Today, tourists can see this tradition at the Golden Eagle Festival, which is one of the most exciting festivals to visit. Let’s have a closer look at the eagle hunting tradition and learn more about the Golden Eagle Festival.
Eagle Hunting Tradition in Mongolia
References to eagle hunting in Central Asia can be found even in the works of Marco Polo, who wrote about Kublai Khan’s falconry hunting expeditions. The practice is ancient, but it is much less practiced today. However, it’s enjoying a resurgence in popularity thanks to the growing desire of the people to preserve their cultural identity.
During the communist era, this identity was repressed, and the rise of farming also contributed to the decline of falconry. Fortunately, ethnic Kazakhs living on the border of Mongolia and China managed to preserve it. Now, tourists can see how it’s done, and they can even take part in eagle hunting activities.
Activities at the Festival
The Golden Eagle Festival is also known as the Altai Eagle Festival. It was started as one of the means to preserve the eagle hunting tradition and showcase it to the tourists. It’s grown in popularity and is now one of the most popular festivals.
There are plenty of activities at the festival, starting with the opening ceremony and a parade. You can attend cultural exhibitions, as well as witness eagle hunters, dressed in full regalia, compete for the title of the best. There’s also horse racing, Buzkashi, and many other activities. You can even explore the mountains and see the glaciers and rock paintings first hand. There’s a lot to do and explore at the Golden Eagle Festival.
Golden Eagle Festival — Time and Place
If you wish to attend the festival, you’ll want to plan your visit during the first weekend in October. It takes place in Bayan Olgii Province, where you can enjoy the glorious backdrop of the Altai Mountain Range with dark rock formations.
When seen alongside the eagle hunters, the sight is almost surreal, and it takes you back to an older, simpler time. However, there will also be many tourists, so be prepared to enjoy the festival with a multitude of other visitors.
Getting to the Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia
The Golden Eagle Festival is extremely popular, so it’s advisable to book in advance. We recommend visiting it as part of a package tour for the best possible experience.
Our suggested 4-day Golden Eagle Festival tour includes shared accommodation at a ger camp, an English-speaking guide, all entrance and meal fees, as well as private transportation.
Nothing shows you such a profound glimpse into Mongolia’s history as the Golden Eagle Festival does. If you are visiting Mongolia, make sure to plan your trip around it, as it is absolutely worth seeing!
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