Once you’ve ridden a valiant Mongolian horse across the steppe, there’s no going back. Mongolia will be etched in your heart forever. You’ll be dreaming of splashing through pristine alpine rivers, galloping across the infinite plains, feeling a crisp Siberian breeze urging you onwards, and connecting with some of the friendliest, most generous people on earth.
So it’s with immense excitement that we invite you on our exclusive Golden Eagle Festival Ride. We cherish the land of the nomad, the land of the shaman and the ger, where horses are not only the lifeblood of the people, but their heart and soul. The legendary Eagle Festival is celebrated by the Kazakhs in western Mongolia and showcases the ancient art of eagle hunting, alongside other traditional nomad games. Far from the tourist crowds of the larger festivals, we’ll be the honoured guests of a local eagle hunting family, and witnessing the only Eagle Festival to include the release of golden eagles back into the wild as part of its program, a truly lump-in-the-throat occasion. As Globetrotters, we’ll have the unique privilege of taking part in this very special festival. To not only ride into the festival, on their spirited native horses, manes flowing in the breeze, but to have the opportunity to take part IN the nomadic games…if this very act doesn’t leave a mark on your soul forever, nothing will.
And we’re SO excited about partnering with a proven riding partner who has managed the logistics of the famed Mongol Derby. They literally have their fingers on the pulse in terms of shaping the perfect itinerary – that takes in every mood of Mongolia. So that when it is time to say goodbye to the steppe, you’ll have a deep understanding that you’ve lived and breathed this way of life – for a moment in time.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:Mongolian working horses between 13 to 14 hands high.
- Pace:Variable depending on the terrain, with plenty of opportunities to trot and canter
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 100kg / 220lbs
- Type of tack:Refurbished ex-Mongol Derby saddles. These are lightweight but with a rigid fibreglass tree, short-seated like a Mongolian saddle but with plenty of space for a Western-sized rider. They look like a stripped down Australian stock saddle - very secure and very comfortable. Custom made gel covers act as seat savers for extra cushioning.
- Seasons:September
- Group size:A minimum of 8 and a maximum of 11 guests
- Time in Saddle:Anywhere between 4 to 8 hours on average per day, depending on the distance needed to travel to your next campsite.
- Riding Ability:Suitable for intermediate to advanced riders who are fit and have a sense of adventure. You must be confident riding at all paces.
It’s actually a fantastic place to build confidence and have your first gallop, so if you are a confident beginner, and in great physical shape, please do get in touch and we will discuss suitability with you. Rider fitness is a MUST - camping at night and riding all day is strenuous. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out. - Accommodation:The accommodation varies throughout the trip, with the majority of the nights spent camping in tents (one person per tent), but there will also be times you stay in Ger camps and hotels at the beginning and end of the ride. A Ger Camp is a Mongolian version of a motel with traditionally decorated gers for sleeping (usually shared rooms with 4 pax), separate dining hall and very basic facilities for shower and toilet.
- Ride Length:14 days, 13 nights with 8 riding days in total, plus optional rides to/from the Festival with the Eagle Hunters.
- Inclusions:
The price includes full board from arrival in UB until departure (NB: there is a surcharge of $10 USD per day for gluten free and dairy free diets), some alcohol (but you’ll need to BYO should you wish to enjoy multiple drinks), regional flights, transfers to/from UB Airport and riding.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include your international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), some alcohol, and staff tips.
(NB: There is a surcharge of $10 USD per day for gluten free and dairy free diets)
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!Departing | Finishing | Availability | Total |
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September 5, 2024 | September 18, 2024 | SOLD OUT! |
While camping, you will be assigned 1x tent per person, but when staying at the hotel in UB the rate is priced for twin share. Should you wish to have your own room on the hotel nights an additional single supplement charge will apply.
NB: When staying at the ger camp in Olgii, sleeping arrangements will be 3-4 guests per ger.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes full board from arrival in UB until departure (NB: there is a surcharge of $10 USD per day for gluten free and dairy free diets), some alcohol (but you’ll need to BYO should you wish to enjoy multiple drinks), regional flights, transfers to/from UB Airport and riding.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include your international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), some alcohol, and staff tips.
NB: There is a surcharge of $10 USD per day for gluten free and dairy free diets.
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. There is a 2% surcharge on all card payments. Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN USD?
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse AllPlease note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.

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Day 1
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Day 2
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Days 3 to 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Transfer Information

Sue Mclaren
‘If you are looking for a trip of a lifetime where time is of no importance and where your cellphones are no use, then the vast and beautiful country of Mongolia is for you. Camping out under the stars where you are fed very very well, you will get to meet some amazing people, see amazing landscapes climb through many mountain passes and get to hold an eagle, how incredible is that?! Mongolian people don’t have a lot but they will always welcome you into their Ger.’

Stacey West
‘The Golden Eagle ride through western Mongolia will fill your eyeballs with joy and your heart with love for the country, the horses, and the people. You’ll want to cry a little bit, because nothing will ever be as beautiful again. Except for when you reach that next mountain pass. Or when you dismount beside that fresh, clear lake. Or when you race up and down desert-like dunes. Or when that first snowflake sticks to your eyelashes. Yes, you have to poop in a hole. Yes, you have to sleep in a tent. But honestly, I could have stayed another week. Or maybe forever.’

Kathy Davies
‘Best ride, so exciting! The ride suited me to a tee. I enjoyed the beautiful horses who knew their job and carried us safely, no matter what conditions were thrown at them. The vast landscape was breathtaking, so far from civilization, except for the occasional family with little children. They were all living in a Ger, raising cashmere goats and making goat curd. Participating in the Golden Eagle Festival was a highlight of my trip! The friendly fur-clad locals even let us join in on fun horseback games with them. This ride exceeded all of my expectations.’