Nomad Migration & Eagle Hunting Trek: Mongolia
March 20 to 31, 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 incredibly beautiful) snowstorm apart, most days days tend to be fine and sunny. So appropriately attired, imagine if you will, joining a nomadic family and actively helping to 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, immersing oneself in the time-honoured rhythms of a fast-fading migatory tradition is incredibly rewarding.
And there's more. Their will be Naruuz (Kazakh New Year) celebrations with hearty, vodka-toasted feasts (mutton or horse anyone), wolf tracking (in 2026 we spotted four), as well as an authentic 'sayat', where several 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 are tried and tested (and something of a trade secret), 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 an expedition that will explore a remote corner of the Altai, only recently opened to trekkers.
Challenge yourself on a remote and intrepid adventure that is equally bold, awe-inspiring, pioneering and unique.
Gain immersive access to one of the fabled eagle hunters as our good friend, Shohan, guides our team through the Altai.
Expedition Plan
This route was pioneered by Whistling Arrow in 2017 and travels through a remote region of western Mongolia that requires a reasonable degree of flexibility and self-reliance from the team. The following is only the outline daily plan.
August 21, 2026
Fly to Ulan Bator (IATA: ULN). Transfer to our comfortable hotel near Sukhbaatar Square. Enjoy an introductory team dinner and drinks.
August 22, 2026
Catch the early morning flight to Ulgii. Drive for 6 hours to rendezvouz with our camels and our guide, Shohan, the eagle hunter on the shores of Shergaty Lake.
August 23, 2026
Trek for 6 hours along the valley and over Yolt Pass. Descend to our campsite by a stream at the foot of a large escarpment.
August 24, 2026
Trek for 6 hours down the valley, before climbing up through larch forest to a lookout point. Descend and trek up to our riverside campsite.
August 25, 2026
Trek for 6 hours, over another mountain pass before descending to our next campsite alongside a family of nomads. This area is notable for it's wild eagles and ibex.
August 26, 2025
Trek an exploratory route for 6 hours, first heading south before heading into 'Black Goat' Valley and our campsite by a small stream.
August 27, 2026
Trek for 7 hours, first up the valley and over another pass before descending to the shores of Dayan Lake. The views from the pass are breathtaking.
August 28, 2025
Trek for 6 hours, through a local village and then onwards towards Shohan's summer ger camp at the foot of sacred Mt Ongon Khairakhan.
August 29, 2026
A spectacular 6 hour drive back to Ulgii. Overnight in a comfortable new hotel and enjoy dinner, drinks and traditional Kazakh music and dance.
August 30, 2026
Catch the morning flight back to Ulan Bator. Transfer to our hotel and enjoy a final team dinner on a verandah overlooking the Chojin Lama Temple.
August 31, 2026
Transfer to the airport and fly home. 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 good quality hotels in Ulan Bator and Ulgii. On the trek we will be camping in large, high-quality tents. On the final evening of the trek we will stay in gers.
Altitude
The maximum altitude en route will be approximately 3500m when we embark on the trip's final summit challenge.
Communication
On the trek there will be no phone coverage but we carry a two-way satellite email and texting device for emergency communication.
Difficulty
The trip will be relatively challenging so everyone needs to be properly prepared, both mentally and physically.
Equipment
We will supply all (rigourously cleaned) camping equipment, although we recommend that you bring your own sleeping bag. Please refer to our typical kit list for a guide as to what else to bring.
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. As standard we also have a group search & rescue membership with GEOS.
Food
A good variety of food will be prepared by our expedition cooks. Lunches will be picnic style. Breakfast & dinner will be served in our large dining tent.
Flights
The trip begins and ends in Ulan Bator (IATA: ULN). All guests to arrive in Ulan Bator by the evening of August 21. Domestic flights are included.
Insurance
All guests must have a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes emergency medical evacuation.
Support
The expedition will have a full support crew. On the trek your large rucksacks will be transported by camels. You only need to carry a day pack while hiking.
Temperatures
Typically will range between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius during the day, but may fall to as low as zero degrees at night. In August the weather should be fine.
Toilets & Washing
On the trek itself we will be camping, but basic washing facilities and toilet tents will be provided.
Visas
Most nationalities can now travel to Mongolia visa free. Whistling Arrow confirm if your nationality is not excluded and help with any relevant visa application.
Actively shepherding and rooting for the stragglers, we move through the spectacular snowy mountains sicde by side with our nomadic family.
A Final Word From A Previous Guest
Our two weeks in Mongolia's Altai Highlands were truly spectacular. The landscape, the nature and the people together made this a trip of a lifetime. Most importantly, none of this would have been possible without Adrian and his team at Whistling Arrow. Both planning and execution were spot on. Our route had been carefully thought through and as we trekked over some of the most stunning landscape we were well looked after at all times.
Adrian's own hands-on approach also made the trip special. He was a great guide and companion over our days together. Of course the key question is "would you do it again or a similar trip (with Whistling Arrow) and the emphatic answer is YES.
Simon