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Eagle Hunter Tour: golden eagles and nomad life
Eight days in the Altai Mountains of Bayan-Ölgii: ride through Oigor Valley, walk from Altai Tavan Bogd base camp, camp by Khoton and Khurgan lakes and spend a full day with a Kazakh eagle hunter family.
8 Days / 7 Nights
Max 8 travellers
A day with eagle hunters
Flights UB ⇄ Ölgii included
DURATION
8 days / 7 nights
DIFFICULTY
Moderate, 4–6 h/day
HIGHEST POINT
~2,400 m
GROUP SIZE
Max 10
SEASON
May – October
PRICE FROM
$1,120 pp
OVERVIEW
Live a day with Kazakh eagle hunters
Travel through mountain passes and the Oigor Valley, walk from Altai Tavan Bogd base camp across green meadows and glacial valleys, and meet Kazakh nomad families known for their warm hospitality. The highlight is a full day with an eagle hunter family.
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A full day with a Kazakh eagle hunter family and their golden eagles
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Horse riding through the scenic Oigor Valley
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Walk from Altai Tavan Bogd base camp, with an optional side trek to the Potanin Glacier
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Lakeside nights at Khoton & Khurgan with campfires and stargazing
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Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall and look out for marmots and eagles
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Felt-making, embroidery, Kazakh meals and a cultural evening in Ölgii
THE ROUTE
Ölgii to Altai Tavan Bogd and back
1
2
4
3
5
6
7
8
Ölgii
Oigor Valley
Base Camp
Khoton Lake
Baga Turgen
Eagle hunters
Ölgii
Ulaanbaatar
Fly in from UB
Drive, ride
Walk 4–6 h
Drive 4–5 h
Waterfall hike
Family day
Cultural evening
Fly back
ITINERARY
Day by day
Open all days
DAY 1
Fly to Bayan-Ölgii
Fly from Ulaanbaatar, meet your driver and Kazakh guide and get to know Ölgii town.
✈ Domestic flight
Flight ~2 h
Hotel or ger in Ölgii
Day details +
Morning domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar to Bayan-Ölgii (about 2 hours)
Meet your driver and local Kazakh guide at Ölgii airport
Bayan-Ölgii Museum: Kazakh culture, history and wildlife
Local bazaar (open market) for handicrafts and souvenirs
Welcome dinner with traditional Kazakh cuisine
DAY 2
Drive to Oigor Valley and ride
Drive over mountain passes to Oigor Valley, meet your horse guides and ride for the first time.
Drive 4–5 h
Tent or ger
Day details +
Morning departure from Ölgii through mountain passes and river valleys (about 4–5 hours)
Picnic lunch with views of the snow-capped Altai Mountains
Meet your local horse guides and get matched with your horse
First horse ride through the scenic Oigor Valley
DAY 3
Altai Tavan Bogd base camp to White River Valley
Walk from base camp through alpine meadows and glacial streams to White River Valley.
Walk 4–6 h
Tent
Day details +
Morning departure from Altai Tavan Bogd base camp (about 4–6 hours)
Alpine meadows, rivers and glacial streams
Learn about the Tavan Bogd massif (“Five Saint Peaks”) and its significance
Optional Side trek to the Potanin Glacier if weather and trail conditions allow
DAY 4
Drive to Khoton & Khurgan lakes
Drive deeper into the park to the lakes, with a campfire and stargazing in the evening.
Drive 4–5 h
Day details +
Drive deeper into the park (about 4–5 hours)
Optional Short lakeshore walks and photo stops
Picnic or packed lunch on the way or at the lakes
Evening campfire by the lake with dinner and hot drinks
Optional Stargazing in the clear Altai sky
DAY 5
Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall
A round-trip hike to the waterfall through forested slopes, back to camp for a campfire.
Hike 3–4 h
Lakeside ger or tent
Day details +
Morning hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall (about 3–4 hours round trip)
Picnic lunch at the waterfall, surrounded by forested slopes and streams
Optional Alpine meadows and wildlife spotting (marmots, eagles)
Evening campfire with dinner and hot drinks
Optional Visit a nearby nomad family
DAY 6
Life with the eagle hunter family
Spend the day with a Kazakh eagle hunter family and see how they care for and train their golden eagles.
Eagle hunters
Camp or ger
Day details +
A day with a Kazakh eagle hunter and his family in their ger camp
Watch the golden eagle being fed, groomed and trained
Help herd goats, sheep and yaks across the open steppe
Visit neighbouring families for felt-making, embroidery and saddle craft
Help prepare traditional Kazakh dishes such as beshbarmak, with tea and homemade dairy
DAY 7
Return to Ölgii and Kazakh cultural evening
Drive back to Ölgii, shop for crafts and end the day with Kazakh music and dance.
Drive back
Camp or ger
Day details +
Drive back to Ölgii through mountain and steppe landscapes
Local bazaar and craft shops for souvenirs
Stroll through town and see everyday local life
Evening cultural show with traditional Kazakh music and dance
DAY 8
Fly to Ulaanbaatar
Fly back to the capital, transfer to your hotel and shop for souvenirs.
