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Mongolia’s Wild Eagle Hunters

Altai Mountains & Steppe Heartlands

Best time to travel
May - Oct
Ideal length
11 nights
Perfect for
All
From (incl flights)
€6,939 pp

At a glance

  • International return flights from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
  • Meet & Greet on arrival in Ulaanbaatar, private transfers for the whole itinerary & domestic flight included.
  • 11 nights’ accommodation included with our partner properties on a full board basis.
  • Travel out to the Altai Mountains & stay with the Eagle Hunters family.
  • Kayaking, riding, hiking and cultural experiences included.
  • In the Steppe Heartland, have the opportunity to visit a Shaman, hike to beautiful vistas & river raft.
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Introduction

One of the last surviving of its kind, Mongolia’s nomadic culture beautifully harmonises with the country’s breathtaking nature. The nomadic families of Mongolia are famed for their hospitality, eager to share their customs and way of life with intrepid travellers. Escape the grind of everyday life and be immersed in this local culture, sleeping in traditional gers, riding horses through vast wildernesses, travelling downstream on a river raft and dining on customary meals. On a truly unique experience, journey high into the Altai Mountains and hunt alongside nomads and their magnificent golden eagles.

Trip Overview

Depart from Dublin to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

You will be met by your guide and driver at the airport. Your guide will provide you discuss and brief you about your trip. You will spend one night in a handpicked property and enjoy dinner that evening with your guide.

This morning fly to Ulgii.

On arrival, you will enjoy a spectacular drive through high desert mountain landscapes to the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Set up camp and meet your horse and camel guides at the trek start point. You will experience a homestay will a local family and learn about their life and traditions here. You’ll spend three nights here.

Local woman at homestay
You are invited to share in a traditional feast with the family.

Kazakhs are Muslim and a blessing is said before the meal is begun. “Beshbarmak”, or Five Finger Food is served on a platter to share and eaten by hand. You will notice that the gers are different to those of the Mongols. They are domed and free standing without central roof supports. Relax and enjoy your first night in your Kazakh home.

Local woman cooking, Mongolia
Today, enjoy a full day learning about hunting and understanding the Kazakh way of life.

Authentic eagle-hunting is only done during the winter months when the snow cover helps the birds spot fleeing prey, it also when the prey has their thickest winter coats that are used to make warm clothing. Hunters take great pride in having clever, quick, and brave eagles and delight in demonstrating their prowess.

Golden eagle, Mongolia
Experience the thrill of the hunt alongside the Kazakh nomads and their magnificent golden eagles.

Join your host on a hunt in the hills around camp on horseback. The hunters will work with others who help flush out the game. The trek in the hills itself is spectacular with views reaching the for miles around.

Local man eagle hunting
It’s time to fly back to Ulaanbaatar.

Return to Ulaanbaatar and privately transfer to the capital. Visit the Gandan monastery to see the massive Migjid Janraisig temple with its image of Avalokiteśvara. In the evening, enjoy a concert of traditional music and dance before dinner. You’ll stay one night here.

Gandan Monastery, Ulaanbaatar
Meet your guide and driver in reception for the journey to Jalman Meadows Ger Camp in Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area.

The surrounding meadows burst with wildflowers in the warm weather and you can take a walk to the nearby Tuul river for fishing. Play a traditional game of ‘ankle bones’ in the library ger, or sit back and relax with a G&T from the bar.

Jalman Meadows, Khenti
Journey on the river at Jalman Meadows.

Load a lightweight inflatable catamaran-raft onto a yak cart. A herdsman will follow with the cart as you trek for half a day up the Tuul River. You’ll have a picnic and return by raft downstream through Jalman Meadows to camp. Hike to the lookout point of Hevtee Gatsaa for beautiful views over the Tuul River and meet local herding families. You’ll stay for two nights.

River in Mongolia
Transfer to the Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve, characterised by mountains, hills and steppes.

The first Argali came to the area in 1980s, and there are currently over 80 individuals living there. These rare large-horned wild sheep and the area also contains lakes and wetlands which provide a habitat for hundreds of birds, mammals and fish. The ger camp, where you’ll spend two nights, is located on the banks of the Kherlen river, the longest in Mongolia.

Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve horses
Enjoy a dawn guided walking safari with mountain biking and kayaking.

Rise early for the best chance of seeing the local wildlife. Your guide will escort you and help you spot and identify the variety of species. In the afternoon, go mountain biking or kayaking on the river.

Wild horses, Mongolia
Experience horse trekking to a nearby nomadic camp.

You’ll also visit a horse ranch and mount up for a trek in the beautiful Khentii mountains. Then privately transfer back to Ulaanbaatar where you’ll spend your final two nights.

Horse trekking
Enjoy a guided museum and ger district tour.

Today, you can explore the capital’s shops, museums and markets and perhaps take a tour of one of Ulaanbaatar’s ger districts.

Ulaanbaatar at night
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Arrive in Dublin.

Tailoring your holiday

OROKO Itineraries are created with you in mind and no two are the same. These can be used to help plan your trip - or we can design a completely different itinerary to suit you.

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Accommodation

Where to rest your head

Looking for the best accommodation? We've got the contacts

Hotel Nine

Hotel Nine

Hotel Nine is an upscale hotel offering good value in such a central location, next to Chinggis Khan Square and Government House.

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Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar

Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar

Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar, is located right in the heart of the city centre. It is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area.

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Jalman Meadows

Jalman Meadows

This attractive low impact ger camp is perched above the flower meadows that line the Tuul river in this less-visited part of Khan Khentii Protected Area.

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Steppe Nomads Eco Resort

Steppe Nomads

Steppe Nomads Eco Resort is ideal property for guests who wish to experience the real-life in the traditional dwelling of Mongolian Nomads.

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What people are saying

“Can’t say enough good things about OROKO Travel. Everyone was so helpful, especially Aisling whose recommendations were exactly what we were looking for.”

Gordon & family – Sardinia, 2021

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