Mongolia
Wild Mongolia: Among Eagle Hunters & Ancient Empires
A 14-day Mongolia tour from the Kazakh eagle hunters of Bayan-Ölgii to Naadam Festival, ancient Karakorum & Hustai’s wild horses
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Mongolia Tour Overview
Wild Mongolia: Among Eagle Hunters & Ancient Empires
A 14-day Mongolia tour from the Kazakh eagle hunters of Bayan-Ölgii to Naadam Festival, ancient Karakorum & Hustai’s wild horses
Duration
14 Days / 13 Nights
Price
$6,645
Difficulty
Moderate
Best Time
July
This 14-day expedition spans two worlds within one country — from the Kazakh eagle hunters of remote Bayan-Ölgii in western Mongolia to the ancient Mongol Empire heartland of Central Mongolia. Fly west to the Altai foothills where Kazakh nomads have secretly preserved the thousand-year-old art of hunting with golden eagles through Soviet suppression and into the modern era. Live with an eagle hunter’s family in Sagsai, witness Naadam games in Olgii, and experience a Muslim nomadic culture entirely distinct from the rest of Mongolia. Then journey east across the steppe to walk the grounds of Erdene Zuu Monastery — built from the ruins of Genghis Khan’s imperial capital in the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley — and track the last truly wild horse on earth at Hustai National Park.
Wild Mongolia: Among Eagle Hunters & Ancient Empires
Your Mongolia Tour Itinerary
1
Day 1
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Arrive at Chinggis Khan International Airport and transfer to the centrally located Tuushin Best Western Hotel for check-in and rest. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation at the hotel or a nearby restaurant, where your guide will introduce the expedition ahead — from the Kazakh eagle hunters of western Mongolia to the ancient empire heartland of Central Mongolia. Meals: D.
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Your Accommodation
Tuushin Best Western Hotel
Centrally located 4-star hotel in downtown Ulaanbaatar with modern amenities and on-site restaurant.
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2
Day 2
Ulaanbaatar — Monasteries, Empire, and Throat Singing
Begin with a private blessing from a Buddhist monk at Gandan Monastery, home to an imposing 90-foot statue of Megjid Janraisag that was rebuilt through a nationwide campaign after the original was destroyed by Soviet authorities in the 1930s. Visit the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum with its exceptional collection of golden 17th-century Buddha statues and some of the world's best-preserved tankas. After lunch, explore the new Chinggis Khaan Museum to trace the history of the Mongol Empire and modern Mongolia. The evening features a traditional Mongolian music and dance performance showcasing Khoomii throat singing, followed by dinner at a fine local restaurant. Meals: B, L, D.
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Your Accommodation
Tuushin Best Western Hotel
Centrally located 4-star hotel in downtown Ulaanbaatar with modern amenities and on-site restaurant.
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3
Day 3
Flight to Olgii — Gateway to Kazakh Mongolia
Fly to Olgii, the capital of Bayan-Ölgii aimag and home to Kazakhs and many other ethnic groups of western Mongolia. Though the Kazakh pastoral-nomadic lifestyle is similar to that of the Mongolians, these nomads are predominantly Muslim — a striking cultural contrast to the Buddhist traditions of central and eastern Mongolia. Explore the city and visit its market, with opportunities to purchase renowned Kazakh handmade crafts including traditional felt rugs. If time permits, visit the local museum displaying excellent cultural and natural exhibits from this remote Altai region. Dinner and overnight at a local hotel. Meals: B, L, D.
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Your Accommodation
Local Hotel, Olgii
Comfortable local hotel in the capital of Bayan-Ölgii province, the best accommodation available in this remote western Mongolian city.
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4
Day 4
Eagle Hunters and Naadam in Olgii
Early morning drive outside the city to visit an eagle hunter's family and witness firsthand how these Kazakh nomads train and care for their golden eagles — a tradition preserved for centuries in this isolated corner of the Altai. In the afternoon, return to Olgii city for the Naadam games. Naadam originated as military training — every soldier had to ride fast, shoot arrows, and wrestle enemies in combat. In Mongolia's vast landscape, where individual herders live far apart, these gatherings served as essential community events, which is why Naadam is often referred to as the 'Three Manly Sports': horse racing, archery, and wrestling. Over time it evolved into a celebration of important events. Here in Olgii, the Naadam takes on a distinctly Kazakh character. Dinner and overnight at the local hotel. Meals: B, L, D.
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Your Accommodation
Local Hotel, Olgii
Comfortable local hotel in the capital of Bayan-Ölgii province, the best accommodation available in this remote western Mongolian city.
