Golden Eagle Festival: How to Plan Your Trip

Golden Eagle Festival: The Complete Guide

The Golden Eagle Festival, held every autumn in Bayan-Ölgii, is one of Mongolia’s most spectacular cultural events. Eagle hunters from across the Altai gather to compete in traditional games that have existed for centuries.

📍 History of Eagle Hunting

Kazakh nomads have trained golden eagles for generations. These powerful birds help hunters catch foxes and small game during the harsh winter months. The festival celebrates this tradition and ensures it continues to the next generation.

📅 When and Where

• Main festival: First weekend of October – Sagsai, near Ölgii
• Smaller festival: Late September – more local, less crowded

🦅 Festival Highlights

• Eagle Calling Competition: Hunters call their eagles from the mountainside.
• Accuracy Test: Eagles chase a moving fox-fur target.
• Horseback Games: Including “kiz kuar” and “tiyn teru”.
• Best Traditional Outfit: Showcasing fur, embroidery, and handmade saddles.

📷 Photography Tips

• Bring a zoom lens (70–200mm or more).
• Stand behind the judges for the best angles.
• Sunrise and sunset give the best light.

🌤 Weather in October

Expect chilly temperatures:

• Daytime: 5°C – 10°C
• Night: -5°C – -10°C

🏕 Combine the Festival With a Tour

Many travelers combine the festival with:

• Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
• Khoton & Khurgan Lakes
• Nomadic family stay
• Day trips with eagle hunters

The Golden Eagle Festival is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — full of rich culture, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable photography opportunities.