Choose Your Frontier
Two extraordinary 6-day expeditions. One difficult choice. Will you journey into the remote sub-Arctic taiga to live alongside Mongolia’s last reindeer herders, or traverse the celestial mountains of Kyrgyzstan to witness the ancient art of the Berkutchi eagle hunters?
Taiga Reindeer Tribe
Per Person
A remote sub-Arctic expedition crossing the Darkhad Depression to reach the nomadic Dukha (Tsaatan) reindeer herders, concluding at the pristine Lake Khuvsgul.
Eagle Hunting Tour
Total Per Person
Discover the wild landscapes of Issyk-Kul Lake, ancient Silk Road minarets, and an intense, authentic 2-day immersion with the traditional Kyrgyz Berkutchi.
Crucial Operational Advisories
Mongolia Logistics
- Luggage: Domestic flights strictly enforce a 15kg limit (10kg checked + 5kg cabin). Excess gear must be left in Ulaanbaatar.
- Conditions: Late-September temperatures in the Taiga drop to sub-zero (-10°C). Guests must bring thermal layers and winter gear.
Kyrgyzstan Hunting Realities
- This is real hunting in a remote and semi-wild area. Customer should be ready for basic conditions and not expect much comfort.
- There is no fixed hunting time. If the eagle catches prey quickly, it will eat it and will not hunt again because it is full. The owner cannot make the eagle fly again.
- The hunt can last one hour or the whole day, and sometimes the eagle may not catch anything.
- We offer a 2-day hunting experience. On the first day, the hunter will use one eagle. If the eagle catches something, the next day he will use another eagle. If the first eagle does not catch anything, he will continue with the same eagle on the second day.
Day-by-Day Comparison
UB – Murun – Darkhad Depression
Morning flight to Murun. Meet the team and drive 170km northwest to Tsagaan Nuur village in the southern part of the Darkhad Depression, home to Darkhad and Tsaatan ethnic groups.
Accom: Guesthouse | Meals: L, D
Arrival in Bishkek City
Arrival at Manas Airport (40km). Explore the greenest city in Central Asia. Visit the National History Museum, Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, and the bustling, oriental Osh bazaar.
Accom: My Hotel 3* | Meals: Breakfast
Ascent to the Taiga
Drive to the trailhead, then ride horses into the taiga to reach the secluded Tsaatan campsite. Experience the ancient Turkic culture, shamanism, and nature worship of the last reindeer herders.
Accom: Teepee (Urtz) | Meals: B, L, D
Issyk-Kul & The Dungan Heritage
Drive 300km through Boom Gorge to the wild south shore of Issyk-Kul. En route, explore the 9th-century Burana Tower and enjoy a traditional lunch with a Dungan family in Iskra village.
Accom: Kayirma Eco Resort | Meals: B, Lunch
Taiga Descent
Spend the morning in the pristine wilderness observing reindeer life. After lunch, ride horses (3-4 hours) back down to the edge of the Taiga to meet the driver and return to Tsagaan Nuur.
Accom: Guesthouse | Meals: B, L, D
Eagle Hunting (Day 1)
Meet a traditional Berkutchi in Bokonbaevo. Learn how the golden eagle is trained. Witness the profound bond between hunter and bird against the backdrop of the Tien Shan mountains.
Accom: Kayirma Eco Resort | Meals: B, L, D
Cross to Lake Khuvsgul
Drive 250km to the “Blue Pearl” of Mongolia. Holding 70% of the nation’s freshwater, this protected national park is a stunning transition zone between the Central Asian steppe and Siberian Taiga.
Accom: Ger Camp | Meals: B, L, D
Eagle Hunting (Day 2)
Your second dedicated day on the hunting grounds. If the eagle was successful yesterday and is full, the Berkutchi will deploy a second eagle today to ensure the hunt continues.
Accom: Kayirma Eco Resort | Meals: B, L, D
Khuvsgul Exploration
A full free day at the lake to relax or engage in activities. Optional excursions include boating on the transparent waters, shoreline hiking, or horseback riding among the Siberian larch.
Accom: Ger Camp | Meals: B, L, D
Return to Bishkek
Depart the south shore and drive 300km back to Bishkek. Follow the mountain rivers of Boom Gorge and cross the wide, open steppe landscapes of the Chuy Valley back to the capital.
Accom: My Hotel 3* | Meals: Breakfast
Departure to UB
Early morning 130km drive to Murun and flight to Ulaanbaatar. Pick up from airport and drop off at your hotel.
End of Service.
Departure from Bishkek
Enjoy breakfast before a 30km (40 min) transfer to Manas Airport for your onward international flight.
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General Package Inclusions
Both expeditions are fully guided, turnkey experiences designed to provide you with seamless comfort and deep cultural immersion in some of the world’s most remote environments.
Transport
Private Vehicles & Domestic Flights (MGL)
Expertise
English Speaking Guides & Local Masters
Activities
All entry fees, horse hire, and hunting demos
Provisions
Accommodations & Listed Meals Included
Notable Exclusions (Both Tours)
- • International Flights
- • Mandatory Travel & Medical Insurance
- • Visas (if applicable)
- • Personal expenses & Gratuities
Destinations & Visas
Kyrgyzstan: Visa-free for citizens of 60+ countries. E-visa available for others.
Mongolia: Check current visa-free exemptions. Visa support letters provided by operator upon booking.
