Altai Eagle festival

Witness one of the world’s last living hunting traditions

🦅 Altai Eagle Festival – Nomadic Heritage at the Foot of the Altai Mountains

Held every September in Altai village, Sagsai soum of Bayan-Ulgii Province, the Altai Eagle Festival is one of Mongolia’s most authentic and community-driven cultural celebrations. Organized entirely by local Kazakh eagle hunter families, the festival brings together generations of falconers to demonstrate the ancient art of golden eagle hunting, along with traditional horseback games, archery, music, and nomadic dress.

Unlike larger and more commercial festivals, the Altai Eagle Festival offers visitors a genuine cultural experience, where traditions are not staged but lived. The powerful golden eagles—trained to hunt foxes, hares, and small prey—take center stage, symbolizing survival, honor, and the deep bond between hunter and bird that has defined Kazakh nomadic life for centuries.

📌 Quick Facts

  • 📍 Location: Sagsai Soum, Bayan-Ulgii Province
  • 📅 Dates: September 12–13, 2026
  • 🦅 Focus: Eagle hunting & Kazakh traditions
  • 🏔️ Region: Altai Mountains, Western Mongolia
  • 👥 Hosted by: Local Kazakh eagle hunter families

🌟 Festival Highlights

  • 📸 Close-up photography with real eagle hunters
  • 🦅 Golden eagle hunting competitions
  • 🏹 Horseback archery & traditional “Kyz Kuu” (bride chase) game
  • 👘 Best traditional Kazakh costume awards
  • 🎶 Cultural performances & folk music

📍 Nearby Attractions

  • 🏔️ Altai Tavan Bogd National Park – Glaciers, snow-capped peaks & UNESCO petroglyphs
  • 💦 Khoton & Khurgan Lakes – Stunning alpine lakes ideal for hiking
  • 🌊 Baga Turgen Waterfall – One of western Mongolia’s most scenic waterfalls
  • 🪨 Tsagaan Salaa Petroglyphs – Ancient rock art galleries
  • 🪙 Turkic Stone Monuments – Historic human stone sculptures

✨ Special Features

  • Set amid the dramatic landscapes of the Mongolian Altai
  • One of the least commercial eagle festivals in Mongolia
  • Fully organized by local Kazakh communities
  • Genuine interaction with eagle hunter families

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes the Altai Eagle Festival special?

It is smaller, more personal, and deeply rooted in authentic Kazakh nomadic customs.

Is photography allowed?

Yes—photography is encouraged. Bring both wide-angle and telephoto lenses.

How do I get there?

Fly from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii, then travel by jeep to Altai village.

🧭 Visitor Tips

  • 🧥 Pack warm clothing—mountain weather can be cold
  • 💵 Bring cash for local crafts and photo sessions
  • 📷 Always ask permission before close-up portraits
  • 🏕️ Book accommodation early due to limited options

❤️ Why Visit the Altai Eagle Festival?

The Altai Eagle Festival is more than a cultural event—it is a journey into the living heart of Kazakh nomadic heritage, where eagles, horses, and humans move as one. Perfect for photographers, adventure travelers, and cultural explorers, this festival offers an unforgettable glimpse into one of the world’s last surviving falconry traditions.