Eagle Festival in Mongolia
The Golden Eagle Festival (Бүргэдийн наадам, Burgediin Naadam) is an annual traditional festival in Bayan-Ulgii Province. The festival the best option for photographers and who love adventure tours. Traditionally, at the Eagle Festival, Kazakh eagle hunters celebrate their heritage and compete to catch small animals such as foxes and hares with specially trained Golden Eagles. That is showing the skills of birds and trainers. This is a colorful and picturesque event attracting the best hunters and their birds.
The Eagle festival has organized by the local Kazakh community and the Berkut Association. The festival organized to preserve and protect the Kazakh’s traditional culture.
Bayan-Ölgii province where the festival is held is extremely west of Mongolia, separated from Kazakhstan by a 40km strip of Russian and Chinese mountains. Mongolia’s winters are long and harsh, with temperatures around -20°C to -45°C degrees. There are over 120 golden eagle trainers and around 80 of them compete on the eagles festival actively every year.
For more than two centuries, Kazakh eagle hunters have hunted on horseback with trained golden eagles. Across mountains and steppes, a large variety of animals are hunted for their fur, including rabbits, marmots, foxes, and even wolves. This fur is an integral part of traditional Kazakh (Qazaq) clothing.
Golden Eagle Festival 2025
March 2025
Not ready yet
September 2025
17th – 18th
September 2025
20th – 21th
October 2025
4th of Oct. – 5th of Oct.
How many places in Mongolia celebrate the Golden Eagle festival?
The Eagle festival in Bayan-Ulgii province at the first weekend of October
Sansai Golden Eagle Festival – mid-September
Altai Khazak Eagle Festival – mid-September
Eagle hunters riding to the Festival
Eagle hunters on parade
Eagle hunters on parade
Eagle hunter spoiling his eagle
Eagle hunters riding after the festival
Eagle hunter
What you will expect to see at eagle festival?
Nowadays Golden Eagle Festival is an unforgettable event in Asia, especially in Mongolia.
THE SCHEDULE OF GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL 2025
1st day of the festival
2nd Day of the festival
© 2025 – Mongolian Eagle Hunters association
Follow simple instructions during this festival:
When visiting the Eagle Festival in Mongolia, it’s essential to prioritize safety to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some safety instructions to keep in mind:
- Stay Hydrated: The Eagle Festival often takes place in remote areas where facilities may be limited. Make sure to carry an adequate supply of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Follow Local Guidelines: Respect the rules and guidelines set by the event organizers and local authorities. Pay attention to announcements and instructions to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
- Mind Your Surroundings: The Eagle Festival can attract large crowds and bustling activity. Be aware of your surroundings, especially when watching the eagle hunting demonstrations or cultural performances. Keep a safe distance from any potentially dangerous situations.
- Dress Appropriately: Mongolia’s weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear for walking on uneven terrain. Additionally, consider wearing a hat and applying sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
- Respect Wildlife: During the eagle hunting demonstrations, maintain a respectful distance from the birds and handlers. Do not attempt to touch or interact with the eagles without permission to avoid any accidents.
- Stay with Your Group: If you’re traveling with a tour group or guide, make sure to stay together and follow their instructions. Inform your guide if you plan to explore independently to ensure your safety.
- Emergency Contacts: Carry a list of emergency contacts, including your tour guide’s information, local emergency services, and the nearest medical facilities. Have a fully charged phone with you at all times.
- Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and trip cancellation. This can provide added peace of mind during your visit to the Eagle Festival.
By following these safety instructions and exercising caution during your visit to the Eagle Festival in Mongolia, you can fully enjoy the cultural richness and excitement of this unique event while prioritizing your well-being.
Attending on this Golden Eagle festival
Every year, in the remote and picturesque Bayan-Ulgii province in western Mongolia, an extraordinary event unfolds that showcases the unique bond between the Mongolian people and their majestic golden eagles. The Golden Eagle Festival, held during the September and first weekend of October, is a spectacular celebration of Kazakh culture and eagle hunting traditions. This event has gained international attention for its breathtaking displays of skill, tradition, and natural beauty.
Location where the festival held:
The festival takes place in Bayan-Ulgii, a province located in the far west of Mongolia, near the border with Kazakhstan. The region is known for its stunning landscapes, which include rolling hills, snow-capped peaks, and vast open skies. It is home to a large Kazakh community, which has preserved the ancient practice of eagle hunting for centuries. The Golden Eagle Festival is a time to honor this unique tradition and the remarkable relationship between the eagle hunters and their birds of prey.