✈ Domestic flight
Flight ~2 h
Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
Day details +
Transfer to Ölgii airport
Return flight to Ulaanbaatar (about 2 hours)
Meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel
State Department Store for souvenirs
Optional Dinner show with Mongolian throat singing and dance
PRICES
Price per person
How much does the eagle hunter tour cost? This 8-day tour costs from $1,120 per person for groups of 7–8, $1,600 per person for two travellers and $2,358 for a solo traveller. The price includes return flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii, ground transport with fuel, meals, an English-speaking guide, a cook, park permits and the visit to a Kazakh eagle hunter family. International flights, travel insurance and a sleeping bag are not included.
TRAVELLERS
PER PERSON (USD)
1 traveller
$2,358
2 travellers
$1,600
3–4 travellers
$1,258
5–6 travellers
$1,213
7–8 travellers
$1,120
The more people travel together, the lower the price per person. All prices include domestic flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii, ground transport with fuel, meals, guide, cook and the eagle hunter family visit.
Departure dates
Private departures on your own dates, May to October.
Combine the tour with the Golden Eagle Festival in early October.
The tour runs for 8 days. Up to 8 travellers per group.
Contact us to check availability.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included and not included
Included
✓ Accommodation throughout the journey, including camping tents and traditional gers
✓ Round-trip domestic flights Ulaanbaatar – Ölgii – Ulaanbaatar
✓ All ground transportation with fuel
✓ Arrival and departure airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
✓ Professional English-speaking tour guide
✓ Experienced local driver
✓ Dedicated expedition cook
✓ Full-board meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
✓ Bottled drinking water and snacks
✓ All necessary camping and cooking equipment
✓ Camel support with professional camel handlers
✓ Visit to a traditional Kazakh eagle hunter family
✓ National park permits and local fees
✓ All sightseeing activities and entrance fees
✓ Visa support with an official invitation letter
Not included
✕ International airfare
✕ Visa fees
✕ Travel insurance
✕ Personal expenses and individual equipment
✕ Sleeping bag
✕ Excess baggage on domestic flights (over 15 kg allowance)
✕ Airport taxes (if applicable)
✕ Alcoholic beverages
✕ Drinks and additional charges at hotels, inns or restaurants
✕ Any services not listed under Included
✕ Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and staff
IS IT FOR ME?
Moderate, no experience needed
Difficulty: moderate
4–6 h
longest walking or riding days
~2,400 m
base camp altitude
8 days
Ölgii to Ölgii
6 nights
in tents or gers
A good fit if you…
Want to meet Kazakh eagle hunters up close
Can walk or ride 4–6 hours a day
Are happy camping with basic facilities
Love nature, culture and photography
Talk to us first if you…
Are travelling with children under 10
Have a heart or respiratory condition
GOOD TO KNOW
Before you go
Best time
May to September offers the best weather. September and October are especially rewarding — the Golden Eagle Festival takes place in early October in Bayan-Ölgii.
Accommodation
Hotel or ger camp in Ölgii, tents and lakeside gers in the national park, a ger camp with the eagle hunter family and a hotel in Ulaanbaatar.
Meals
Our expedition cook prepares fresh meals each day with local ingredients — mutton, beef, rice, noodles and vegetables — plus home-cooked Kazakh food with the eagle hunter family. Vegetarian, gluten-free or halal meals on request.
Transport
Private 4WD vehicles with an experienced local driver, plus horse riding in Oigor Valley with local horse guides. Jeep transport is always available instead of riding.
What to bring
Warm layers (nights are cold, even in summer), a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, a sleeping bag (not included), sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, personal medication and camera gear. A full packing list is sent when you book.
Phone and internet
Mobile signal in Ölgii town (Day 1 and Days 7–8); largely absent in the Altai and no Wi-Fi at the camps. Download offline maps before you go.
REVIEWS
What our guests say
★ 5.0 on TripAdvisor (8 reviews, October 2026)
What reviewers mention (summary, not quotes):
Ritvik S (July 2026, travelled with a friend): a one-week expedition in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, including hiking Malchin Peak. Praised the guide, driver, host families, food and smooth organisation.
matej l (August 2026, solo): camped at Khoton Lake and describes it as remote, quiet and worth the long 4x4 drive. Notes basic conditions and no facilities at the lake.
Guille C, Spain (September 2026, solo): a great adventure with local guides; would recommend it.
Marina F, United Arab Emirates (June 2026, with a friend): the route was changed to avoid areas under quarantine; thanked the driver and guide for difficult mountain roads. Says to expect a very basic level of comfort.
Vacations Mongolia is listed on TripAdvisor as Vacations in Mongolia.
Read honest reviews from our guests on our reviews page, TripAdvisor and Google. Read all reviews →
FAQ
Questions travellers ask
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
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Yes. The trekking sections are moderate — no technical climbing is required. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, as some days involve 4–6 hours of walking or horse riding.
What is the best time to do the eagle hunter tour?
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May to September offers the best weather. September and October are especially rewarding — the Golden Eagle Festival takes place in early October in Bayan-Ölgii.
Is travel insurance required?
