In person
Golden Eagle Festival
A spectacular celebration of Kazakh eagle hunting culture in Bayan-Ulgii, Western Mongolia, featuring parades, competitions, and traditional performances.
This event has ended — thanks to everyone who joined.
This event has ended — thanks to everyone who joined.
About the event
Golden Eagle Festival is one of Asia's most remarkable cultural events, held in Western Mongolia's Bayan-Ulgii province. Organized by the Mongolian Eagle Hunters' Association, the main festival takes place in October, with two smaller festivals held in September.
What to See
The two-day festival opens with a parade of 70–80 eagle hunters on horseback, followed by competitions that test the bond between hunter and eagle, traditional clothing, horse ornaments, archery, and the eagles' agility. Visitors can also enjoy camel and horse races, horseback coin grabbing, Kyz Kuar (a women chasing game), Kykbar (tug-of-war on horseback with goat skins), and a Kazakh concert.
Travel & Stay
Bayan-Ulgii is about 1,600 km from Ulaanbaatar, and domestic flights are the preferred transport. Because flights and local accommodation are limited, early booking is essential. The festival grounds lie 7–14 km from Ulgii town, where hotels, tourist ger camps, guesthouses, and family-run ger stays are available.
About the Eagles
Mongolian Kazakhs have preserved eagle training and hunting for generations. Golden Eagles are renowned for their speed, eyesight, and powerful talons. Female eagles, larger and bolder, are typically trained, and are ceremonially released into the wild after 6–7 years of hunting.
Agenda
Opening Parade
70–80 eagle hunters ride in on horseback, dressed in traditional clothing and carrying eagles on their right arms.
Eagle Hunter Competitions
Judges score the bond between eagle and hunter, the hunters’ clothing, horse ornaments, archery, and the eagles’ agility with stuffed baits dragged by horses.
Horse & Camel Races
Includes camel or horse races and a horseback coin-grabbing game.
Traditional Kazakh Games
Watch Kyz Kuar (a women chasing game) and Kykbar (tug-of-war on horseback with goat skins).
Kazakh Concert
Enjoy a concert showcasing Kazakh music and culture.
FAQ
What can I see during the Golden Eagle Festival?
You can see an opening parade of eagle hunters, competitions testing the bond between eagle and hunter, traditional clothing and horse ornaments, archery, eagle agility trials, camel and horse races, horseback coin grabbing, Kyz Kuar, Kykbar, and a Kazakh concert.
What meals are available during the Eagle Festival tour?
Temporary ger-restaurants around the festival area serve traditional Kazakh, Mongolian, and Western-style meals.
Where can I stay during the Eagle Hunting Festival?
The festivals are held 7–14 km from Ulgii town. You can stay in town hotels, tourist ger camps, guesthouses, family-run gers, or with a Kazakh family in town or the countryside.