Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia

If you are seeking a truly unique cultural experience, attending the Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia should be at the top of your travel bucket list. Celebrated in the rugged beauty of the Mongolian steppe in Bayan Ulgii Province, the Eagle Festival showcases the ancient tradition of eagle hunting, a practice that has been passed down through generations for centuries.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the Eagle Festival in Western Mongolia: when and where it happens, the traditions behind it, different eagle festivals throughout Mongolia, and tips for joining an eagle hunting tour in Mongolia.

The Golden Eagle Festival in an annual event that celebrates the ancient art of eagle hunting. Kazakh eagle hunters, or Berkutshi, gather with their magnificent golden eagles to compete in various skill-based contests. These include calling their eagle from a distance, timed hunts, and showcasing the strength and speed of the birds. The festival is not only a sporting event but also a cultural celebration, featuring traditional Kazakh games, music, dancing, and colorful traditional costumes. Visitors are offered a rare insight into a nomadic lifestyle that remains largely unchanged for centuries.

The main Golden Eagle Festival traditionally takes place in early October every year. Specifically, it is usually held on the first weekend of October in Ulgii, the capital of Bayan-Ulgii Province, located in western Mongolia.

However, smaller eagle festivals and eagle hunting demonstrations are held in other months and locations, which we will cover below.

1. Golden Eagle Festival in Ulgii ( Main event)

• When: Early October
• Where: Ulgii city, Bayan-Ulgii Province
• Highlights: Largest gathering of eagle hunters; biggest event

2. Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival

• When: September ( mid-September)
• Where: Sagsai village, near Ulgii
• Highlight: Smaller and more intimate; authentic local experience

Eagle hunting is a centuries- old tradition practiced by the Kazakh nomads of Western Mongolia. Hunters, known as Berkutshi, train golden eagles to hunt foxes and hares.

This tradition requires immense skill, patience, and a strong bond between the hunter and the eagle. Only female golden eagles are trained because they are larger, stronger, and more aggressive than males.

Key Facts About Eagle Hunting in Mongolia:

• Eagles are captured from the wild at a young age
• Training takes several months to years
• after about 7-10 years, the eagle is released back into the wild to breed.
• The relationship between hunter and eagle is deeply respectful

Today, eagle hunting is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

If you are inspired to witness eagle hunting firsthand, many tour operators offer eagle hunting tours in Mongolia. These tours often include attending a festival, visiting a local family, and even riding alongside a hunter.

Popular options:

• Golden Eagle Festival Tours ( October)
• Winter Eagle Hunting Tours
• Custom Private Tours with Eagle Hunters

What to expect:

• Camping or staying in a traditional Kazakh ger (yurt)
• Learning about the training process of eagles
• Riding horses with hunters
• Trying on traditional costumes

Booking early is recommended, especially for the October festival, as accommodations in Ulgii gets fully booked months in advance.

• Pack warmly: The weather can be very cold, especially in March
• Plan ahead: Book your accommodations and tour guides early
• cash in king: Bring Mongolian currency Tugriks, as ATMs are limited in remote areas.
• Cultural respect: Always ask permission before photographing local and respect the local culture.
• Stay longer: Spend extra days visiting Altai Tavan Bogd National Park nearby.

The Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia is more than just a spectacle; it is a celebration of resilience, tradition, and the enduring bond between humans and nature. Whether you attend the grand event in October or opt for a smaller eagle festivals, witnessing eagle hunting in Mongolia offers a window into one of the world's most awe-inspiring cultures.