about eagle festival
Golden Eagle festival is an annual traditional festival in Bayan-Ölgii aimag (Western Mongolia). Golden Eagle Festival is a must-see event in Asia, particularly in Mongolia. It is a festival to demonstrate the culture of the Kazakhs to the world and promotes their heritage to their next generations. Eagle Hunters celebrate their heritage and compete to catch small animals such as foxes and hares with specially trained golden eagle. This festival honors the ancient and revered practice of eagle hunting, a tradition that has been passed down through generations among the Kazakh nomads of Mongolia. The event celebrates the skill, bond, and heritage of the Burkitshi—the eagle hunters—who train and hunt with golden eagles. This tradition has been practiced by the Kazakh people of Mongolia for over 2,000 years. Eagles are trained from a young age, and the relationship between the Burkitshi and their eagles is one of deep mutual respect and trust. The festival is an opportunity to showcase this incredible bond between hunter and bird, as well as to preserve this ancient practice for future generations. The festival is also a celebration of Kazakh culture, and visitors are treated to stunning displays of traditional costumes, music, and dance. Kazakh folk songs, including those about the eagles and the beauty of the Altai Mountains, are performed on instruments like the dombra (a two-stringed guitar-like instrument). The colorful costumes worn by the Burkitshi and their families add to the visual splendor of the event. The men often wear distinctive outfits, including long coats made from fur, while women might wear beautifully embroidered garments and headscarves. The biggest festival is at the first weekend of October every year. There are also few more festivals that happen in middle of September and march as well.The festival is held in the stunning Altai Mountains. The landscape adds to the mystique of the festival, making it a memorable experience for all attendees. Although the festival is a deeply traditional and local event, it has grown in popularity among tourists from around the world. As an international event, it provides a unique opportunity to witness a centuries-old cultural practice while also promoting Mongolian tourism and cultural exchange. This region is home to a significant Kazakh population in Mongolia, and the festival is a point of pride for the local community. The Golden Eagle Festival is much more than just a celebration of eagle hunting. The festival is crucial in preserving and promoting the traditions of the Kazakh people, particularly the ancient practice of eagle hunting, which is an integral part of their cultural identity.
Standard Eagle festival program:
- Opening ceremony
- Traditional parade
- All eagle hunters will show their decorated horses and hunting outfits. (This is 1st step of eagle competition)
- Calling eagle on arm. ( Eagle will be released from top of mountain, and trainer must meet up eagle from the bottom just among people down. This is second step of competition)
- Uriankhai Archery competition
- “Tenge ilu” the competition to snatch coins from the ground
- Musical performance / at the Central Theater in Olgii/
Second day of the festival
- Eagle hunters will be dragging death animal skins, but eagle must catch this skin pretending it is real fox or any live animal. ( This is 3rd competition)
- “Kiz Kuar” Kazakh traditional game
- “ Kokpar” tug of war with an animal skin
- Closing ceremony of the eagle festival. Winner awording cerem
Mongolia Eagle Festival tours Itinerary
1. DAY Arrive in Ulaanbaatar. Meet your guide at the airport and drive to your Hotel. After a few hours resting, do a city tour in Ulaanbaatar where you can visit Zaisan hill, Gandan monastery, and the local museum. Be ready to fly to the west tomorrow morning for the Golden Eagle festival!
- Distance: ……….
- Meals: ………/ Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation: Stay hotel
2. DAY Arrive in Ulgii town (capital of Bayan-Ulgii province). The same day starts driving to Eagle Hunter’s family. Meet Eagle Hunter and meet his fantastic bird. Chat with Eagle Hunter and ask for any questions that you want to. Stay at Ger camp or tent.
- Distance: 1-hour drive
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation: Stay at the local Ger camp or tent
3. DAY See how Eagle Hunter makes ready his bird for hunting (how he trains, etc.). See his hunting outfit. Learn how to hold the bird on your arm during the hunting. Learn how to carry the bird on the horse. Say goodbye to Eagle Hunter’s family. Drive back to Ulgii, and stay at the local Hotel or Ger camp.
