Golden Eagles, Wild Horses & Ancient Traditions 🦅
Dates: September 14th – 21st 2026
Cost: €2,700
Countries: Mongolia
We’re thrilled to announce our very first group trip to Mongolia for the legendary Golden Eagle Festival!
This isn’t just any Mongolia trip. We’ve built this entire adventure around one of the world’s most spectacular cultural events, the Golden Eagle Festival. Hundreds of Kazakh eagle hunters gather in the remote mountains of Western Mongolia to compete in ancient hunting traditions that go back thousands of years.
We’ll also explore Mongolia’s wild side: tracking truly wild Przewalski horses (the only wild horse species left on Earth!), discovering the dramatic rock formations of Terelj National Park, and ride horses into the mountains with real eagle hunting families.
You’ll sleep in authentic Mongolian Gers under some of the starriest skies you’ve ever seen, feast on traditional Kazakh food, and experience a culture that’s remained virtually unchanged for centuries.
Mongolia can feel absolutely overwhelming to tackle solo, but with our group? You get front-row seats to this once-in-a-lifetime festival plus all the adventure, without any of the stress, language barriers, or logistical nightmares.
What’s Included
Golden Eagle Festival tickets
All domestic transport
All accommodation
Airport pick-up on the day trip starts
Airport drop-off on the day the trip ends
All Activities, as listed
All Meals, as listed
International leader
Expert local tour guide
Excluded
Visa fees
Personal expenses
International flights
Travel insurance
Tips for guides
Accommodation
Throughout our trip, we will stay in a mix of authentic local hotels, traditional yurts, and comfortable tourist Ger camps. The perfect blend of local experience and comfort!
All rooms on all trips are shared, with 2 people in each room. We will partner you with an adventure buddy – an amazing way to make new friends! You’ll be moved around to pair up with a new friend every couple of nights.
All rooms will be twin-sharing, private rooms.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Ulaanbaatar
Welcome to Mongolia!
Someone will meet you at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport who will take you to our hotel in Ulaanbaatar and get settled in. Enjoy your free day exploring the capital, check out the massive Genghis Khan statue in Sukhbaatar Square, wander through monasteries, or grab some traditional Mongolian BBQ!
Meals Include: Welcome Dinner
Day 2 - Ulgii
Today we swap the capital for the wild west. We’ll hop on a domestic flight to Ulgii, the heart of Mongolia’s Kazakh eagle hunting culture.
We’ll explore Ulgii town’s open-air bazaar (filled with handmade crafts, colourful rugs, and the most gorgeous embroidered textiles), the fascinating local museum, and the main square where you’ll get your first taste of Kazakh-Mongolian culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 - Start of Golden Eagle Festival
This is the day you’ve been waiting for!
We’ll head out to meet a local eagle hunter family and their magnificent golden eagle. Then comes the incredible part – we’re going on a horseback ride up into the mountains where the hunters actually practice their craft. You’ll watch as they release their eagle from the clifftops, call it back, and hunt. Be ready to witness a tradition that’s been passed down for thousands of years.
Learn about finding, training, and hunting with these incredible birds of prey. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 - Golden Eagle Festival Competition
The festival kicks off today and it will be absolutely spectacular!
Watch as dozens of eagle hunters in traditional Kazakh dress parade with their eagles before the competitions begin. You’ll see eagles dive from cliffs, racing to land on their hunter’s arm. Mind-blowing!
Wander through the market selling handmade Kazakh crafts, traditional hats, embroidered jackets, and stunning rugs. In the evening, we’ll experience a traditional Kazakh concert filled with music, dancing, and celebration.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 - Golden Eagle Festival Final
The second day brings even more excitement!
Today the eagles hunt for fox skin, demonstrating their speed and precision. You’ll also witness other traditional competitions games. Finally, we’ll celebrate the winners and champions of this ancient tradition.
It’s a photographer’s dream and a cultural experience you’ll never forget!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 - Ulaanbaatar
We’ll bid farewell to Western Mongolia with a domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar.
We’re heading straight to Hustai National Park, home to the truly wild Przewalski horses, the only species of wild horse left in the world. These stunning animals were extinct in the wild and have been successfully reintroduced here. We’ll hike through the grasslands hoping to spot herds of these incredible creatures along with deer, marmots, and birds of prey.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 - Terelj National Park
Terelj is famous for its dramatic rock formations. We’ll visit Turtle Rock and hike up to the stunning Ariyapala Meditation Temple perched in the mountains.
