Eagle Hunting
Your Western Mongolian Adventure Travel Specialist.
Despite our social conditioning, deep down, every man is a hunter. Its in our DNA.
Now you have a unique opportunity to hunt the way warriors have for thousands of years, on horseback with a raptor.
In this instance, the biggest hunting bird ever used the Golden Eagle of the Altai mountains.
Very few people are offered this opportunity there are only around 200 eagle Hunters in Western Mongolia, and even less in Kazakhstan.
Although they love to show off their birds and enter into contests with them, it can take a long time for a bird to get used to another master in this case you
Only a few hunters have the extra expertise to teach their birds to come to another hunter, in a short time
magine riding into the remote mountains in the dead of winter, the bird on your arm, waiting for game to show. Suddenly, a fox!
You launch the bird, and it strikes. YOUR bird has made a kill! The prize is yours
Anyone can use a rifle over a long distance.
This is your chance to enjoy hunting the way we were meant to do it men and beasts working together.
Book now limited opportunities.
Golden Eagle Festival
Every October Kazakh eagle-hunters from all over Bayan-Ulgii gather in the heart of the Altai for a competition to test the speed, agility, accuracy, and training of their magnificent eagles. It is a rare opportunity for visitors to get up-close and personal with such a wonderful Kazakh tradition.
DAY 1: Ulgii
- Catch an early flight to Ulgii from Ulaanbaatar
- Visit the local outdoor market (bazaar) and museum
- Sample local restaurants for lunch and dinner
- Stay in a nearby ger camp
DAY 2: Visit an Eagle-Hunter
- Catch an early flight to Ulgii from Ulaanbaatar
- Visit the local outdoor market (bazaar) and museum
- Sample local restaurants for lunch and dinner
- Stay in a nearby ger camp
DAY 3: More Time with Eagle-Hunters
- Catch an early flight to Ulgii from Ulaanbaatar
- Visit the local outdoor market (bazaar) and museum
- Sample local restaurants for lunch and dinner
- Stay in a nearby ger camp
DAY 4 & 5: Go to Festival with Eagle-Hunters on Horseback
- Catch an early flight to Ulgii from Ulaanbaatar
- Visit the local outdoor market (bazaar) and museum
- Sample local restaurants for lunch and dinner
- Stay in a nearby ger camp
DAY 6 & 7: Altai Golden Eagle Festival
- Catch an early flight to Ulgii from Ulaanbaatar
- Visit the local outdoor market (bazaar) and museum
- Sample local restaurants for lunch and dinner
- Stay in a nearby ger camp
Eagle Hunting
Authentic eagle-hunting is only done during the winter months when the snow covers helps the birds spot fleeing prey it is when the prey animals have thick winter coats which are used to make warm clothing. After the first snow, the hunters ride out in search of game, wandering around in the rugged landscape with their eagles on their arms. They often take young boys with them to help flush out the game.
As soon as an escaping fox or marmot is seen, the hunter sends his eagle into the air in pursuit. The bird then makes sure the target is not going to overpower it before swooping down in one long swift strike, falling onto the spine of the escaping animal. The bird catches the prey and waits for the hunter to finish the animal off. Sometimes the prey animal fights for its life, and the eagle becomes the prey
While such hunting results in beautiful thick furs to make warm clothing, the hunt is not done for financial gain. Hunters take great pride in owning clever, quick, and brave eagles.
During this traveling adventure, you will get to experience the thrill of the hunt with these Kazakh nomads and their magnificent golden eagles. This hunt will lead you far into the mountainous regions of Bayan-Ulgii where you will witness firsthand a unique tradition which has survived for centuries in this remote corner of Central Asia, all whilst experiencing the unique brand of Kazakh hospitality.
DAY 1: Ulgii
- Catch an early flight to Ulgii from Ulaanbaatar
- Visit the local outdoor market (bazaar) and museum
- Sample local restaurants for lunch and dinner
- Stay in a Bear Valley camp or hotel
DAY 2: Hunting
- Drive to the village of Altantsogts to stay with an eagle-hunter and his family
- Go hunting everyday, riding horseback along with the hunter as he explores the mountains in every direction in search of prey
- Visit with Iris, one of the most famous and experience eagle-hunters in the region
- Iris has been hunting for more than 35 years and now he focuses on passing the craft onto the next generation of hunters
DAY 3: Back to Ulgii
- Drive back to Ulgii through the Khovd River Valley, making stops to investigate ancient deer stones and Turkic stone men (balbals)
- Stay in Bear Valley ger camp outside of Ulgii and enjoy a traditional Kazakh concert and beshbarmak, the Kazakh national dish.