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5
Day 5
Into the Altai — Living with Eagle Hunters in Sagsai
Transfer to Sagsai soum to visit local eagle hunters, approximately a 2-hour drive into the Altai foothills. Begin an immersive two-day stay with a Kazakh eagle hunter's family, learning about their summer routines — feeding and training eagles, herding livestock, and preparing traditional Kazakh meals. Discover the centuries-old crafts that local Kazakh women are renowned for, including intricate embroidery and felt work. Stay in gers set up by the host family, surrounded by the dramatic mountain landscapes of western Mongolia. Meals: B, L, D.
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Your Accommodation
Eagle Hunter Homestay, Sagsai
Traditional gers set up by your Kazakh eagle hunter host family in the Altai foothills — an authentic nomadic homestay experience.
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6
Day 6
Among the Eagle Hunters — Deep Immersion in Kazakh Nomadic Life
Spend a second full day with your Kazakh eagle hunter hosts in Sagsai. Continue learning about the ancient art of eagle training — how hunters capture young female eagles (preferred for their size and aggression), bond with them over years of partnership, and eventually release them back to the wild. Participate in daily herding activities, help prepare traditional meals, and gain deeper insight into a way of life that has survived Soviet suppression, political upheaval, and the pressures of modernization. This is a rare and intimate window into one of the world's last living eagle hunting cultures. Overnight with the host family. Meals: B, L, D.
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Your Accommodation
Eagle Hunter Homestay, Sagsai
Traditional gers set up by your Kazakh eagle hunter host family in the Altai foothills — an authentic nomadic homestay experience.
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7
Day 7
Farewell Sagsai — Return to Olgii
Spend the morning with your eagle hunter hosts for a final experience of Kazakh nomadic hospitality. After lunch, transfer back to Olgii city, approximately 2 hours by road through the Altai foothills. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the local hotel, reflecting on three extraordinary days among Mongolia's Kazakh eagle hunting community. Meals: B, L, D.
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Your Accommodation
Local Hotel, Olgii
Comfortable local hotel in the capital of Bayan-Ölgii province, the best accommodation available in this remote western Mongolian city.
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8
Day 8
Return to Ulaanbaatar — Free Afternoon
After breakfast, transfer to Olgii airport for the return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon free for individual shopping and sightseeing in the capital — a chance to explore cashmere shops, the State Department Store, or simply rest before the Central Mongolia leg of the expedition begins. Dinner and overnight at the Tuushin Best Western Hotel. Meals: B, L, D.
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Your Accommodation
Tuushin Best Western Hotel
Centrally located 4-star hotel in downtown Ulaanbaatar with modern amenities and on-site restaurant.
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9
Day 9
Hugno Khan Mountains — Where Steppe Meets Desert and Forest
Drive to the Hugno Khan Mountains at the stunning confluence of three geographical zones: steppe, desert, and forest. Visit the Ovgon Monastery, originally built in 1660 but later destroyed by the armies of Galdan Boshigt from western Mongolia in the 18th century. The monastery was subsequently rebuilt, only to be demolished again by communists in the 1930s. Some temples are now being restored. After lunch at a local ger camp, explore the monastery ruins and the dramatic mountains of Hugno Khan on foot. Approximately 4-5 hours of driving. Meals: B, L, D.
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Your Accommodation
Ger Camp, Hugno Khan
Tourist ger camp at the base of the Hugno Khan Mountains where steppe, desert, and forest converge.
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10
Day 10
Harhorin — Capital of the Mongol Empire
After morning explorations of the Hugno Khan mountains and lunch at the camp, transfer to Harhorin. The ancient capital was completed during the reign of Ogedei Khan, Genghis Khan's third son who inherited the empire in 1228. Located within the beautiful Orkhon River valley — a UNESCO World Heritage Site bearing hundreds of historically significant sites going back 2,000 years including burial sites, deer stones, and ruins that all pre-date Genghis Khan. Harhorin was completely destroyed by the Ming Dynasty's army in the 14th century after the collapse of Mongolia's Yuan Dynasty in China, and its remains were used to construct Erdene Zuu, Mongolia's first and largest Buddhist monastery, which stands today. Dinner and overnight at a local ger camp. Approximately 3-4 hours of driving. Meals: B, L, D.
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Your Accommodation
Ger Camp, Harhorin
Tourist ger camp near the ancient Mongol capital and Erdene Zuu Monastery in the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley.
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11
Day 11
Erdene Zuu and the Orkhon Valley Heights
Visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery grounds and the newly constructed Harhorin Museum. In the afternoon, hike to Yol Rock, the highest point in the Orkhon Valley, for a spectacular view of the UNESCO World Heritage landscape. The Orkhon Valley is an outstanding example of a site illustrating several significant stages in Mongolian history: it was the center of the Mongol Empire, reflects a Mongolian variation of Turkic power, served as the setting for the development of Mongolian Buddhism at Tuvkhon Monastery, and contains Khar Balgas, reflecting Uighur urban culture. Return to the ger camp for dinner and overnight. Meals: B, L, D.
