Eagle Hunters
🦅 Mongolian Eagle Hunters
The Eagle Hunters of Mongolia, or Berkutchi, are ethnic Kazakh nomads in the Altai Mountains who practice the ancient art of hunting with golden eagles. For centuries, these skilled hunters have trained eagles to hunt foxes and hares in the harsh winter landscapes of Bayan-Ölgii Province.
This tradition is passed from father to son and is a striking blend of skill, respect for nature, and cultural pride. Today, eagle hunting is not only a survival tool—it’s a celebrated heritage kept alive through festivals, family customs, and photographic tourism.
📌 Quick Facts
| 🔍 Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Altai Mountains, Bayan-Ölgii, Western Mongolia |
| 🦅 Eagle Species | Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) |
| 👤 Hunters | Primarily ethnic Kazakh men (some women now) |
| 📅 Tradition Age | Over 1,000 years |
| 🎉 Main Festival | Golden Eagle Festival (October, Ulgii) |
| ❄️ Hunting Season | Late autumn to early spring |
🌟 Highlights
🦅 Golden Eagle Mastery – Trained eagles respond to voice and arm commands.
👑 Golden Eagle Festival – Annual event showcasing eagle skills and Kazakh culture.
🏔️ Remote Altai Life – Experience nomadic herding life and cultural hospitality.
📸 Photographic Icons – Hunters in traditional dress with eagles on horseback.
🌬️ Harsh Beauty – Winter hunting in snow-covered mountain landscapes.
✨ Special Features
Eagle-Human Bond: Each eagle hunter raises and trains one eagle for 8–10 years before releasing it back into the wild.
Heritage on Horseback: Hunters use specially designed saddles and wear ornate fox-fur robes.
Female Eagle Hunters: A rising number of young Kazakh girls are learning the craft, gaining international attention.
🗺️ Nearby Attractions
🏞️ Altai Tavan Bogd National Park – Glacier-capped peaks and ancient petroglyphs.
🏘️ Eagle Hunter Families – Stay with nomadic families to witness daily life.
🛕 Ulgii Town – Gateway to the region and host of the Eagle Festival.
🏕️ Tsambagarav Mountain – Sacred mountain with dramatic views and hiking.
❓ FAQ
Q: Are the eagles harmed during hunting?
🅐 No. Eagles are highly valued and treated with respect. They are released back to the wild after a decade.
Q: When is the best time to see eagle hunting?
🅐 October (Golden Eagle Festival) or during winter for actual hunting excursions.
Q: Can tourists meet an eagle hunter?
🅐 Yes! Many offer homestays and demonstrations as part of cultural tours.
Q: How far are they from Ulaanbaatar?
🅐 Ulgii is about a 3-hour flight from Ulaanbaatar. Overland travel takes several days.
🧳 Visitor Tips
🧥 Dress Warmly – Eagle hunting season happens in Mongolia’s coldest months.
📸 Photography Ready – Morning light and mountain backdrops make stunning images.
🎁 Support Local – Purchase handmade goods from nomadic families.
🚗 Travel with a Guide – Remote regions require local knowledge and 4WD transport.
💡 Why Visit?
🦅 Witness a Living Legacy – One of the last places on Earth where eagle hunting thrives.
📷 Incredible Photography – Capture portraits that blend nature, wildlife, and human tradition.
🏕️ Cultural Immersion – Stay in ger camps and experience Kazakh hospitality firsthand.
🌍 Rare Experience – Nowhere else offers this depth of nomadic falconry in such dramatic landscapes.
VIDEO OF EAGLE HUNTERS
The Eagle Hunters of Mongolia represent strength, harmony with nature, and resilience. Experiencing their world is like stepping into a living epic—a journey of tradition soaring high on golden wings.
RELATED DESTINATIONS
Witness the ancient art of Kazakh eagle hunting in Western Mongolia—where golden eagles and humans share a bond built on tradition and trust.
Explore Tsenkheriin Agui, Mongolia’s ancient cave adorned with 40,000-year-old petroglyphs and stunning natural formations in the Altai Mountains.
Explore Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, where Mongolia’s tallest peaks, glaciers, and Kazakh nomadic culture create a stunning alpine adventure.