

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03 — Tavan Bogd – Shiveet Khairkhan – Khoton & Khurgan Lakes (September 14)

After breakfast, depart the Tavan Bogd area and drive toward the spectacular Khoton and Khurgan Lakes. On the way, stop at Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain, an important archaeological site known for its ancient Bronze Age rock art. Continue through the Altai landscape toward the lakes.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a Kazakh nomadic family at their traditional camp. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Five Fingers feast, a special Kazakh communal meal shared with your hosts and travel team.

Accommodation: Traditional Kazakh yurt

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04 — Baga Turgen Waterfall – Ancient Turkic Heritage (September 15)

Today, explore the spectacular natural scenery surrounding the Khoton and Khurgan Lakes. Drive and hike toward Baga Turgen Waterfall, enjoying the beautiful mountain valleys, rivers and surrounding landscapes.

In the afternoon, explore the ancient cultural heritage around Khurgan Lake. Visit ancient burial mounds, balbals and Turkic stone figures, providing a fascinating glimpse into the history of the ancient peoples who lived in the Altai region. Return to the yurt camp in the evening.

Accommodation: Traditional Kazakh yurt

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05 — Khoton & Khurgan Lakes – Sagsai Village – Eagle Hunter Family (September 16)

Today, leave the Khoton and Khurgan Lakes region and drive toward Sagsai Village, one of the most important areas for Kazakh eagle-hunting traditions in Bayan-Ölgii. Upon arrival, meet your host eagle hunter and his family. You will be warmly welcomed into their traditional nomadic home and introduced to the local eagle-hunting community.

Spend time getting acquainted with your horses and fellow eagle hunters while preparing for the Sagsai Eagle Festival. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the festival preparations and learn about the traditions behind Kazakh eagle hunting.

Accommodation: Traditional Kazakh yurt

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 06 — Horseback Journey to the Sagsai Eagle Festival (September 17)

Today, ride on horseback alongside members of the local Kazakh eagle-hunting community to the festival grounds. Attend the Sagsai Eagle Festival, where local eagle hunters gather to demonstrate their skills and celebrate their cultural heritage. Experience traditional eagle-hunting competitions, horsemanship and other cultural activities.

After the festival, ride back to the family camp. Later, spend time with your host eagle hunters and learn firsthand about the traditional process of taming, training, feeding and handling golden eagles.

Accommodation: Traditional Kazakh yurt

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 07 — Sagsai Eagle Festival – Ölgii – Cultural Evening & Farewell Dinner (September 18)

Return to the festival grounds for another day of the Sagsai Eagle Festival. Continue enjoying the traditional competitions and cultural activities before departing for Ölgii in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax.

In the evening, enjoy a special cultural farewell program featuring:

• Mongolian throat singing

• Traditional Kazakh music and family performances

• Cultural entertainment

• A special farewell dinner

Celebrate the final evening of your Western Mongolia adventure with your local hosts and travel team.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ölgii

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Farewell Dinner

Day 08 — Ölgii – Khovd Airport – Ulaanbaatar (September 19)

After breakfast, begin the journey toward Khovd Airport. Upon arrival at the airport, board your domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Your unforgettable Western Mongolia adventure and Sagsai Eagle Festival experience comes to an end.

Meals: Breakfast

End of Tour