September 26: Arrival at the Chinggis Khaan Airport in Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to the hotel, visit the Gandan buddhist monastery. After lunch, we will spend time at the Natural History Museum. Overnight at the hotel.
September 27: Flight to Ulgii. Let yourself be immersed in the unique culture of the Kazakhs residing in Ulgii. We will visit and take photographs at the local outdoor market. Overnight at the hotel.
September 28- 30: For the next three days, we’ll be staying with our dear friends, two families of Kazakh eagle hunters. During this time, we’ll have the chance to witness the ancient art of berkutchi (eagle hunting) firsthand, getting up close to the majestic golden eagles as they prepare for their hunting duties. These skilled hunters will share their knowledge of how they train and ready the birds for the hunt. We’ll also have the opportunity to explore the stunning Altai region, capturing breathtaking photos of its pristine natural beauty. Overnight in the family home.
October 1-2: Lake Khoton Khurgan. Today, we embark on a journey into the heart of the Mongolian Altai. Our destination: two stunningly beautiful lakes, just a stone’s throw from the Chinese-Mongolian border. We will visit Mount Biluut, home to the Biluut Petroglyph Complex, a prehistoric ceremonial center. The complex is a unique window into the early mountain cultures of the area. We will discover the area on a leisurely hike. Overnight in the family home / camp.
October 3: Drive to Ulgii – On the return journey to Ulgii, we have the opportunity to capture the unique landscape of the high Mongolian Altai with our cameras. The excitement for the upcoming Golden Eagle Festival is growing.
October 4-5: Over the next two days, we will immerse ourselves in the “Golden Eagle Festival”. We will witness the courageous hunters and their magnificent golden eagles up close—some of whom we’ve had the pleasure of meeting before—and cheer them on during the competition. On the first day, eagles are released from a mountaintop, showcasing their precision as they land directly on the hunter’s arm. We will capture these extraordinary moments with our cameras. In the evening, we are treated to an authentic Kazakh cultural performance at the Ulgii Cultural Palace.
On the second day, the eagles present their remarkable skills by targeting a decoy prey dragged behind galloping horses. Traditional equestrian games add to the excitement. The festival wraps up with an award ceremony and a festive dinner. Overnight at a hotel.
October 6: Today, we will once again be guests of the eagle hunter families and reflect on the experiences of the past days at the “Golden Eagle Festival.” Overnight stay with the family.
October 7: Return to Ulgii: Today presents a final chance to photograph the stunning landscapes of the high Mongolian Altai. You can stop for photos at any time during the journey, based on your preferences. Overnight stay at a hotel.
October 8: Return flight to Ulaanbaatar – Today, we take a domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar, bidding farewell to the proud eagle hunters and the Kazakh families. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, we continue our journey towards Khustai, where the reintroduction of the Mongolian wild horses, the “Przewalski’s,” has been a successful conservation effort. Here, you’ll have a rare chance to photograph these elusive horses as they descend from the mountains in the evening to drink at the river. We will show you the best spots to capture them on camera. Overnight in a yurt camp.
October 9: Ulaanbaatar –We will visit the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum, where you’ll gain a fascinating insight into Mongolia’s history and culture. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Our English-speaking guide will be available to answer any questions or help with additional sightseeing suggestions. This is the perfect time to schedule an image review session with your photography guide. In the evening, we invite you to join us for a festive farewell dinner to celebrate the memorable experiences we’ve shared.
October 10: The time has come to say goodbye, transport to the Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN).
Our accommodations will vary throughout the journey. In Ulaanbaatar, we’ll stay in an upscale hotel located in the heart of downtown. The hotels in Ulgii and during the Golden Eagle Festival are modest and simple. While staying with the eagle hunters, nomads, and their families, we will be hosted in their traditional yurts or homes. This culturally immersive experience is made possible by our guides, who have long-standing relationships with these communities, granting us exclusive access. To fully engage with their way of life, we will eat and sleep alongside them, gaining a deeper understanding of their traditions. Please note that restroom facilities in the family and nomad homes are basic, consisting of drop toilets, and no shower facilities.
