Tribes in Mongolia
Ainabek Khavduali (a.k.a Bek)
Traveller's guide to visiting the nomadic tribes of Mongolia. Visit Eagle Hunters, Reindeer Herders and Desert Nomadic tribes in Mongolia.
Quick Summary
Nomadic tribes are part of Mongolia culture. The most famous & iconic cultural experiences are visiting the Eagle Hunters & Gobi Dessert Nomads.
The Eagle Hunters live in West Mongolia near the Altai Mountains. They are famed for their hunting skills with Eagles. They welcome travellers to learn about their culture and stay with them. You can even go on a real eagle hunting with the hunters on horseback.
The Gobi Dessert Nomads are in South Mongolia. They are camel herding families who have adapted to life in the harsh desert.
Kazakh Eagle Hunters
Where can you visit them: 📍West Mongolia (Altai Mountains)
Why should you visit them:
Traditional golden eagle hunting
You can participate in real eagle hunting
Distinct Kazakh culture, clothing, music, and food
Dramatic mountain scenery
They have an Eagle Festival every year in October (see 2026 Golden Eagle Festival Tour)
Gobi Desert Nomads
Where can you visit them: 📍Southern Mongolia (Gobi Desert)
Why should you visit them:
Camel herding families
Desert nomadic life
Sand dunes, canyons, and dinosaur sites
Tsaatan Reindeer Herders
Where can you visit them: 📍Northern Mongolia (Taiga region near Lake Khövsgöl)
Why should you visit them:
Rare reindeer herding culture
Forest-based nomadic life (not steppe)
One of the most unique cultures in Mongolia
Khalkha Mongols
Where can you visit them: 📍Central Mongolia (around Ulaanbaatar)
Why should you visit them:
Classic Mongolian nomadic lifestyle
Ger stays, horse riding, open steppe landscapes
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