MONGOLIA: The Altai & The Gobi:
A Masterclass in High-Contrast Frontiers

Journey: 09/26/2026 - 10/07/2026 Duration: 12 Days Double Sharing Price: $8450 pp Single Room Price: $9950 pp Limited To: 2-16

A Private Access Expedition to the Golden Eagle Festival & the Singing Dunes

Tour Highlights

This once-in-a-lifetime 12-day adventure traces the spirit of Kublai Khan through Mongolia’s most iconic cultural landscapes. From the Golden Eagle Festival in the Altai Mountains to the sweeping dunes of the Gobi Desert, you’ll encounter timeless traditions, rare wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.

Your journey begins in Ulaanbaatar, with visits to spiritual and cultural landmarks such as Gandan Monastery, the Chinggis Khaan Museum, and the renowned Dinosaur Exhibition. From there, you’ll fly to the Gobi Desert, exploring the Flaming Cliffs, Khongoriin Els sand dunes, and Yol Valley while staying in Mongolia’s best eco-lodges and ger camps.

The highlight of the journey is a flight west to Ölgii, where you’ll spend time with Kazakh eagle hunters and witness the thrilling Golden Eagle Festival—a vibrant celebration of skill, heritage, and cultural pride. Along the way, you’ll meet nomadic families, savor Mongolian and Kazakh hospitality, and connect deeply with Mongolia’s enduring nomadic spirit.

Combining festival immersion, desert discovery, and authentic cultural exchanges, this itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience Mongolia at its most festive, wild, and welcoming.

PSA & Club Leader Offer

If you are a photography mentor bringing a group of 12+ photographers, Seek & Savor Travel provides your full land-package at no cost.

Photo Expedition Highlights

  • The Golden Eagle Festival Masterclass: Secure “inside the circle” positioning for two full days at the world’s most spectacular gathering of Kazakh hunters. Capture high-speed action shots of eagles returning to their masters’ arms, traditional archery, and the intense Kyz Kuar (horseback games) against the rugged Altai backdrop.
  • The Khongor Singing Dunes at Dawn: Specialized dawn and dusk sessions at Mongolia’s largest sand dunes. Focus on the minimalist geometry of the shifting ridges, the deep shadows of the troughs, and the iconic silhouettes of Bactrian (two-humped) camels against the horizon.
  • The Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) at Sunset: Document the birthplace of modern paleontology. We time our shoot for the “Golden Hour” when the sandstone cliffs ignite in fiery reds and oranges, creating the high-contrast landscape imagery that defines the Gobi.
  • Private Steppe Portraiture: We bypass the general festival crowds to facilitate private, non-staged portrait sessions with champion eagle hunters. Focus on the rich textures of handmade fox-fur coats, weathered skin, and the piercing gaze of the eagles in the natural light of the Mongolian steppe.
  • The Genghis Khan Monolith at First Light: A pre-dawn arrival at the 130-foot stainless steel equestrian statue. Capture the first light of day reflecting off the monument as it towers over the Tuul River valley, symbolizing the spirit of the steppe.

The Photographer’s Advantage

  • Light-First Mission Control: We don’t follow a tourist bus schedule. Our movements are dictated by the sun, ensuring you are in the field for every Golden Hour on the steppe and every atmospheric sunrise in the mountains.
  • Strictly Limited Footprint: Capped at 16 photographers. This small group size is essential for ensuring everyone has a clean foreground at the Flaming Cliffs and an unobstructed line of sight during the crowded Eagle Festival ceremonies.
  • Technical Gear & Dust Management: Operating in the Gobi and Altai requires specialized logistics. Our vehicles are equipped for rugged desert travel with dedicated power for charging gear and support for keeping sensitive sensors clean in sandy environments.
  • Beyond the Ropes Access: Leveraging 30 years of field experience and Explorers Club credentials, we utilize local connections to get you closer to the hunters and nomadic families than standard tourist groups.
  • Expedition-Ready Logistics: From the capital of Ulaanbaatar to the remote western frontier of Bayan-Ölgii, every stop has been pre-scouted for visual impact, cultural depth, and technical feasibility.

