The soaring glaciated mountain peaks, vibrant green meadows and grass plains contrast beautifully with golden dunes in vast swathes of desert. The diverse landscapes of Mongolia provide a remote backdrop to some of the world’s most unique events. In a country that has relatively little tourism and encapsulates the essence of a nomadic lifestyle, plan your holiday to coincide with some extraordinary cultural highlights, such as the Golden Eagle Festival in Olgii.
Located in the far west of Mongolia, Bayan-Olgii is home to the Golden Eagle Festival, which celebrates the local population’s strong connection with their animals and land. The people of the Altai region gather in settlements of ger camps at the beginning of October to show off their magnificent birds of prey.
"The Golden Eagle Festival offers a deeper sense of what life is like here, in a country that feels like it's at the far reaches of the modern world and is a true privilege to experience."
The local Kazakh community arranges the festival, including a competition for the best Kazakh costume, horse and camel racing, archery and cultural performances. The lively Kukhbar competition is also a sight to behold – watch two riders clash during a fighting match on horseback, each vying to claim possession of a goat skin. Any profits from the festival go back into supporting this community’s way of life and preserving the highly treasured golden eagles who are eventually returned to the wild.
Beyond this fascinating insight into the region’s heritage, we can curate the most memorable experiences for your trip to western Mongolia. Get back to basics and stay for a couple of peaceful nights in a secluded eco-camp at Ursa Major Geolodge, with time to explore the vast unspoilt scenery and return to your cosy ger by candlelight each star-studded evening. Or perhaps take an uplifting visit to the wild horses, whose population is gradually being restored through a successful breeding programme. Absorb the enormity of the starry night sky whilst learning about how stargazing has historically allowed nomadic people to navigate through the vast steppes and deserts.
Mongolia is an outstanding destination with a wealth of stunning and varied landscapes to visit, evoking a sense of true exploration. The Golden Eagle Festival offers a deeper sense of what life is like here, in a country that feels like it’s at the far reaches of the modern world and is a true privilege to experience.