- Distance: 1-hour drive
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation: Stay at the local Hotel Ger camp
4,5. Day Golden Eagle festival It is going to be the most exciting 2 days. Are you ready? Stay at the local Hotel or Ger camp.
- Distance: Drive to Golden Eagle festival
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation: Stay at the local Hotel Ger camp
5. DAY Fly to Ulaanbaatar After breakfast, fly back to Ulaanbaatar with unforgettable memories…
You are able to request
All our tours are flexible according to your wishes
- TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Cultural & Nomadic Life
- Immerse yourself in authentic nomadic culture
- Experience Golden eagle and visit eagle hunter family
- Learn about Golden eagles used for hunting
- Experience genuine wilderness
- Golden eagle festival
- Traditional Kazakh Hospitality
Stay in a cozy ger ( yurt ) and enjoy homemade Kazakh meals. - Horseback Riding
Ride through beautiful valleys and open plains like a true nomad… - Local Handicrafts and Culture
Discover traditional Kazakh clothing, music, and handmade crafts. - Photography Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of eagles, hunters, and dramatic landscapes. - Wildlife and Nature
Spot local wildlife and enjoy breathtaking natural scenery throughout the journey.
- KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Expect temperature variations
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Follow the guide’s instructions for a safe experience
- When we stay in the tent there is no electricity and no shower.
- Toilets are located outside the ger camp and tents.
- It would be a good idea to bring an extra power bank.
- Please note that the number of tickets for domestic flights is limited and it is highly recommended to book your trip as early as possible
- The weather at Altai Tavan Bogd national park is very changeable, so be prepared for all weather conditions
- PACKING SUGGESTIONS
- Backpack
- Head lamp or flashlight
- Spare batteries for cameras
- Medications if they needed
- Winter boots
- Long sleeve shirts
- Winter jacket
- Winter hat
- Wool jumper
- Cotton T-shirt
- Trousers Shorts
- Socks
- Sandals
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun block cream
- Mosquito repellent
- Rainproof jacket
Please do not hesitate to ask if you will have any questions about Mongolia or about tours in Mongolia, so we will be very happy to help!
- INCLUDED
- GUIDE
- COOK
- DIVER
- VEHICLE 4X4
- FOOD 3 TIMES PER DEY
- DRINKING BOTTLES OF WATER
- SNACKS
- CAMPING EQUIPMENTS MATTRESS TENT
- Border permit
- National park entrance fee
- Domestic flights
- EXCLUDE
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Visa application
- Visa fees
- International Airfares
- Tipping crew members
- Alcoholic drinks
The eagle festival lasts for 2 days. You may combine eagle festival with any other tours such as Mongolia discovery tours, trekking tours or other cultural tours in Mongolia.
Discover the golden Eagle festival tours in Mongolia 2026 with Us
Bookings are now open for our private and group tours for this route! We offer exciting group tours designed to bring people together through adventure, discovery, and fun. Would you like to join us for more fun and enjoy attractive prices?
Why choose a group tour?
Because it’s a fantastic way to share unforgettable experiences, explore new destinations together, and save on costs. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or joining fellow explorers from around the world, our tours promise lasting memories and incredible value. So gather your loved ones, pack your bags, and let’s make your adventure even more special!
For the tour extending to the Gobi and Western Mongolia, please click on this link to learn more about the full itinerary and details. Discover the best of Mongolia’s diverse landscapes in one unforgettable journey.
Additional Tour Options:
Other tours can be added to this itinerary to enhance your experience. For example, the Eagle Festival is already included here, but you can also customize your journey by adding special activities such as the , Gobi desert & western Mongolia ,trekking adventures, horse riding excursions,Mongolian Reindeer People Tsaatan or authentic eagle hunting experiences…..