Golden Eagle festival

Witness one of the world’s last living hunting traditions

Mongolia’s Most Iconic Cultural Event

The Golden Eagle Festival is Mongolia’s most famous cultural celebration, held annually in Bayan-Ölgii Province in western Mongolia. This unique event honors the ancient Kazakh tradition of eagle hunting, a heritage passed down through generations and still practiced in the Altai Mountains today. Set against a dramatic mountain backdrop, the festival brings together skilled eagle hunters, majestic golden eagles, and vibrant Kazakh culture.

📍 Golden Eagle festivals date

Golden Eagle Festival 2026 Schedule

  • Dates: October 3–4, 2026
  • Location: “Sary Kul” site, Bugat village, Bayan-Ölgii Province, Mongolia

🦅 Festival Program

Day 1 – Opening & Cultural Competitions

  • Evening Folk Concert at the local theater in Ölgii town
  • Registration and accreditation of eagle hunters
  • Grand Opening Ceremony of the Annual Golden Eagle Festival
  • Competition for Best Kazakh Traditional Costume
  • Judging of Eagle and Horse Harness Decorations
  • Traditional Horse Racing
  • Eagle adaptation competition with hunters
  • “Tenge Ily” – Traditional horseback coin-grabbing game
  • Uriankhai Archery Competition
  • Best Kazakh Costume for Couples

Day 2 – Eagle Hunting & Traditional Games

  • “Shyrga Tartu” – Eagle hunting competition testing speed and accuracy as eagles catch a lure made from fox or rabbit skin
  • Camel Race
  • “Khyz Khuar” – Traditional horseback chasing game for youth
  • Continuation of cultural competitions
  • “Kökpar” (Kukhbar) – Traditional horseback competition over a goat skin
  • Award Ceremony for festival winners
  • Official Closing Ceremony

🏔 About the Golden Eagle Festival

location: The festival takes place in Bayan-Ölgii Province, a remote and rugged region of western Mongolia known for the Altai Mountains and its strong Kazakh ethnic heritage.

Eagle Hunting Demonstrations: At the heart of the festival is the ancient art of golden eagle hunting. Experienced hunters demonstrate the deep bond between hunter and eagle, showcasing traditional techniques that have been used for centuries to hunt foxes and other small animals.

  • Competitions: Competitions test both the skill of the hunters and the discipline of their eagles, focusing on speed, obedience, and hunting accuracy. Additional traditional sports such as horse racing and archery enrich the festival atmosphere.
  • Kazakh Culture & Performances: Visitors can enjoy traditional Kazakh music, throat singing, dances, and storytelling, offering an authentic insight into nomadic life and cultural identity.
  • Traditional Costumes: Hunters and participants wear colorful, hand-crafted Kazakh deel and fox-fur hats, adding visual richness and authenticity to the event.
  • Local Crafts & Souvenirs: The festival is an excellent place to purchase handmade crafts, including felt products, leatherwork, embroidery, and traditional jewelry made by local artisans.
  • Nomadic Hospitality: Kazakh nomadic families welcome visitors into their gers (yurts), offering traditional food and drinks and sharing stories of life in the Altai Mountains.

🌍 Why Visit the Golden Eagle Festival?

  • Witness one of the world’s last living hunting traditions
  • Experience authentic Kazakh nomadic culture
  • Enjoy spectacular landscapes of the Mongolian Altai
  • Perfect for photographers, culture lovers, and adventure travelers