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Your Accommodation
Ger Camp, Harhorin
Tourist ger camp near the ancient Mongol capital and Erdene Zuu Monastery in the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley.
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12
Day 12
Hustai National Park — Home of the Wild Horse
Transfer to Hustai National Park, one of three sites where the Takhi, or Przewalski's Horse, has been reintroduced over the last two decades. After the last individuals disappeared from the wild in Mongolia in the late 1960s, genetically pure animals were bred in captivity in European zoos and successfully reintroduced into three distinctive habitats in Mongolia. Upon arrival, check into your gers and visit the local information center, including a documentary screening on the Takhi horses. Explore this diverse park of natural grasslands, mountains, and river shores with further encounters with Takhi herds. Overnight in traditional felt gers with wood stoves, painted wood-framed beds, and central facilities with western-style toilets and showers. Approximately 5 hours of driving. Meals: B, L, D.
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Your Accommodation
Ger Camp, Hustai National Park
Traditional felt gers inside Hustai National Park, home to the reintroduced Przewalski's wild horse.
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13
Day 13
Ongot Monuments and Return to Ulaanbaatar
In the morning, further explore the park with an optional visit to a local herder family and the Ongot Monuments, a gravesite just outside the western border of Hustai Park composed of a number of granite statues built by people of Turkish origin approximately 1,200 years ago. After lunch at the camp, return to Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the capital's finest centrally located restaurants, reflecting on two weeks of extraordinary landscapes, ancient history, and the world's most diverse nomadic cultures. Approximately 2 hours of driving. Meals: B, L, D.
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Your Accommodation
Tuushin Best Western Hotel
Centrally located 4-star hotel in downtown Ulaanbaatar with modern amenities and on-site restaurant.
View Details
14
Day 14
Departure
After an early breakfast, transfer to Chinggis Khan International Airport for your departure flight home. End of tour services. Meals: B.
Mongolia Tour Details
Scheduled Departures
Transparent pricing with all-inclusive land costs and flexible group rates.
What's Included
- Accommodations in hotels, lodges, and ger camps based on double occupancy
- Domestic flights: Ulaanbaatar to Olgii (round-trip)
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- All land transportation as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B, L, D)
- All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
- English-speaking national guide throughout your stay
- Bottled water
Not Included
- International airfare
- Personal laundry and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Medical evacuation costs
- Excess baggage charges
- Visa fees
- Gratuities
- Photography and video fees
- Single supplement fee ($850)
- Upgrade to gers with indoor bathrooms, where available ($420)
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Deposit & Payment: A 25% deposit secures your place (credit card accepted). 50% balance due 90 days before departure. Final balance due 60 days prior — ACH bank transfer available at reduced fees. Bookings within 60 days require full payment.
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Cancellation: 90+ days — full refund minus $500 admin fee. 60–89 days — 50% refund. Under 60 days — no refund. Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is required for all participants.
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Professional safety equipment, emergency communication, and comprehensive briefings prepare you with confidence.
Wild Mongolia: Among Eagle Hunters & Ancient Empires
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book my adventure?
We recommend booking 6-12 months in advance, especially for remote destinations like Greenland or Madagascar. This allows time for permit processing, securing the best local guides, and ensuring accommodation availability in these pristine, limited-access locations.
What's included in an Ecovoyager adventure?
Each adventure includes expert local guides, unique accommodations, all transportation within the destination, most meals featuring local cuisine, and exclusive access to experiences unavailable to mass tourism. International flights and personal travel insurance are typically separate.
Are your adventures suitable for all fitness levels?
We design adventures for various fitness levels and always discuss physical requirements during planning. Many of our destinations offer different activity intensities, and we can customize experiences to match your capabilities while still providing authentic wilderness encounters.
How do you ensure travel is sustainable and ethical?
We partner exclusively with local operators who share our conservation values, ensure tourism revenue supports local communities, limit group sizes to minimize environmental impact, and contribute directly to conservation projects in each destination we visit.
What if I need to cancel or change my trip?
We understand plans can change. Our cancellation policy varies by destination and timing, but we always work to minimize fees and maximize flexibility. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance and will provide guidance on the best policies for adventure travel.
Can you arrange custom adventures to other destinations?
Absolutely! While we specialize in our core destinations, we can create custom adventures to other remote, wild places that align with our mission of authentic, sustainable travel. Contact us to discuss your dream destination and we'll explore possibilities.
What sets Ecovoyager apart from other tour operators?
We focus exclusively on authentic, off-the-beaten-path destinations that most travelers never reach. Our deep partnerships with local communities, commitment to conservation, and rejection of mass tourism create truly transformative experiences that benefit both travelers and destinations.
How do you handle safety and emergency situations?
Safety is our top priority. Our local partners are extensively vetted and trained in wilderness safety and emergency protocols. We provide comprehensive safety briefings, maintain communication equipment, and have established emergency evacuation procedures for all our remote destinations.