Golden Eagle Festival

Early October (usually the first weekend) Ölgii, Bayan-Ölgii province

Kazakh eagle hunters from the Altai mountains compete with their golden eagles.

In Mongolia's far west, Kazakh families have hunted with golden eagles for generations. At the festival, hunters in fox-fur hats and embroidered coats are judged on their outfit, their horse and how fast their eagle answers the call. Expect horseback games such as kokpar (goat-carcass tug-of-war) and kyz kuu ("girl chasing").

What you'll see

Eagle calling contest
Traditional Kazakh dress parade
Horseback games: kokpar and kyz kuu
Stay with a Kazakh eagle-hunter family

Tours for this festival

Photo tour · 11 days / 10 nights · 5–12 people

Snow Leopards & Golden Eagle Festival

from $4,588 / per person

View details

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