Western Mongolia is one of the last places on earth where you can photograph eagle hunters on horseback, wild snow leopards and an unbroken nomadic way of life — and we live here. Discover Altai is based in Ölgii, in the heart of the Kazakh eagle-hunting country, and we work with the same hunter families year-round. That means real access, real moments and photographs that staged tours cannot deliver.
Our Photography Tours
Golden Eagle Festival Photography Tour — 8 days, from $2,300
Front-row access to the Golden Eagle Festival near Ölgii (October 3–4, 2026): the parade of 70–100 hunters in fur and embroidery, eagles landing at full speed, and portrait sessions with hunter families at home before the crowds arrive.
Snow Leopard Photography Expedition — 12 days, winter
From January to March we track wild snow leopards in the Altai with local spotters — winter is when tracks show in fresh snow and the cats descend after ibex. A patient, small-group expedition for wildlife photographers who want the rarest cat on the planet in their portfolio.
Eagle Hunter Homestay & Private Photo Sessions — 8 days, any season
Live with a Kazakh eagle-hunter family and photograph daily life as it actually happens: training sessions, winter hunts on horseback, milking, felt-making and golden-hour rides — with time to wait for the light instead of following a bus schedule.
What You Will Photograph
- Eagle hunters in traditional fur riding through the Altai Mountains
- Golden eagles in flight, landing at full stretch on a gallop
- Kazakh family portraits inside decorated gers
- Wild snow leopards, ibex and argali in winter (January–March)
- The Golden Eagle Festival — parades, competitions and crowds of riders
- Nomadic spring and autumn migrations with camel caravans
- Khüiten Peak, Potanin Glacier and the Five Holy Peaks of Tavan Bogd
- Night skies with zero light pollution
Why Photographers Book a Local Operator
| Discover Altai (local) | International photo tours | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From $2,300 (festival, 8 days) | $6,900–$11,500 |
| Base | Ölgii, Bayan-Ölgii — we live here year-round | Fly in once or twice a year |
| Access | Real festival + eagle-hunter family homes we know personally | Staged private events, fixer-dependent |
| Seasons | All four — including winter hunts and snow leopard season | Mostly autumn festival window |
| Groups | Small groups and private departures | Fixed group departures |
International operators do excellent work — but you are paying for their flights, their margins and their once-a-year access. Booking locally puts you closer to the subject for a fraction of the price, with guides who speak Kazakh with the families you photograph.
Practical Information for Photographers
- Gear: a 70–200mm (or longer) for hunters and wildlife, a wide angle for landscapes and gers, and dust protection for the steppe.
- Batteries: cold drains them fast — bring 2–3 spares per body; we plan charging stops in Ölgii and at camps.
- Light: the best sessions are sunrise and late afternoon; our itineraries are built around golden hour, not lunch schedules.
- Drones: rules differ at the festival and near borders — see the drone FAQ in our Golden Eagle Festival guide and ask us before you fly.
- Fitness: most photography is vehicle-supported with short walks; the snow leopard expedition involves patient days at altitude in winter temperatures.
Best Season for Each Subject
| Subject | Best months |
|---|---|
| Golden Eagle Festival | Late September – early October |
| Winter eagle hunting on horseback | December – February |
| Snow leopards | January – March |
| Nomadic migration caravans | Spring & autumn |
| Altai landscapes & Tavan Bogd | June – September |
| Naadam festival | July |
Photography Tour FAQ
Do I need to be a professional photographer to join?
No. Our photography tours host everyone from phone photographers to working professionals. Guides know the positions and light at every stop, and non-photographing partners are welcome at a reduced rate on most departures.
How big are the groups?
We keep photography groups small so everyone has a clear shooting angle — exact group sizes are listed on each tour page, and private departures are available on request.
Can I book a private photography tour?
Yes. Private eagle-hunter photo sessions and fully custom itineraries run in any season — tell us your shot list and dates and we will build the trip around them.
What camera gear should I bring?
A telephoto zoom (70–200mm or longer) for hunters and wildlife, a wide angle for landscapes and ger interiors, and 2–3 spare batteries per camera — cold weather drains them quickly. Charging is planned into every itinerary.
When should I book a festival photography tour?
As early as possible. Ulaanbaatar–Ölgii flights are limited and festival-week seats sell out 6–12 months ahead. Winter eagle-hunting and snow leopard dates are more flexible.
Ready to Build Your Shot List?
Tell us what you want to photograph and when — we will answer within a day with an honest take on the best season, the right tour and current availability.