Golden Eagle Festival and Nomadic Mongolia 10 days photo tour

Welcome to Mongolia! Whenever, your international flight lands in city airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

Accommodation: Hotel 4*

Meals: not included this day.

Today, we head to a remote steppe location for an exclusive private photography session with 10–20 traditionally dressed archers on horseback. Capture the action as they gallop at full speed, shooting arrows at targets — a centuries-old skill dating back to Attila the Hun. This session offers fantastic opportunities for dynamic action shots, close-up portraits, and storytelling images that truly showcase Mongolian heritage.

Accommodation: Hotel 4*.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

At 9:00 AM, your guide and driver will pick you up for the trip to Mini Gobi (Elsen Tasarkhai). This unique landscape features sand dunes dotted with rare shrubs like willow, elm, and dogwood, as well as a small forest near a river. It’s a rare ecosystem where mountains, forests, steppes, and desert dunes converge, offering incredible photographic variety in one location.

In the late afternoon, capture the golden light on the dunes, and photograph camels silhouetted against the sand, creating dramatic and memorable compositions.

Accommodation: Tourist camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

This morning, drive to Hustai National Park, home to the world’s last truly wild horses (Takhi). En route, visit a nomad family to experience traditional nomadic life and taste fresh dairy products, offering excellent opportunities for candid lifestyle and portrait photography.

Upon arrival at Hustai, explore the Ger information center, which provides insights into the Takhi and their natural habitat. After lunch at the tourist camp, take a short drive and walk through the park to photograph these majestic horses in the wild. With some luck, you may also capture roe deer, eagles, marmots, and other wildlife, adding variety to your nature and wildlife portfolio.

Accommodation: Tourist camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

In the morning, take a flight to Ulgii town (~3 hours). Upon arrival, visit a local eagle hunter family for your first private photo session. Capture the traditional Kazakh eagle hunting practices, the majestic Golden Eagles, and the family’s daily life in the Altai mountains.

You will live alongside an authentic eagle hunter family for the 2 nights, providing unique opportunities for intimate lifestyle and portrait photography.

Accommodation: Eagle hunter family extra ger

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Spend the day immersed in Kazakh culture, learning about Golden Eagle training and family traditions. Capture stunning portraits of the eagle hunters and their eagles, livestock, and children at play.

Accommodation: Eagle hunter family extra ger

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

In the morning: Drive to Sayat small hill for spectacular festival photography.

Photo Highlights in 1st day of the festival:

• Capture the vibrant opening ceremony with parade of horseback riders and eagles.

• Take photos of the impressive eagle calling and landing on trainer’s arm from mountain top.

• Photograph the Uriankhai archery competition.

• Capture the colorful small camel race.

• Evening: Enjoy and photograph the Kazakh traditional concert at the local theater in Ulgii town.

• Accommodation: Local hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: Local hotel or tourist Ger camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Today offers more dynamic photography opportunities:

• Action shots of eagle hunters dragging animal skins as they attempt to catch the "prey."

• Capture the traditional Kyz Kuar horseback racing game, especially the moments when girls catch boys or boys get whipped.

• Take photos of intense scenes during Push Cashy, fighting over the goat carcass.

• Photographs of the awards ceremony, showcasing proud trainers and their eagles.

Return to the Ger camp for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Local hotel or tourist Ger camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Today, we will return to Ulaanbaatar. If time allows, we will also visit local market to experience small town daily life. Upon land in UB, transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel 4*
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

As your memorable trip comes to end, then you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to your next destination or home.

Meal: Breakfast