Golden Eagle Festival & Altai Mountains

Reservation & Deposit

• Deposit: To secure a spot on on this tour, a 50% non-refundable deposit of the total tour cost is required at the time of booking.

• Final Payment: The remaining 50% balance must be paid in full at least 14 days before the tour start date. For last-minute bookings (within 30 days of departure), full payment is required immediately.

• Payment Methods: We accept bank transfers (SWIFT/Wise) and Paypal.

2. Travel Insurance (Mandatory)

Mongolia is a land of adventure, and the nomadic lifestyle involves remote areas. Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all participants. * Coverage: Your policy must cover emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal injury.

• Adventure Activities: Ensure your insurance specifically covers horseback riding, as some standard policies exclude this.

• Proof of Insurance: We require a digital copy of your insurance certificate before the tour begins.

3. Cancellation & Refunds

We understand that plans change. Our refund policy for the remaining balance is as follows:

• 31+ days before departure: 100% of the balance is refunded (minus the non-refundable deposit).

• 15–30 days before departure: 50% of the total tour cost is refunded.

• Less than 14 days before departure: No refund is available.

4. Nomadic Stay Etiquette & Logistics

• Facilities: Living with a nomadic family is a raw, authentic experience. Please note that guest Gers usually use traditional "pit latrines" and have limited electricity (solar-powered for lights).

• Health & Diet: Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian) at least 14 days in advance. Nomadic diets are heavily meat and dairy-based.

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival in Mongolia.

1. The "High-Altitude Summer" Layering

• Base Layers: 4–5 lightweight, breathable T-shirts. Moisture-wicking "trekking" fabric is better than cotton for the intense summer sun.

• Sun Hoodie/Light Long-Sleeve: A very thin long-sleeve layer is essential to prevent sunburn during long days outside.

• The "Evening" Layer: A mid-weight fleece or a wool sweater. Even in July, once the sun sets over the Altai, the temperature drops rapidly.

• Lightweight Windbreaker: A thin shell to protect against the frequent mountain breezes.

• Rain Gear: July and August are the rainy months in the Altai. Bring a high-quality waterproof rain jacket (and optionally rain trousers).

• Bottoms: 2 pairs of lightweight trekking trousers. Zip-off pants are very practical here. Avoid shorts if you plan on riding horses or visiting families (it is culturally more respectful to cover your legs).

2. Footwear

• Light Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots for walking over rocky mountain terrain and muddy patches.

• Sport Sandals (Tevas/Chacos): Great for relaxing at camp or fording small streams.

• Wool Socks: Even in summer, 2–3 pairs of medium-weight wool socks are needed for cool nights and trekking.

3. Eagle Hunter Specifics

• The "No Red" Rule: This still applies. Even if there is no festival, the eagles are at the camp. Avoid bright red or neon colors as they can agitate the birds or make them mistake you for prey/meat. Stick to earth tones: greens, browns, blues, or greys.

• Horseback Riding Gear: If you plan to ride into the mountains to find the hunters, bring smooth, durable trousers. Jeans are acceptable in summer but can become uncomfortable if they get wet.

4. Sun & Element Protection

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+): The Altai is high altitude; you will burn significantly faster than at sea level.

• Wide-Brimmed Hat: Essential for the treeless landscape.

• Polarized Sunglasses: To protect against the high-altitude glare and reflection from mountain lakes like Tolbo Lake.

• Insect Repellent: Summer near the mountain rivers means horseflies and mosquitoes. Bring a strong repellent.

5. Gear & Electronics

• Dust-Proof Bags: In summer, the tracks in the west can be very dusty. Store your camera and electronics in dry bags or Ziploc bags inside your pack.

• Power Bank: Families in their summer pastures rely on small solar panels. Do not count on being able to charge your devices at their camps.

• Headlamp: Essential for navigating gers at night.

6. Gifts for the Summer Camp

Visiting a hunter’s family in summer is an intimate experience. Since the kids are out of school and families are processing dairy, these gifts are highly valued:

• For the Kids: Soccer balls (deflated, with a pump), jump ropes, or high-quality art supplies.

• For the Family: Solar-powered lanterns, high-quality pocket knives, or binoculars (which the hunters use to spot lost livestock or predators).

• Fruit/Fresh Produce: If you can buy fresh apples or oranges in Ulgii before heading out, these are a rare and beloved treat in the high mountains.

Mongolian nomads are world-famous for their hospitality, but their homes are considered sacred spaces. Following these simple customs will show your hosts that you respect their way of life.

Entering the Ger

• The Threshold: Never step on the wooden threshold of the door; it is considered the "neck" of the home. Always step over it with your right foot first.

• Don’t Knock: Traditionally, Mongolians don't knock. Instead, call out "Nokhoi khor" (literally: "hold the dog") to announce your arrival.

• The Support Pillars: Never lean against or walk between the two central support pillars. These represent the stability of the family and the connection between heaven and earth.

• Direction: Once inside, move in a clockwise direction. Guests are typically seated on the left (west) side of the Ger.

Food & Drink Rituals

• The "Taste Test": If you are offered milk tea or a snack, always accept it with your right hand. Even if you aren't hungry, take a small sip or a tiny bite before putting it down. Refusing outright is considered impolite.

• Right Hand Only: Always give and receive items (especially food, tea, or gifts) with your right hand. For extra respect, support your right elbow with your left hand.

• Fire is Sacred: Never throw trash, water, or food scraps into the central stove. Fire is the most sacred element of the home.

General "Dos and Don'ts"

• Feet Placement: When sitting, never point the soles of your feet toward the altar (at the back of the Ger) or toward other people. It’s best to sit cross-legged or tuck your feet under you.

• Hats: Mongolians value the head as the most sacred part of the body. Never touch another person’s hat, and if you take yours off, place it in a high spot (like on a bed or a shelf) rather than on the floor.

• Step on a Foot: If you accidentally step on someone's foot, immediately shake their hand. It’s the local way of saying "I didn't mean any harm."

• Whistling: Avoid whistling inside the Ger; locals believe it "calls the wind" or brings bad luck to the household.