Mongolia is regarded as one of Asia’s most compelling travel destinations. In 2024, the north eastern country saw a record-breaking 808,000 international visitors. From the bustling capital of Ulaanbaatar to its expansive grassy steppes (flat, unforested grassland), Mongolia is sure to sweep you away with its well-preserved traditions.
One of the main draws to this country is the Golden Eagle Festival, a cultural event for Kazakh hunters to gather and showcase their falconry skills, foster community pride, and inspire younger generations. Read on to learn about the history of Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival, and six essential tips to make the most out of this unforgettable adventure.
An eagle hunter riding a horse at the Golden Eagle Festival.
Jalsa Urubshurow, the founder of Nomadic Expeditions—who was recruited to advise the nation’s first democratically elected prime minister—was exploring the country’s westernmost province of Bayan-Ölgii, when he encountered a remarkable yet waning tradition. He witnessed Kazakh nomads hunting on horseback with golden eagles. Recognizing both the cultural significance and risk of this tradition’s decline, he envisioned a way to preserve and celebrate this ancient practice. The result was the Golden Eagle Festival, created in 1999 in collaboration with three local Kazakh leaders.
Held over two days in October in Mongolia’s Bayan-Ulgii province on the west side of the country, the Golden Eagle Festival brings eagle hunters across different villages together to compete and showcase the speed, agility, and precision of their hunting eagles. In addition, they share their stories with visitors from around the world. The experience is further enriched by horsemanship skill demonstrations, traditional archery, and more.
The Golden Eagle Festival has grown into one of Mongolia’s premier cultural events, with eagle falconry recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Each fall, it draws over 100 to 150 Kazakh eagle hunters—including an increasing number of pioneering women—to the dramatic Altai Mountains.
Here, I share tips on how to make the most of your visit to Mongolia for the Golden Eagle Festival.
Book Early
If you are planning to visit Mongolia during the Golden Eagle Festival in October, I recommend booking early. Demand for the Golden Eagle Festival has grown, yet the limited infrastructure in the country’s remote western regions has remained. Domestic flights can book up quickly and accommodations are in high demand, so securing a spot at the festival can be challenging.
Immerse Yourself in Mongolian Culture Before You Arrive
There’s approximately 19 hours of total flight time between the U.S. and Ulaanbaatar—now more accessible thanks to United Airlines’ newly added direct route from Tokyo. That long flight time is perfect for learning about Mongolian culture before you arrive. Get to know the country's deeply-rooted nomadic heritage, religion and spirituality, and the rise and fall of the Mongol empire. I suggest reading Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford, or watching The Eagle Huntress, a BAFTA-nominated documentary which follows Aisholpan, a trailblazing 13-year-old girl from a Kazakh nomadic family who, in 2014, became the first woman to win the Golden Eagle Festival competition.
Pack Appropriately
October in the Altai Mountains can deliver sun, wind, rain, and snow—sometimes all in a single day, with the average temperature for the month being a high of 45°F and a low of 21°F. Travelers should come well-prepared for this unpredictable climate by dressing in breathable layers and packing essentials like a well-insulated jacket, waterproof boots, gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf or buff to shield against wind and dust. And don’t forget sunscreen, because you’ll spend plenty of time sky gazing as golden eagles soar in search of prey.
Meet Locals on the Ground
At Nomadic Expeditions, we’ve consistently found that visits with nomadic families are among the most meaningful experiences for travelers. This experience often offers hands-on activities like goat milking, traditional tea preparation, and cooking local dishes. These moments also evolve into rich exchanges, as hosts are just as curious about their visitors’ lives as travelers are about theirs.
A look of the interior of a traditional ger.
Spending a night in a traditional ger, or yurt, is a quintessential part of any journey to Mongolia. These dwellings are a cornerstone of nomadic life—designed for portability, warmth, and resilience on the steppe. For an elevated take on this tradition, Nomadic Expeditions’ award-winning Three Camel Lodge in the Gobi Desert offers a truly memorable experience.
Built with traditional Mongolian Buddhist architectural principles (without a single nail in its roof), the main lodge at Three Camel Lodge is a stunning work of craftsmanship. The lodge’s 40 luxury gers, thoughtfully appointed with wood-burning stoves, handcrafted furniture, and private bathrooms, bring a touch of comfort to the wilderness without sacrificing authenticity.
The Chinggis Khaan National Museum in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Spanning nearly 304,000 square miles, Mongolia offers a vast canvas of unforgettable experiences. While the Golden Eagle Festival is a cultural highlight, it’s just one chapter in the country’s rich and varied history and there is plenty more to take part in while here. Journey north to the pristine waters of Lake Hovsgol, one of the world’s oldest and clearest freshwater lakes; venture south into the sweeping Gobi Desert, where legendary fossil sites like the “Fighting Dinosaurs” capture prehistoric life; or head west to Kharkhorum, an ancient city in the Orkhon Valley, which was once the capital of Chinggis Khan’s Mongol Empire.
In Ulaanbaatar, the nation’s dynamic capital, discover the impressive Chinggis Khaan National Museum—opened in 2022 as a monument to the nation’s hero—and stand in awe of the Migjid Janraisig, an 87-foot golden statue of a prominent Buddhist figure, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.
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Undraa Buyannemekh is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Mongolia trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Buyannemekh by contacting her at undraa@nomadicexpeditions.com.

Published Date:2025-08-31