Mongolian Eagle Festivals 2025
🦅 Mongolian Eagle Festivals 2025
The Mongolian Eagle Festivals 2025 offer an extraordinary opportunity to witness the ancient tradition of eagle hunting, a practice deeply rooted in the Kazakh nomadic culture of western Mongolia. These festivals celebrate the bond between eagle hunters (known as berkutchi) and their golden eagles through a series of competitions and cultural events.
1.Altai Eagle Festival
Dates: September 20–21, 2025
Location: Altai village, Bayan-Ölgii Province
Overview: A local festival featuring eagle hunting demonstrations, traditional Kazakh games, and cultural performances. This event is enjoyed mainly by the locals.
2.Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival
Dates: September 17–18, 2025
Location: Sagsai village, Bayan-Ölgii Province
Overview: Known for its photography-friendly environment, this festival offers intimate access to eagle hunters and their birds, along with traditional competitions and cultural displays.
3.Ulgii Golden Eagle Festival
Dates: October 4–5, 2025
Location: Bugat village, Bayan-Ölgii Province
Overview: The largest and most renowned festival, featuring over 80 eagle hunters competing in various events, including eagle hunting demonstrations, traditional horse games, and cultural performances.
🎯 Festival Highlights
Eagle Competitions: Watch as trained golden eagles demonstrate their hunting skills by catching prey such as foxes or hares.
Traditional Games: Experience Kazakh games like Kokbar (goat skin tug-of-war), Kyz Kuar (girl chase), and Tenge Ily (coin grabbing on horseback).
Cultural Performances: Enjoy traditional Kazakh music, dance, and crafts that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning images of eagle hunters in traditional attire against the backdrop of the Altai Mountains.
📅 Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: Late September to early October, coinciding with the peak of the eagle hunting season.
Travel Logistics: Flights from Ulaanbaatar to Bayan-Ölgii are available, but it’s advisable to book early due to limited capacity.
Accommodation: Options range from hotels in Ulgii town to traditional Kazakh yurts (gers) near the festival sites.
Packing Tips: Dress warmly, as temperatures can drop significantly during the evenings. Sturdy footwear is recommended for walking on uneven terrain.
📸 Photography Tips
Golden Hour: The early morning and late afternoon light provides the best conditions for capturing dramatic photos of eagle hunters and their birds.
Equipment: A telephoto lens (200mm or longer) is ideal for capturing action shots from a distance.
Respect: Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially during cultural ceremonies.
Attending the Mongolian Eagle Festivals offers a rare glimpse into a living tradition that has been practiced for centuries. Whether you’re a cultural enthusiast, adventure seeker, or photography lover, these festivals provide an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most remote and beautiful regions.