20-04-2025
Watch Fearsome Raptors Soar At Mongolia's Golden Eagle Festival
While Mongolia is home to majestic mammals ranging from the snow leopard to the Przewalski's horse, few native animals can match the grandeur of the golden eagle. Capable of reaching more than 2.5 meters in wingspan, these ferocious birds of prey are known for their incredibly broad range across the Northern Hemisphere, with populations found from the Arctic Circle down to central Ethiopia—and for anyone wishing to marvel at these creatures in the flesh, Mongolia is the perfect destination, with Nomadic Expeditions offering a seven-day itinerary centered around this iconic species.
Spanning from October 1st to October 7th, the company's Golden Eagle Festival expedition is dedicated to showcasing one of the Eurasian Steppe's most storied cultural traditions, with the art of falconry earning a spot on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity back in 2010. Immediately preceding the festival, guests will have an opportunity to explore the abundant natural beauty of Tolbo Lake—a scenic water feature found in western Mongolia's Bayan-Ölgii Province—before the opening ceremony kicks off. Over the following days, participants can marvel as local Kazakh falconers compete on horseback with their eagles in tow, participating in rigorous contests that showcase the natural instincts and abilities of the birds.
And while Tolbo Lake is certainly a sight to behold, the Golden Eagle Festival tour also shines a spotlight on Ulaanbaatar, a storied city that was formally settled in 1778. There's a wealth of fascinating landmarks and attractions woven into the itinerary, with sites spanning from the central Sukhbaatar Square to the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, a prestigious institution that highlights the rich history of the region spanning from ancient times to the height of the Mongol Empire to the end of the 20th century. But of course, there's far more to see across Mongolia than just the extreme west and its capital city.
In addition to the Golden Eagle Festival tour, Nomadic Expeditions offers a diverse array of other itineraries dedicated to Mongolian nature and culture. For a deep dive on one of the country's most renowned regions, the Classic Mongolia – Naadam Festival voyage provides plenty of insight into the natural splendor of the Gobi Desert, a vast expanse of land that's home to iconic creatures like the Bactrian camel and Gobi bear. Throughout the trip, guests will explore fascinating sites like the dinosaur fossil-laden Flaming Cliffs and enjoy top-tier accommodations, with Three Camel Lodge offering archery and other outdoor activities for guests to enjoy.
While horseback riding has played a crucial role in Central and East Asian culture for centuries, the Golden Eagle Festival offers a glimpse into this storied tradition at its most extravagant—and with Nomadic Expeditions, visitors can have a front-row seat to all of the action with the added bonus of exploring one of Mongolia's most famed cities. Whether you're a seasoned avian aficionado hoping to see golden eagles in their prime or a history buff that's intrigued by the ancient traditions of the Eurasian Steppe, this famed festival is certain to leave you with a treasure trove of lasting memories.