Founder’s Field Note

“To stand on the Altai steppe and hear the wings of a Golden Eagle cutting through the silence is a transformative experience for any visual storyteller. I have led expeditions through 80 countries, but Mongolia remains the ultimate frontier for raw, honest photography. My mission for this trip is to take you past the festival spectacles and into the real lives of the hunters and the silence of the Gobi. We are here to document an ancient bond between man and nature that has survived for centuries. We don’t just take pictures of history; we step into it.”
– Keira P. Mason, Member of The Explorers Club

Trip Overview

  • Witness the thrilling pageantry of the Golden Eagle Festival
  • Spend immersive time with Kazakh eagle hunters in the Altai Mountains
  • Discover Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage in Ulaanbaatar
  • Explore remote western Mongolia and stay in a private ger camp
  • Visit the majestic Gobi Desert and its legendary Flaming Cliffs and Singing Sands
  • Hike through Yol Valley and explore the vast steppe landscapes
  • Meet nomadic families and enjoy authentic cultural exchanges
  • Stay in comfort at Mongolia’s top lodges and eco-conscious camps
  • Step back in time at Wonder of Mongolian Dinosaur exhibition in Ulaanbaatar and see 120-80 million year old skeletons and even a dinosaur nest with fossilized eggs

A travel experience like no other

Curated journeys of festivals, celebration, culture, and exclusive experiences

  • Witness the thrilling pageantry of the Golden Eagle Festival
  • Spend immersive time with Kazakh eagle hunters in the Altai Mountains
  • Discover Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage in Ulaanbaatar
  • Explore remote western Mongolia and stay in a private ger camp
  • Visit the majestic Gobi Desert and its legendary Flaming Cliffs and Singing Sands
  • Hike through Yol Valley and explore the vast steppe landscapes
  • Meet nomadic families and enjoy authentic cultural exchanges
  • Stay in comfort at Mongolia’s top lodges and eco-conscious camps
  • Step back in time at Wonder of Mongolian Dinosaur exhibition in Ulaanbaatar and see 120-80 million year old skeletons and even a dinosaur nest with fossilized eggs
Day 1
  • Warm welcome at Chinggis Khaan International Airport
  • Transfer to 5-star hotel and rest
  • Welcome dinner with Mongolian cuisine
Day 2
  • Morning flight to the South Gobi
  • Visit Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
  • Enjoy a traditional Mongolian BBQ lunch with a nomadic family
Day 3
  •  Drive to Singing Sand Dunes
  • Visit a camel herder family
  • Camel ride through the dunes
Day 4
  •  Drive to Yol Valley in Gurvansaikhan Mountains
  • Scenic canyon hike
  • Wildlife spotting
Day 5
  •  Return to Ulaanbaatar
  • Optional visit to Winter Palace
Day 6
  • Visit Gandan Monastery
  • Explore Chinggis Khaan Museum
  • Step back in time at Wonder of Mongolian Dinosaur exhibition in Ulaanbaatar and see 120-80 million year old skeletons and even a dinosaur nest with fossilized eggs
  • Enjoy a traditional folk performance
Day 7
  •  Flight to western Mongolia
  • Scenic drive to eagle hunter’s region
  • Settle into private ger accommodation
  • Visit a Kazakh eagle hunter family
  •  Learn about eagle training
Day 8
  •  Festival opening ceremony
  • Parade of hunters and their eagles
  • First round of eagle competitions
  • Traditional games and cultural displays
Day 9
  •  Horsemanship and agility games
  • Final eagle competitions
  • Festival awards and closing events
Day 10
  • Return flight to Ulaanbaatar
  • Free afternoon or optional excursion
  • Rest before southern journey
Day 11
  •  Travel west from Ulaanbaatar to Khustai National Park, home of the wild Takhi horses
  • Learn about the Przewalski’s horse reintroduction project
Day 12
  •  Airport transfer
  •  Farewell from Mongolia
Itinenary Map
Day 1

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Today marks the beginning of your Mongolian adventure. After arriving in Ulaanbaatar, you’ll be warmly welcomed, settle into your hotel, and enjoy an orientation walk before sharing a festive Mongolian welcome dinner.

Arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, where your guide will greet you and provide a private transfer to your 5-star hotel in central Ulaanbaatar. After check-in and time to refresh, set out for an orientation walk around Sukhbaatar Square, the symbolic heart of the capital, surrounded by statues, government buildings, and cultural landmarks. Your guide will introduce you to Mongolia’s modern history and vibrant urban life. In the evening, gather with your group for a welcome dinner featuring traditional Mongolian cuisine such as khuushuur (fried dumplings), buuz (steamed dumplings), and suutei tsai (milk tea). This is a perfect introduction to Mongolian hospitality and flavors.

Hotel:
Kempinski hotel

  • Dinner
Day 2

Ulaanbaatar Cultural Immersion

This morning you’ll fly south to the Gobi Desert, where towering red cliffs and sweeping desert landscapes await. Visit the world-famous Flaming Cliffs, explore their paleontological history, and enjoy a traditional Mongolian BBQ with a local nomadic family.

After breakfast, take a domestic flight to Dalanzadgad, the gateway to the South Gobi. Upon arrival, continue by vehicle across dramatic desert terrain to reach Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs. These striking red sandstone formations are world-renowned as one of the richest dinosaur fossil sites on earth, where American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews made groundbreaking discoveries in the 1920s. Walk among the cliffs as your guide shares stories of their geological and paleontological significance. Later, visit a nearby nomadic family and enjoy a traditional Mongolian BBQ lunch (khorkhog), a warm introduction to desert hospitality. Return to your lodge in the evening to relax and take in the peaceful desert night sky.

Hotel:
Dream Gobi Lodge

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 3

Khongoriin Els & Camel Ride

Today you’ll journey deeper into the Gobi to Khongoriin Els, Mongolia’s largest sand dunes. Meet a camel herding family, learn about their desert way of life, and ride camels across the golden dunes with stunning panoramic views.

After breakfast, drive through vast desert steppe and mountain backdrops en route to Khongoriin Els, also known as the Singing Sands for the resonant hum they produce when the wind shifts the dunes. Upon arrival, visit a camel herder family to learn how they sustain their livelihood in this arid environment. Enjoy warm conversations and observe their daily routines. Later, take a camel ride across the dunes, experiencing the sweeping desert scenery as the golden sands stretch toward the horizon. In the evening, settle into your ger camp near the dunes, savor a hearty dinner, and watch the desert transform under the glow of the setting sun.

Hotel:
Gobi Erdene Ger Camp — Gobi Desert

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 4

Yol Valley Hike

Today you’ll explore Yol Valley, a dramatic gorge in the Gurvansaikhan Mountains. Hike through its narrow canyon, spot wildlife, and marvel at the striking desert-ice landscape unique to the Gobi.

After breakfast, drive to Yolyn Am (Vulture’s Mouth Valley), a stunning canyon nestled in the Gurvansaikhan Mountains. Known for its sheer rock walls, year-round streams, and pockets of ice that linger even in summer, the valley provides a striking contrast to the surrounding desert. Enjoy a scenic hike along the trail, where you may spot wildlife such as ibex, lammergeyers (bearded vultures), and other steppe bird species. Take time to photograph the dramatic scenery and enjoy the crisp mountain air. After the hike, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation under the desert night sky.

Hotel:
Dream Gobi Lodge

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 5

Fly to Ulaanbaatar

This morning you’ll leave the desert behind and return to the capital by flight. After settling into your hotel, enjoy an optional cultural visit or simply relax before gathering for a celebratory evening in Ulaanbaatar.

