Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival

This morning, transfer to the airport for your 1-hour flight to the incredible Gobi. From the airport you will drive to Mukhar Shivert Gorge (approx. 92km/1.5 hours), adjacent to Yol Gorge. Here you will find a valley nestled deep within the hills and an oasis to get away from the desert heat. Some areas of the valley are continually sheltered from the hot sun and house huge blocks of ice that gradually melt away during the summer. It is very wide at the entrance and narrows gradually into a remarkable gorge.

Enjoy a hike through Mukhar Shivert Gorge where you will be able to observe the Lammergeier vulture or ‘bearded vulture’, a scavenger bird of prey that whose diet is 80% bones and marrow. Keep your eyes peeled for other wild animals such as ibex and wild sheep. You will hike for 40 minutes to a waterfall, and return after a short rest stop (approx. 70-80 min total hiking). (B,L,D)

Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities

This morning, travel to Mukhar Shivert Gorge (92km, 1.5km). Adjacent to Yol Gorge, this valley is nestled deep within the hills and offers a welcome oasis from the desert heat. Some sections remain sheltered from the sun and contain large blocks of ice that gradually melt during summer. The valley is broad at its entrance before narrowing dramatically into a remarkable gorge.

Enjoy a hike through Mukhar Shivert Gorge, where you may observe the Lammergeier, also known as the bearded vulture, a scavenging bird of prey whose diet is largely comprised of bones and marrow. Keep watch for other wildlife, including ibex and wild sheep. The hike continues to a small seasonal waterfall before returning after a short rest.

After the gorge, drive through the vast Gobi Desert toward the towering Khongor Sand Dunes (180km, 4-5 hrs), one of the most iconic landscapes in southern Mongolia. Along the way, pass through rugged terrain at the edge of the Altai Mountain Range, including the striking West Beauty Mountain, which marks the transition between mountain and desert.

After taking a rest at camp, we will drive to the Khongor Sand Dunes, home to the famous ‘Singing Sands’. These towering dunes are named for the deep, humming sound created when the wind shifts across the surface – an eerie, natural phenomenon heard best on dry, calm days. Isolated for centuries, the dunes remained one of Mongolia’s best-kept secrets, rising to 300 metres high and stretching for over 180 kilometres.

Enjoy a one-hour camel ride. Afterwards, take time to walk among the dunes on foot, soaking in the vast, silent landscape. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities

This morning, drive to Khavtsgait Mountain (120km, 3-4 hrs) where you will see petroglyphs dating back 3000-500 years (elevation 1800 m). The petroglyphs were etched into the mountainside by Mongolia’s early nomadic cultures and depict scenes including hunting and animals. The hike to the top where the petroglyphs are located involves a steep ascent of about 60 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes along the rocky mountainside. Once you reach the summit, you’ll find a flat area to explore.

Continue your journey to Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs (90km, 1.5-2hrs), a site famous for its significant paleontological discoveries. Named by American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews during his 1922 expedition, this area became renowned when he uncovered the first dinosaur fossils and eggs, measuring 10-15 cm, ever found on such a scale in the world. These discoveries cemented the Flaming Cliffs as one of the most important fossil sites globally.

Arrive at your ger camp and embark on a scenic walk around the stunning Flaming Cliffs. The sunsets over the Gobi are particularly spectacular in this area, and you will witness this before returning to your ger camp for a relaxing dinner. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Standard Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities

After breakfast, drive to Ongi Ruined Monastery (170km, 4hrs). The ruins you will see were once two temple complexes: Bari Lam Khiid (built in 1810), located on the north bank of the Ongi River where tourist ger camps now stand, and Khutagt Lam Khiid (built in 1760), on the southern bank. Together, these complexes are collectively known as Ongiin Khiid and once housed four Buddhist universities and more than 1,000 lamas.

In 1937, anti-religious communists destroyed the site. Over 200 lamas were executed, and many others were forcibly conscripted into the communist army. The ruins were left abandoned for decades until 1992, when a small group of monks returned and rebuilt one of the temples, with a few choosing to live there permanently. A ger has also been set up, housing a small museum with artefacts from the original complex.

While the site’s scale is best appreciated through its scattered foundations and hilltop views, this is more a historical stop en route than an active monastery. A nearby ger camp provides a convenient spot for lunch and a rest break. Continue to Arvaikheer (150km, 4hrs), the provincial capital of Övörkhangai Province. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Bogd Hotel or similar

After breakfast, we drive through the central part of Mongolia to Kharkhorin Town (155km, 3hrs). You will notice the scenery change with more livestock and yaks in this region. Enroute we will stop by a local family who has yaks and horses. Lunch will be in Kharkhorin Town.

Visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery and Museum. In the 13th century, Kharkhorin was the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. However, in 1270, Kublai Khan moved the capital to Daidu (present-day Beijing), leading to its decline, and the town was twice destroyed. Later, Altan Khan, one of the Mongol rulers, built a Buddhist Monastery complex on the ruins to prevent further looting. This became the Erdene Zuu Monastery complex. Many of its parts were destroyed by anti-religious communists in 1937. There are main temples and a Tibetan temple.

Continue to the Kharakhorum Museum, one of Mongolia’s best, featuring a replica of the ancient capital, historical artifacts, and a yurt where you can engage in traditional games and learn about ancient Mongolian script. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Local hotel or standard ger camp with shared bathroom facilities

After breakfast, begin the long return journey to Ulaanbaatar (360 km, 6 hrs) through a shifting landscape of bare mountains, wide steppe and rolling dunes. Today is primarily a travel day, and the journey may feel extended depending on road and traffic conditions.

