Capturing the Spirit of Mongolia: A Photography Tour through the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky
Find more about our flexible Photography Tours
Discover the Ancient Tradition of Eagle Hunting in Mongolia
Step back in time and uncover the rich history of eagle hunting, a tradition that spans over three millennia. Historical accounts trace the origins of eagle hunting back 3,000 years, with mentions in Marco Polo's writings depicting Kublai Khan, the grandson of Chinggis Khan, boasting a vast collection of hunting birds including 500 white falcons. Serving these majestic birds were 10,000 dedicated servants, highlighting the prestige associated with this revered practice.
In the midst of the Middle Ages in Central Asia, royalty and nobility engaged in this extraordinary form of hunting, with kings and lords adorning their castles with specialized accommodations for these avian companions. Those selected as hunters and caretakers held esteemed positions, often hailing from aristocratic and affluent backgrounds.
At Sayat Travel, we invite you to embark on unforgettable journeys through Mongolia, where you can witness firsthand the captivating art of eagle hunting. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural tapestry as you capture mesmerizing moments through our customizable tours tailored for both landscape and cultural photography enthusiasts. Experience the allure of Mongolia's eagle hunters tradition with Sayat Travel.
Nomad Eagle Hunters Photography Tour Itinerary
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Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel. Prepare for the early domestic flight on the following day.
Includes: Hotel, Dinner
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Arrive in Olgiy and meet the English-speaking guide, cook, and driver. Drive to Altantsogts sum, stopping in the town. Reach the eagle hunter's family home, nestled in a winter shelter surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Explore the area for photography opportunities.
Includes: House Room, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Embark on a day of early morning photography, capturing the eagle hunters and the magnificent birds on horseback. Consult with the crew for specific shooting ideas and locations.
Includes: House Room, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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After morning photography, head to Sagsai sum for the Eagle Festival. Capture drone shots of the Altai Mountains, photography stops by frozen lakes, and sunset shooting of the eagle hunter in a new location.
Includes: House Room, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Drive to "Modon Koshe" pass and Karanti Valley for wildlife spotting and landscape photography. Enjoy a big dinner with the family, savoring the unique Kazakh meal called Besbarmakh.
Includes: House Room, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Morning photography followed by a journey to Hovd river valley. Witness eagle hunters in action, engaging in a full day of horse riding and eagle training. Capture drone shots of the hunting process.
Includes: House Room, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Follow hunters on horseback for a full day, observing eagle training and capturing live animal hunts. Enjoy drone shots of the hunting process and the surrounding area.
Includes: Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Drive to Tolbo lake for frozen lake photography and leisure. Stay in Olgiy at a nice hotel with dinner at a local restaurant.
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Fly back to Ulaanbaatar, transfer to the hotel, and explore the city. Visit Choijin Lam Temple and end the day with dinner at a recommended restaurant.
Includes: Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport and depart from Ulaanbaatar.
Includes: Breakfast
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Be prepared for continental weather; pack waterproof clothes, long underwear, sunscreen, hat, gloves, comfortable footwear, lip balm, sanitary wipes, sunglasses, prescription medications, binoculars, flashlight.
Transportation: 4x4 drive car with an experienced driver for national parks; local herdsmen with animals during rides and camping.
Staff: Guided by Erlan and an assistant guide, accompanied by a cook and assistant cook. Herdsmen join during rides.
Food & Meals: Fresh hot meals for breakfast and dinner; packed lunch during rides. Vegetarian options available with notice.
Includes: English speaking guide, food, cook, packing horse or camels, overnights in gers and tents, camping equipment, local transport, border, and national park permits.
Excludes: Alcohol, single hotel rooms, international flight tickets.
Date: From June 20th to September 20th, weekly (2017).
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2 PAX ****
3 PAX
4 PAX
Group Tour $ (Single supplement 330$)
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Family Discount:
Special rates available for family bookings.
Child Discount:
One free space for every 16 pax
Rebooking Discount:
Exclusive discounts offered for rebooked trips.
Group Travel Discount:
Discounts provided for group bookings. For further information, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to assist you!
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✔️ 1 nights in *** hotel
✔️ m
✔️ Four wheels driving vehicle transfer
✔️ Drop off service
✔️English speaking guide
✔️ Daily bottled water
✔️ Horse & camel riding
✔️ Entry fees to national parks and museums
✔️ Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
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❌Items of personal use
❌International travel
❌Alcoholic drinks & beverages
❌Bar bills, laundry, telephone calls
❌Travel & medical insurance
❌Visa fee
❌Single supplements
❌Optional activities & additional services
❌Gratuity for guides & drivers/optional
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Our Eagle Hunting Festival tour is meticulously crafted to accommodate travelers of varying physical abilities, making it accessible to individuals with a medium level of physical strength. Whether you're an avid hiker or prefer a more leisurely pace, there's something for everyone on this adventure.
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Indulge in a diverse array of delicious dishes that cater to all tastes and dietary preferences, providing the nourishment needed to fuel your exploration of the Altai Mountains. From hearty meat dishes to fresh vegetarian fare, our meals are designed to satisfy and energize travelers with medium physical strength.
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Travel in comfort and style with our convenient transportation services, which eliminate the need for strenuous physical activity during transit. Our vehicles are equipped to handle the rugged terrain of the Altai Mountains, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for participants with medium physical strength.
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Rest easy in comfortable accommodations that offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for travelers with medium physical strength. Whether you prefer cozy guesthouses or traditional yurts, our lodging options provide a welcoming retreat after a day of exploration.
BOOK THIS TOUR
We're friendly and available to chat, reach out to us anytime and we'll happily answer your questions.
Your Unforgettable Journey Begins Here!
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![Embark on a journey to Western Mongolia, where the Bayan-Olgiy province unfolds its unparalleled landscapes and reveals the distinctive cultures of Kazakh, Uriankhai, and Tuvan nomads, who have gracefully inhabited this region for centuries.]()
Nomadic Family Homestay
Embark on a journey to Western Mongolia, where the Bayan-Olgiy province unfolds its unparalleled landscapes and reveals the distinctive cultures of Kazakh, Uriankhai, and Tuvan nomads, who have gracefully inhabited this region for centuries.
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![Nowadays, the Kazakhs of Mongolia continue their ancestors’ golden eagle hunting tradition during the cold months. One of the last Kazakhz Mongolian Eagle hunters still hunts golden eagles.]()
Eagle Hunters Festival
Nowadays, the Kazakhs of Mongolia continue their ancestors’ golden eagle hunting tradition during the cold months. One of the last Kazakhz Mongolian Eagle hunters still hunts golden eagles. The cool season is the best time for both the eagles as well as for the hunters; the ideal period to retrieve the most colorful and valuable fur skins.
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![Explore the vast Mongolian steppe by horseback.]()
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