Eagle Hunters of the Altai — 9 Days

Far in Mongolia's western corner, where the Altai mountains rise toward the borders of Russia, China and Kazakhstan, lies Bayan-Ölgii — a province unlike any other in the country. Here the majority population is ethnic Kazakh, and the ancient art of hunting with trained golden eagles still shapes daily life. This nine-day journey takes you beyond the usual circuit and into the homes, valleys and high pastures of the eagle hunters themselves.

You will fly west to Ölgii, share meals and stories in a Kazakh family homestay, and watch berkutchi (eagle hunters) work their birds against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks. In autumn, the trip is timed around the Golden Eagle Festival, where hunters from across the region gather to compete in horsemanship, speed and the bond between hunter and bird. We also venture toward Tavan Bogd National Park, home to Mongolia's highest summits and its largest glaciers.

This is a cultural and small-group adventure that rewards curiosity and patience. Roads are rough, distances are long, and the landscapes are vast and quiet. In return you gain a rare, respectful window into a living tradition — one that few travellers ever reach.