After breakfast, transfer to the local airstrip for your flight from Dalanzadgad back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, check into your 5-star hotel and take time to refresh. In the afternoon, you may join an optional excursion to the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan, a fascinating museum that was once the residence of Mongolia’s last theocratic ruler, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city’s central streets. In the evening, gather with your group for a celebratory dinner, reflecting on your adventures in the Gobi Desert and preparing for the next stage of your journey westward.

Hotel:
Kempinski hotel in Ulaanbaatar

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 6

Explore Ulaanbaatar

Today you’ll dive deeper into Ulaanbaatar’s cultural heart, visiting Buddhist temples, world-class museums, and exhibitions. The day ends with a traditional folk performance showcasing Mongolia’s unique music and dance.

After breakfast, begin your exploration at Gandan Monastery, the spiritual center of Mongolian Buddhism, where monks perform morning prayers beneath the towering golden statue of Migjid Janraisig. Continue to the Chinggis Khaan Museum, Mongolia’s newest and most impressive cultural institution, where exhibits trace the rise of the Mongol Empire and its global impact. After lunch, step back into deep time at the Wonder of Mongolian Dinosaur Exhibition, home to spectacular fossils, skeletons, and even a dinosaur nest with fossilized eggs dating back 80–120 million years. In the evening, enjoy a traditional folk performance featuring throat singing, the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), and regional dances, offering a perfect cultural finale to your stay in the capital before heading west.

Hotel:
Kempinski hotel in Ulaanbaatar

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 7

Fly to Ölgii

This morning you’ll fly to Mongolia’s far west, the Altai Mountains, homeland of Kazakh eagle hunters. After settling into your accommodation, spend the day with a Kazakh family, learning about their traditions and the art of eagle training.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ölgii, the capital of Bayan-Ölgii province. Upon arrival, take a scenic drive to your private ger accommodation, set amidst the dramatic landscapes of the Altai Mountains. After settling in, visit a Kazakh eagle hunter family, where you’ll gain an intimate introduction to this centuries-old tradition. Observe how hunters care for their eagles, prepare saddles and hunting gear, and maintain bonds with these magnificent birds of prey. Share homemade Kazakh meals with your hosts and enjoy stories that reveal the cultural identity of Mongolia’s Kazakh minority. This immersive day sets the stage for the excitement of the Golden Eagle Festival to come.

Hotel:
Bayantsambagarav Hotel — Ölgii, Western Mongolia

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 8

Golden Eagle Festival – Day 1 of Festival

Today marks the spectacular opening of the Golden Eagle Festival. Witness the parade of eagle hunters in full regalia, marvel at the skill of eagle competitions, and enjoy cultural performances that celebrate Kazakh heritage.

After breakfast, transfer to the festival grounds to join the opening ceremony of the Golden Eagle Festival, one of Mongolia’s most iconic cultural events. Watch as dozens of eagle hunters, dressed in richly embroidered Kazakh attire, parade proudly on horseback with their golden eagles perched on their arms. The day continues with the first round of competitions, including eagle calling contests that showcase the remarkable bond between hunter and bird. Between events, enjoy traditional games, folk performances, and cultural displays, from music and dance to local handicrafts. Stroll among stalls offering regional foods and souvenirs, soaking in the lively festival atmosphere. Return to your hotel in Ölgii in the evening.

Hotel:
Bayantsambagarav Hotel

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 9

Golden Eagle Festival – Day 2 of Festival

Today is the grand finale of the Golden Eagle Festival. Enjoy thrilling horseback games, the final rounds of eagle competitions, and the closing ceremonies that celebrate Kazakh culture and tradition.

After breakfast, return to the festival grounds for the second and final day of the Golden Eagle Festival. The morning begins with displays of horsemanship and agility, where hunters showcase their riding skills through games such as kökpar (tug-of-war on horseback) and tiyn teru (snatching coins from the ground at full gallop). The day continues with the final rounds of eagle competitions, as hunters demonstrate their birds’ speed, accuracy, and loyalty. The festival concludes with award ceremonies and closing festivities, honoring the most skilled hunters and their eagles. The atmosphere is celebratory, filled with music, dance, and communal pride. Return to your hotel in Ölgii for dinner and overnight stay.

