Nomad Migration & Eagle Hunting Trek: Mongolia
March 20 to 30, 2027 | USD 7800 PP
Mongolia in winter! I know what you're thinking, but in all honesty it's not as cold as it looks. The odd seasonal (and suitably dramatic) snowstorm apart, most days tend to be fine and sunny. So appropriately attired, imagine accompanying a nomadic family to help shepherd their motley crew of goats, sheep, camels and yaks across the winter steppe, and frozen lakes, towards the snow-capped Altai Mountains; home to their spring grazing, and the promise of greener pastures. I have to say, while obviously spectacular, the opportunity to fully immerse oneself in the time-honoured rhythms of a fast-fading migatory tradition is an absolutely unforgettable experience.
And there's more. Naruuz (the Kazakh New Year) celebrations with hearty, vodka-toasted feasts (mutton or horse anyone), wolf tracking (in 2026 we spotted four), not to mention an authentic 'sayat', where a small group of eagle hunters combine to flush out and hunt for fox and rabbit. And all the while, you will be cozy and comfortable, accommodated in traditional gers (with a heater and proper beds) and accompanied by our experienced crew. Our logistics, having been tried and tested for over a decade now, are something of a trade secret. In short, you will be well looked after. Heck, we even have a shower ger!
Please note that you can also view additional images from our March 2026 trip in our Adventure BLOG.
Why Join Our Team?
Participate in a uniquely designed expedition to explore a remote corner of the Altai with the experts who first ran migration trips.
Experience a truly immersive and authentic migratory journey and witness the stark beauty of a tourist-free Mongolian winter.
Gain intimate access to warm-hearted nomadic families and photograph the incredible spectacle of a bona fide eagle hunt.
Expedition Plan
This route was pioneered ten years ago now, and journeys through a remote region of western Mongolia that requires a degree of flexibility and self-reliance from the team. The following is only the outline daily plan.
March 20, 2027
Fly to Ulan Bator (IATA: ULN). Transfer to our comfortable hotel near Sukhbaatar Square. Enjoy an introductory team dinner and drinks.
March 21, 2027
Catch the early morning flight to Ulgii. Once we arrive we will have brunch, and then attend a local eagle hunting festival on the outskirts of Ulgii to celebrate Naruuz. Overnight in my friend's hotel.
March 22, 2027
Today we will drive south west to meet up with the nomadic family. This afternoon we will help the family with final preparations for the epic journey, join them for dinner, and later sleep in comfortable gers pre-assembled alongside their encampment.
March 23, 2027
This morning we will embark on the journey and begin to embed fully with the migration, assisting the family with all aspects of the trip over the next three days, as they move their camels, horses, sheep and goats across the spectacular landscape.
March 24, 2027
At the end of each day we will overnight in pre-assembled gers alongside the family. Throughout the migration we will have a support vehicle, but the plan will be to largely move with the migration either on horseback or on foot.
March 25, 2027
Trek for 6 hours (about the daily average), alongside the herd, and shepherd them across the frozen 'Black Lake'. This is probably the most spectacular (and last full) day of the migration.
March 26, 2027
This afternoon we will arrive at our destination, say our goodbyes (for now), and then drive towards Dayan Lake in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. Once we arrive at the eagle hunters encampment, we will join our new hosts for dinner (and probably more vodka), before settling down into our comfortable gers (with a proper bed).
March 27, 2027
Today we will join the eagle hunters as they hunt for foxes in the nearby mountains. Typically, this would involve riding with the hunters on horseback to a prominent hilltop from which the raptors can scan the surroundings for their prey. Once locked in, the eagles are then launched, and assuming a successful hunt we will ride down with them to collect the prey. Each day we will return to camp and stay in our gers.
March 28, 2027
This morning we will hike up to the base of the nearby 3600m peak that straddles the border with China, and after arriving back in camp, say our goodbyes, and then drive back to Ulgii, stopping for one final spectacular picnic lunch atop a frozen lake. Overnight in my friend's hotel.
March 29, 2027
Catch the morning flight back to Ulan Bator. Transfer to our hotel and enjoy a final team dinner at my favourite restaurant overlooking the Chojin Lama Temple. There will also be time for a little cashmere shopping!
March 30, 2027
Transfer to the airport and fly home. Big hugs all around and hope to see you again next time.
Expedition Location
Practical Information
Rest assured we will be here to advise you on all aspects of preparing for, and participating in, this trip. Here are a few obvious places to start.
Accomodation
Will be in the Novotel in Ulan Bator and my friend's local hotel in Ulgii. On the migration, and at the eagle hunter family, we will be sleeping in warm, comfortable gers. At the final location we will also have a luxurious shower ger!
Altitude
The maximum altitude en route will be approximately 2500m and so altitude is unlikely to be a factor. On all previous trips we have never had an altitude-related problem.
Communication
On the trek there will be limited cellular phone coverage, but we do carry a Starlink Mini that can be used by guests on a limited basis, and also obviously in an emergency.
Difficulty
The trip will be relatively challenging so everyone needs to be properly prepared, both mentally and physically. The biggest unknown is typically the weather, but with appropriate clothing the temperatures can largely be mitigated.
Equipment
We will supply all (rigourously cleaned) equipment, including beds and bedding. Please refer to our typical kit list for a guide as to what else to bring (for this expedition this will also be supplemented with additional cold weather advice).
First Aid
We carry a comprehensive medical kit, including Diamox to treat any signs of altitude sickness, although this is not expected to be an issue on the trek. We will also have a support vehicle with us at all times.
Food
A good variety of food will be prepared by our expedition cooks. Lunches will be picnic style. Breakfast and dinner will be served in our large dining ger. Nowadays you can also buy a bottle of decent wine in Ulgii!
Flights
The trip begins and ends in Ulan Bator (IATA: ULN). All guests to arrive in Ulan Bator by the evening of March 20. Domestic flights are included in the cost of the trip.
Insurance
All guests must have a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes emergency medical evacuation.
Support
The expedition will have a full support crew and support vehicles. On the migration your large packs will be transported by vehicle between ger-stays. You only need to carry a day pack while hiking, or horse riding during the day.
Temperatures
Typically will range between -5 to 5 degrees Celsius during the day, but may fall to as low as -20 degrees at night. To reiterate on previous trips, the weather has been fine and sunnyfor the most part , and so perfect for hiking with the right clothing.
Toilets & Washing
On the migration itself, and at the eagle hunter family, we will have a toilet tent with comfortable sit-down camping toilet. Basic washing facilities will be provided on the migration. For the last few nights we will also have a comfortable shower ger.
Visas
Most nationalities can now travel to Mongolia visa free. If your nationality is excluded (unlikely) Whistling Arrow can help with any relevant visa application.
Actively shepherding and rooting for the stragglers, we move through the spectacular snowy mountains side by side with our nomadic family.
A Final Word From A Previous Guest
Even though four generations removed from the hard agrarian life, participating in the spring migration with a semi-nomadic Kazakh family in Western Mongolia somehow awakened an innate, ancestral feeling that I'd done this before. The gentle rhythms of guiding animals in the wild heart of High Asia gave me a simple but immensely fulfilling sense of purpose. And the warm, cozy yurts as well as the near-gourmet meals were unexpected luxuries in this remote, yet starkly beautiful setting. The team, lead by Adrian, also greatly enhanced another unforgettable experience (this was my second trip with Whistling Arrow, having previously trekked with them in Bhutan in 2023).