Lunch will be taken early en route, providing an opportunity to stretch your legs before continuing towards the capital. On arrival in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to your hotel and check in. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to rest and unwind after the journey.

Please note that the ger camps used during Days 8–10 do not have shower facilities. You may wish to purchase additional wet wipes and supplies before departing for western Mongolia. (B,L)

Overnight – Novotel Ulaanbaatar or similar

Today you’ll take a two-hour flight to Bayan-Ölgii Province, where approximately 90% of the population is Muslim Kazakh. Located in Mongolia’s far west, this region has a distinctly frontier atmosphere and serves as the cultural heartland of Mongolia’s eagle hunters.

Meet your support crew for the next leg of your Mongolian adventure before visiting the Golden Eagle Cultural Centre for a private introduction to the traditions of Kazakh eagle hunting.

This exclusive experience provides fascinating insight into the centuries-old practice of hunting with golden eagles. Learn about the process of capturing and training the birds, the specialised clothing and equipment used by hunters, and the important role eagle hunting continues to play in Kazakh culture today. Hear personal stories, including the emotional tradition of releasing eagles back into the wild after years of partnership, and enjoy the opportunity to ask questions throughout the visit.

Following your visit, drive from Ulgii to Altai Ger Camp (115km, 2-3hrs), your base for the Golden Eagle Festival.

Our camp is specially established for the festival using traditional gers borrowed from local families. Located amongst the eagle hunters’ own camps, this unique setting provides exceptional opportunities to interact with local families and gain insight into their way of life. As this is a temporary festival camp, facilities are very basic. There are no showers during this stay, and toilets are camping style, with a toilet tent and portable seat.

Freshly prepared meals will be served in the communal dining ger each evening. Please note that other guests of Crooked Compass will be staying at this ger camp, and you will be mingling with them in the dining ger. Following dinner, settle into your ger and prepare for the exciting festival days ahead. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Basic Ger Camp – no showers, camping-style toilets

Enjoy breakfast in the dining ger before visiting a local horse race. Mingle with the locals who have come to celebrate their unique cultural heritage. Witness Kazakh hunters in all their glory, and see a parade of falconers on horseback, their prized eagles perched on their arms. After the parade, each hunter will demonstrate how well their bird obeys his commands by placing his eagle on a nearby cliff edge and calling it from below. It’s a spectacular sight to see these birds of prey soar down to their owners and alight on their arms.

Witness the eagle hunter competition, beginning with a parade by eagle hunters with their hunting outfits and accessories. The most elaborate and beautiful adornments receive the highest marks. This is followed by thrilling competitions where the Golden Eagles are evaluated for their speed, agility and accuracy. The festival provides a unique opportunity to be up-close be part of the festivity and take many incredible photographs.  (B,L,D)

Overnight – Basic Ger Camp – no showers, camping style toilets

This morning, return to the Golden Eagle Festival for another fascinating day of competitions and cultural celebrations. Watch as hunters test their eagles’ speed and agility by dragging a fox skin behind their horses. Eagles are judged on their ability to identify, pursue, and land on the moving target. Throughout the day, witness traditional Kazakh games including Aitis, a poetic singing competition, and Kyz Kuar, a horseback courtship game. This evening, enjoy a special dinner joined by local Golden Eagle masters. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Basic Ger Camp – no showers, camping style toilets

Enjoy a relaxing morning before setting off to visit a local Golden Eagle Master’s family. You’ll be welcomed into their family ger for lunch, offering a special opportunity to learn about the profound bond between eagle and hunter, as well as the traditional skills and customs passed down through generations.

In the afternoon, drive to Ulgii town and check in to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Local hotel or standard ger camp with shared bathroom facilities

Following breakfast, we take a flight from Ulgii back to Ulaanbaatar (2 hrs). As the plane lifts over Ulgii, there’s a final chance to take in the vast sweep of Western Mongolia below – rugged mountains, winding rivers, and scattered gers dotting the open steppe – before leaving this remote corner of the country behind.

The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore at your own pace before joining your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Overnight – Novotel Ulaanbaatar or similar

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and time at leisure until your departure to the airport for your onwards flight (flight not included). (B)

• 4-star hotels in Ulaanbaatar
• Local hotels (basic)
• Standard ger camps
• Basic ger camp

Staying in ger camps is a key part of the Mongolian experience, offering an authentic connection to the land and its enduring traditions. All ger camps are multi-share. Single supplements and guaranteed double rooms apply to hotels only.

Standard Ger Camp

Standard ger camps offer a semi-nomadic experience with limited electricity, and generally 3-4 beds, around a central stove. Shared bathrooms include flushing toilets and showers, though hot water and Wi-Fi availability may vary.

Basic Ger Camp

During the Golden Eagle Festival, we set up a comfortable temporary ger camp in a stunning remote location, nestled among the eagle hunters’ gers and giving us unique access to them. While there are no showers, camping-style toilets will be provided with toilet tent & portable seat, and limited generator access will be available for charging devices. The gers may have Earthen floors without rugs and all gers are multishare. Please note other Crooked Compass guests will also be staying at the camp.

Before embarking on an adventure to Mongolia, it’s important to know if this unique, rugged travel experience suits your travel style. To help guide your decision, here are some aspects of travelling in Mongolia that past travellers have faced—are you ready for the adventure? Click here to read the full blog.