Hotel:
Bayantsambagarav Hotel

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 10

Fly to Ulaanbaatar

This morning you’ll leave the Altai Mountains behind and return to Ulaanbaatar. The afternoon is free for shopping, relaxation, or optional excursions before preparing for the final leg of your Mongolian journey.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Ölgii to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, check into your 5-star hotel and enjoy some time to rest. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure — you may choose to shop for cashmere and local handicrafts, relax with a spa treatment, or take an optional excursion such as visiting local art galleries or the Bogd Khan Winter Palace. Dinner this evening is at leisure, allowing you to explore Ulaanbaatar’s diverse restaurant scene.

Hotel:
Kempinski hotel in Ulaanbaatar

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Day 11

Khustai National Park

Today you’ll travel west from Ulaanbaatar to Khustai National Park, home of the wild Takhi horses. Enjoy a guided wildlife excursion, learn about the reintroduction project, and spend your final night in Mongolia surrounded by steppe landscapes.

After breakfast, depart Ulaanbaatar for the scenic drive to Khustai National Park, a protected area renowned for the successful reintroduction of the Przewalski’s horse (Takhi), the world’s last wild horse species. After lunch at the eco-camp, set out with your guide on a wildlife excursion across the rolling hills and valleys of the park. With luck, you may encounter herds of Takhi grazing freely, as well as red deer, marmots, gazelles, and numerous bird species. Your guide will share insights into the conservation project that has brought the Takhi back from extinction. In the evening, return to Ulaanbaatar and check into your hotel, reflecting on your adventure as you prepare for tomorrow’s departure.

Hotel:
Kempinski hotel in Ulaanbaatar

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 12

Departure

Your Mongolian journey comes to an end today. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight, carrying unforgettable memories of the Golden Eagle Festival, the Gobi Desert, and Mongolia’s nomadic spirit.

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide for a private transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport. Your guide will assist with luggage and check-in formalities, ensuring a smooth departure. Bid farewell to Mongolia with cherished memories of eagle hunters in the Altai, the vast Gobi landscapes, and the warm hospitality of nomadic families. Depart with a heart full of stories and experiences to treasure.

  • Breakfast
Day 1, Day 5, Day 6 , Day 10, Day 11

Kempinski hotel in Ulaanbaatar

Among Ulaanbaatar’s finest addresses, the Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace blends European elegance with Mongolian warmth. Its spacious rooms and suites are appointed with modern amenities, while its restaurants serve both international favorites and local specialties. Centrally located, the hotel offers easy access to the capital’s museums, monasteries, and bustling squares, providing a sophisticated start and finish to your journey

Day 2 , Day4

Dream Gobi Lodge

Tucked into the sweeping landscapes of the Gobi Desert, Dream Gobi Lodge offers a boutique wilderness experience. Private gers are beautifully styled with comfortable beds, en suite bathrooms, and modern conveniences, elevating the traditional nomadic dwelling into a serene retreat. The lodge’s setting near iconic Gobi sites such as the Flaming Cliffs makes it a perfect base, while evenings are spent savoring gourmet meals and stargazing under the desert’s vast skies

,Day 3

Gobi Erdene Ger Camp — Gobi Desert

Located close to Bayanzag’s Flaming Cliffs, the Gobi Erdene Ger Camp offers a simple yet authentic stay in the desert. Guests sleep in traditional felt gers warmed by stoves, and the camp’s dining hall provides hearty meals after a day of exploring fossil-rich cliffs, singing dunes, and desert steppe. While more rustic than luxury lodges, it offers an immersive experience at the very heart of the Gobi’s prehistoric and natural wonders.

