Eagle Festival in Mongolia

The Golden Eagle Festival (Бүргэдийн наадам, Burgediin Naadam) is an annual traditional festival in Bayan-Ulgii Province. The festival the best option for photographers and who love adventure tours. Traditionally, at the Eagle Festival, Kazakh eagle hunters celebrate their heritage and compete to catch small animals such as foxes and hares with specially trained Golden Eagles. That is showing the skills of birds and trainers. This is a colorful and picturesque event attracting the best hunters and their birds.

The Eagle festival has organized by the local Kazakh community and the Berkut Association. The festival organized to preserve and protect the Kazakh’s traditional culture.

Bayan-Ölgii province where the festival is held is extremely west of Mongolia, separated from Kazakhstan by a 40km strip of Russian and Chinese mountains. Mongolia’s winters are long and harsh, with temperatures around -20°C to -45°C degrees. There are over 120 golden eagle trainers and around 80 of them compete on the eagles festival actively every year.

For more than two centuries, Kazakh eagle hunters have hunted on horseback with trained golden eagles. Across mountains and steppes, a large variety of animals are hunted for their fur, including rabbits, marmots, foxes, and even wolves. This fur is an integral part of traditional Kazakh (Qazaq) clothing.

Golden Eagle Festival 2024

March 2024

Not ready yet

September 2024

7th – 8th

September 2024

14th – 15th

September 2024

17th – 18th

September 2024

21st – 22nd

October 2024

5th of Oct. – 6th of Oct.

How many places in Mongolia celebrate the Golden Eagle festival?

The Eagle festival in Bayan-Ulgii province at the first weekend of October
Sansai Golden Eagle Festival – mid-September
Altai Khazak Eagle Festival – mid-September

  • Eagle hunters riding to the Festival
  • Eagle festival in Mongolia
    Eagle hunters on parade
  • Eagle hunters on parade
  • Eagle hunter spoiling his eagle
  • Eagle hunters riding after the festival
  • Eagle hunter

What you will expect to see at eagle festival?

  • Meet Golden Eagle and Eagle Hunters
  • Enjoy the gorgeous skill of the Eagle
  • Watch a fun horse race
  • Visit real eagle hunter’s family
  • Do horse riding
  • Enjoy a traditional Kazak folk concert
  • Competition of hunters
  • Enjoy the traditional parade
  • Take a picture of an eagle and beautiful nature
  • Experience the hospitality of Kazak tradition

Nowadays Golden Eagle Festival is an unforgettable event in Asia, especially in Mongolia.

THE SCHEDULE OF GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL 2024

1st day of the festival

  • Registration of Eagle Hunuters
  • Opening ceremony
  • Competition to see which eagle has been well trained by the owner. After passing the first round, the assessment of the hunters proper outfit and horse tackles.
  • Lunch break (13:00 to 14:00)
  • Continuation of the competitors.
  • Camel race
  • Uriankhai Archery competition
  • “Tenge ilu” the competition to snatch coins from the ground
  • Musical performance / at the Central Theater in Olgii/

2nd Day of the festival

  • “Shirga” competition to see , if eagles can land on the prey properly and faster
  • Lunch break (13:00 to 14:00)
  • “Kiz Kuar” Kazakh traditional game
  • “ Kokpar” tug of war with an animal skin
  • Closing ceremony of the eagle festival

© 2024 – Mongolian Eagle Hunters association

Follow simple instructions during this festival:

When visiting the Eagle Festival in Mongolia, it’s essential to prioritize safety to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some safety instructions to keep in mind:

  1. Stay Hydrated: The Eagle Festival often takes place in remote areas where facilities may be limited. Make sure to carry an adequate supply of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
  2. Follow Local Guidelines: Respect the rules and guidelines set by the event organizers and local authorities. Pay attention to announcements and instructions to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
  3. Mind Your Surroundings: The Eagle Festival can attract large crowds and bustling activity. Be aware of your surroundings, especially when watching the eagle hunting demonstrations or cultural performances. Keep a safe distance from any potentially dangerous situations.
  4. Dress Appropriately: Mongolia’s weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear for walking on uneven terrain. Additionally, consider wearing a hat and applying sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
  5. Respect Wildlife: During the eagle hunting demonstrations, maintain a respectful distance from the birds and handlers. Do not attempt to touch or interact with the eagles without permission to avoid any accidents.
  6. Stay with Your Group: If you’re traveling with a tour group or guide, make sure to stay together and follow their instructions. Inform your guide if you plan to explore independently to ensure your safety.
  7. Emergency Contacts: Carry a list of emergency contacts, including your tour guide’s information, local emergency services, and the nearest medical facilities. Have a fully charged phone with you at all times.
  8. Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and trip cancellation. This can provide added peace of mind during your visit to the Eagle Festival.

By following these safety instructions and exercising caution during your visit to the Eagle Festival in Mongolia, you can fully enjoy the cultural richness and excitement of this unique event while prioritizing your well-being.

Also check for similar to to Golden Eagle Festival here.