Experience the Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia
The Golden Eagle Festival is one of the most exciting and unique events in the world. It takes place every October in western Mongolia, in a town called Ölgii. The festival started in 1999 and has grown bigger every year. Today, it is the largest event for eagle hunters and their birds.
The Golden Eagle Festival: A Tradition Like No Other
The Kazakh people of Mongolia have been hunting with golden eagles for hundreds of years. This tradition is passed down from one generation to the next. At the festival, hunters wear traditional clothes and show their skills.
One of the main events is the eagle hunting competition. Here’s how it works: hunters climb a hill and release their trained eagles. The eagles fly down to catch a moving target—usually a piece of fur pulled by someone on horseback. Judges watch closely. They score the eagles based on their speed, focus, and success.
More Than Just Eagle Hunting
But the Golden Eagle Festival isn’t only about hunting. There’s much more to see and do. Visitors can enjoy:
Traditional Kazakh music and dance
Colorful clothing and costumes
Local food, including hot meat dishes and dairy snacks
Horse and camel races
Craft displays with handmade items like carpets, bags, and jewelry
You’ll also meet many friendly locals. Many families open their homes, called gers (yurts), to guests. Staying in a ger is a great way to learn about nomadic life in Mongolia.
Why the Golden Eagle Festival Is a Photographer’s Dream
If you love photography, you’ll love this festival. The views are stunning. You’ll see snow-capped mountains, wide-open valleys, and golden eagles flying through the sky. The hunters’ clothes are also bright and beautiful, making for amazing pictures.
How to Get There
The festival is held in Ölgii, a small city in western Mongolia. You can fly there from Ulaanbaatar, the capital city. Some people also drive or take a tour bus. Either way, the journey is an adventure on its own.
Why You Should Go
The Golden Eagle Festival is a chance to step into another world. It’s a mix of sport, tradition, and culture. You’ll learn a lot, meet amazing people, and see things you can’t find anywhere else. It’s a perfect trip for anyone who loves travel, nature, and history.
Start Planning Today
Want to see something truly special? Visit the Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia this October. Book a Golden eagle festival tour, pack your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
