The Golden Eagle Festival has been the largest gathering of eagle hunters and their eagles in the world since it started in 1999 with 70 eagle hunters participating in this event. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Event. 

The festival starts with the display of eagles and hunters and then goes into the events of eagles displaying their talents. The first event is the eagle catching fox skin dragged behind a horse, returning to their owner from a distance on command, as well as a camel race and Kazakh games of Tiyn Teru (a race to pick up a coin on the ground while on horseback), Kyz Kuar (“girl chase,” a man and woman race on horseback while the woman whips the man), and Kokpar (tug of war over a goat carcass while on horseback). On the evening of the first night is a concert of traditional Kazakh music at the theater included in the price of a ticket.

Prizes are given to the winner of each event plus prizes for best-dressed man, woman, and child. The finale is a live hunt of a fox or cub wolf by the winning eagle. The event is run by the Berkut Association, a local community organization for eagle hunters, and is sponsored by Nomadic Expeditions. Traditional Kazakh craftwork and food is available at the event. 

Which month is the golden eagle Festival organized in Mongolia?

We also head to its far-western reaches to attend the Eagle Festival, celebrating the fascinating pastime of hunting with eagles and the strong connection the Mongolian people have with their animals and land. For an alternative Eagle Festival itinerary starting in Ulaanbaatar on 22 September 2024, please click here.

What is special about golden eagle?

The Golden Eagle is one of the largest, fastest, nimblest raptors in North America. Lustrous gold feathers gleam on the back of its head and neck; a powerful beak and talons advertise its hunting prowess.

What is the Mongolia eagle tradition?

In Mongolia, the Kazakh burkitshi (or eagle hunters) hunt using eagles while riding on horseback. It’s a tradition that has been passed down through the generations. As one eagle hunter told the New York Times, “All Kazakhs love to train eagles. Now we keep eagles mostly because it’s a traditional sport.”