Day 7, Day 8, Day 9

Bayantsambagarav Hotel — Ölgii, Western Mongolia

As the best-known hotel in Ölgii, Bayantsambagarav provides reliable comfort at the edge of Mongolia’s far west. Rooms are modest but equipped with modern essentials, and the restaurant features Mongolian and Kazakh dishes. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring the dramatic Altai Mountains and the Kazakh eagle hunters’ traditions, offering practicality and hospitality in a frontier town where accommodations are limited

Inclusions

Small group of 2-16 guests

Guaranteed departure with minimum 2 persons

All accommodations:

5 nights in a 4-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar

1 night in a tourist ger camp in Terelj National Park

3 nights in the best local hotel in Ölgii

Domestic roundtrip flights: Ulaanbaatar – Ölgii – Ulaanbaatar

All specially curated restaurants and meals as indicated (B/L/D)

Airport transfers and all in-country transportation

Professional English-speaking local guide throughout the trip

Cultural experiences:

–––Chinggis Khaan Museum and Sukhbaatar square

–––Gandan Monastery visit

–––Golden Eagle Festival entry fees (2-day pass)

–––Kazakh homestay activities and eagle hunter interaction

National park and festival entrance fees

Bottled water during travel days

Tour coordination and 24/7 in-country and USA support

Exclusions

International flights to/from Mongolia

Optional activities

Travel insurance (required)

Visa fees (if applicable)

Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone/internet)

Alcoholic beverages

Tips for guide and driver (optional but appreciated)

Important Note

Mongolia Travel Fact Sheet

    •  Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry.
    •  Many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
    •  E-visas are available online; otherwise, apply at a Mongolian embassy.
    •  Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies (for rural areas), and routine immunizations (MMR, Tdap, Polio).
    •  Japanese Encephalitis recommended if traveling to rural areas in summer.
    •  Always carry travel insurance due to limited facilities outside Ulaanbaatar.
    • Drink bottled or boiled water; avoid raw foods outside main cities.
  • Season Months Avg. Temp (°C/°F) Notes
    Winter Nov – Feb -15°C to -30°C (5°F to -22°F) Severe cold, especially at night
    Spring Mar – Apr -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F) Windy, dusty conditions
    Summer May – Aug 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) Warm days, cool nights
    Autumn Sep – Oct 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) Clear skies, colorful landscapes
    •  Lightweight clothing for summer, warm insulated layers for winter.
    • Sturdy boots for treks and long drives.
    • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
    • Reusable water bottle and purifier tablets.
    •  Power adapter (Type C/E plugs, 220V).
    •  Basic first aid kit and personal medications.
    •  International arrivals via Chinggis Khaan International Airport (Ulaanbaatar).
    •  Domestic travel by flights or long overland drives.
    •  Public transportation is limited; private tours and drivers are recommended.
    •  Voltage: 220V, Frequency: 50Hz
    •  Plug types: Type C and Type E (European-style)
    • Bring a universal travel adapter.
    •  Restaurants: 5–10% if not included in bill.
    •  Guides: $5–10 per person/day.
    •  Drivers: $3–5 per person/day.
    •  Hotels: Small tips for porters and housekeeping appreciated.
    • Hearty cuisine reflecting nomadic traditions.
    • Popular dishes: Buuz (steamed dumplings), Khuushuur (fried pastries), Tsuivan (stir-fried noodles).
    • Dairy products: yogurt, cheese, and Airag (fermented mare’s milk).
    • Vegetarian options are limited outside Ulaanbaatar.
    •  Hospitality is central; accept food/drink offered by hosts.
    • Enter gers (yurts) with right foot, avoid leaning on door frame.
    •  Do not touch people’s heads or point feet at religious objects.
    •  Dress modestly when visiting monasteries.
    •  Internet is limited outside Ulaanbaatar—consider a local SIM card.
    •  Carry cash; card acceptance is limited beyond major cities.
    • English is not widely spoken; basic phrases in Mongolian are appreciated.

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