Eagle hunters of Mongolia

This journey takes you deep into the remote Altai Mountains of far western Mongolia, a region few travellers ever reach and even fewer truly experience.

Travelling in a small, respectful group of no more than seven participants, you venture far beyond established routes to spend time with Kazakh nomads and some of the last remaining eagle hunters—families who continue to live much as their ancestors did. These are not staged encounters, but genuine cultural exchanges.

You will trek through the Altai Mountains alongside the eagle hunters I’ve come to know very well over the past ten years. The group travels with horses and camels that carry the luggage, allowing for a lightweight journey through remote valleys, colourful mountain passes and vast alpine landscapes.

On top of that, you will spend three days building a greenhouse for and with a nomad family. The project is part of the work of my NGO Heart for Mongolia (supported by Wilde Ganzen), which has made lasting, meaningful improvements in the region through community-led initiatives.

Building the greenhouse together creates an opportunity to get to know the family on a personal level while leaving behind something genuinely useful. You might even gain some skills, if you don’t already have them!

This is a rare chance to travel beyond the reach of conventional tourism, form real connections with extraordinary people, and contribute to a project that has a tangible and lasting impact.

In summer, the Altai Mountains come alive with colourful wildflowers, abundant wildlife and long days beneath vast open skies. Along the way, you will gain a deeper understanding of the region, its history and the people who call it home.

Price is excluding:
Flights to and from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Including

• All domestic flights and transfers
• Food & Accomodation (bring your own tent, sleeping bag and mattress, packlist will follow; rental is possible)
• Contribution to the costs of the community projects
• Guides, chefs, animals, pack gear, dinner tent, stunning scenery and unique travel experiences :)

ITINERARY

Day 0: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar (UB) whenever you like, Id recommend to spend a few days and get over the jetlag.

Day 1: Spend a day in UB as a group, including a visit to Sukhbaatar square, a 6pm theatershow and dinner

Day 2: Start 28-hour busdrive journey to Olgi (great way to see the whole country passing by! Comfortable big touringbus)

Day 3: Arrive in Olgi, stay in ger at guesthouse with (usually) showers, electricity and wifi

Day 4: Drive to project location (4WD), settle into our ger and start work after lunch

Day 5: Build project, possibly visit former projects, spend time with selected family

Day 6: Finish building project, celebration night

Day 7: Transfer (4WD) to start of trek, meet Alpamys + 4 or 5 more nomads, their horses and camels, camping in tents in beautiful mountain location

Day 8, 9 and 10: Hiking through the Altai mountains, camping

Day 11: Arrive at Alpamys’ summercamp, spend the afternoon with the extended family and eagles

Day 12: Drive back to Olgi (approx. 5 hours 4WD)

Day 13: Fly back to Ulaanbaatar

Allow 2 days in Ulaanbaatar before booking your flight home.

This trip is suitable for those who are comfortable in the outdoors, physically fit enough to hike 10–15 km per day at altitudes up to 3,000 metres, and seeking a unique immersion into nomadic mountain culture.

NOTE: While horses and camels will be part of our trek, they are ridden by the local nomads—not by us. We will be hiking throughout the journey, though we may occasionally use horses for river crossings (helmet and safety stirrups provided). You will also meet the eagles and will be able to sit them on your arm, but summer is not the time to go eagle hunting. If this is a priority for you, we can speak with the locals upon arrival to explore any possible opportunities in the future. Please be aware that this requires exceptional horse-riding, and cold-weather skills.

Please read this RISK WAIVER before booking.

July 5 -18, 2027

If you would like to join me July 5-18, please fill out this booking form

June 27 – July 11

This journey is led by Aad, my good friend and highly skilled wilderness guide and first responder with a deep appreciation for Mongolia’s landscapes and cultures. After I welcome you personally in Ulaanbaatar you will head out west with Aad.

If you would like to join June 27- July 11 with Aad, please fill out this booking form