Getting there: Flights to Bayan Ulgii province of Mongolia
While the Golden Eagle Festival is an event unlike any other, reaching Bayan-Ulgii province can be a bit challenging due to its remote location. Visitors cannot fly directly to the province; instead, they must first make their way to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. International flights typically land in Ulaanbaatar, where travelers can rest and prepare for the next leg of the journey.
From Ulaanbaatar, travelers will need to book a domestic flight to Ulgii, the capital of Bayan-Ulgii province. Flights to Ulgii are limited, and during the festival season, they tend to fill up quickly due to the high demand. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to book your domestic flight tickets as early as possible to secure a spot.
The Golden Eagle festival experience:
The Golden Eagle Festival is a celebration of the deep-rooted traditions of eagle hunting, which have been passed down through generations of Kazakh families in Mongolia. During the festival, experienced eagle hunters, or berkutchi, gather to showcase their skills in front of an audience. These hunters ride horseback, dressed in traditional attire, and their golden eagles perform a series of spectacular maneuvers, such as swooping down to catch prey, in a thrilling display of agility and strength.
Apart from the eagle hunting demonstrations, the festival also features other cultural events, including traditional music, dance, and food. Visitors are treated to a true taste of Mongolian hospitality, with local chefs preparing traditional Kazakh dishes that reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage.
The accommodation that you can have during Golden Eagle festival:
One of the challenges of attending the Golden Eagle Festival is securing accommodation, as the festival draws visitors from around the world. There are limited hotel options in Ulgii, so early booking is essential if you prefer a more conventional stay. However, the true charm of the festival lies in the opportunity to experience traditional Mongolian hospitality, which extends to the accommodations as well.
If you’re unable to secure a hotel room, don’t worry—local nomadic families in the area prepare traditional yurts, or ger, for visitors. Staying in a yurt provides a unique and authentic experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the nomadic lifestyle that has existed for centuries. These yurts are equipped with basic amenities, and local families often serve up delicious meals made with fresh, local ingredients.
Working with local guides can also help ensure that you find suitable accommodation and navigate the festival with ease. These guides are familiar with the area and can assist in arranging transportation, meals, and other aspects of your trip.
Food and Cuisine: A Taste of Tradition (Very important part of the trip)
The culinary offerings at the Golden Eagle Festival are another highlight of the event. Local chefs prepare traditional Kazakh dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can indulge in hearty meals such as beshbarmak, a dish made from boiled meat and pasta, and kuurdak, a flavorful meat stew. In addition, there are numerous opportunities to try soup, dumplings, and freshly made bread, all of which reflect the flavors of the region.
Most meals are prepared in a communal setting, allowing festival-goers to experience the warm and welcoming spirit of the Mongolian people. Sharing a meal with locals and fellow travelers adds to the sense of community that is so central to the festival.
Payments and fees:
The Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia charges an entry fee of 50-60 USD per person. This fee grants access to the festival’s exciting events, including eagle hunting demonstrations, cultural performances, offering a unique and immersive experience in the heart of Bayan-Ulgii’s rich Kazakh traditions.
Tips for Attending the Golden Eagle Festival
- Book Early: Due to the popularity of the festival, both flights to Ulaanbaatar and domestic flights to Ulgii are in high demand. Be sure to book your flights well in advance.
- Accommodation: Consider staying in traditional yurts if hotel rooms are not available. Local guides can help you arrange these accommodations.
- Weather: The weather in western Mongolia during the festival can be chilly, especially in the evenings, so pack accordingly. Layered clothing is essential to stay comfortable.
- Respect the Culture: The Golden Eagle Festival is deeply rooted in Kazakh culture and the bond between the people and their eagles. Be sure to approach the event with respect and curiosity, and take the time to learn more about the traditions of the berkutchi and their eagles.
We wish you to enjoy this Mongolian festival in authentic way and safe way!
The Golden Eagle Festival in Bayan-Ulgii is more than just a festival—it’s a journey into the heart of Mongolia’s nomadic traditions and a chance to witness the incredible bond between the Kazakh people and their golden eagles. From the thrilling eagle hunting demonstrations to the warm hospitality of the local people, the festival offers an unforgettable cultural experience that will stay with you long after the event has ended. Whether you’re an avid traveler, a photography enthusiast, or someone simply seeking to experience something truly unique, the Golden Eagle Festival is an event worth planning for and attending.