What is the Eagle Festival in Mongolia?
Every autumn, deep in the rugged landscapes of Western Mongolia, the skies fill with the piercing cries of golden eagles as they soar over the Altai Mountains. The Eagle Festival, held annually in Bayan-Ölgii province, is a breathtaking display of Kazakh nomadic heritage, hunting mastery, and cultural pride. This event brings together the legendary Kazakh eagle hunters, who have preserved the art of falconry for centuries, passing it down from generation to generation.
For travelers, the Golden Eagle Festival is more than just a spectacle—it is a chance to step back in time, witness one of the world’s oldest hunting traditions, and experience the enduring bond between hunter and eagle in one of the most remote and stunning landscapes on Earth. This festival is also unique in that it is the only place in the world where more than 200 eagle hunters gather in one place, creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
THE WARRIOR ORIGINS OF NAADAM
Long before grand stadiums and cheering crowds, Naadam was the ultimate test of a warrior’s skill. For Genghis Khan and his mighty army, these competitions were not just for entertainment—they were rigorous training grounds, shaping the most feared cavalry the world had ever seen. The warriors who triumphed in these events were not just champions of sport but warriors destined to ride into battle and forge one of the greatest empires in history.
HUNTING DEMONSTRATIONS
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EAGLE CALLING COMPETITION
THE GRAND PARADE
Dressed in ornate traditional Kazakh attire, hunters ride into the festival grounds on horseback, proudly carrying their majestic golden eagles. The sight of these proud warriors in colorful embroidered deels and fur-lined hats is a powerful reminder of their ancient nomadic roots.
One of the festival’s most dramatic moments is when hunters release their eagles from a cliffside while calling them from below. The eagles soar through the sky, recognizing their master’s voice and diving down at incredible speed to land perfectly on their arm.
Judging Criteria: Speed, accuracy, and the eagle’s response time to its owner’s call.
Exciting to Watch: The tension builds as some eagles hesitate, while others make a flawless descent.
Eagles are tested in their ability to chase down a moving fox pelt dragged behind a galloping horse. This simulates a real hunt, demonstrating the eagle’s sharp instincts and the hunter’s control over their mighty companion.
TOURS
8 DAY TOUR
WINTER EAGLE FESTIVAL
HORSE AND CAMEL RACES
Beyond eagle hunting, the festival also includes horse racing and camel racing, giving visitors a taste of Kazakh nomadic life. Riders compete over long distances, showcasing their mastery of horsemanship.
TRADITIONAL KAZAKH GAMES
Attendees can also witness or participate in traditional nomadic sports, such as:
Kökpar (Buzkashi) – A fierce tug-of-war game on horseback played with a goat carcass.
Tenge Ilu – A test of horsemanship where riders pick up coins from the ground while riding at full speed.
Archery – A demonstration of the Kazakh people’s legendary skill with the bow.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE EAGLE FESTIVAL?
The grandest Naadam celebration takes place in Ulaanbaatar from July 11-13 at the National Sports Stadium, but the true soul of Naadam can be found in the countryside festivals, where nomads gather to compete in their local games, free from the crowds of the capital.
Other Cultural Highlights of Naadam
Beyond sports, Naadam is a feast of tradition:
Taste the Warrior’s Feast: Try khuushuur (fried meat dumplings) and airag (fermented mare’s milk), once the fuel of Mongol warriors.
Music of the Steppes: Hear the haunting beauty of throat singing, long song, and the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle).
Traditional Deel Costumes: Mongolians wear their finest deel, embroidered in bright colors and elegant patterns.
When: Early October (first weekend)
Where: Bayan-Ölgii Province, Western Mongolia
How to Get There: Flights from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii or a multi-day overland journey
Accommodation: Ger camps, hotels, or homestays with Kazakh families
Things to Pack: Warm clothing, as temperatures can be chilly in October
HOW TO ATTEND THE EAGLE FESTIVAL IN MONGOLIA
A Rare Glimpse into an Ancient Tradition – Witness one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating hunting practices.
Meet the Eagle Hunters – Get up close with real Kazakh eagle hunters and their magnificent birds.
Breathtaking Landscapes – Explore the stunning Altai Mountains, home to glaciers, alpine lakes, and endless steppe.
Authentic Nomadic Hospitality – Stay with a Kazakh family, learn about their daily life, and share meals in a traditional ger.
Photographer’s Paradise – Capture once-in-a-lifetime images of eagles in flight, hunters on horseback, and the golden hues of Mongolia’s autumn.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Eagle Festival in Mongolia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a rare window into a vanishing way of life. Standing in the heart of the Altai Mountains, watching a golden eagle take flight as a hunter calls from below, you’ll feel the deep connection between humans and nature—a bond that has stood the test of time.
Whether you’re an adventurer, photographer, or cultural enthusiast, this festival promises unforgettable memories, unparalleled landscapes, and an immersion into the heart of Kazakh nomadic life.
Are you ready to witness the majestic Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia?