Imagine standing on a wide open land where snow-capped mountains touch the sky, and icy winds sweep across endless valleys. In the distance, a man on horseback rides slowly through the white steppe. On his arm rests a powerful golden eagle — calm, alert, and ready to soar.
This is not a scene from a movie. This is Mongolia’s far west — home to the legendary eagle hunters, protectors of one of the world’s oldest traditions. Here, humans and eagles share a bond that has lasted for thousands of years.
When you travel to meet these hunters, you don’t just watch a show — you step into a living story that connects courage, skill, and deep respect for nature.
A Tradition Older Than Time
In the remote mountains of Bayan-Ölgii Province, western Mongolia, a small group of Kazakh nomads continue a breathtaking art: eagle hunting.
This tradition is over 6,000 years old. Ancient carvings found in Central Asia show hunters with birds on their arms, just as they do today. What began as a way to survive Mongolia’s harsh winters — hunting foxes and hares for warm fur — has become a proud symbol of identity and heritage.
The hunters are called “Burkitshi”, meaning eagle men in Kazakh. There are now only a few hundred of them left, keeping this rare skill alive. In 2010, UNESCO recognised it as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity — a title that honours traditions worth protecting.
The Eagle Hunters – Keepers of the Sky
Meeting an eagle hunter is like meeting history in human form.
Dressed in thick fur coats, leather boots, and a traditional hat made of fox fur, each hunter rides his sturdy Mongolian horse with pride. On his gloved arm sits a female golden eagle — the strongest and most loyal hunting partner.
Why only females? Because they are larger, faster, and more focused hunters than males. A trained eagle can spot a rabbit from a kilometer away and dive at speeds over 150 km/h.
The bond between hunter and bird is based on trust and patience. A hunter may spend years training his eagle — feeding her by hand, talking to her softly, teaching her to return after the hunt.
They say, “An eagle is not owned; she is only borrowed from the wild.” After about seven years, the hunter releases the bird back into nature — strong, experienced, and free. It’s a moving moment, symbolizing gratitude and respect for the animal.
The Deep Bond Between Man and Eagle
This connection is not just about hunting. It’s a spiritual friendship — one built on respect.
A hunter once said:
“If my eagle feels sad, I feel sad. If she is strong and happy, I am proud.”
Every movement between them shows trust. The hunter uses a leather hood called a tomaga to calm the eagle. When the time comes to hunt, he removes the hood, raises his arm high, and with a soft whistle, the eagle takes flight — strong wings beating against the cold air.
Together, they ride across frozen valleys in search of prey. When the eagle spots a fox, she dives like a golden arrow. The hunter gallops after her, cheering, wrapped in layers of fur against the fierce winter wind.
For them, this is not a sport — it’s a way of life passed from father to son for generations.
Your Journey to Mongolia’s Eagle Country
Visiting the eagle hunters is one of the most unforgettable adventures a traveller can have. It’s not just about watching; it’s about feeling the rhythm of their daily lives.
1. Where to Go
The heart of eagle hunting lies in Bayan-Ölgii, a rugged province in western Mongolia, close to the borders of Kazakhstan and Russia.
You can reach it by flying from Ulaanbaatar, the capital, to Ölgii town, then continue by jeep into the mountains where nomad families live.
2. When to Visit
The best time is September to early October, when the Golden Eagle Festival takes place.
This two-day celebration brings together around 70–100 eagle hunters. They compete in thrilling events — calling their eagles from a distance, racing horses, and showing off their hunting skills. The atmosphere is electric: music, dancing, traditional food, and people in bright Kazakh clothes fill the festival ground.
It’s a photographer’s dream and a traveller’s delight.
3. Live Like a Nomad
Many tours offer a homestay with a hunter’s family. You’ll sleep inside a warm felt tent called a ger, share meals around a fire, and drink suutei tsai — salty milk tea that warms your soul.
You might help fetch water, learn to saddle a horse, or simply sit under the stars listening to stories of past hunts. It’s simple living, but full of heart.
The Magic You’ll See
Every day brings moments that take your breath away:
- A hunter riding through the snow with his eagle spread-winged against the golden sunrise.
- Children proudly wearing fur hats, learning to whistle for the eagles just like their fathers.
- The moment the bird swoops down, powerful and graceful, as the crowd gasps in awe.
- The quiet evenings when the mountains turn purple and the only sounds are wind, hooves, and the soft cry of the eagle.
It feels like time has stopped — and for a while, it truly has.
Respecting the Culture
When you visit, remember: you’re not just seeing a performance — you’re being invited into a living culture.
Here are a few simple tips to show respect:
- Ask before taking photos, especially of people or eagles.
- Dress warmly and modestly. Even in early autumn, temperatures can drop below zero.
- Be patient and open-minded. The lifestyle is simple, and things may move at a slower pace than you’re used to.
- Listen to stories. Hunters love to share their heritage — it’s how their culture survives.
Why This Tradition Still Matters
In a fast-changing world, where traditions fade under modern life, the eagle hunters remind us of what it means to live in balance with nature.
For them, the eagle is not a tool but a partner. The hunt is not about power but harmony. This philosophy teaches respect — for animals, for land, and for the wisdom of ancestors.
The eagle hunting tradition also brings the Kazakh community together. The festival is a proud reminder of who they are. Young boys and even girls now train to become future hunters, keeping the art alive.
Tourism helps support their families — but the key is responsible travel. Choose guides and tours that respect the culture, pay the families fairly, and help preserve their way of life.
A Story You’ll Never Forget
When you return home, you’ll carry more than photos — you’ll carry stories.
Stories of a hunter who rode beside you through the snow, his laughter echoing through the valley.
Stories of his eagle, fierce yet loyal, her golden feathers glowing in the winter sun.
Stories of warmth shared around a simple meal inside a ger, as the wind howled outside.
You’ll remember the feeling of the cold air on your face, the sound of wings above, and the deep peace of the mountains.
Most of all, you’ll remember how these people — living far from cities and crowds — hold on to something truly rare: a connection between humans and nature that feels almost sacred.
Travel Tips for an Unforgettable Trip
- Getting There: Fly from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii, then travel by jeep or van to the hunter’s village. Roads are rough but the journey is worth it.
- Stay Options: Choose homestays with nomad families or small guesthouses in Ölgii. Facilities are basic, but the experience is authentic.
- What to Pack: Warm layers, gloves, waterproof shoes, power banks, and a good camera.
- Guided Tours: A local guide helps with translation and ensures respectful interactions.
- Festival Dates: The main Golden Eagle Festival is usually the first weekend of October, but smaller ones are held in late September and early March.
The Spirit of the Steppe
To stand beside an eagle hunter on Mongolia’s frozen plains is to touch a part of humanity that feels ancient and pure.
You see strength without cruelty, power with purpose, and beauty born from respect.
You realise that true adventure is not about luxury — it’s about connection.
When the eagle spreads her wings and takes flight, you feel something inside you lift, too.
A reminder that freedom still exists — wild, golden, and untamed — in the mountains of Mongolia.
So if your heart longs for real adventure,
come to Mongolia.
Meet the guardians of the sky.
Ride beside them.
And let the wind of the steppe whisper its stories to your soul.