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Yes. We require all guests to hold valid travel insurance including medical evacuation cover, as the tour takes place in a remote mountain region.
How do I get to Bayan-Ölgii from Ulaanbaatar?
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The tour includes round-trip domestic flights between Ulaanbaatar and Bayan-Ölgii (about 2 hours each way), operated by Hunnu Air or Mongolian Airlines. We handle all bookings — you just need to arrive in Ulaanbaatar the evening before departure.
Can I join the tour as a solo traveller?
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Absolutely. Solo travellers are very welcome. We offer a solo price and can also match you with others departing on the same dates if you prefer to share costs. Just let us know when booking.
What is the maximum group size?
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We keep groups small — a maximum of 8 people. This means a more personal experience with the eagle hunter family. Private departures for individuals, couples or families can be arranged on any date.
Can the tour dates be customised?
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Yes. We offer flexible private departures throughout the May–October season. If you have specific dates or want to combine this tour with the Golden Eagle Festival or another Mongolia experience, contact us and we will build a custom itinerary.
Can I photograph the eagle hunters?
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Absolutely. Photography is warmly welcomed. We recommend a telephoto lens for eagle-in-flight shots and a wide angle for landscapes and ger interiors.
How experienced do I need to be with horse riding?
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No riding experience is needed. Mongolian horses are calm and well-suited to beginners. Your local horse guide gives you a short introduction and rides alongside you. If you are uncomfortable on horseback, jeep transport is always available.
Is vegetarian or special diet food available?
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Yes. Vegetarian meals are available on request — please tell us when booking. Our expedition cook prepares all meals fresh each day with local ingredients. For other requirements (gluten-free, halal, etc.), contact us in advance.
Is there phone or internet connectivity during the tour?
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Mobile signal is available in Ölgii town (Day 1 and Days 7–8) but is largely absent in the Altai. There is no Wi-Fi at the ger camps or campsites. Download offline maps and let family and friends know before heading into the mountains.
What should I pack for the eagle hunter tour?
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Warm layers (nights are cold, even in summer), a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, a sleeping bag (not included), sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, personal medication and camera gear. A full packing list is sent when you book.
Is this tour available for families with children?
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Yes, families are welcome. We recommend it for children aged 10 and above, as some hiking sections are long; younger children can travel by jeep instead. Kids love the eagle hunter visit — they often get to hold a golden eagle themselves.
How much does the tour cost?
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From $1,120 per person for groups of 7–8, $1,213 for 5–6, $1,258 for 3–4, $1,600 for two travellers and $2,358 for a solo traveller.
Where do we sleep?
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Hotel or ger camp in Ölgii (Day 1), tents and lakeside gers in the national park (Days 2–5), a ger camp with the eagle hunter family (Days 6–7) and a hotel in Ulaanbaatar (Day 8).
Can I see the Potanin Glacier?
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Yes, as an optional side trek on Day 3 if mountain weather and trail conditions allow.
Is a sleeping bag included?
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No. A sleeping bag is not included, so please bring a warm one.
What is this tour at a glance?
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8 days / 7 nights · Moderate · From $1,120 per person · Up to 8 travellers · May to October. A full day with a Kazakh eagle hunter family · Horse riding in Oigor Valley · Khoton and Khurgan lakes and Baga Turgen Waterfall · Return flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii included.
What does each day of the tour look like?
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Day 1 — Fly to Ölgii · Flight: about 2 h · Night: Hotel or ger camp in Ölgii
Day 2 — Drive to Oigor Valley, first horse ride · Drive: about 4–5 h · Night: Tent or ger
Day 3 — Altai Tavan Bogd base camp to White River Valley · Walking: about 4–6 h · Night: Tent
Day 4 — Drive to Khoton and Khurgan lakes · Drive: about 4–5 h · Night: Lakeside ger or tent
Day 5 — Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall · Hiking: about 3–4 h · Night: Lakeside ger or tent
Day 6 — A full day with the eagle hunter family · Night: Camp or ger
Day 7 — Return to Ölgii, Kazakh cultural evening · Night: Camp or ger
Day 8 — Fly to Ulaanbaatar · Flight: about 2 h · Night: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
MORE IN THE ALTAI
You might also like
Which Altai tour is right for you?
Eagle Hunter & Nomadic Life (this tour) — 8 days · Moderate trekking sections, no technical climbing · Highest point: Altai Tavan Bogd base camp, about 2,400 m (no summit) · Eagle hunter visit: a full day on Day 6 · From $1,120 per person
Altai Tavan Bogd Hiking — 6 days · Moderate fitness, optional summit day · Highest point: Malchin Peak, 4,051 m (optional) · Eagle hunter visit: yes, Day 5 · From $992 per person
Altai Mountains Trekking — 9 days · Moderate, one summit day · Highest point: Malchin Peak, 4,051 m · Eagle hunter visit: yes, Day 8 · From $1,116 per person
FROM THE BLOG
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BOOK OR ASK A QUESTION
Talk to our team in Bayan-Ölgii
Flat 606, Happy Town 3, Bayan-Ölgii 18700, Mongolia
Written by the Vacations Mongolia team · Updated October 2026