🦅 Sagsai Eagle Festival, Wetsern Mongolia

🦅 Where Eagles Fly and Traditions Live Sagsai Eagle Festival

🦅 Sagsai Eagle Festival An Intimate Encounter with Eagle Hunters

The Sagsai Eagle Festival is an authentic cultural celebration held each September in Sagsai soum, Bayan-Ulgii Province. Unlike the larger and more commercial Golden Eagle Festival in October, this event is organized by local Kazakh eagle hunters themselves, making it one of the most genuine eagle-hunting festivals in Mongolia.

Set against the dramatic landscapes of the Altai Mountains, the festival showcases centuries-old Kazakh traditions through eagle hunting competitions, horseback games, archery, traditional costumes, music, and throat singing. Visitors experience real nomadic life, meet eagle hunters and their powerful golden eagles, hear personal stories, and enjoy a quiet, intimate atmosphere with far fewer crowds.

📌 Quick Facts

  • 📍 Location: Sagsai soum, Bayan-Ulgii Province, Mongolia
  • 📅 Dates: September 17–18, 2026
  • 🦅 Focus: Traditional eagle hunting & Kazakh culture
  • 🏔️ Region: Mongolian Altai Mountains
  • 👥 Hosted by: Local Kazakh eagle hunter families

🌟 Festival Highlights

  • Close-up photography opportunities with hunters and eagles
  • Live golden eagle hunting competitions
  • Traditional Kazakh archery and horseback games
  • Cultural performances, folk music & throat singing
  • Best-dressed Kazakh nomads in traditional attire

📍 Nearby Attractions

  • 🏞 Altai Tavan Bogd National Park – Mongolia’s highest mountains and glaciers
  • 💧 Khoton & Khurgan Lakes – Stunning alpine lakes
  • 🌊 Baga Turgen Waterfall – Scenic waterfall near the lake region
  • 🏺 Petroglyph Galleries (UNESCO) – Ancient rock carvings in Tsagaan Salaa Valley
  • 🪨 Human Stone Statues – Turkic-era stone monuments

✨ Special Features

  • Deep insight into nomadic life, craftsmanship, and family traditions
  • One of the most authentic eagle hunting festivals in Mongolia
  • Fewer tourists, offering an immersive cultural experience
  • Fully community-hosted by nomadic Kazakh families

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Q: How is the Sagsai Eagle Festival different from the Golden Eagle Festival?
  • A: Sagsai is smaller, more local, and less commercial. It takes place in September and focuses on authenticity rather than spectacle.
  • Q: Can visitors take photos with eagle hunters and eagles?
  • A: Yes. Photography is welcomed, and hunters often proudly pose in traditional dress.
  • Q: Do I need a guide or tour to attend the festival?
  • A: A local guide or organized tour is highly recommended due to the remote location and language differences.

🧭 Visitor Tips

  • Bring warm clothing, especially for evenings
  • A telephoto lens is ideal for action shots
  • Learn a few Kazakh or Mongolian greetings to connect with locals
  • Book accommodation or ger camps in Ölgii in advance

❤️ Why Visit the Sagsai Eagle Festival?

The Sagsai Eagle Festival is not a staged performance—it is a living tradition. It offers travelers a rare chance to witness eagle hunting in its natural cultural setting, guided by families who have preserved this heritage for generations. For photographers, culture lovers, and adventure seekers, it is one of Mongolia’s most meaningful experiences.