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, you’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, you’ll have the unique privilege of not only riding into the festival, but also taking part in the nomadic games! If this very act doesn’t leave a mark on your soul forever, nothing will.
The magnificent team behind this adventure have managed the logistics of the famed Mongol Derby – they know exactly what it takes to shape the perfect itinerary that takes in every mood of Mongolia. When it’s time to say goodbye to the steppe, you’ll know deep in your heart that for a moment in time, you’ve truly lived and breathed this way of life.
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.
- 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.
- Time in Saddle:Anywhere between 4 to 8 hours on average per day, depending on the distance needed to travel to your next campsite.
- Ride Length:14 days, 13 nights with 8 riding days in total, plus optional rides to/from the Festival with the Eagle Hunters.
- Seasons:September.
- Group size:A minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 guests.
- 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. - Weight Limit:A maximum of 100kg / 220lbs. It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- 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.
- Inclusions:
The price includes full board from arrival in UB until departure, 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.
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% interest-free payment plan!Departing | Finishing | Availability | Total |
---|---|---|---|
September 3, 2025 | September 16, 2025 | SOLD OUT! |
PLEASE NOTE: The 2025 listed departure date is a ‘proposed date only’, and subject to change by a day or two. The Eagle Festival dates will not be confirmed until April 2025, after which we will be able to officially confirm the 2025 departure date. When booking your saddle seat in advance, we ask that you DO NOT book your international flights until we confirm the departure date in April, as it may shift by a day or two.
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.
**GF dietary requirements – Gluten free ingredients are extremely hard to source in Mongolia. If you require GF meals, you will need to bring your own ingredients for this. We will put you in direct contact with the ride team to arrange.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes full board from arrival in UB until departure, 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.
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. Depending on the ride you choose to book and your country of residence, there will be a 1.2% to 2.9% surcharge.
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

Lisa V.
‘The Golden Eagle Festival Ride has left me in awe with its breathtaking scenery and warm people. The riding adventure I embarked on was a journey of self-discovery, and I am grateful for the unforgettable memories I made alongside fellow adventurers and majestic horses. Every day was new and exciting. If you are looking for an exhilarating adventure on wonderful horses, through a beautiful country with an endearing culture, look no further. This ride will not disappoint. Saying goodbye at the end of this holiday was difficult, as it was truly life-changing.’

Monique N.
‘A once-in-a-lifetime experience, with amazing guides who sing their local songs as you ride through breathtaking scenery that is unique in the world: snowy mountains up to 4,000 metres high, blue sparkling lakes, and the chance to participate in the Golden Eagle Festival. Galloping up a hill while beating a large, handsome man with a whip – all a local tradition – cheered on by the crowd… Where can this happen? Only in Mongolia!’

Penny G.
‘Writing about Mongolia is a bit like taking a photo of it, it cannot possibly begin to do it justice. So if you know in your heart that YOU WANT Mongolia, then book this ride and you will be richly and thoroughly rewarded. I was not the only person crying when this trip ended! It will touch you so deeply and forever stay in your heart.’

Mary Holmes
‘I absolutely loved the 8 days of riding in western Mongolia, covering over 180km, climbing to 3000m and crossing 3 mountain passes. To describe this journey as an adventure would be an understatement. The scenery, the culture, and the camaraderie with the team that guided and looked after us were truly exceptional. A special mention to the Mongolian horses who carried us so kindly over the rocky terrain. The two days at a regional eagle festival were absolutely fabulous. I will never forget watching people riding to the festival on their horses and the occasional motorbike, just casually carrying an eagle on their arm. The competitions were fab – watching the eagles launching from the hilltop and soaring down over the arena was brilliant! The kindness and patience of the eagle hunters in sharing their time and knowledge will always be remembered.’

Sue Mclaren
‘If you are looking for a trip of a lifetime, where time is of no importance and 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 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.’
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