Next, we’re off to the absolutely massive Genghis Khan Statue Complex. Picture a 40-metre tall stainless steel statue of Genghis Khan on horseback. You can even go up to the horse’s head for panoramic views. Plus, you’ll get to try on traditional Mongolian warrior and queen costumes for the ultimate photo op!
Tonight we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner featuring delicious Mongolian cuisine.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8 - Departure Day
After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say goodbye. We’ll transfer you to the airport for your departure, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the magical land of Mongolia.
Safe travels and we hope to see you again on another adventure!
Meals Included: Breakfast
FAQ & Itinerary Note:
This itinerary, as always, is open to small changes depending on the weather, flights, etc. Fear not, if we have to make any adjustments, it will be to swap something out with an equally, if not better, experience!
Please note: this trip begins and ends at Ulaanbaatar.
I'm ready! How do I book?
Ready for an unforgettable adventure in Mongolia? Click the BOOK NOW button to head to our payment portal and secure your spot with a €750 deposit. The remaining balance will be divided into two equal payments due 2 and 3 months before departure.
Need a custom payment plan? No problem! Reach out to us, and we’ll create a plan that works best for you. Remember, spots are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait!
How many people are on the trip?
This trip requires a minimum number of guests to proceed, and this minimum must be met at least 4 months before departure to be guaranteed. If the minimum number of guests is not met by then, a full refund will be issued.
Expect to travel with 6-14 new friends!
Why are deposits non-refundable?
The deposit for your trip is non-refundable due to several important factors. Firstly, when you book a spot, we immediately begin the process of planning and preparing for your journey. This involves engaging staff who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure every aspect of your trip is meticulously organised. These preparations often involve upfront costs that are incurred from the moment your booking is confirmed. Additionally, by requiring a non-refundable deposit, we aim to ensure that all participants are committed to the trip.
We understand that plans can change, which is why we insist all travellers have trip insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that might affect their ability to participate.
What about my other payments? Are they refundable?
All payments, except your deposit, are fully refundable three months prior to the departure date. After the three-month mark, any payments made are non-refundable. This is because we are usually unable to find a replacement at such short notice, and have contracts in place with our vendors that need to be fulfilled.
Again, we strongly recommend all travellers have travel insurance so that they can refund you should your plans change. At the end of the day, we are a small business, and we want nothing more than to continue showing our guests the world. We hope you understand the importance of adhering strictly to this policy.
How much money will I need for non-included meals, alcohol, and souvenirs?
All meals are included in the itinerary, but you may want to pick up snacks along the way, which are very affordable. Alcohol is available in most cities and tourist camps, though prices can vary. Expect to pay around €2–5 for local beer and €10–15 for wine or cocktails, depending on where you are.
For souvenirs, Mongolia is known for its beautiful cashmere, handmade leather goods, felt crafts, and traditional artwork. Budgeting will depend on your personal spending habits, but it is easy to find unique and meaningful pieces to take home.
How does tipping work?
To make things smooth and stress-free, we will be collecting a kitty of €50 at the beginning of the trip. This ensures all of our incredible on-the-ground vendors are taken care of, including guides, drivers, meals, and activities that are listed in your itinerary.
For any additional meals or personal expenses not included in the itinerary, you should expect to pay a separate tip. We will guide you on what is appropriate throughout the trip so you feel confident and comfortable.
How physically demanding is the trip?
The trip is designed to be accessible to most people in good health. Activities include moderate walks, horseback riding, and some optional light hikes. The Eagle Festival involves standing and walking on uneven terrain. It’s not overly strenuous, but a basic level of fitness will help you get the most out of the experiences.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Absolutely! Mongolian cuisine features a lot of meat and dairy, but we can accommodate most dietary restrictions with advance notice. Vegetarian and other options are available. Please inform us of your specific needs in advance.
What if I want my own room?
We believe that rooming is one of the best parts of the experience. It feels a little like adult summer camp and has always been a highlight for our guests, with nothing but positive feedback in the past.
That being said, if you feel that sharing does not suit your travel style, we are happy to discuss the option of a single room supplement. Simply reach out to us at janetsgrouptrips@gmail.com and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What are the health and vaccination requirements?
There are no required vaccinations to enter Mongolia. However, it’s always wise to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations. We recommend to consider vaccinations for MMR, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and yellow fever (if travelling from a country with yellow fever risk). Please consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
Who’s leading the trip?
An experienced Janet’s Journeys leader and local tour guide will be with you every step of the way.
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