Eagle Hunters & the Golden Eagle Festival – The Pride of Western Mongolia

An unforgettable celebration of Kazakh heritage, golden eagles, and nomadic courage Every autumn, the mountains of western Mongolia come alive with one of the most vibrant and culturally rich events in Central Asia: The Golden Eagle Festival. Hosted by Kazakh eagle hunters of Bayan-Ölgii Province, this festival showcases the ancient art of hunting with trained golden eagles—an extraordinary tradition passed down for over 2,000 years. Together with the eagle hunters’ nomadic lifestyle, the festival offers an unforgettable cultural, photographic, and emotional experience.

Who Are the Eagle Hunters?

The Kazakh “berkutchi” (eagle hunters) are among the last people in the world who preserve the art of hunting with golden eagles.

What makes them extraordinary:

• They train female golden eagles from a young age
• Eagles are used to hunt foxes and small animals
• Hunter and eagle form a deep bond built on trust
• The tradition is passed from father to son for generations
• Kazakh hunters wear beautiful embroidered clothing and fur hats

Meeting them is like stepping into a living museum of nomadic heritage.

🏆 The Golden Eagle Festival Explained

Held every year in early October near Ölgii city, the festival gathers 60–100 eagle hunters from across the Altai Mountains.

Major Competitions:

🦅 1. Eagle Calling (Shyga)

Hunters climb a hill and release their eagle.
The eagle must recognize its master and fly down to land on his arm.

🐺 2. Fox Fur Drag (Kukpar-like Test)

Eagles chase a moving lure that simulates real hunting.

🎭 3. Traditional Costume Competition

Hunters wear richly decorated Mongolian–Kazakh outfits made of wolf, fox, and traditional embroidery.

🐎 4. Horseback Skills

Hunters show speed, precision, and control while riding.

🧕 5. Women & Young Hunters

Increasing numbers of young and female eagle hunters participate, preserving the future of the tradition.

🎉 Cultural Highlights of the Festival

The festival is not only about competition—it's a full celebration of Kazakh culture.

🌟 Experience:

• Traditional Kazakh music
• Folk games and horse shows
• Family gatherings in felt gers
• Handmade crafts and souvenirs
• Delicious Kazakh food such as beshbarmak and airag

The atmosphere is warm, colorful, and full of life.

📸 A Photographer’s Paradise

The Golden Eagle Festival is one of the world’s most photogenic events.

Perfect photo moments include:

• Eagle landing with wings wide open
• Hunter riding with traditional clothing
• Portraits of hunters and their golden eagles
• Snowy Altai Mountains in the background
• Sunset photography with eagles on horseback

Photographers from around the globe travel here for once-in-a-lifetime shots.

🧭 Beyond the Festival – Visit Eagle Hunters at Home

Travelers can also visit eagle hunters outside festival season.
You may:

• Stay with a hunter’s family
• Ride horses through the Altai Mountains
• Watch daily eagle training
• Learn the rituals of calling, feeding, and releasing eagles
• Photograph hunters in natural settings

This experience is more personal and intimate than the festival itself.

🗺 How to Attend the Golden Eagle Festival

Location:

Near Ölgii city, Bayan-Ölgii Province, Western Mongolia.

How to get there:

• Flight: Ulaanbaatar → Ölgii (3 hours)
• 4x4 drive to the festival grounds (30–60 minutes)

Festival Dates:

Typically the first weekend of October, but can vary slightly.

🛖 Where to Stay

• Hotels & Guesthouses in Ölgii
• Ger Camps
• Nomadic Kazakh Homestays
• Tented Camps (for photographers and adventurers)

Booking early is recommended due to high demand.

💡 Best Time to Visit

October (Festival Season)

Cool weather, golden trees, and snow-dusted peaks.

June–September (Eagle Hunter Home Visits)

Perfect for trekking and cultural immersion.

Winter Hunts (January–February)

Extreme cold but incredibly authentic.

🌟 Why the Eagle Festival Belongs on Every Mongolia Itinerary

✔ One of the world’s most unique cultural events
✔ Last living community of eagle hunters
✔ Breathtaking Altai landscapes
✔ Powerful traditions preserved for centuries
✔ Unforgettable photography opportunities
✔ Deep cultural immersion with Kazakh nomads

The Golden Eagle Festival is not just a show—it is a celebration of heritage, courage, and the extraordinary bond between human and eagle. It captures the wild, proud soul of Western Mongolia.